Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is truly a magical place for a solo escape, a special occasion with friends and loved ones, or as the ultimate getaway for the family this summer!
It’s no secret why the Ranch is consistently voted one of the top resorts in the entire Western United States by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine! Situated on 6,500 acres of pristine mountain wilderness just outside of Winter Park, Colorado, and featuring unlimited activities and experiences along with unparalleled views of Continental Divide, the resort transports you to a relaxing, adventurous, and fun world away from everything, while being only 75 miles from Denver.
For these reasons, The Ranch is popular in the summertime especially!
Here are tips on how to make the most of your summer trip to the Ranch:
Book Early for Summer
Memorial Day through August, and well into Fall, the Ranch often sells out! If you want to experience the resort, book as early as possible. Private log cabins that are pet friendly and Guest Houses are especially popular and sellout well in advance, especially on holidays and weekends!
Packages & Specials
For starters, when considering your preferred lodging option, decide whether you are interested in booking an a la carte itinerary or a semi-inclusive package. If you are focused on specific activities balanced with some relaxing downtime and don’t want to overbook yourself, you may not need a semi-inclusive package. In this case, look at the Packages and Specials page and see if there are any value-added packages or potential savings (4th Night Free or 3rd night 50% off on weekdays, a seasonal special, for example). Alternatively, if you are largely uncertain about what you, or the different members of your party, are going to want to do initially and want to cover most things on the trip upfront without worrying about as many details along the way, the Ranch Relax & Play Package may be your best choice.
The Ranch Relax & Play Package is a comprehensive package includes 3 meals a day and a snack (note that prime cuts of the 100% Wagyu Beef raised on the Ranch and alcoholic beverages are not included). The package also includes unlimited daily activities and an eligible daily spa treatment. It does not include gratuity, however. If you are uncertain or simply don’t want to worry about a la carte charges for your party, this is a great option.
Next, Book Dining, Activities, and Spa Early
This tip is an important tip to make the most of your time at the Ranch! The Ranch has so much to do and enjoy, but activities, dining reservations for prime time slots, and spa appointments can fill up if you do not book in advance during the summer season!
While the resort’s Activities Center, dining outlets, and the Ranch Creek Spa will always do their best to accommodate day-of walk-ins for guests, sometimes they are sold to capacity, especially for popular times.
The Ranch Reservation Team, (970) 726-7000, option 2, will typically reach out via phone or email shortly after getting your lodging booked to prompt you to get the ball rolling on considering your ideal itinerary and getting it booked. The Ranch Concierge Team is another resource available to get all your reservations squared away through a single contact, (970) 726-7000, ext. 716.
The Ranch Activities Center
The Ranch offers a myriad of extremely popular outdoor activities when the weather is warm, all based out of the Ranch Activities Center. Activities include fly-fishing, ziplining, mountain biking, archery, and hatchet throwing (plus more). Take note, if you are a mountain biker, that the 14 miles of trails on the property connect to over 600 miles of Trails in Grand County- creating the ultimate playground for bikers. As an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing resort with over 4 miles of private water on the property, Devil’s Thumb offers unique and unparalleled fly-fishing opportunities with fantastic local guides to show you the ropes. Once again, book your activities as early as possible to guarantee slots will be available based on the popularity and demand for these experiences in the summer.
Ranch Dining Options and Tips
When considering your dining schedule, you have 3 unique, on-site dining options to choose from:
Heck’s Tavern is available 3-meals-a-day, 7-days-a-week, with a large dining room, an immensely popular outdoor patio, and a cozy bar that typically stays open until 10 PM, depending on the season. This is a casual, kid-friendly, and versatile option that is the mainstay dining option at the resort. Heck’s offers American, western-style cuisine, craft cocktails, and micro brews on tap. The hexagonally-shaped dining room’s iconic centerpiece is a massive, parkitecture-style stone fireplace modeled after the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, lending true mountain ambiance to your stay at the Ranch. Weather permitting, treat yourself to a meal on Heck’s patio for views of the Continental Divide that you simply can’t get anywhere else! Heck’s accepts walk-ins and reservations. Heck’s is not open to the public, but the best practice is to make a reservation during the summer, especially if you are looking to sit on the patio!
The Ranch House Restaurant & Saloon, located in the original 1930s Homestead of the Ranch and serving dinner only, is the resort’s flagship dining option. You will not want to leave the Ranch without sampling a prime cut of the 100% Ranch raised Wagyu Beef, a unique offering that can only be found in a few select places throughout the country. Many consider the prime cuts of 100% Wagyu to be the finest cuts of meat available anywhere. The Ranch House, a rustically elegant, modern-western steakhouse and saloon, has a well-rounded menu for those not interested in beef, as well.
To get a taste of Wagyu without the need for a reservation or breaking the bank, consider trying the Saloon Menu that offers samples of the delicacy in dishes such as Wagyu Steak Frites and the Ranch’s signature Wagyu Burger. The Saloon offers casual soft seating, and a lower price point delivered with unparalleled western ambiance. Be sure not to leave the Ranch without enjoying a prime cut of 100% Wagyu beef in the Ranch House main dining room along with its stunning views of the Continental Divide at least once!
Ranch House Restaurant & Saloon
John L’s Wine Cellar offers an unparalleled private dining experience in an intimate setting for parties of up to 14 people, replete with beautiful cherry wine racks and an uncorking barrel guests walk through to enter. John L’s serves The Ranch House Restaurant menu, although the Culinary Team at the Ranch will customize a menu to suit the needs of your party.
Ranch House Restaurants & John L’s Wine Cellar Reservations & Information
Hallowed Grounds is a gourmet coffee shop and casual grab-and-go dining option open daily for breakfast and lunch, typically from 7 am to 2 pm, depending on the season. Here, a Ranch barista will take care of your morning or afternoon cravings for signature coffee beverages, fresh smoothies, chai, juices, or soft drinks. Aside from lighter fare such as parfaits, fresh fruit, bagels, and pastries, Hallowed Grounds also gives you nice options for more substantial fare to power your busy day including breakfast croissants and sandwiches, hearty breakfast burritos, deli sandwiches, and the new Wagyu Smashburger, a guest favorite and a must-try! There is a limited amount of casual, indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio great for taking in the spectacular mountain views while enjoying your coffee!
Volario’s Family Italian is located in the town of Winter Park about a 15-minute drive from the Ranch, this Ranch-owned restaurant offers delectable, authentic-Italian cuisine made from scratch! If you are looking for additional dining variety over the course of your stay at the Ranch, make a reservation and drive or request a complimentary shuttle into town to experience house-made lasagnas, Wagyu meatballs, gnocchi, focaccia, pasta dishes, and artisanal pizzas with a tasty signature sourdough crust that is fermented and cured for 72-hours prior to serving. Volario’s offers a warm ambiance and one of the best outdoor patios in the town of Winter Park, complete with a firepit and warmers if temperatures dip down in the evenings. Be sure to sample their wine and signature craft cocktail list featuring a Limoncello Margarita, Espresso Martini, or the Spicy Cucumber Gimlet! Like the Ranch House Restaurant, Volario’s offers half-off select bottles of wine on Wednesdays and is open to the public. Reservations are highly recommended!
Visit Cabin Creek Stables
One could hardly call a Ranch vacation complete without a visit to the stables! Book a wagon or trail ride or simply walk down to hobnob with the horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, rabbits, and other furry friends that call the stables home. Children 5-12 can enjoy the daily half-day Cowpoke Kids Camp in the summertime. They will interact and help care for the animals, participate in arts and crafts, and enjoy other fun activities. Parents can use this time to book a more adult-oriented activity or Spa Treatment, or simply relax on the deck of your cozy lodge room or private cabin with a book.
Witness a Horse Jingle
This is when the horse herd runs from one pasture to another, or from a pasture to a barn, or vice versa. The name derives from the historic practice of putting bells on the less-cooperative horses who tried to hide because they did not want to participate! It’s an awe-inspiring sight to see so many horses on the gallop—you won’t want to miss this Ranch experience! Typically starting in late May, jingles will run 2 times a day, every morning around 7:45 am, and every evening around 5:45pm. This jingle has 4 visible spots; at Cabin Creek Stables, at the top of the Cabin Loop, near the pond where SUP Yoga takes place, and from Heck’s Patio (from a distance).
Visit Ranch Creek Spa
The Ranch Creek Spa is a world-class, expansive spa with 14 treatment rooms, a yoga studio, unparalleled views, and plenty of cozy alcoves and amenities for pampering, relaxation, and enjoyment! A trip to the Ranch would not be complete without indulging in a message, facial, scrub, or other treatment! The Spa also offers a wellness boutique with an abundance of holistic and sustainably-oriented products and brands to peruse and take home with you.
SUP Yoga
Grab a paddleboard and head for an early morning yoga session on a tranquil pond! You’ll enjoy stellar mountain views and a therapeutic outdoor session. This is a unique and popular Spa offering worth experiencing for those seeking wellness activities while visiting the Ranch!
Special Events, Daily & Weekly Programming Activities
Participate in a cooking demonstration, eat a multi-course meal prepared by a famous chef, experience equine therapy, learn unique cocktail mixology, create bath scrubs while sipping tea or prosecco, attend live music, paint-and-sip, take an informative walking or riding tour of the Ranch on horseback, enjoy a wine tasting class, and much more! These are examples of just some of the unique and interesting offerings available to guests.
Miscellaneous Tips
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa has been voted Best Lodging in Grand County for 5 years running in the community-driven The Best of Grand Awards. Whatever you are planning in Grand County, including concerts and events in the town of Winter Park or a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, located just 32 miles down the road, Devil’s Thumb is a great option for your Grand County stay!
Travel by Train: Amtrak offers daily trips from Denver’s Union Station to Fraser, Colorado. Devil’s Thumb Ranch will pick you up at the Fraser Amtrak Station with the appropriate advance notice based on shuttle availability. Consider a scenic ride to the Ranch on Amtrak to spice up your adventure!
Shop at Zach’s Mercantile: Browse the Ranch’s own branded logowear, gifts, and upscale outerwear in the shop behind the front desk and in Zach’s Mercantile, located in the Activities Center. Try our 100% Wagyu Beef Jerky, find a souvenir to take home, or beef up your outerwear collection for any adventure.
Hang Out at Rachel’s Pool, Hot Tub & Pool Bar: Rachel’s Pool and Hot Tub are a centerpiece and focal point of the Ranch, centrally located and perfectly situated to offer some seriously impressive views. The Pool Bar caps off the experience with the perfect summer ambiance for simply hanging out and relaxing outdoors in the mountains!
Visit the Game Room and Movie Theater: This is one of the best game rooms out there for both kids and adults. Featuring a miniature bowling alley, billiards, bubble hockey, shuffleboard, and much more, it’s a great spot for all ages to spend some time having fun on a rainy day or after the sun sets on outdoor activities. The nearby movie theater shows a daily itinerary of old westerns, modern favorites, and more for evenings or a rainy-day escape!