Experience Colorado’s Cowboy and Western Ways

Looking for a little bit something different on your next trip? Consider Colorado for a trip back in time to explore the state’s heritage and western ways. For accommodations, Colorado offers more than 30 dude and guest ranches, combining a hint of the Old West with modern comforts. Activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, cooking classes, wine tasting, square dancing and more.

To work as the cowboys did, you could try blacksmithing (The Fort); leather working (Smith Fork Ranch); leather crafting (Rusty May); or a horse painting class (Zapata Ranch).

Museums will bring the history of the Old West to life. A few to consider: Gunnison Pioneer Museum; Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum; Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site; and History Colorado Center. Follow the history lesson up with a rodeo or fair, held across the state. Yearly festivals and events include Wild Wild West Festival in Pueblo or Buffalo Bill Days in Golden.

Dress the part as you amble across the state. A few well-known spots for grabbing the perfect gear include Lorig’s in Colorado Springs; F.M. Light and Sons in Steamboat Springs; Rockmount Ranch Wear in Denver; or Nathaniel’s in Mancos.