Lowdown

  • Established

    2008. Guest ranch since 2017

  • Owner

    Private

  • Manager

    Amy Martin Shaffer

  • Tel

    970-283-1147

  • Open

    Jan, Apr-Dec

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    Summer: $1,100 - $1,750
    Winter: $950 - $1,750

  • Minimum Stay

    Summer: 3 days
    Winter: 3 days

  • Maximum Guests

    50

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery, Large family reunions, Corporate Retreats, Weddings
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

WELCOME TO WESTERN PARADISE, WHERE NATURE & LUXURY EXIST IN PERFECT HARMONY

Branded Rock Canyon is a 15,000 acre exclusively private ranch tucked away in the breathtakingly beautiful western Colorado landscape, where rolling mountaintops and vast meadows meet the clear blue sky.

Spectacular scenery, western-style hospitality, superb meals paired with award-winning wines and spirits, a selectively stocked ProShop and a variety of R&R and outdoor adventure activities awaits guests who visit this exquisite destination. Branded Rock offers truly World Class Western Experiences!

Good time to go

Most activities are available April through December 31st. The months of January, February and March are also available for winter activities such as snowmobiling, skiing at nearby resorts, visiting the famous Glenwood Hot Springs, or just simply to escape to a quiet winter wonderland for some spa time and pampering.

Best time for maximizing outdoor activities is May-October. Our springtime bloom in May and June is simply beautiful, with opportunities to also view wildlife babies such as mule deer fawns, ducks, geese and turkeys at play across the property. September and October offer amazing wildlife viewing during the elk rut and migration.

Summer can be warm, but also presents incredible afternoon thunderstorms that wash away the dust and heat, and bring with them the memorable smells of wet sagebrush, juniper and a renewed feeling of 'life' that you can only experience in these semi-desert type environments.

Colorado is known for its colorful fall, and the trees and brush at Branded Rock Canyon are awash with brilliant hues of reds, yellows and oranges, during the month of September and early October. Truly a photographer and artist's dream landscape!

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 5 and over

Branded Rock Canyon is a family-friendly property. Children under the age of 12 stay free of charge, when sharing room with parent/guardian. Adjoining rooms are available for an additional charge – if the child is over the age of eight, they require their own private room. Ages 13-18 may participate in all other ranch activities and programs, with parental supervision and permission.

Branded Rock Canyon does not provide childcare services. Please plan accordingly.

Onsite activities for children over the age of five, while under supervision of parent or guardian: fishing, jeep or side-by-side tours of the ranch, kickball, cornhole, kite flying, frisbee throwing, archery, canoe paddling, hammock swinging, making s'mores and toasting hot dogs over the campfire, and hiking and exploring the beautiful lodge grounds and trails with family. Visits to the ranch horses can also be arranged.

Minimum age children can ride

10 and over

Arts & Crafts

play-doh, coloring, sketching, Painting

Activities

hiking, biking, picnics, outdoor play area, cookouts, floating, supervised swimming, Canoeing and paddle boarding, fishing, kite flying, hammock swinging, movies

Games

board games, horseshoes, soccer, cornhole, archery, frisbees,

Environmental & Social Practices

Environment

Go Green: Branded Rock Canyon makes all attempts to minimize our environmental impact on the surrounding landscape and in landfills.

This is an arid semi-desert climate, so we make all attempts to conserve our precious water resource.

During years of plentiful winter snow pack, there is a constant flow of water from Brush Creek through our four fishing lakes, past the lodge, and down to the irrigation of our farm fields and garden, eventually mingling into the mighty Colorado river, 18 miles downstream.

Although we offer daily laundry and room service, we do ask guests to consider the environment, and reuse linens and towels whenever possible. Filtered water and refreshment stations are available in multiple locations throughout the lodge, so we ask you to reuse your personal water bottles whenever possible.

Recylcing receptacles are available throughout the property for proper disposal of plastics, glass and aluminum drink containers.

Pet Policy: we love pets as much as you do, but in consideration for the safety of our local wildlife and of the pets themselves, we ask you to please make arrangements to leave your pets at home.

Safety: Our most important policy! Guests signed up for shooting and hunting activities will be asked to abstain from alcoholic beverages until the activity has been completed for the day.

Our expert guides and instructors will supervise all planned outdoor activities, and we ask you to please adhere to their safety rules and regulations for your chosen activity.

We do NOT have lifeguards on duty at the lakes or hot tub. Lifejackets are available for water-related activities, but parents are expected to supervise children at all times.

Ranch History

This area of Western Colorado boasts a richly diverse history of Native Americans (Utes), Spanish explorers and fur traders, mining, ranching, wild Spanish mustangs, railways and of course it served as a hideout for a few of the American West's most infamous outlaws and notable figures, such as Butch Cassidy, Doc Holiday, Wyatt Earp and Tom Horn.

Homesteaders first laid claim and settled Brush Creek canyon, where our main lodge sits, in 1897, scraping out a harsh living by raising livestock in the rugged landscape. Over the years, the property changed hands several times, before ultimately becoming the popular 5-star Marriott Hotel resort known as Kessler Canyon Ranch. In 2017, the property was sold and converted back to a private estate, offering limited availability to outside guests by advance reservation only.

Today, the exquisitely appointed 20,000 square foot Homestead Lodge and 12,000 square foot Guest House grace the homestead cabin site. The original homestead apple orchard still produces succulent heirloom apples and remnants of the early settlers can still be explored across the property.

The namesake for the ranch is an ancient boulder that tumbled off the canyon rim eons ago and has been 'branded' by area cowboys and wranglers etching their livestock brands and initials into Branded Rock since the late 1800s.

Your Manager, Amy Martin Shaffer

Amy Martin Shaffer has managed Branded Rock Canyon Ranch since the property changed ownership in January 2017. Amy is the General Manager and also oversees all marketing, reservations, guest services and hospitality, and fills in as a guide for our adventure and hunting programs. Amy is a former US Olympic Rower (2000 Games) with a background in wildlife management, videography, writing, marketing, travel, communications, and hospitality services. She has traveled to more than 20 countries and continues to seek adventure and ideas to improve upon the guest experiences at Branded Rock Canyon Ranch. Amy is truly "living the dream!"

Your manager

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet, Ranch-style, Health oriented

  • Meals served

    family style, buffet style, meals roll with days activities, everyone eats together, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    BYOB, wine provided with dinner, available for purchase, wine cellar

  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, patio, dining room (casual attire), dining room (formal attire), lounge, private dinners

  • You'll definitely love

    farm fresh eggs, ranch garden, organic produce, locally grown produce, fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free, other

Branded Rock Canyon follows a ranch-style approach with its dining, offering freshly cooked gourmet meals served family-style or buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Our culinary staff prepares custom meals based on guest preferences and dietary needs. Chef Seth carefully selects a menu items that are locally grown or organic.

Meals are paired with award-winning wines from our ranch owner's personal vineyards in Sonoma County California and the Barossa Valley of Australia.

Guest Favourites

  • Our secret-recipe Branded Rock Canyon Bacon is requested by every guest on a daily basis. Seriously, you may initially come for the activity, but you'll never want to leave the bacon!
  • Our hunting guests always request a taste of wild game cuisine (deer, elk, turkey). This truly is the original eco-friendly, hormone free, organic protein. Mother Nature and the ranch management team work closely to create the ideal environment for wildlife to flourish. We selectively remove a small number each year through our guided hunts, to maintain health wildlife populations and give our guests an appreciation for the animals, land and ultimately the field-to-table fare experience.

Lowdown

  • Address

    4410 County Rd 209
    De Beque
    Colorado
    81630
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    6000-9000 ft

  • Private Land

    1000-5000 acres

Nearest Town - De Beque

De Beque has a population of 500 (approx), and is situated 18 miles / 30 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in De Beque include: grocery store, church, school, post office, atm, gas station.

For shopping De Beque offers: small hometown necessity shops.

Ranch shuttle

Yes

Nearest Airports

Grand Junction Regional (GJT), Grand Junction, CO

Distance

55 miles / 1 hour

Airlines

Delta, United, Skywest, Allegiant, Horizon, Northwest, United Express, American Airlines

Ranch shuttle

Yes

Rifle - Garfield County (RIL), Rifle, CO

Distance

54 miles / 1 hour

Ranch shuttle

Yes

Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver, CO

Distance

256 miles / 4 hours

Airlines

Delta, United, Skywest, Allegiant, Horizon, Northwest, Alaska, United Express, American Airlines

Ranch shuttle

NO

Rental car

Required

Private Air Travel

Nearest location(s)

Grand Junction, CO or Rifle, CO

Travel by

Helicopter, Airplane

Distance

55 miles

Ranch shuttle

YES

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding

  • Riding opportunities for

    Intermediate, Experienced

  • Most riders are

    Experienced

  • Rides are grouped by

    Age, Ability, Everyone rides together, Rides tailored to guest requests, Families ride together

  • Max riders per ride

    3

  • Wranglers per ride

    1

  • Pace of ride

    Walk, Trot

  • Guest Horses

    4

  • Horse Types

    Quarterhorse, Draft Cross, Geldings

  • Hours in the saddle

    Morning - 1 hour
    Afternoon - 1 hour

The Setting

Private Land (1000-5000 acres)

Gentle trails through sage brush grassland with multiple creek crossings. Riders will experience wildlife sightings (deer, elk, birds), gorgeous landscapes and willing, happy horses.

Our Riding

Weight limit for riding

Up to 225 lbs

Riding considerations

MUST be able to post a trot, MUST have riding experience, We recommend a good level of physical fitness, Riders should be confident without a wrangler by their side, We consider height and athletic ability as well as a guest's weight

Hours in the saddle

Trail ride durations are based on guest requests and abilities.

Why our riding stands out

  • Our riding program is in development at this time. Riders must have intermediate to advanced level of experience and be able to ride confidently without a wrangler by their side.
  • Enjoy miles of unfenced and beautiful scenery, just like the early pioneers and settlers must have experienced. Trails are gentle and include multiple creek crossings, wildlife viewing, and guided tours with history of the area and ranch life.
  • Our horses are working cattle horses that double as gentle trail riding horses and loving companions. They love attention and 'horse cookies', and are important members of our ranch family. Past guests have so enjoyed our horse riding/caring experiences that they enrolled their family in horse riding programs after returning home.

Arena Work

Type

outdoor arena

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    Summer: $1,100 - $1,750
    Winter: $950 - $1,750

  • Minimum Stay

    3 days

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Any day is fine

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Any day is fine

  • Style of accommodation

    Ranch rustic, Western rustic chic, Luxury 5-Star

  • Packages available

    3 night, 4 night, 1 week
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Branded Rock Canyon can cater for up to 50 guests. See below for details and indicative rates.

Lodge | Homestead Lodge

Rates (Per Couple)*

Summer: $1,200 - $1,500
Winter: $1,050 - $1,350
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

2 nights

Rooms

9

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

safe, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, air conditioning, Disabled Accessible

Entertainment

tv, cable / satellite tv

Booking Policy

Lodge Exclusive Buy-Out R&R Rates:

$28,000 per night for a minimum 3 night stay of up up to 26 guests sharing rooms in our Homestead Lodge and Guesthouse. Total of 14 rooms (13 double queen bed, 2 king bed suites).

$36,000 for full 34 person capacity and the use of additional lodging at nearby Branded Rock Cabin and Valley View guest house.

$26,000 / $34,000 per night for a 5 night stay

$24,000 / $32,000 per night for a 7 night stay.

All rates include fully staffed ranch, chef-prepared meals and drinks, airport transfers to/from Grand Junction (GJT) or Rifle (RIL), and the complimentary amenities and activities.

We are happy to customize an all-inclusive price, based on preferred activities, meal preferences, and the size of the group.

Deposit Policy: A deposit of 25% of total invoice including local taxes and gratuity is due at time of booking for reservations made more than 365 days in advance. 50% of total invoice including local taxes and gratuity is due for reservations between 180-364 days in advance. Balance is due and non-refundable 60 days prior to arrival date.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation notification must occur in writing to management not less than 61 days prior to arrival date to receive a partial refund. A 15% fee of your total reservation amount will be non-refundable at the time of booking. Reservation reductions such as group size or duration of stay made within 60 days of arrival will not receive rate adjustments or refunds.

Branded Rock Canyon is a popular destination. We strongly urge you to make reservations 12 months in advance of your travel to ensure availability for exclusive use buy-outs.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, Riding, Complimentary activities and equipment use: movie theater, fitness room (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bike, rowing machine, free weights), saunas, hot tub, canoes, paddleboards, fishing gear, hammocks, lawn games such as horseshoes and cornhole, billiards, golf driving range, mountain bikes, miles and miles of improved hiking trails.

Extras

Tax

3.9%

Gratuity

15-18% ranch staff gratuity will be added to your invoice at time of reservation. Gratuity for your personal hunting guide or shooting course instructor can be given to them directly and at your discretion. A recommended amount is 10-15% of your total activity rate.

Massage

Massage therapy treatments require 24 hour advance reservations; minimum of two guests or 90 minute treatment. $175 per 60 minute treatment; $250 per 90 minute treatment. This rate includes gratuity. Your choice of Swedish, aromatherapy, reflexology, deep tissue, or hot stones.

Yoga

Available with advance request at least 14 days prior to arrival. We have many quiet locations on lodge grounds, or in our fitness center, to practice your daily yoga routine.

Guided Fly Fishing

Included in any of our multi-day R&R, hunting and shooting program packages. Gear is complimentary, or you are welcome to bring your own fly rods.

Other

Precision Shooting Courses: starting at $4,450 per person for a 2 day/3 night course. See our website for full details on course offerings. Maximum of 12 people per course. Courses include all lodging, meals, instruction, and in some cases all firearms and ammunition supplies. Sporting Clays - test your skills or enjoy some friendly competition with your group members at our covered Shooting Sports Pavilion - $100/round of 25 clays per person - includes shotgun rental and 2 boxes (50 shot shells) of ammo. Guided ranch tour by 4x4 jeep or side-by-side ATV: $250 for 3 hours, up to 3 guests; $475 for 6 hours. Refreshments or sack lunch included. Archery or Axe/Knife Throwing Course: $150 per person per training session, approx. 2 hours. Includes all equipment. Horseback Riding: $100 per rider per hour, up to 2 riders per session. Car & Driver/Shuttle for shopping or touring trips to Grand Junction, Aspen or Glenwood Springs - starting at $375 for half day (up to 8 guests) Jet Boat Tours of the Colorado River (seasonal) - starting at $75 per person per tour, or exclusive group boat for $600 per hour. Wine Tasting - on request and based on per bottle or total group size Live Entertainment - with enough advance notice, we can reserve live music entertainment for private groups or corporate events. The natural acoustics of our canyon make for a memorable musical experience for performing artists and guests.

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Riding helmets, Saddle bags

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone, free long distance, No charge for domestic long distance calls.

  • Cell Networks

    AT&T, verizon. AT&T is available only as wifi calling and messaging..

  • Business Services

    Executive business center , Conference center, printers.

Onsite

Shopping

Our ProShop is located at the front entrance of the Homestead lodge and offers items to enhance the enjoyment of your visit, and also gifts and memoirs to purchase as a reminder of your adventure.

Outdoor Activities

mountain biking, sporting clays, wagon rides, ATV Rentals - inclusive, bird watching, Shooting - trap / clays, Shooting - wing, Shooting: rifle, pistol, semi-automatic, knife and axe throwing, archery, jeep and side-by-side tours (more comfortable than ATV), paddle boards, canoes, horseshoe pits, hiking.

Water based Activities

hot tub, hot springs, lake water sports, river floating, whitewater rafting-adventure, Note: hot springs, river floating and rafting are located within 30 minutes to 2 hours drive of the lodge and do require advance notice so that we can make the reservation on your behalf.

Spa

relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, rock treatments, couples massage, scrubs, manicures, facials, pedicures

Winter Activities

snowshoeing, We can provide shuttle service for a day of skiing at Powderhorn, Aspen or Vail resorts.

Fishing & Wildlife

Our private lakes are stocked with a variety of trout species: rainbow, cutbow, tiger, brown. We hold a commercial lake license which means there is no need for you to purchase a Colorado fishing license.

If you would like to fish Brush Creek for native cutthroat trout on a fly rod, you must purchase a license. We are a licensing agent for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and can add the cost of the license to your final invoice.

Children ages 10 and under will love helping their guide dig for earthworms and fishing for perch or brown trout in our BuckHorn lake. Older youth will enjoy learning fly fishing from our friendly guides. 

Fishing on offer

spin, fly, stocked pond, lake, equipment available, guided inclusive, unguided, instruction available

Wildlife

Mule Deer

Rocky Mountain Elk

Merriam's Turkeys

Bald and Golden Eagles

A variety of mountain songbirds, waterfowl, hawks and falcons, woodpeckers, magpies, ravens and bluejays.

Black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, golden eagles and bald eagles are the main predatory animals.

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of 20-30.

For groups larger than 30 we have partnered with local area hotels (45-60 mins from ranch), to offer discounted package rates for overflow lodging.

Our conference room allows a maximum capacity of 50 guests.

Team-building or adventure activities, such as shooting sports, woodsman survival experience, paddle-board and canoe races, hiking, jeep tours and fishing can be provided for up to 50 guests on a rotational schedule. 

All meals and refreshments are included in every corporate retreat package. We provide daily shuttle services for guests staying off-site. 

Weddings

We can cater for groups of 75-100.

Branded Rock Canyon is the perfect location for your destination wedding!

A photographer's dream, our Homestead Lodge setting offers lush green manicured landscaping surrounded by rugged canyon walls. The 100+ year old apple orchard, lakeside pavilion, roaring stone fireplace, mountain-top gazebo and two-acre open area Guesthouse lawn are just a few of the locations for your unforgettable rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception. Picture riding up to your special moment in a horse-drawn carriage, and saying "I do" under gorgeous Colorado Blue skies. A newlywed suite is complimentary with all of our wedding packages. Our wedding coordinator can help with all the planning and preparation so you can enjoy your big day.

Get the party started early with our bridesmaids and groomsmen retreat packages!

Although we can only provide on-site lodging for up to 34 guests, we work with local hotels for group rate lodging for your guests.

Local Attractions

Colorado National Monument

Hike, bike or drive — there's no bad way to spend a day in the Colorado National Monument.

A top attraction about 1 hour drive from Branded Rock Canyon includes the wildly impressive Colorado National Monument. This 31-square mile unit of the National Park System boasts a concentrated version of Colorado's red rock expanses, deep canyons, and sandstone towers, drawing tourists and adventure seekers to this bold and scenic landscape. 

Distance

60 miles / 1 hour

Ranch shuttle

$325 for up to 8 guests

Glenwood Hot Springs & Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Glenwood’s first and most famous hot spring is Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, a historic attraction and home to the world’s largest hot springs pool. Colorado’s newest hot springs opened in 2015: Iron Mountain Hot Springs features 16 soaking pools and a family pool, alongside the Colorado River. Glenwood’s third geothermal attraction is unique to North America! Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves is one of few places in the world where guests can experience a natural (not man-made) geothermal steam bath. Mineral-rich steam fills the three underground chambers which are dimly, yet adequately, lit. With so much to offer guests, it’s no wonder that Glenwood Springs is Colorado’s number one choice for hot springs and wellness.

Adventure Park (seasonal): Take adventure to new heights at this Western-themed adventure park where a scenic Gondola Ride to the top of Iron Mountain kicks off a day of fun with incredible views, amusement rides, cave tours, and much more! Glenwood Caverns Colorado Adventure Park features several scream-worthy thrill rides, along with a variety of kid-friendly attractions and activities perfect for the entire family.

Distance

75 miles / 1 hour 30 mins

Ranch shuttle

$325 for up to 8 guests

Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse Area

The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area is managed for multiple uses, but wild horse habitat is the primary concern here. This 36,113-acre range is one of only three ranges in the United States set aside specifically to protect wild and free-roaming horses. From 90 to 150 wild horses roam these rugged parks and pinyon-juniper covered hills.

Access is by hiking, horseback riding (non-ranch horses), or 4x4. Rate is based on Jeep Tour pricing and usually requires a full day of travel on bumpy dirt roads. No guarantees on viewing the horses, though odds are usually very high. Seasonal and weather-permitting due to the nature of the terrain and road system. Best viewing is April-October.

Distance

25 miles / 1 hour

Ranch shuttle

Yes

Rental car

4x4 recommended

Highs

  • Luxury living pairs with fine Western hospitality in one of the most stunning landscapes in Colorado.
  • An exclusive private ranch set in 15,000 acres, located in the stunning Colorado wilderness. Think mountain plateaus, big sky and privacy.
  • There's plenty to do and all activities are tailored to the specific groups requests. Indulge in spa treatments, hiking, jeep tours, archery, opportunities to embrace nature and more. It's also a haven for those who are interested in gun-shooting sports.
  • It's a real sanctuary to escape today’s hectic world
  • Being a Private Ranch means you get the whole place to yourself – they specialize in family reunions, corporate retreats and weddings

Lows

  • It's not a 'traditional' cowboy horse ranch, so if you're looking for something with extensive and authentic ranch activities and ranch work, this is not the place for you
  • Their double occupancy is 34 max, so it's not suitable if you're looking to have a big wedding or conference with many guests staying overnight.
  • The property is geared towards private groups, eg corporate and large families, and be aware that shooting and Big Game hunting is by invitation only.

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Perfect family retreat

This has been the most wonderful destination family reunion we've ever experienced. The locale, staff and activities were fantastic. Branded Rock Canyon is paradise, we loved every moment of our stay!