Top 5 in Winter Park, Colorado
Although this certainly is not an island, this little slice of mountain paradise is equally as impressive. The majority of this post will focus on Devil’s Thumb Ranch, which is located a few miles outside of Winter Park, Colorado.
1. Devil’s Thumb Ranch
It seems like since the pandemic hit everyone is looking for a trip out west to reconnect with nature and enjoy a space free from crowds. Devil’s Thumb Ranch is the perfect place to do just that. We stayed here for a family vacation in August 2018. Although a “ranch”, it is definitely a luxury vacation with a spa, five-star restaurants, and beautiful rooms. We stayed in a two bedroom loft suite with a balcony. This balcony was one of my favorite features and a great place to drink coffee in the mornings. This is a vacation that we will be doing again.
2. Devils Thumb Pool
This indoor/outdoor pool needed its own spot. It is rare to have such a beautiful pool on a ranch in Colorado. It has an indoor portion that leads to the outdoor pool. A large hot tub was also right next to the pool. The perfect spot to spend an August afternoon.
3. YMCA Horseback Riding
Although we also did horse back riding through Devil’s Thumb, this YMCA horseback riding trip was far superior and more economical. We choose the 3 hour ride that included a steak dinner cooked over a campfire. We rode through the mountains for 1.5 hours, stopped for dinner at the campfire, and then rode 1 hour back. Our crew raved about this part of the trip and it was one of our favorite parts of the entire vacation. Even the little one who fell asleep on the horse loved it!
4. Hiking and Biking
With such gorgeous scenery, the best way to spend the day was to bike and hike through the trails on Devil’s Thumb. You can rent bikes or just use your own two feet to enjoy. Their are wild horses, deer, and an abundance of nature.
5. Hanging around the ranch
The ranch had so much to offer for families both during the day and in the evening. We loved the yard games, bon fires at night, and playing outside. I don’t think the mountain view can be beat!
