The big outdoors, history, ranching and a western flare – Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch offers the makings of a true escape in Colorado. Writer Ron Stern shares his experiences there so we can make our own guest ranch dreams a reality.
Nestled alongside the majestic Colorado River, Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch has been welcoming travelers to its unique brand of Western hospitality for more than 100 years. With fourteen rustic cabins, this is “The oldest continuously operating guest ranch” in the state. The owners say it offers a “step back in time” for families looking to reconnect with nature and themselves. Providing great food, abundant activities and personalized service, the ranch is one family getaway with life-changing possibilities.
“Bar Lazy J puts some magic back into the world,” is how one returning guest described her experience. This is a typical response from those who come here full of life’s stresses and leave feeling renewed in mind and spirit. So what’s their secret? That’s what I was seeking to uncover during my visit.
Located in the tiny town of Parshall (pop. 42), in Grand County, the ranch is about a two-hour drive from Denver. Surrounded by mountains, the wooden cabins are just steps away from the river. The lush grounds are laden with pine, aspen and cottonwood trees, as well as a blanket of green lawns, flowers and water features.
Hands-on owners, Jerry and Cheri Helmicki oversee all aspects of ranch operations along with Tammy and Chad Yurich who also handle most administrative duties. From the time a guest arrives for their seven-day stay, every staff member knows their names and escorts them to their respective cabins. After a group orientation, families can sign up for any number of adventures. These include horseback trail rides, zip lining, trap shooting, fly fishing, and nature walks just to name a few.
As each guest introduced themselves, I was surprised to find people coming from states like Minnesota, Texas, Missouri, Illinois and even New York. Many were returning visitors having had a positive previous experience. A few had surpassed their 10th visit, earning a personalized signature brand which is proudly displayed on one of the walls. Most lauded the attentive and friendly service received from the owners and staff. Others commented on the all-inclusive value that Bar Lazy J represents, saying they selected it based on their consistently high reviews.
I heard stories of how those in high-pressure jobs came to the ranch feeling wound up tight from the stresses of life. Although Wi-Fi is available in all the cabins, the need for electronic connections seems to melt away as the days go by. I was told that it wasn’t uncommon for these same individuals to be weeping at the end of the week, not wanting to return home.
Each of the cabins has the basic amenities including comfy beds, bathrooms, showers, coffee makers, and refrigerators. Some alcohol can be purchased on-site, but you might want to bring your own, in addition to your favorite beverages.
Amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, petting zoo with cute baby goats, a library, and a recreation barn for activities like line dancing. Horseback riding is a featured activity and 100 well-trained horses ensure every type of rider is paired with the right animal for their needs.
You won’t go hungry here with ample portions served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also can accommodate most dietary concerns.
Mealtimes are always a highlight of life at the ranch, and their head Chef Adam Vosding is also known as “The Traveling Food Dude” on YouTube. He has an obvious passion for cooking and loves preparing hearty and delicious ranch-style meals using locally sourced ingredients.
During my stay, I was treated to an eclectic menu and found myself salivating as the dinner bell rang. Some of the options included a pot roast, beef tacos and ziti pasta with sausage meat sauce. I really loved the Monday night grilled baseball-cut sirloin steaks rubbed with his “black gold” recipe of coffee grounds, spices and brown sugar.
All meals are served in their main dining hall or buffet style on their screened-in river porch. Desserts are prepared by their talented pastry chef who bakes everything from chocolate chip cookies (available 24/7) to cannoli to tres leches cake (my favorite!). Everything I had was well-prepared, attractively plated and taste-temptingly delicious.
Observing the mealtime interactions, I wondered if there was indeed something “magical” about the simple act of sharing food with family and loved ones without those meddling electronic devices. Engaging in meaningful conversation and learning about the lives of others is a forgotten art that was common in early America. This also seems to have a way of transforming strangers into lifelong friends. I heard many such stories from three and four-generation visitors who reunite each year with people they have met at the ranch.
Of all the activities at Bar Lazy J, horseback riding is a guest favorite. Everyone capable is invited to participate, including young “buckaroos.” All trail rides are led by their team of wranglers, most of whom have had years of experience. Morning and afternoon rides are offered with choices of scenic (walking only), moderate (some trotting and loping), and adventure (more loping and technical). Drawing inspiration from the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains with you, your horse and the sounds of nature has a way of soothing the most active mind.
Each ride is unique, as the colors of nature’s palate change depending on the terrain, weather and time of day. Their signature event is the breakfast ride that winds through the mountains and down to the banks of the Colorado River. A well-planned cookout awaits featuring entrees like scrambled eggs, Johnnycakes with huckleberry sauce, tender sweet ham, bacon, freshly made grilled potatoes, coffee, juice, and more.
One of the best things about Bar Lazy J is that you can do as much or as little as desired. For some, it could be participating in every activity while for others, it might be just relaxing and taking in the surroundings. Pondering the latter, I found myself purposely smelling the fragrance of the flowers and pine trees. Sitting by the river listening to the sounds of birds and watching the endless flow of water over the rocks was a tranquil and uplifting experience. This, I thought, must be the magic, different for everyone, but can be discovered here at Bar Lazy J.
To learn more about visiting Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch, visit their website, here.
-Story and photos by Ron Stern
Please note: As is common practice in our industry, Ron was hosted for his visit but this does not, in any way, affect our opinions or our goal to bring our readers information they can use.
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