Last May, we were featured in Denver’s 5280 magazine as one of the top six Western Guest ranches to see. As author Lindsey Koehler writes: “Take authentic ranch living, add upscale accommodations, chef-prepared cuisine, and countless outdoor activities and adventures, and you’ve got the makings of a Western guest ranch. Escape to one of these six dreamy destinations for a taste of the Old West—and the good life.”

Here are some of the highlights from her piece about 4UR Ranch:

“If you’ve never wound your way through the beauty of the Rio Grande National Forest to the century-old 4UR Ranch, you’ve let one of Colorado’s last perfect places escape you. Tucked into a slender valley between palisades and the Rio Grande River, the ranch’s meadows, ponds, pastures, roving fences, and meandering creek melt into the well-manicured grounds that encircle the main lodge and surrounding guest cabins.

“The 3,000-acre ranch has been in the Leavell family for more than four decades, but Pete and Lindsey Leavell are

Owners Mary Lee (Leavell) Pinkerton, Pete and Lindsey Leavell.

Owners Mary Lee (Leavell) Pinkerton, Pete and Lindsey Leavell.

today’s stewards. They live on the grounds during the summer, greeting guests with hugs and having a glass of wine in the lodge’s small bar in the evenings. Gregarious and lovably quirky, the husband-and-wife team—along with longtime ranch managers, a trained chef, the head wrangler, and other affable staff—has created an upscale summer camp atmosphere that caters mostly to families from early June through the end of September each year. While the kids are horseback riding, exploring nature, and playing games, the adults can enjoy their own vacation. It’s a setup that has generations of families coming back year after year.

“The weeklong, all-inclusive retreat begins in earnest on a Sunday morning and spills over six full days filled with horseback riding, fly-fishing on private sections of Goose Creek and the Rio Grande, a ranch cocktail party, a chuckwagon breakfast, a steak ride dinner, a kids rodeo, and a fish fry.

“Executive chef Wray Warner could likely make cowboy stew into a gourmet meal, but in 4UR’s kitchen he turns out seasonal cuisine that makes chowtime a thrice-daily event to look forward to.”

We are so honored to be featured by 5280 Magazine and complemented by their glowing review!