Spring – April to mid-June (Father’s
Day).
The Ranch is open to all group events, weddings, B&B
stays, day visits for horseback riding, cattle drives,
and guided fly fishing. Holiday get-aways include Easter,
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Spring is the “green season,”
when fresh showers turn the hillsides into emerald
carpets and water flows in the creek beds, culminating
in the River’s “June Rise” of snowmelt
runoff. Migratory birds abound.
Summer – Ten weeks from Father’s
Day in mid-June through late August
Summertime
is the heart of our traditional dude ranch season.
Between Sunday mornings and the following Saturday
afternoons, these ten special weeks are reserved for
individual vacationers, families, and family reunions.
Saturdays, starting in the afternoon and lasting through
Sunday morning, are available for weddings, picnic
groups, one-night retreats, and occasional B&B
guests.
In the Summer, Sylvan Dale’s
mountains and river keep daytime temperatures moderate
and nights pleasant. The usual weather pattern: bright,
sunny mornings, occasional afternoon thundershowers,
and cool refreshing nights. Our accommodations have
air conditioners, but they often go unused.
Fall – Late August through December
During the Fall season, starting toward the end of
August, the Ranch is open to all group events, weddings,
B&B stays, day visits for horseback riding, cattle
drives, guided fly fishing and hunting. Holiday get-aways
include Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve-Eve.
In late August, the river drops to
a crystal-clear flow and the air takes on a new crispness.
“Indian Summer” sets in. High-country
aspen turn gold in September, but the cottonwoods
on the main Ranch grounds hold their splendor until
the end of October. November and December are unpredictable,
with many days in the 70s.
Winter – January through March
In Winter,
the Ranch continues to serve group events and B&B
guests. Guests love to sit by the roaring fires in
the Heritage building and dining areas, sip a drink
in the Medina Cantina, or enjoy a relaxing massage.
Winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular.
On most days, horseback riding is available. Our trophy
trout lakes are often ice-free and fishable during
this time. Holiday get-aways include our special Valentine's
weekend and Spring Break Away. Visit our specials
and discounts page for more information.
Out-of-staters are always surprised
at the mildness of Ranch winters. Here in the Front
Range foothills, where the Arapahos and Utes often
wintered, there are some days in the 60s and 70s even
in January. When it does snow, the whiteness creates
a striking contrast with the red cliffs and the green
pines on the hills.
