Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado

Nestled at the base of the Continental Divide in Colorado’s Ranch Creek Valley, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a 6,500-acre escape into raw mountain adventure and elevated rustic luxury. Located just 75 miles west of Denver and a short drive from Winter Park, this mountain resort in Tabernash blends the spirit of the frontier with refined hospitality and immersive outdoor experiences.

It is a place where the scent of pine mingles with woodsmoke, where mornings begin with yoga beneath alpine skies and end beside a crackling fire under stars that spill across the night.

Rugged Elegance in the Rockies

Devil’s Thumb Ranch has gained national recognition, earning a place among the Top 10 Resorts in Colorado and Top 20 Resorts in the Mountain West by Condé Nast Traveler in 2024. Its commitment to sustainability and preservation is evident throughout the property. The architecture favors reclaimed wood, natural stone, and warm lighting, creating an atmosphere that is as welcoming as it is timeless.

Accommodations range from lodge rooms to private rustic cabins, all styled with leather furnishings, hand-hewn beams, and views of sprawling meadows or snowy peaks. Some suites feature fireplaces and balconies that overlook the creek, where elk sometimes wander at dawn. Rooms are thoughtfully equipped with heated floors and plush bedding, promising comfort in all seasons.

A Playground for All Seasons

Devil’s Thumb Ranch thrives year-round. During winter, it is a renowned Nordic skiing destination with award-winning cross-country trails that sprawl for miles through pine forests and open fields. The 2024/2025 ski season concluded with acclaim, securing the resort’s place as the #1 Cross-Country Ski Resort in the U.S. according to USA Today readers. Guests can also enjoy sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking on groomed paths.

Summer transforms the landscape into a sunlit haven for adventure. Horseback rides trace old cattle trails, and fly-fishing excursions lead anglers to quiet stretches of Ranch Creek. Mountain bikers carve through wooded singletrack, while others take to the skies on the zip line. Throughout the day, there are opportunities for yoga, guided nature hikes, or a peaceful soak in the outdoor hot tub, which operates year-round with sweeping mountain views.

The Flavors of the Ranch

Dining at the ranch is a celebration of Colorado’s seasonal bounty. Heck’s Tavern, located in the heart of the main lodge, serves comforting fare in a soaring space framed by panoramic windows and a towering stone fireplace. Wagyu beef, raised right on the property, features prominently on the menu, with preparations that respect the quality of the meat while embracing rustic sophistication.

The Ranch House Restaurant and Saloon offers an elevated dining experience with classic mountain cuisine and craft cocktails served in an atmosphere that blends old-world charm with quiet luxury. Meals here feel like a continuation of the day’s adventures—relaxed, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Wellness and Reconnection

Devil’s Thumb Ranch encourages guests to slow down, reset, and reconnect. The Ranch Creek Spa offers massages, body treatments, and skin therapies using natural products inspired by the surrounding environment. After a long day on the trails, the spa becomes a retreat within a retreat, where weary muscles find relief and silence wraps around every treatment room.

A complimentary yoga class is offered each morning, inviting guests to breathe deeply in rhythm with the mountains. The year-round heated pool and stone-rimmed hot tub are a favorite spot to watch snow fall in winter or unwind beneath summer skies.

Reviews from the Trail

Travelers regularly remark on the authentic warmth of the resort’s team, noting thoughtful service at the restaurants, stables, and spa. Families, couples, and business retreats all find the ranch to be a place of restoration and activity. Guests praise the hearty meals, the stillness of the snowy trails, and the joy of waking up to a world that feels quiet and untouched.

Yet no resort is without its moments of imperfection. Some guests have expressed concerns over pricing and occasional service inconsistencies. A few mentioned the impact of wildlife on scheduled activities, such as horseback rides being canceled due to moose in the area. Still, the general sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. Many return year after year, drawn by the balance of solitude and activity, elegance and earthiness.

Nearby and Worth Exploring

While the ranch offers nearly everything on-site, guests with cars often venture a few miles to Fraser or Winter Park for additional dining or shopping. In winter, tubing hills and ski resorts are just minutes away. Fraser Tubing Hill, Colorado Adventure Park, and The Foundry Cinema & Bowl provide fun for all ages and are located within 10 kilometers of the property.

Nearby restaurants include:

• Hernando’s Pizza Pub for relaxed Italian comfort food
• Pepe Osaka’s Fishtaco for a creative blend of Mexican and Asian flavors
• Deno’s Mountain Bistro for steaks, burgers, and Colorado brews

Final Notes

Devil’s Thumb Ranch offers something rare in today’s travel landscape: the chance to experience the grandeur of Colorado’s wild landscapes with the comforts of high-end hospitality. Whether for a snowy weekend of skiing and spa indulgence or a summer of horseback rides and evening fire circles, it creates a space where nature and comfort walk hand in hand.

From the scent of fresh pine to the taste of perfectly seared Wagyu, every moment here feels grounded, real, and unforgettable.