The first time I stayed at Devil’s Thumb Ranch was about 10 years ago. Sitting in a comfortable chair, feeling toasty by the fireplace in my room, looking out over pastures and mountaintops, something came over me. It was a sense of “home” that made no sense to me. Despite being a Colorado native, I have no particular affinity for the cowboy and ranching history of my state.  So it surprised me to find rough-hewn wood, horses running in the distance, and cowboy hats so appealing. There was just something about the place that made me relax and feel like I was right where I was supposed to be.

Don’t get me wrong, Devil’s Thumb Ranch isn’t roughing it, by any means. It’s comfortable and comforting luxury with a mountain, old west feeling. During other visits over the years, whether for a romantic getaway with my husband or a stay in a cabin, riding horses with our children, going to Devil’s Thumb always felt right. My recent trip back, now in my role as Managing Editor of RealFoodTraveler.com, to meet and interview former Executive Chef Josh Bettis about their food scene, just confirmed what a special place it is.

Whether you’re dining, swimming, sitting on the patio or grabbing a cup of coffee, you can see views like this at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.

Things to do at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

The beauty and grandeur of the Ranch and its natural surroundings always impresses me, with its broad valley of pastures edged to the east by a rugged mountain range. Driving down the long road leading in, the low slung ranch compound comes into view, grand and respectful of its surroundings. You just know you’re in for something special.

Throughout the year, the outdoor activity options are many, including horseback riding, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, zip-lining, nordic skiing and fat-tire biking. Indoor activities are numerous too, from the spa to game room, yoga classes and movie theater.

An abandoned cabin greets you on the long road in, letting you know you’re heading to the right place.

Gather ’round the two-story fireplace for a drink or grab a bite in the impressive Heck’s Tavern.

Here you go, enjoy a cocktail made with local spirits, served by friendly staff.

On many nights, guests gravitate to the patio to make s’mores around the campfire, sharing stories, laughs and suggestions for hiking and biking trails – all with strangers. It’s a good lesson for kids and adults to be reminded that you can find things in common with people you don’t even know, from all over the world.

Eating well at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Heck’s Tavern provides an ideal spot to refresh after taking in any of these activities or when you just want a hearty, casual meal. A soaring heavy-timbered dome is inspired by the Grand Lodges of the National Park system, with an enormous stone fireplace holding it all up. With this at its center, enjoy reasonably-priced upscale pub fare and a a full bar with an emphasis on Colorado craft beers and distillers. A little more upscale, yet still full of that western vibe, there’s the Ranch House Restaurant and Saloon, John L’s Wine Cellar or, for a caffeine fix (and my favorite place to get a little work done), Hallowed Grounds Coffee Shop. Everything is prepared from scratch, using natural and local ingredients.

Lodging rates vary at Devil’s Thumb, depending on the season and type of lodging you are looking for but there’s often a deal going on. The cabins are more expensive than the Lodge rooms but then again you have a little cabin in the woods all to yourself with a kitchen. Sign up on their website to receive notification of lodging deals year-round.

By the way, in case you’re wondering about the name, Devil’s Thumb, according to local lore, after the warring Ute and Arapahoe tribes settled their differences in the Ranch Creek Valley area, they buried the Devil but left his thumb exposed to remind them of the evils of war. That “thumb” is an outcropping of rock on the Continental Divide visible from the Ranch. A Colorado couple,  Bob and Susan Fanch, are the owners of Devil’s Thumb Ranch, intent on making the very sustainable property a getaway for everyone, from wedding parties to business groups to families. It’s a peaceful, kick-in-the-pants-fun place only about an hour and a half from Denver, making it a very doable escape.

To learn about Devil’s Thumb Ranch’s impressive culinary scene, listen to our podcast interview with former Executive Chef Josh Bettis, and watch Chef’s video below in which he cooks a pretty amazing Wagyu beef steak and gives us grilling, slicing and plating tips. 

Come on in, the water’s fine and the view is stunning.

Have a seat. It’s comfortable and homey wherever you are at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch is just 65 miles from Denver, located at 3530 County Road 83 in Tabernash.