Activities

Riding | Kids Programs | Fly Fishing | Rafting | Wild Life Viewing | Rodeo | Sightseeing Trips | Storytelling | Hayride

Horseback Riding
The ranch has a fine herd of 122 horses to assure your riding enjoyment. Quarter horses are standard here, although we have added Tennessee Walkers to the repertoire of horse breeds. Horseback riding at Cherokee Park Ranch is truly a non-stop favorite - you pick and choose what type of riding you would like to do each day. Whether you were born in the saddle or have never mounted a horse, the ranch will meet your riding needs and exceed your expectations. All rides are catered to each guest's enjoyment... you will see the sights and lope through grassy fields without feeling crowded. The kid's rides are undeniably popular as the young cowhands venture out to ride as a group, building forts and playing games with their counselors after lunch. Personal instruction is available each day in the ranch's arena for you to gain skill and confidence on horseback. An overnight pack trip, covering 28 miles, is offered mid-June through August for those seeking a camp-out experience. All saddle-sore guests are invited on the 2-mile ride to the overnight site to join in on the fun.

This Place Is For Kids
Children's Program - Cherokee Park Ranch is 100 percent kid-friendly. We offer an extensive children's program for 3-5 and 6-12 year old age groups. Those six and older are given their own horse for the week and the lil' cowpokes are led on horseback by their own counselor. Other special activities include wildlife hikes, fishing, nature studies, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, panning for gold, hiking to an old mine, a 'kids only' cookout with the ranch staff, and a special overnight in our bonafide Indian teepee! If you like, you may even join in on the kid's lunch ride! Your child is not required to participate in any activity we simply provide a full day's worth of counseled activities should parents desire "'time off!"' For young ones under three we offer a unique opportunity: bring your own full-time baby-sitter free of charge.

A River Runs Through It
Fishing/Fly-fishing - We are fortunate to be able to offer excellent fishing for a variety of species of trout. The North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River runs through the ranch and a heavily stocked trout pond appeals to both kids and adults. Simple fishing tackle is available in our trading post. Whether our guests are beginner or experienced anglers, fly fishing at Cherokee Park Ranch is a delight. We provide you with Orvis top-of-the-line rods/reels and half-day group instructions with OUR very own guide for anglers of any age. The ranch's private stretch of river yields a high population of brown trout for your fishing success.

It's a Wild Ride
River Rafting - You will love the thrill of rafting the Cache La Poudre River (class II and III). We hire Rocky Mountain Adventures, an independent outfitter, as a guarantee you will be in the hands of experts. They use six-man rubber rafts and provide life jackets. The age minimum is 7 years, and the kid's counselors will take care of the younger children while the rest of the family is on the river. Dependent upon water conditions, this trip is offered from the end of May through August. So keep your spirits high and feet dry!

Wildlife Viewing
While the horseback riding is exceptional, it isn't all there is to do! Our 300-acre ranch is surrounded by the wild and scenic Roosevelt National Forest where guests see pronghorn, deer, elk, coyote, moose, eagle, hawk, fox, beaver, and rattlesnake. Whether you are exploring the miles of trails on foot, or just relaxing on your porch swing, you will marvel at all of the wildlife here.

Clownin' Around at the Rodeo
Rodeo - Here's a chance to run barrels, the keyhole race, and pole bending ... all under 8 seconds! Participate in the egg toss, boot race, pudding race, and more. The ranch's rodeo, or gymcana, is best described as games on horses. Our rodeo clowns are full of goofy antics and always wear a smile! Join in on the laughter and fun!

See the Sights
Sightseeing Trips - The day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park begins with the drive up the spectacular Big Thompson Canyon into Estes Park, Colorado. From there we will escort you into Rocky Mountain National Park where a chance encounter with a herd of elk or a bighorn sheep may occur. Lunch is served picnic-style at a roadside park. Just sit back and take pictures - all details are taken care of for you! We also offer a trip to the Territorial Park in Laramie, Wyoming where Butch Cassidy was held prisoner back when the West was truly wild. The National U.S. Marshals Museum is also located within the Territorial Park near the Wyoming Frontier Town, where Calamity Jane and other Old West characters roam the streets. Definitely a trip for educational fun!

Back In Those Days...
Storytelling - Dressed in authentic beaver trapper attire, our very own Mountain Man captivates guests for an evening of education and laughter. With a hodgepodge of artifacts tucked in the folds of his leather coat, "Ironthumb" is full of surprises. His performance covers everything from the seasonal activities of a beaver trapper to building fire in his hands! Each tale of life in the Old West is equally appealing to both kids and adults.

Clappin', Stompin', Singin' Fun!
Hayride - Ride up to Prairie Divide in hay-filled trucks and watch the sun set into the mountains. Stars appear one by one and constellations begin to form. Nighthawks soar overhead and coyotes yip in the far distance. Enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate by the campfire while the ranch entertainers play the guitar, violin and banjo. You can request your favorite cowboy songs and clap your hands in rhythm to the tune. It's an evening the whole family will surely enjoy.