ATVs
Blast through our forest trails, across creeks, winding up hills and through meadows. With our fleet of four new ATVs, a rumbling adventure is just around the bend. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – once you’re settled in, our expert guides will assess your abilities and determine the best rides for you. Children under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. For complete safety, we also offer an indoor and outdoor riding arena.
Cattle Drives
Ride high on one of our quarter horses while rounding up cattle in the pastures. Take the family on a cattle drive, or if the timing is right, join us on an overnight pack trip. There are many ways you can become a part of the true Western ranch experience during your stay at Williams Peak Ranch, and learning the ropes from true cowboys on a cattle drive is at the top of the list!
Cross-Country Skiing
Find yourself in the midst of an aspen grove where the tree bark blends into the snow and you’ll wonder if there’s anyplace you’d rather be. Traditional Nordic skiing at the ranch can be as challenging or relaxing as you’d like – we recommend a leisurely moonlit excursion over the rolling meadows. Stop at our warming hut a few miles from the guest house – with notice we’ll bring your lunch and start a fire for you to warm your toes. We offer miles of trails for cross-country skiing and a flat oval course for ski-skating. While we have a limited supply of cross-country skis on-site, if you let us know your shoe size we will have equipment ready for you upon arrival.
Hiking
Indulge in exquisite peacefulness as you follow one of the many game trails through the timbered trees, wander past shimmering waters, and over gently rolling hills. If you’re after a peak-bagging exploit, try the 5 hour trek with a 3,000 foot vertical gain to summit Williams Peak (11,561 feet), and the spectacular views of the Gore range and Continental Divide will reward you. For a less vigorous hike, we have more than 40 miles of trail awaiting your journey through majestic and remote wilderness. Or for a full-day adventure, hike amid the glacial lakes above the timberline.
Horseback Riding
Saddle up and explore our rolling hills, gorgeous meadows and mountain trails – or get expert tips on an instructional ride in our 30,000 square foot heated indoor arena. If a sunset ride isn’t adventurous enough for you, join our experienced riders as they practice for the rodeo at the ranch. Grab a seat and your heart will pound with the horse hooves while we’re running barrels or team roping. If you have some horsemanship under your belt, hop on a horse and join in!
Rodeo
Are you rodeo ready? Join our family at the local rodeo. The Miniat girls are actively involved in rodeo competitions – watch the tight turns during the barrel racing and the skilled flick of the wrist during quick release roping. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see our ranch hands riding the bucking broncos with the best of them.
Snowmobiling
Rocket past the aspens along our many trails or bust through the deep powder in a meadow – our guides know all the best spots. For more advanced riders, a high-country hill-climb will keep your heart pounding. Thaw your toes at one of our warming huts – with some notice, we’ll arrange hot cocoa or a bottle of wine and a roaring fire to greet you. Williams Peak Ranch has ten snowmobiles – primarily a fleet of Polaris 550s. Concerned about snowmobile noise at the ranch? With our 7,000 acres of private land, you’ll be surrounded by private land. Our property is large enough and diverse enough to allow serenity and privacy no matter what your winter pleasure.
Snowshoeing
Venture into the lodge pole pines or conquer Williams Peak in the powdery snow. Whether you’re trekking the cross-country or snowmobile trails or breaking your own trail, the land is expansive and adventure is imminent. We supply snowshoes and the breathtaking surroundings; you supply the high-altitude effort!
Sporting Clays
Squint that eye, aim and fire! Step up to our twelve-stand sporting clay range, where six houses catering to both the beginner and advanced marksman await. We have a limited supply of vests, shells, clays and shot guns available, and guests are encouraged to bring their own equipment. All of our guides carry CPR and First Aid certification, as well as gun safety training.
Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching
The true West is rugged, and nature surrounds you. While you’re taking in the stunning views, remember to watch for the wildlife! Sightings are a common occurrence here, and each is breathtaking. The Ranch is a big game transition range, meaning that elk and mule deer calve and fawn on-site. Moose, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, coyotes and fox all call Williams Peak Ranch home. Bald eagles soar overhead, and golden eagle nests are a short hike away. Herons, red tailed hawks, sage and blue grouse are frequently seen as well. If you are lucky, you may spot a black bear or mountain lion passing through.
Yoga Retreats
Strengthen your mind and body as you feel the energy from Mother Nature both invigorate and relax you. Peacefulness and serenity can be found everywhere in this high-country sanctuary. Williams Peak Ranch offers yoga retreats, please call for further details.
Nearby Attractions
We’re not really sure why you’d ever want to leave the ranch, but if downhill skiing, exploring quaint mountain towns, spending a spa day at the natural hot springs, or whitewater rafting tempt you, these activities can all be found within a half hour’s drive.
- Downhill skiing at Winter Park
- Rafting the Colorado River
- Kayaking at Sylvan Reservoir
- Natural hot springs
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Dog sledding
- Mountain biking
- Alpine slide
- Mini golf
- Climbing at the nearby rock wall
- Exploring the human maze
- Tubing on Fraser Hill
- See real sea creature fossils on the side of a mountain
Disclaimer: Many activities at Williams Peak Ranch will make your adrenaline rush, but will be closely supervised – we reserve the right to evaluate whether guests can participate. All guests have radio communications for additional safety with any unguided activity.

