Frequently Asked Questions

How soon do I need to make reservations?
Because we have so many returning guests, summer space fills up quickly. We recommend making reservations nine months to one year in advance to reserve the type of accommodations and dates you prefer. We only book 51 weeks in advance.

What do you mean by
"Christian Family Guest Ranch"?
Our goal is to simply provide a Christian atmosphere in which families, couples and singles can vacation. We think you'll notice this "atmosphere" most by our friendly staff who serve you, get to know your children by name and chat with you during a ride or a meal. To maintain our Christian perspective, we do have a strict no alcohol policy on the ranch.

What is your elevation?
8400 feet with a fourteen thousand foot peak on both sides.

What are your GPS coordinates?
Latitude: N38 deg. 43.453 min. Longitude: W106 deg. 10.751 min.

How big is the ranch?
The ranch buildings are situated on 40 acres. We have additional acreage for riding, hiking and outdoor meals as well as our stocked fishing lake. Total, the ranch encompasses approximately 115 acres. We also operate by permit on the San Isabel National Forest.


"We appreciated the Christian emphasis on every aspect of our stay, from worship on Sunday to many other activities of the week. We never had any problem turning our grandchildren over to your staff for activities and fun."
   - The Morren family from Grand Rapids, MI


How many guests do you accommodate
at any one time?
At full capacity, we have around 130 guests.

What is the weather like in the summer?
Days are warm, in the 70s and 80s, but our nights always cool off, getting down to the 50s. Mountain weather can be fickle and an afternoon thundershower, usually coming and going quickly, is not uncommon.

What do I bring to wear?
Jeans are a must. Shorts and T-shirts, comfortable shoes for getting around, jacket and vest for layering. Of course, anything Western is great.

What is the difference between a room in the lodge and a cabin?
A stay in our lodge includes meals. We have a ten room guest lodge, five rooms on each of two floors. Most lodge rooms have two beds and all have a private bathroom and will sleep two to three people. A cabin is a self-contained "home", each unique in design and furnishings, and no two are alike. All are decorated in a "western" decor. All cabins have a fully-equipped kitchen, living room/dining area, fireplace and deck with a view. The cabins vary as to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

What is the difference between
a small cabin, a large cabin
and a deluxe cabin?
A small cabin typically has two or three bedrooms and one or more bathrooms. A large cabin typically has three or four bedrooms and two bathrooms. A deluxe cabin has three bedrooms and two or more bathrooms and has been more recently remodeled.

How many people does a cabin sleep?
A small cabin typically sleeps 4 to 6. A large cabin sleeps 8 to 10 and a deluxe cabin sleeps 6 to 8.

How does your Ranch Package work?
Our Ranch Package is geared for folks who don't want to worry about keeping track of a la carte charges and who know they are going to eat most of their meals with us and do lots of horseback riding. The package includes 7 nights lodging, 21 meals, selected horseback rides and one half-day whitewater raft trip. For those staying in cabins, everyone in the party needs to be on the same plan and the rate applies to a minimum of four paying people in a small or deluxe cabin and seven paying people in a large cabin.

Is there a minimum stay?
Yes, we require a seven night, Saturday to Saturday stay in our cabins. We require a three night minimum stay in our lodge rooms, with an arrival or departure on a Saturday. For family reunions, we require seven nights, even in the lodge.

What if we have to cancel?
Deposits are fully refundable, less a 10% administrative fee, upon cancellation 120 days or more from your scheduled arrival date. For cancellations made less than 120 days from your scheduled arrival date, deposits are non-refundable.


  • "If a vacation with a friendly, hard-working
    staff is important...
  • If beauty beyond deserve is needed...
  • If quiet is desired...
  • If fun is required...
  • If a Christian foundation is valued...
  • If horses, water, fishing hiking and a "Wild at Heart" experience is sorely needed...
    Then....Deer Valley must be for YOU!!!"
       - The Longstreet Family from Grant, MI
    		•  When are check-in and
    check-out times?
    Check-In is 4:00 PM and Check-Out is 10:00 AM. You are welcome to be on the ranch before 4:00 PM and after 10:00 AM; however, in order to provide the best accommodations, we need full access to cabins and lodge rooms between 10 AM and 4 PM on the day of check-in/check-out.

    How far away is the nearest town?
    The nearest town is Buena Vista, a 15 minute drive from the ranch. Though a small town, you will find everything you need in Buena Vista including a grocery store, pharmacy and drug store, auto repair and tire shops, ATMs and a small discount store. Salida is about 25 minutes away where you will find a Wal-Mart.

    Are there laundry
    facilities at the ranch?
         No, but there are two laundromats in Buena Vista and one in Salida.

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    Deer Valley Ranch
    16825 CR 162
    Nathrop, CO 81236    		 (800) 284-1708
    (719) 395-2353
    (719) 395-2394 (fax)
    fun@deervalleyranch.com