Interested in a dude ranch vacation for families? Learn about the Bar Lazy J through the eyes of a child to get a better idea about what your kids will experience at this horse ranch in Parshall, Colorado.
This article was written by a guest writer, Gabby Danen. Gabby is an 11-year-old 6th grader who loves reading, spending time with family and friends, and taking care of her 2 guinea pigs, Moose and Bear.
Are you looking for an exciting vacation for your family? If so I have a place for you. The Bar Lazy J guest ranch in Parshall, Colorado!
This summer I visited the Bar Lazy J Ranch and it was amazing! It is a family-friendly dude/guest ranch.
You can read the full review of Bar Lazy J Ranch here or watch a video on the ranch below:
When you first get there you come into this beautiful area of trees and fresh air. Then you check-in at the dining hall and they show you your cabin for the week. Our cabin was Grey Hackle.
When you walk into your cabin there are tee shirts for everyone!
Our cabin was right next to the road that the horses run from the field to the stable pasture every morning.
In the dining hall, there is a cookie box that is always full and available. They also make fresh, warm cookies!
The Bar Lazy J tries to keep the internet away from their ranch, but if you need to make a call or use wifi, they have a room called “The Internet jailhouse”.
It is right next to the porch and the library. In the “Internet Jailhouse,” they have a computer and printer for your needs!
Not many people will be found in there because there are always fun activities and opportunities for the kids and the adults!
Then after dinner, they line you up by the barns and give you your horses for the week. I got Tiqua!
Tiqua is a beautiful brown and white horse. She is very good at instructions.
Most of the older, more controlled horses at the ranch are for the kids, and the younger horses are for the adults (13 and older)
Speaking of kids, the Bar Lazy J has an amazing kid program!
Every morning at breakfast you could check the kids’ schedule and the adults’ schedule. If you are 13 or older you are considered an adult but are always welcome to join the kids.
Every 2 weeks they switch the horses so if I went back next week Tiqua would be in the pasture not in the stable.
There is also a pretty cool petting farm.
The petting farm has baby goats, sheep, a couple of horses, donkeys, and a cow.
Some fun things to do on the farm are, the pool, playground, petting farm, rec barn, gift shop, zip-lining, and the dining hall!
Some off ranch things are, shooting clays, white water rafting, etc. The ranch can bring you all to the off ranch activities!
Also, there are 4 ranch dogs: Remi, Bear, Coda, and Rocky!!!
They follow you on the breakfast ride and a lot of the other rides. They will be out on the ranch all week!
The little kids (6 or younger) are considered buckaroos.
They all share the smallest horse, Gimmi. She is very pretty.
On one of the days, we all ride out on our horses to the breakfast site! It is about 1 hour and 30 minutes but the time flies by when you are on your horse!
The best part is that on the last full day at the ranch the kids get to ride into the town of Parshall and go to the P.I. restaurant for root beer floats.
The town of Parshall has 34 people, but all the houses have something original to them!
On the way to the restaurant, you can either go loping or trot/walk.
Loping is a fast jog or a run. I choose the trot/walk because then you can see the town and all its beauty!
My favorite part of the ranch was that on the first day everyone is shy but then we all get to know each other! I met many amazing people, which because of the ranch, I can now call my friends!
The Bar Lazy J was an amazing trip and I think everyone who can come would like to come back!
I know me and my family definitely would!
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