Stay + Play: Cedar Ridge Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado
Now more than ever, a glamping vacation seems like the perfect travel escape. At Cedar Ridge Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado, scenic mountain views of the Roaring Fork Valley and state-of-the-art outdoor accommodations make it an ideal stay for outdoorsmen and luxury travelers alike. From April to October, the ranch offers unique services that promote connection and creation to bring in visitors from all around the world.
Photos courtesy Cedar Ridge Ranch
The 100-acre estate is a serene and inspirational environment for those looking to connect with animals and the land without sacrificing amenities. Enjoy a comfortable mattress, propane grill, and a bathroom with a porcelain sink and rain shower in the property’s two safari tents, yurt or fully-equipped cabin.
Pam and Randy Johnson founded Cedar Ridge Ranch in 1999 and their daughter Merrill manages the property. The family-run business started off as an equestrian-centered ranch, and has since transitioned to offering farm tours, alpaca yoga, fiber felting classes and horseback riding lessons to guests.
“We want to be inclusive, not exclusive,” Pam says. “I think the way we put it out there has been an amazing filter. We have the neatest folks visiting; we’ve become friends with so many of them. Their perspective on the world outside of us — being in our little cocoon here — is really special.”
There are horses to ride and quiet evenings under a canvas of stars — this getaway is meant to reunite the outdoor spirit that exists within all of us.
STEWARDS OF THE LAND
Merrill studied sustainable practices in college, and soon sustainability became the forefront of the Cedar Ridge Ranch mission.
“We started repurposing everything,” Pam explains. For instance, the horse stall in the barn has been refurbished into an artist space for creative gatherings and to host farm-to-table meals. When visitors arrive, fresh eggs, bacon, bratwurst and goat milk greet them.
In their farm store you can also purchase fresh pork, eggs, alpaca fiber and apparel. The farm is home to heritage breed animals and Pam says they are much better for the land. Plus, they make and sell compost to the local communities of Carbondale and Aspen.
FARM TO FASHION
One of Pam’s favorite offerings is the alpaca fiber soap felting workshop, also known as “Kiss an Alpaca and Learn to Felt.” She walks guests through the history, traditions and techniques of the natural exfoliant, detailing ways you can use the silky fibers and leave nothing to waste. Also join their rescued alpacas in an “Alpaca Fiber to Fashion” workshop, a true “farm to fashion” favorite!
Take a break from technology overload and reconnect with nature’s rhythm at Cedar Ridge Ranch.
Originally published in the Summer 2020 issue of SPOKE+BLOSSOM