Participate in an authentic western ranching event on this day trip in the Colorado subalpine wonderland at Elk Glade Outfitters, LLC. Operated by Elk Ranch’s experienced riders and congenial hosts, we are proud to share this unique experience with a handful of guests. Work alongside wranglers to move cattle onto their summer or winter pastures in East Beaver Valley on the south slope of Pikes Peak. The wildflower-covered valleys are bordered by brilliant pink granite cliffs, which give way to bubbling streams and open meadows of pine, spruce and aspen.

Adventure on horseback

We invite you to enjoy a memorable adventure, complete with herding cattle on horseback — all while taking in the crisp mountain air and views of pristine canyon land. Founded in 1888, the 3,200-acres of leased land that the Sierra Club notes as being the largest canyon system without roads from Wyoming to New Mexico (The Gazette, January 3, 2002). Ranch headquarters is a mining camp hotel that was built in 1900 and was later disassembled by ranch hands and moved from the mining ghost town to its present site. Today, guests can enjoy the adventure and excitement of this historical landmark.

Expect the unexpected

The first rule of a cattle drive is to expect the unexpected. Our wranglers work hard to provide an action-packed cattle drive experience — however, on rare occasions the herd can be somewhat unpredictable. On large ranches like Elk Ranch, finding the herd in the first place can take longer than the cattle drive itself, meaning a “quick” cattle drive can be an exciting game of hide-and-seek. No matter what, your experience is sure to be unique and unforgettable. We look forward to seeing you soon at the ranch!