Guest Comments

Badger Creek Ranch is THE place to indulge in the cowboy life in a non touristy way. It's the real thing. The scenery was stunning and became more breathtaking with every day's ride.

It was magical to wake to the sun streaming in, the sounds of Eric preparing the horses and the aroma of coffee brewing to perfection. Thanks Sue J Badger Creek Ranch is off grid but had everything needed for a comfortable stay. The breakfasts were epic and set you up for the day.

I hadn't ridden regularly for 30 years and valued Eric's quiet, calm confidence. He gave tips and praise along with information on the plants, scenery and history of the surroundings. Four of us rode, accompanied by the dogs. No nose to tail riding here .

Being out for initially three then up to six hours gave ample time to explore in the afternoons. A stunning drive to Salida and St. Elmo, a ghost town in the mountains, were memorable trips. So too Badger Creek.

We had some unplanned cattle driving when we discovered that the herd had decided to check if the grass really was greener on the neighbouring ranch! The dogs and horses had the chance to show what they could do under Eric's expert guidance; an amazing experience.

We had booked rafting down the Royal Gorge on our last day, so Eric suggested some work that morning in the round pen with a different horse, Colonel. I felt truly privileged to watch his natural horsemanship methods and then thrilled to try them out for myself. It was a fantastic end to a perfect holiday.

5 nights wasn't enough and I still miss the tranquillity and feeling of absolute contentment at the end of every day, sat on the deck with the dogs on coyote watch. Keep protecting those chickens guys! Thank you SO much Sue and Eric, you do an amazing job and are the best hosts EVER. We felt so welcome and enjoyed the varied conversations with you and Ute at dinner.

Thanks also to Earl and Spike, our lovely horses, for looking after us both so well. We hope to return soon. Badger Creek is the perfect antidote to the real world.

Picking Badger Creek Ranch for my 12 day vacation this September was the best thing I have done this year. I was inspired by Sue and Eric's homepage and after our first e-mail contact I was sure I wanted to make the long trip over the Atlantic Ocean. Sure, I can tell that I definitely spent the most wonderful days on beautiful horses and with Eric and Sue as the most terrific hosts in a breathtaking scenery. We had spectacular rides and especially after 8 hours of moving cows and doing the "real thing" it made me feel very proud to hear Eric's "Thanks, you did a great job!" He knows everything about his horses and seeing him working and talking to them gave me this "horse whisperer" impression. I fell in love with Earl, a fantastic 3 year old quarter horse with a big horse heart, an amazing will to work and a very smooth and gentle trot. But I also enjoyed having great rides with Sundance, Spike and Tio, mostly accompanied by Blue and Sammi; the dogs.

Sue is brilliant at cooking, baking Brownies and making coffee, even better than the one at Starbucks! This made me gain about 3 kilos, but it was worth it ;o) Staying at Badger Creek Ranch has given me some unexpected visions. Again I would like to say thank you to Sue and Eric for treating me like a family member and letting me take part in the American horse life on the open ranch.

You are a perfect team, great campfire makers and remarkable truck drivers :o) Thanks for taking good care of me. This adventure will stick with me forever and you can be sure I will be back soon!!

I just wanted to write you a short note to let you know how great our trip was and how much I appreciate everything you and Eric did. You two made it a truly memorable experience. Not only was the food aplenty and tasty; not only were the accommodations top-notch not only was the solitude and beauty of the ranch breath-taking; but being out in the middle of the vast frontier with nothing between us and the wilderness except a trusty horse felt just like I had hoped it would - rejuvenating, exciting, and with a little bit of cinematic flare! I miss it already.

It was the ultimate guys' weekend for us: horseback riding, hiking, white water rafting, ATV riding, and cigars around the campfire. It was perfect. Plus, for your willingness to put up with our idiosyncrasies with a smile - from the crazy diet to the cooking restrictions - we are grateful.

Thanks so much. I hope to be out there again in the future.

Thank you so much for a superb vacation!

My friends and I had a great time at your ranch. The riding was great, the food was delicious, the bunkhouse was comfortable and the scenery was simply awesome!

You were both so accommodating to our needs both on the range and in the kitchen. Eric, thanks for the amazing rides and Sue, thanks for all the work with the food. I am so grateful that I was able to keep kosher at your ranch.

You two are a great team and we are so happy we chose your ranch.

This was surely one of the best trips of my life! I hope to come back again soon.

I can't thank you enough for your hospitality, time, company and really good food! Your generosity is unmatched. It was hands down the best vacation I've had in a long time. Everyone I know is getting sick of me jumping on them and showing them all 378 of my pictures and telling them every detail about the ranch. I'm quite taken with the West and I'm pretty much convinced now that I'll melt if I don't get back on a horse soon.

Thanks you again so so so much. Everything was perfect. Give my love to the animals.

There are several reasons why we picked exactly this ranch- and we were more than satisfied with every single one of them! First, we had just two days and looked for one with no minimum stay (in fact we liked it sooo much that we wished would have booked for longer).

Second, we wanted to experience a real working ranch- to get to know the real cowboy life, be involved and help with work- and not a dude ranch where millions of tourists want to be amused.

My dream was to learn how to move cattle and understand, at least a little, the ranch business. Therefore we looked for a ranch which only takes a few guests at a time to make our stay as individual as possible. So I got to ride a Paint Horse, moved and sorted cattle and was perfectly happy! Even my boyfriend who had never sat on a horse before was told how to ride so well that he didn't want to get off his horse. Also, the climate and landscape were a reason why our choice fell on Badger Creek Ranch. Not too hot for riding, not too cold for enjoying nature. And last but not least- the affordable price.

You really get EVERYTHING included- horseback riding, moving cattle, feeling like a real cowboy/girl, fantastic home cooked meals, lovely cozy rooms, enjoying a great landscape, interesting talks and relaxing in a family atmosphere..... Whenever there is a chance, we will be back!

Thank you so much Sue & Eric, Spike and Gus, Sammy and Blue for these unforgettable days!

I will come back soon !

I spent five weeks in the Badger Creek ranch in july. It was amazing and I keep a very good memories of this. Sue and Eric, the owners, are a very nice people and welcome you to make yourself at home. It is for rider who has his "American dream ": discover the western equitation, count, check and lead the herd of cows through the vast plains of the ranch, feel this impression of freedom which invades you when you cross the big plains on horseback... I hope that I will come back very soon !

BEST TIME IN MY LIFE!!!!

I would like to thank Sue and Eric for a great time at their ranch along with their wonderfully hospitality. We couldn't have asked for a better time out west then what we found there. The food was excellent and the accommodations were very clean and nice. The views of the landscape were breath taking and beautiful!!! The horses were great to ride and work with. We will try to go back as soon as we can. P.S We will never forget the trip.

An Awesome Experience

If a vacation Is judged by how quickly it goes by, then this had to be our best vacation ever. Eight days went by in the snap of a finger. Sue and Eric treated us like family. Sue's cooking is outstanding,always more than one could possibly eat, and presented beautifully. The horses were well mannered and easy to ride. All of the accommodations were like being at a home away from home. We saw elk, deer, prong horns, bear, moose and wild turkeys. We saw remnants of how the Ute Indians lived and where the Spanish passed through. The vistas, the views, herding the cattle, riding the trails, driving the mountains and visiting with a very warm, sincere and honest group of people all made for a trip we will never forget. Thank-you, Badger Creek Ranch, for everything!

outdoors, food and hospitality - all five star

My partner and I don't really know our way around a ranch, a horse, or the country and found ourselves enjoying all. The rides were beautiful and enjoyable; the food was a pleasant surprise to our pallet; and the hosts were witty and informative. I would have to give this rustic paradise five stars.

"...one of the most memorable experiences of our lives..."

We chose this ranch specifically because we know the owners; Lili and I were art students of Eric's and wanted to pay him a visit. This, however, is not what we are reviewing about or why we are reviewing the ranch. Both of us are well-traveled and I have been surrounded by the hospitality business for the upwards of 12 years. We will try to describe one the most memorable experiences of our lives in the few short words we are allotted. We arrived very late on a Saturday night, and left early on a Wednesday morning, leaving us three full days of activities, not including our travel days. This was the perfect amount of time, to experience the ranch and surrounding area. Our three days were scheduled perfectly, with the right amount of activities, and down time. Some of are activities included herding over 150 cattle through gates, a six hour trail ride, a trip to the historical vision quest (which featured panoramic views of the Rockies and surrounding area), a trip to the quaint, neighboring town of Salida, and a camp fire under the stars. The horses were friendly, gentle, easy to ride, and easy to become attached to. The food was home cooked, plentiful and absolutely delicious. We were at no time hungary. The accommodations were comfortable and clean; each with their own bathroom. Obviously, the owners were more then accommodating, and a joy to be around (we flew half-way across the country to see them). We would like to thank Eric and Sue for such a memorable experience, and would highly suggest, and recommend the ranch, to any and everyone.

Brilliant, total escapism with lovely people and horses!

I just had 3 days and 4 nights at the ranch but Eric and Susan were so easy to get on with they soon made me feel at home. The horses and the pets were lovely, so much so I wish they would have fitted in my case! Loved the rides and walks down the creek. The food and company were second to none. The accommodation was good too. (This is one satisfied customer!!)

Thank you for a perfect rustic getaway. Everything was just perfect- the food, the rooms, the ride — everything!

Badger Creek Ranch is loaded with the hospitality Virginians love! I was delighted with our accommodations! The charming, very clean bunkhouse is chock-full of Western and artistic decor. The owners are two of the nicest people you'll ever meet!

Arriving from the East Coast, we were awake early enough to enjoy the fantastic sunrises each morning. Scrumptious meals! Breakfast made with fresh eggs! Wonderful horse riding experiences! I am a beginner and fell in love with my horse Jake.

Terrific Mountain views from the Mesa! While hiking nearby, we were treated to a very close encounter with a herd of 14 Big Horned sheep! Can't wait to return next season with our two college sons!

It has been a few weeks but I still think of the two of you and how kind you were to us. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed all the aspects of your ranch. From the land to the livestock, I enjoyed it all.

Thank you for all the hospitality, taking a stranger in and treating him like a friend. I hope our paths cross again soon. Thanks for making my summer special.
Ed Ludwig

Thanks for everything. It was perfect.

I recently spent a few very enjoyable days at Badger Creek Ranch, near Salida, Colorado. For anyone looking for a taste of what cattle ranching is all about, this is the place to go. The ranch is an actual working operation, with all the trappings that give you a real feel for cattle ranching without sacrificing any of the comforts.

The accommodations, which were "bunkhouse" style, were neat, clean, and modern, with a very real "Western" flavor. Behind the bunkhouse is a campfire area that is actually the cut-out of an old house foundation. It provides the perfect "shelter" for a campfire. While sitting there, you get the feeling you are "out there." It is perfectly quiet except for the occasional howling of a coyote in the distance. The bunkhouse faces east and in the morning you can catch a beautiful sunrise.

As you look off up to the ridge, you could picture in your mind what it must have been like being an early settler in this region. There are wide open spaces everywhere. As we rode that day, I looked off into the distance and saw one ridge blend into another as the landscape made its way toward the Rocky Mountains. The views are breathtaking.

The horses provided are seasoned trail horses. It's been quite sometime since I've ridden, but I felt very comfortable atop "Jake", my mount for the stay. When we returned from our ride, we took some time with the horses, taking the saddles off, brushing them a bit, and giving them their "reward" for the day, a bucket of oats.

I took a nice "siesta" late in the afternoon, while the others went exploring. Later the owners cooked a nice steak for us on the grill and later, we again sat by the campfire. It was a nice, relaxing way to spend a few days and take in some magnificent scenery. I'm already planning for next year's trip.