From the moment you cross the magnificent log bridge for Sleeping Indian Ranch, the majestic view of the ranch comes into view and you’ll know you’ve arrived at something special. This private estate, set on 15,000 acres, is nestled in a broad valley on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, known as the 'Gateway to the San Juan Mountains'.

The showpiece 40,000-plus square-foot, eight-bedroom lodge welcomes families who dream of wide open spaces. Built in 1993 as a private family vacation estate, Sleeping Indian Ranch was designed by Douglas S. Ewing, FAIA and is an American Institute of Architects award-winning home. The largest post-and-beam log structure ever built, evoking the arts and crafts movement, Sleeping Indian Ranch was inspired by the legendary great lodges of Yellowstone and Yosemite. This warm and comfortable home, which can sleep up to 18 guests, is a rare architectural masterpiece constructed with reclaimed logs from the 1988 Yellowstone fire, some of which are up to 50 inches in diameter.

Located 47 miles northwest of Telluride and just six miles southeast of Ridgway, Sleeping Indian Ranch is situated in the unspoiled Cimarron Range – a haven where elk, deer, black bears and bald eagles grace the land and the blue Colorado skies. Guests are completely surrounded by sublime nature with stunning vistas of steep forested mountains, and the cliffs of Cimarron Ridge and Chimney Rock. The pioneering spirit of the destination embraces guests with an aura of liberty, adventure and limitless creativity, while maintaining a sense of complete privacy.

A private retreat intended for family getaways, intimate reunions, corporate groups and stunning weddings, Sleeping Indian Ranch marries the grandness of the west with all the desired conveniences, exquisite furnishings and personal high-touch service. Guests have the rare opportunity to escape the hustle and noise pollution of city life, and enter a place where the air is crisp and imagination is as boundless as the reigning big sky. The ranch invites travelers to marvel at the possibilities of its immense domain while sitting by the fire and sharing stories.

As the seasons change, so do the spectacular views of brilliant fall color, transitioning to snow-capped mountains, and spring foliage to the bright summer wildflowers. Activities include heli-skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, fly fishing, trap shooting, ATV riding, snowmobiling, hiking and more.

Whether celebrating life’s simple pleasures such as sipping an aged bourbon on the patio terrace and bundling up under a fur-lined blanket while overlooking the grazing elk; or indulging in more extravagant displays such as romantic hot air balloon rides at sunset and dogsledding across the snowy fields, Sleeping Indian is an unrivaled place to create stories and memories alongside loved ones. After returning from an early hike or heli-ski excursion, savor a delicious lunch by Madeline’s executive chef in the grand dining room before heading off to the shooting range for target practice. A more intrepid experience can be had at 9,000 feet at the picture-perfect Elk Cabin, which used to house sheep herders and features intricate carvings from the 1930s.

Good time to go

For winter activities such as snow shoeing and snow mobiling, mid-February through end of March are the ideal times. For summer activies such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and skeet shooting, late May through mid-October are optimal months.

Children at the Ranch