Haven: Cedar Ridge Ranch, Carbondale

JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM CARBONDALE, CEDAR RIDGE RANCH HAS SEVERAL GLAMPING OPTIONS THAT MAKE IT PERFECT FOR A SPRING WEEKEND GETAWAY OR A WEEK-LONG RETREAT FROM MODERN LIFE

STARTED 20 years ago as a horse boarding facility by Pam and Randy Johnson, with daughter Merrill in tow, the family fell into farming when composting got out of hand. Large Black pigs were next and the rest is history.

While the expansive property is open to visitors year round thanks to a quaint cabin at the rear of the farm, this working ranch - with all that it entails - really comes to life when the snow melts and the two safari tents and the yurt open for business.

Both glamping tents come with tasteful furnishings and Instagram-worthy decor. One caters more to families (with one queen bed and two singles) while the other would be ideal for a romantic couples getaway with one king bed. The yurt, which is located near the ponds, can host an entire family with one queen bed and two twins. It also has a family dining area and a large deck. The tents, yurt and cabin all have bathrooms in tents located next to them.

There is plenty to do at Cedar Ridge Ranch if you don’t want to take it too easy, including ranch tours, alpaca yoga, fiber felting and horseback riding. Ranch tours are also available for day visitors as is alpaca yoga which will start back up again in late spring.

The aforementioned cabin is what might be best described as rustic chic. The bathroom is outside in its own little tent, although there is a shower and kitchenette inside. Tastefully decorated with a menagerie of antiques and knickknacks, the cabin is the perfect place for a spring getaway. There is a grill on the tiny porch, the former perfect for cooking a zebu burger and the latter for enjoying a classic Colorado sunset.

Photos: Cedar Ridge Ranch