Lazy Rooster Ranch

For Colorado locals seeking a truly tranquil and scenic escape from the everyday, Lazy Rooster Ranch near Rico offers a unique and highly recommended camping experience. This "amazing little place" is not your typical crowded campground; it's a semi-primitive haven designed for those who appreciate peace, stunning natural beauty, and the soothing sound of a flowing river. If you're yearning to unwind, disconnect, and immerse yourself in the majestic San Juan Mountains without sacrificing comfort or hospitality, Lazy Rooster Ranch is a destination that truly delivers.

Lazy Rooster Ranch stands out for its serene setting along a full mile of Dolores River frontage, providing an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors consistently praise the "incredible view" and the "peaceful sound of the river," highlighting the ranch's ability to offer a quiet retreat. What makes this spot even more special is the exceptional hospitality of the hosts, like Jacque, who are described as "awesome and super accommodating." Whether you're pitching a tent on a sturdy platform or opting for a more glamping-style stay, Lazy Rooster Ranch promises a memorable and rejuvenating experience in one of Colorado's hidden gems.

Lazy Rooster Ranch is strategically located at 45731 CO-145, Rico, CO 81332, USA. This places it just south of the charming and historic mining town of Rico, directly on Colorado Highway 145, which is part of the iconic San Juan Skyway. The journey to the ranch itself is a scenic drive through some of Colorado's most breathtaking mountain landscapes.

The ranch's location offers a perfect balance of secluded tranquility and convenient access to both the quaint town of Rico and the world-renowned destination of Telluride. While the ranch provides a peaceful retreat, it's only a "short walk or ride" into Rico, allowing locals to easily explore its unique shops, coffee spots, and even discover free hot springs. For those seeking more bustling attractions, Telluride is approximately a 35-45 minute drive away, offering world-class recreation, dining, and festivals. Parking for guests is located at the ranch entrance, with staff often available to assist with luggage and gear transport to your campsite, ensuring a smooth and welcoming arrival experience.

Lazy Rooster Ranch provides a thoughtful blend of primitive camping and creature comforts, emphasizing a unique "camping redefined" experience:

• Diverse Camping Options: The ranch offers various ways to stay, including:

  • Dispersed Campsites (with amenities): Pitch your own tent on well-maintained sites, often with a "platform you can camp on" for added comfort. These sites include a fire ring, camp chairs, and a picnic table. They can accommodate up to four people, with some group sites available upon request.

  • Glamping Accommodations: For those preferring more comfort, the ranch features unique "Cozy Cabin" A-frames, Tipis, and Canvas Wall Tents. These furnished options typically include comfortable beds with fresh linens, solar-powered charging stations for devices, fans, lights, lanterns, and propane heaters for cooler nights.

• Communal Outdoor Kitchens: Guests have access to fully stocked communal outdoor kitchens, providing shared facilities for cooking meals, which is a significant convenience for campers.

• Drinking Water: While there is no running water directly at the individual sites (especially tent sites), drinking water and water for cleanup are provided for your stay.

• Shared Outhouses: Clean and sustainable shared composting toilets (outhouses) are available within a short walk from all campsites and accommodations.

• Fire Pits/Fire Rings: Each site includes a fire pit, perfect for campfires (always check for local fire restrictions). Firewood is conveniently available for sale nearby, often directly from the hosts.

• Yard Games and On-Site Amenities: The ranch provides various yard games and other on-site amenities for guest enjoyment, fostering a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

• Solar Charging Stations: Individual solar-powered charging stations are often provided at sites and accommodations, allowing guests to keep small devices charged even off-grid.

• Concierge and Staff Assistance: On-site staff and a concierge are available during daytime hours (e.g., 8 am - 8 pm, concierge 8 am - 4 pm) to assist guests with check-in, luggage transport (using UTVs), activity arrangements, and local recommendations.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome on the ranch (on leash in public areas) for an additional flat fee per dog, making it an excellent option for Colorado locals traveling with their furry companions.

• Optional Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available for an additional daily fee, allowing guests to stay connected if desired, though the ranch encourages unplugging.

• Peaceful Dolores River Frontage: The ranch boasts a full mile of private Dolores Riverfront access directly on the property. This provides the constant, soothing sound of the river and excellent opportunities for fly fishing, as noted by happy campers who caught rainbow trout right from their site.

• Incredible Views: Situated amidst the San Juan Mountains, the ranch offers "incredible views" of the surrounding peaks and valleys, particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset.

• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently praise the "no noise, just a peaceful sound of the river" and the overall quiet, laid-back vibe, making it an ideal spot to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle.

• Unique Tent Platforms: Many tent sites feature sturdy, flat platforms, which greatly enhance comfort and ease of pitching a tent, especially in mountain terrain.

• Exceptional Hosts (Jacque/Jackie/Ruth): The customer service is a standout feature, with hosts described as "awesome," "super accommodating," "friendly," "diligent," and "remarkable." Their attentiveness, local recommendations, and willingness to go above and beyond (like assisting with lost items) significantly elevate the guest experience.

• Proximity to Rico: The quaint, historic town of Rico is a "hidden gem" just a short walk or ride away. Locals can enjoy its authentic charm, grab great food at places like the Enterprise, visit charming coffee shops, and even explore local, free hot springs (if you know where to find them!).

• Easy Access to Telluride: Only a 35-45 minute drive away, Telluride offers world-class outdoor recreation, fine dining, shopping, and a vibrant festival scene, providing excellent day trip opportunities.

• On-Site Activities & Trails: The ranch itself offers opportunities for walking, biking, and direct access to trails, including an easement for a public trail through the property (supported by Rico Trails Alliance), making it easy to start exploring right from your campsite.

• Clean and Well-Maintained: Despite its semi-primitive nature, the campground and its facilities, including the shared outhouses, are noted for being very clean and well-kept.

For reservations, inquiries about specific accommodations, or details on current conditions at Lazy Rooster Ranch, you can directly contact the ranch using the following information:

Address: 45731 CO-145, Rico, CO 81332, USA

Phone: (307) 224-8470

Mobile Phone: +1 307-224-8470

Email: lrr-reservations@openpark.camp

It's always recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on booking policies, specific amenities, pricing, check-in procedures, and any seasonal operating dates or restrictions (e.g., fire bans). They are open Memorial Day to late October, depending on weather conditions.

Lazy Rooster Ranch is an exceptional choice for Colorado locals seeking a peaceful, scenic, and uniquely hospitable camping experience. Its prime location just south of Rico on CO-145 offers convenient access to a truly wild and beautiful part of the San Juan Mountains, making it an ideal escape for residents across the state. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a destination where you can truly "unwind" and reconnect with nature.

The suitability for locals lies in its perfect blend of rustic charm and thoughtful amenities. You get the incredible natural setting and the "peaceful sound of the river" that makes mountain camping so special, combined with the comfort of tent platforms, communal kitchens, clean outhouses, and the option for glamping accommodations. The unparalleled customer service from hosts like Jacque transforms a simple camping trip into a truly personalized and memorable stay, reflecting the warm hospitality that Coloradoans appreciate.

Furthermore, its strategic location provides easy access to the authentic small-town charm of Rico and the world-class attractions of Telluride, allowing for diverse day trips beyond the ranch. For those who love fly fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing in a beautiful, quiet environment with their furry friends (pets are welcome!), Lazy Rooster Ranch offers a perfect Colorado mountain retreat. It’s a place that fosters genuine connection – with nature, with the local community, and with the kind, accommodating people who help make it such a special "hidden gem."

Lazy Rooster Ranch

45731 CO-145, Rico, CO 81332, USA