Line drawing of a rooster with a fierce expression, standing on an arrow, with musical notes near its beak.
A mountainous landscape with a valley, dense green forests, a river running through the valley, and a few scattered houses and roads.

Where History Flows with the River

Welcome to Lazy Rooster Ranch — where camping is reimagined under the sweeping skies of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Situated just a short ride or stroll from the historic town of Rico, and within reach of world-class destinations like Telluride, our ranch offers an ideal balance of solitude and access.

Guests can arrive with their own gear or choose one of our cozy cabin-style options, all equipped with firepits, cooking setups, and panoramic mountain views. Days here unfold at your own rhythm: hike through alpine trails, cast a line in local streams, visit local attractions, or simply sink into quiet reflection around the campfire. Whether you’re seeking a restful retreat or a basecamp for mountain adventures and local culture, Lazy Rooster Ranch blends comfort, nature, and flexibility in one unforgettable stay.

Our property isn't just a place to stay—it's a living piece of history. We feature three-quarters of a mile of the pristine Dolores River winding right through the ranch. As you relax along its banks, you'll be following the exact route of the historic Rio Grande Railroad, hearing echoes of the old steam trains that once carried ore and prospectors through these very canyons. Feel the rough-and-tumble spirit of the miners and railroaders who shaped this land.

Rugged Spirit, Refined Comfort

We've worked hard to perfectly marry that legendary, pioneering spirit with the modern amenities you can't live without.

  • The Spirit of the Past: Explore old railway traces, hike trails the miners used, and soak in the authentic atmosphere of Rico, all while surrounded by the breathtaking, rugged beauty of the mountains.

  • The Comforts of Home (and More): After a day of adventure, settle into accommodations that offer all the modern comforts you need for a truly restful and refreshing stay.

It's the wild West adventure you crave, delivered with the pampered experience you deserve.

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Explore the area

The Ranch is centrally located within a short drive historic mining towns and outdoor adventures off all kinds. We’re happy to work with you to plan the best excursions, local guides and equipment rentals to build your perfect vacation.

Historic brick courthouse building labeled 'Court House' with a staircase leading up to the entrance, surrounded by a lawn with flower pots and a large pine tree, under a partly cloudy sky.
A small mountain town with shops and people walking on the street, surrounded by green mountains under a cloudy sky.

Telluride

A 45-minute drive over beautiful Lizard Head Pass, Telluride is one of Colorado’s most iconic mountain towns, blending world-class adventure with small-town charm.

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Rico

The ranch is a short drive, bike or walk to the small town of Rico where you can stock up on provisions, dine out, catch some live music or learn about the town’s rich history at the Historical Museum.

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A mountain with a distinctive sharp peak, surrounded by green forest and hills, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A small town street with colorful buildings, parked cars, and leafless trees, with a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

The San Juans

The ranch is your base camp to explore miles of singletrack for mountain biking and hiking among 14,000-foot peaks. Find alpine serenity while fly fishing the pristine Dolores River or enjoying stand-up paddle boarding on the clear, scenic waters of Trout Lake.

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Durango

A 90-minute drive will bring you to Durango to enjoy world-class mountain biking, hiking, and rafting, complemented by a vibrant, historic downtown filled with unique shops and excellent local dining..

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The perfect high-country refuge

See our gallery for detailed photos of our cabins, tents, campsites and guest facilities. Follow us on Instragram to keep up with all the goings-on at the ranch!

Wooden building with a sign that says "Lazy Rooster Ranch" and a rooster logo, with a flower planter in the foreground containing yellow and pink flowers.
Wildflowers of various colors, including orange, purple, and white, growing densely on a forest floor with trees in the background.
Two wooden Adirondack chairs on a deck overlooking a forested landscape with tall pine trees.
The ruins of coke ovens that were used to power the Rio Grande Railroad steam trains that used to run through the Dolores River valley. Two circular stone structures in a grassy and wooded area, overgrown with grass and surrounded by trees.
Aerial view of the Lazy Rooster Ranch campground in Rico, Colorado in a forested mountainous area with several small A-frame cabins, a large tent, and picnic shelters among tall pine and fir trees.
A campsite in a forested area with a tent, camping chairs, and outdoor gear on a grassy clearing near trees and mountains in the background.
Scenic view of a lush green valley with a river flowing through it, surrounded by dense forests and rolling mountains under a cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a grassy meadow with white daisies, surrounded by green trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.
A mountain river flowing through a forested landscape with pine trees and a dirt trail on the right.
A wooden camping station with a red and white sign that says 'FISHIN'', containing a ceramic bird, a gallon jug, and stacked plates, with firewood stored underneath, set in a grassy field with trees and mountains in the background.
A small sculpture of a pig with wings sits on a stone in a wooded outdoor area with benches, a campfire ring made of rocks, and a tree stump.
An outdoor kitchen with a grill and outdoors furniture, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Two A-frame cabins with green roofs situated in a densely wooded area near a rocky riverbank, with a dirt path passing between them.
Two A-frame cabins with metal roofs situated among trees and greenery in a rural setting. One cabin has a small porch with two chairs, and the other has a deck with outdoor furniture. There is a picnic table, a fire pit, and a storage structure with
An A-frame cabin with a metal roof, wooden walls, two white chairs with green cushions, a wicker basket, and steps leading up to the front door, surrounded by trees and greenery.
A small A-frame cabin with a green metal roof, set in a lush green landscape with mountains in the background. There are outdoor chairs and a picnic table with an umbrella nearby, along with a campfire setup with rocks around it.
A cozy bedroom with an arched ceiling, featuring a bed with white bedding and beige pillows, flanked by two wooden nightstands with table lamps, and a large window with sheer curtains showing greenery outside.
A scenic mountain landscape with tall pine trees, small cabins, and a tent set up on a grassy area, with mountains in the background under cloudy skies.
A cozy corner of a wooden room featuring a beige armchair with furry pillows, a small black side table, and a rolling cart against a wood-paneled wall.