Vista Verde, a 500-acre working cattle ranch on the edge of northwest Colorado's Zirkel Wilderness, provides guests a quiet retreat into recreational bliss. The adjoining Routt National Forest and Continental Divide beckon hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers alike, and the nearby downhill slopes of Steamboat Springs lure thrill-seekers with their champagne powder. Located at 7,800 feet above sea level, the ranch's natural repose is complemented by cool mountain mornings and sun-drenched vistas -- a majestic backdrop for those wanting to brave the frontier on horseback, from the lofty perch of a hot air balloon, or from behind the reigns of a husky-driven sled.

The Vista Verde Ranch accommodates guests with nine log cabins and three deluxe rooms inside the main lodge.

While rustic on the outside, the cabins and lodge are anything but on the inside. Each of the one-to-three-bedroom cabins is fully carpeted and freshly decorated with antiques, comfortable chairs, and soft down comforters. Each cabin also includes a living room, full bath, snack bar, and wood stove. The Vista Verde Lodge's three deluxe rooms provide the property's most panoramic views, thanks to their private balconies. Each of the tastefully decorated lodge rooms also include a handy snack bar, and although insulated to assure quietude, each room provides easy access to all of Vista Verde's many activities, including gourmet dining and nightly entertainment. Many of the cabins and lodge rooms also include a private hot tub.

Vista Verde's most popular feature, though, may be its all-inclusiveness. Weekly rates include three bountiful meals (and decadent snacks) prepared by talented, award-winning chefs whose gourmet fare is served in front of the lodge fireplace, on the sun deck, or out on the trail. Weekly rates also include customized recreational packages, and the ranch's convenient location means guests don't have far to travel to enjoy the surrounding area. So when you arrive at Vista Verde, everything is already planned and waiting for you at your doorstep, which makes for not only a fun-filled vacation, but a relaxing one as well.

Summertime at the ranch is popular indeed, but when the last of the aspens lose their leaves and the snows of Steamboat turn Vista Verde into Vista Blanca, the ranch converts into a Nordic paradise. With about 30 kilometers of groomed trails, including double tracks and skating lanes, plus the limitless trails in the surrounding back country, the ranch provides as much variety as it does quality.

There are plenty of alternatives, too, with sleigh rides, horseback riding, dog sledding, and plain old fun in the snow. As for those who don't mind temporarily leaving the ranch's friendly confines, the staff at Vista Verde will be happy to arrange transportation and put together packages for ice climbing, snowmobiling, fly fishing, and hot air ballooning.

There's also a special package in October for small groups of hunters. Horses, wranglers, and guide are all included in the package. And, during most months of the year, Vista Verde welcomes groups for reunions, retreats, and the like. In fact, groups can often reserve the entire ranch for their special occasions.

Peggy and Jerry Throgmartin invite you and your family to join them and their Vista Verde family in their high mountain hideaway. They want to share their piece of the American West and show you the time of your life. Experience a Vista Verde vacation you'll never forget!

Optional summertime adventures include fly fishing under the complimentary instruction of Vista Verde's experienced guides, advanced rock climbing with instruction and equipment provided, and golf in the rarified air of Steamboat Springs. There also are guided pack trips for those who want to sleep under the stars as well as one-hour hot-air balloon rides that end with champagne.

Other summertime activities include guided hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting (or kayaking, if that's your cup of tea). Regardless of age, all horse riding enthusiasts should take advantage of Vista Verde's in-depth arena instruction. For those who rather watch, there are professional rodeo events in town as well as rodeo events held on the ranch.