Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Where is the ranch located?
Badger Creek Ranch is located almost at the exact geographic center of the state of Colorado, and 21 miles above the town of Salida. The ranch sits at 8,850’ elevation.
We are friends traveling together. Can we each have our own room?
While we cannot guarantee it, let us know and we will do our best to ensure that you each get your own room if there are extra rooms available when you check in.
What weather and conditions can I expect at the ranch?
The climate is semi-arid — we get just 10.1 inches of precipitation annually — because we are in the “rain shadow” of the Sawatch and San Juan Mountains to the west.
August is the wettest month: it rains two-and-a-quarter inches on average. Just two-tenths of an inch of precipitation falls during January on average, the driest month.
Summer temperatures are pleasant. The warmest month is July when the average daytime high is 76 degrees, and mid-summer temperatures almost never exceed 90 degrees. However, be prepared for cool evenings.
What should I pack?
Layers. Temperatures fluctuate pretty drastically from day to night, so be ready to shed layers as the day goes on and add them back in the evening.
Water Bottle- Hydration is the name of the game at almost 9000 feet!
Same goes for sun protection. Sunscreen, hats with a brim, and long sleeve sun shirts will be a great way to keep your skin safe while out and about around the ranch. Here is a more detailed packing list.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Absolutely! Bring as much as you like. The ranch doesn’t have a liquor license, which means we do not sell alcohol, but we encourage people to stop in town before heading up to the ranch! There are many stores, and Canon Wine and Spirits in Canon City 308 N 16th Street, or Party Spirits 348 W 1st Street in Salida are conveniently on the way to the ranch.
What do I need to wear when I ride?
If you are visiting for a working ranch package, you will want to make sure you have jeans to ride in, a hat for sun protection *All cowboy hats will need to be secured with a stampede string as it can get windy, proper riding boots (smooth sole and a heel *not hiking boots or tennis shoes!)
The ranch does have a small selection of boots in various sizes if you do not have your own, but we cannot guarantee that we will have the right size for you.
The ranch is off the grid-what does this mean?
Our electricity is solar powered with a backup generator. At the ranch, we ask our guests to join us in being mindful about the use of power. When the sun is out, it is a good time to charge phones, laptops, etc. and it is a good time for a shower.
Is the ranch kid friendly?
The Working Ranch experiences do allow kids, though there is an age restriction of 13 or older for riding. There is no childcare available at the ranch.
How will we find the ranch?
We recommend using the written out directions we provide for getting to the ranch. Not all GPS directions are reliable, and with spotty service it can make rerouting to us challenging if misguided by GPS. Roads are well maintained but unpaved. 4wd capability is recommended in spring and fall.