4 Eagle Ranch

Wolcott’s vast expanse of rolling alpine pastureland will make you feel like you’re in Colorado’s Old West past, not just a quick 30-minute drive from uber-luxurious Vail. Head to 4 Eagle Ranch for a dude-ranch experience that’ll make you feel like singing campfire songs.

The ranch itself has ALL the views — layers upon layers of grassy-green hillsides and mountainous domes, cerulean-blue skies painted with fluffy white clouds and splashy sunsets so bright they look like pink-tinged flames.

Whether you want to stay overnight at The Homestead House (the property’s original family home) or glamp outside in modern Colorado style, your stay will feel idyllic. There’s lots of wide-open space peppered with fire pits you’ll love gathering around, and — no surprise — it’s a popular wedding spot.

What makes it special?

From its own Vines at Vail on-site winery to its Zip Adventures (we’re talking high-flying zipline fun!), not to mention its exciting 4x4 and Jeep tours, this spot's activities are anything but standard.

Don’t worry, though. You’ll also have access to the old ranchin’ classics, like clip-clopping along a grass-lined trail while perched on a gorgeous horse, line dancing the night away like a true cowboy or even taking a wagon ride to dinner. In winter, enjoy a tantalizing sleigh-ride dinner that’ll leave you sated after cruising around in cozy blankets.

The most Colorado thing about this place

It’s definitely Collective Vail's glamping sanctuary. Here you’ll find canvas tents outfitted with antler chandeliers, plush furnishings and even electricity that brings new meaning to “the great outdoors.” Plus, you’ll enjoy ranch-to-table dining options like the chef’s daily frittata and locally sourced trout.

Coolest amenity

This is so cool we’re going to mention it twice. Vines at Vail, 4 Eagle's own tiny winery, crafts small-batch vino to be sampled during your stay — and after. Not many dude ranches can say they can offer wine tastings with their very own varietals!

Top sensory encounter you’ll experience

It’s sitting around a blazing campfire and staring up at the night sky so lit up with sparkly stars that it could make a gemologist weep.

Our favorite traveler review

“We had eight adults and four little ones, ages 5 to 7. It is hard to say who had the best time. The sleigh ride under the stars was beautiful and the food, especially the chili, was divine. I even got to sing a song with the wonderful guitar-playing cowboy.” — John B., Tripadvisor

Things to see & do nearby

Pop over to Vail Mountain for its world-famous back-bowl skiing in winter and, in summer, Epic Discovery’s shriek-inducing ziplines and alpine coaster. A sampling of Vail Village’s decadent culinary scene is in order, too — gold-star foodie establishments you gotta try include spots like Vintage, Mountain Standard and La Tour. Or meander over for a summer event like Bravo! Vail Music Festival and Hot Summer Nights.