How To Interact With Animals at The Ranch

Guest Ranch FAQs

What wildlife is at the ranch?

The Ranch is home to abundant wildlife including deer, elk, black bears, coyotes, mountain lions, snakes, birds, etc. Please be mindful of your surroundings and know that wild animals can be protective of their young and space. Predators will typically avoid humans, but keep in mind that they can be dangerous if they are surprised or feel threatened. To avoid startling animals, it is always a good idea to plenty of noise as you’re traveling on the ranch. For more information, check out the many resources available on “Living with Wildlife” that are available online, at your nearest BLM or Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, and library.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Living with Wildlife (state.co.us)

Can I interact with the livestock and working dogs on the ranch?

The High Lonesome Ranch is a working ranch with many domesticated animals including cattle, goats, burros, and working dogs. While on the ranch, please do not approach or interact with livestock or working dogs without the presence and guidance of staff.  We’ll be happy to show them to you and tell you about our Regenerative Ranching practices, which entail low-stress handling techniques.

This is especially important with baby and young animals that may be scared by your approach and cause mother animals and guard dogs to become protective.

Livestock on the High Lonesome Ranch will often be near electrified polywire fences.  Please keep your distance from these fences and do not touch them as they will shock you.

How do I get around The Ranch?

While on the Ranch, you can expect rough gravel roads with clay type soil and shale rocks. Be mindful of the weather and sudden thunderstorms that will cause the roads to become slick, muddy, and hazardous as well as the potential of channels of water cutting across roads in the event of very heavy rains. Do not drive off designated roads, especially in the burn scarred area as the risk of getting flat tires and becoming stranded are significant.  If you are uncertain about a road or path, please speak to staff before proceeding.

Does The High Lonesome Ranch have internet access?

The High Lonesome Ranch is nestled just north of De Beque, CO in high desert valleys with very few areas of reliable cell service. All guest houses and the headquarters have wi-fi access that is available free to guests.  Because of poor connectivity away from ranch buildings, we encourage guests to review and download maps and navigational software before leaving these areas.

How do I get to The High Lonesome Ranch?

From Denver

Take exit 62 for De Beque from I-70 West and go right onto Roan Creek Road from the exit stop sign. Proceed on Roan Creek Road for about 4 miles and turn left on X 1/2 Road. The pavement will end, and you’ll be on the gravel County Road 200. Continue for roughly 7 miles. You’ll pass flag poles and then Guest House on your right as the road curves and becomes County Road 222. Look for the cluster of small log buildings on your right and pull into the first drive. Check-in at The Mercantile.

From Grand Junction

Take exit 62 for De Beque from I-70 East and go left onto Roan Creek Road from the exit stop sign. Proceed on Roan Creek Road for about 4 miles and turn left on X 1/2 Road. The pavement will end, and you’ll be on the gravel County Road 200. Continue for roughly 7 miles. You’ll pass flag poles and then Guest House on your right as the road curves and becomes County Road 222. Look for the cluster of log buildings on your right and pull into the first drive. Check-in at The Mercantile.

Directions to The High Lonesome Ranch De Beque, Colorado

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