Join our Team! Lots of Perks: Housing, food, horseback riding and other ranch amenities at no charge.
Sundance Trail is a small guest ranch (24 guests) near Red Feather Lakes, adjacent to Roosevelt National Forest at 8,000 feet. Guests come to ride horses, experience nature, and many outdoor activities. We help them relax, and unplug. Staff and guests make memories that will last a lifetime.
Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. 37 miles northwest of Fort Collins.
About Sundance Trail Guest Ranch
Why Sundance Trail Guest Ranch?
Imagine spending your summer working where the mountains touch the sky and adventure is part of every day. Sundance Trail Guest Ranch is a small, family-oriented operation tucked into the breathtaking Roosevelt National Forest, just west of Fort Collins, Colorado. Our 140 acres of pristine land provide the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable experiencesânot just for our guests but for our team members too.
What sets us apart? Itâs the personal touch. Weâre not a big, corporate resort. Our small size allows us to get to know each guest by name and craft their dream vacation. Whether itâs horseback riding through lush forests, savoring hearty ranch-style meals, or simply unwinding in nature, we aim to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And our staff is the heart of making that magic happen.
Sundance Trail isnât just a workplaceâitâs a community. Itâs a place where youâll meet people from all over the world, form lasting friendships, and connect with guests in a way that feels genuine and meaningful. Our goal is to create joyâfor our guests, for our staff, and for everyone who steps onto the ranch.
If you love wide-open spaces, working hard alongside passionate people, and spending your free time hiking, riding, and exploring the Rockies, youâll feel right at home here. This is your chance to step away from the ordinary and into a summer filled with purpose, connection, and a backyard thatâs nothing short of magical.
Ready to join the adventure? Let Sundance Trail Guest Ranch be your summer story!
The Employee Experience
What Itâs Like to Work at Sundance Trail
At Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, working here is more than just a jobâitâs an experience youâll carry with you for a lifetime. From the moment you arrive, youâll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty, a close-knit team, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
We believe in creating joyânot just for our guests, but for our team members. Our values center around kindness, teamwork, and a shared commitment to providing incredible experiences for everyone on the ranch. That means youâll spend your days working hard and your evenings swapping stories and laughs over hearty meals or alongside guests at campfires.
What makes working at Sundance Trail special?
- Connection: Whether youâre a wrangler leading trail rides, a cook crafting memorable meals, or part of our lodge staff making every detail perfect, your efforts will directly impact our guestsâ vacation experience. Youâll form bonds with guests and coworkers alike, often building friendships that last well beyond the summer.
- Adventure: With 140 acres to explore, youâll have access to horseback riding, hiking, and countless other activities when youâre off duty. Want to try white-water rafting, climb a fourteener, or visit Rocky Mountain National Park? This is the place to do it.
- Community: Life on the ranch feels like joining a family. We work hard together, celebrate our successes together, and create a supportive environment where everyoneâs contributions matter.
The best takeaway after a season with us? Youâll leave with unforgettable memories, new skills, and the satisfaction of knowing you made a real difference in peopleâs lives. Sundance Trail Guest Ranch isnât just a great place to workâitâs a place where youâll discover your best self.
Ideal Candidate
Who Thrives at Sundance Trail?
A successful, happy, and engaged team member at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch is someone who embodies these qualities:
- A Heart for Hospitality: You genuinely enjoy helping others and creating memorable experiences. Whether chatting with guests over meals, helping kids feel comfortable around horses, or setting up a welcoming lodge environment, you take pride in making people feel at home.
- Adventure-Seeker: If you love the outdoors, horses, and the thrill of trying new things, youâll fit right in. Our ideal candidate thrives in nature and embraces the rugged charm of ranch life.
- Team Player: You value collaboration and know that the best outcomes happen when everyone works together. Whether itâs pitching in during a busy dinner service or helping a teammate problem-solve, youâre eager to contribute.
- Adaptable and Positive: Ranch life can be unpredictable, but with a flexible attitude and a can-do spirit, youâll tackle challenges with grace. Your ability to stay upbeat and proactive makes all the difference.
- Detail-Oriented: Excellence is in the details, and you know how important it is to focus on the little things. Whether itâs remembering a guestâs favorite dessert or keeping the barn impeccably organized, you pay attention to what matters most.
Weâre looking for individuals who are not just here for a job but to immerse themselves in the Sundance Trail lifestyle. If youâre ready to work hard, connect with people, and make lifelong memories, youâre exactly who weâre looking for.
Room and Board
Comfortable Living at Sundance Trail
At Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, your housing and meals are part of the experience, included as part of your compensation package. Hereâs what you can expect:
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Accommodations:
Staff housing is comfortable and practical. Most accommodations are bunkhouse-style with shared rooms (2â4 people per room). Some private rooms are available based on availability. In 2020, we upgraded staff housing to make your stay even better! Each room includes a small refrigerator for personal food and beverage items, and the ranch provides all linens and towels.Shared bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, and laundry facilities are available at no charge.
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Wi-Fi and Connectivity:
While cell service can be spotty, we provide upgraded Wi-Fi that covers most areas of the ranch. Itâs great for email, web browsing, and staying connected with loved ones. Many staff use Wi-Fi calling to boost cell phone reliability. -
Meals:
Delicious, hearty meals are served family-style and shared with our guests. Youâll enjoy the same incredible food they doâplenty of it! Mealtimes are also a chance to connect with guests, tell stories, and become part of the ranch family. Plus, engaging with guests during meals often increases the tips youâll receive. -
No Extra Costs:
Thereâs no charge for housing or meals. We only ask for a refundable deposit to ensure the upkeep of staff housing.
Living and dining at Sundance Trail means more than just a place to stayâitâs an opportunity to connect, recharge, and make the most of your time on the ranch.
Employee Perks
The Extras That Make Sundance Trail Special
Working at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch is about more than just the jobâitâs about the unforgettable experiences and perks that make your time here truly special. Hereâs what youâll enjoy as part of our team:
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Access to Ranch Activities:
When youâre not working, youâre welcome to join in the fun! Ride horses, hike scenic trails, play a round of disc golf, go rock climbing, fish, or try your hand at archery and riflery. Youâll have the chance to enjoy the very activities our guests rave about, all in the stunning setting of the ranch. -
Explore the Rockies:
On your days off, take advantage of our proximity to some of Coloradoâs best attractions. Go white-water rafting, climb a fourteener, or visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Thereâs plenty of adventure waiting just beyond the ranch! -
Team Bonding and Fun:
Mealtimes with guests and fellow staff create a warm, family-style atmosphere. Share stories, laughs, and tips while you enjoy delicious food and make memories. -
Unparalleled Scenery:
Your âofficeâ is 140 acres of breathtaking private land nestled in the Roosevelt National Forest. Wide-open spaces, mountain views, and fresh air make every day a joy. -
Lifelong Connections:
Past staff often say that the friendships they made here are among the best takeaways of their time on the ranch. Youâll meet people from all walks of life and forge bonds that last well beyond the season. -
A Break from the Ordinary:
Working on a dude ranch is a unique experience that gets you out of the routine. Youâll learn new skills, challenge yourself, and leave with a sense of accomplishment and adventure.
The perks of being a Sundance Trail team member go far beyond the payâyouâll gain experiences, friendships, and stories that last a lifetime.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Transportation and Freedom to Explore
We highly recommend bringing your personal vehicle to Sundance Trail, especially if you want the flexibility to explore on your days off. The ranch is located in a remote, beautiful area, and having your own transportation allows you to enjoy nearby attractions and venture into town when needed. While there is no public transportation in our area, having a vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the stunning landscapes around the ranch on your own schedule.
However, if youâre flying in, weâre happy to arrange a pickup for you from Denver International Airportâitâs about a 2-hour drive to the ranch. So, donât worry about getting here if you donât have a car!
Once youâre settled in, most staff choose to get around on foot. If youâre looking to get to town or explore the area further, a car is your best bet.
We also encourage staff to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, so bring your bike if you can! Itâs a great way to get around the ranch and enjoy the natural beauty at your own pace.
For Fun
Discover Colorado and Nearby Fort Collins
At Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, the fun extends beyond our 140-acre property. Nestled in the stunning Roosevelt National Forest, the ranch offers immediate access to outdoor adventures like horseback riding, hiking, and rock climbing. But when youâre ready to explore beyond the ranch, the vibrant city of Fort Collins is just 45 minutes away.
Fort Collins, often called the "Craft Beer Capital of Colorado," is home to dozens of breweries, including the famous New Belgium and Odell Brewing Companies. Take a brewery tour, sample award-winning craft beers, or enjoy live music at one of the many local venues.
The city also hosts festivals year-round, from the Colorado Brewersâ Festival to music and art celebrations that bring the community together. Downtown Fort Collins boasts charming shops, unique restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.
Whether youâre stargazing in the quiet beauty of the ranch or exploring the dynamic energy of Fort Collins, your time here will be filled with unforgettable experiences. Adventure, culture, and relaxationâit's all at your fingertips!
How to Apply
If youâre ready to join the team at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, the first step is to complete our online application. Visit this page to find detailed job descriptions, expectations, and the application form.
We require a completed application to consider any candidate for employment. Take the time to share your experience and tell us why youâd make a great addition to our ranch family. We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact Info
- Sundance Trail Guest Ranch
- office@sundancetrail.com
- (970) 224-1222
- sundancetrail.com
