Sunday, October 25, 2026

Snow Mountain Ranch Part 3




If you read my first post--click here--about our drive to the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado, you would know we took a trip up into the Rocky Mountains at the end of September to enjoy the beautiful fall color that begins early in that part of Colorado at high elevation. We stayed in a comfortable private room in the Indian Peaks Lodge at the ranch.

My Part Two post about the ranch--click here--was about our drive that day through the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, a half-hour drive from our lodge.

Today, I'd like to show you what we did on our first full day at Snow Mountain Ranch.



 We woke up to a beautiful alpenglow on the distant Rocky Mountains.  There are many activities available at the ranch, but since this was our first visit to Snow Mountain Ranch, we were most interested in exploring the area to see the local scenery.


We drove past the ranch's horse stable, where one could pay to book a guided horseback ride.
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We drove along a dirt road to admire the beautiful aspen trees changing color from green to shades of gold.

 As we drove along, we saw signs cautioning that horseback riders might be on the road... 


... and soon my husband said, "I see a man riding a horse ahead."


Only it wasn't a man; it was a female moose!


She looked as surprised to see us as we were to see her!


As the moose came closer, my husband began to reverse our car, but, happily, she soon ran into the roadside willows and disappeared.


As we drove on, we could see mountains in the distance.


We came across this old gold mine excavation along the road. The placard says that the mine was dug by a man named Charlie Greitzler, who once lived nearby and who had a vision that gold would be found there.  Sadly, I don't think he was successful.


Soon, we approached the Gaylord Reservoir.

 Sadly, after a long year's drought, the water level was low. 

Snow Mountain Ranch offers catch-and-release trout fishing at Gaylord Reservoir - no license required.

The reservoir area was very scenic...


...I loved the rugged mountain views in the distance!



We then came upon this interesting Gisela Velarde Ley Chapel at Columbine Point. According to the YMCA Snow Mountain website, the chapel has long served as a gathering place for worship, reflection, and connection with nature. Thanks to donor support through the Climbing Higher Campaign, the newly dedicated and remodeled chapel is now a beautiful place for special ceremonies.


It truly was a beautiful outdoor memorial chapel to visit!


Sheep Mountain, better known now as Snow Mountain, in the distance.

Sheep Mountain, also known as Snow Mountain, is located in Grand County, Colorado. It is the highest point in the YMCA of the Rockies' Snow Mountain Ranch. Although USGS maps officially name it Sheep Mountain, it is informally referred to as Snow Mountain in honor of the ranch. Sheep Mountain is notable for its elevation and seasonal weather patterns. It stands at approximately 13,292 feet (4,051 meters)



As we drove back to our lodge at Snow Mountain Ranch, we enjoyed more mountain views, saw one of the Yurts for rent nestled in pine trees, and noted some dead-tree wildfire mitigation. 


We toured a few of Snow Mountain Ranch's recreation offerings to see the indoor heated pool, climbing wall, archery area, aerial challenge course, roller skating rink, and craft center. We ultimately decided to take it easy and play the 27-hole miniature golf course. 
This time, an iron statue of a bull moose watched over us!


After dinner in the ranch's cafeteria, we relaxed in our room's patio chairs, enjoying the evening's sunset glow on the hills, which lit up the distant golden aspen trees. 


It was such a wonderful day! 


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