Accepting applications for all ranch positions! 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
Being a small operation allows us to give each guest our personal attention, to make their vacation meet or exceed their expectations, whether it’s the riding, the food, the lodging, the service, or any other activities here on the ranch. Our guests feel right at home here – but spoiled at the same time. That is why a dude ranch vacation is often the best family vacation they will ever experience. That is our goal to make this happen for every person/family that comes to our ranch.
Currently we have Lodge Staff positions: Lead Cook, Assistant Cook, all-around Lodge Staff. We also have Barn Staff positions: Wranglers and Children's Wrangler
Since we hold this high expectation for the quality of service that our guests receive, we have high expectations for our employees. We are looking for employees that are warm, outgoing, and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. You must not be afraid of long hours and hard work. All positions require you to be organized, willing to take initiative, and pay close attention to detail. You must get along well with others, and work well as part of a team. You must have a "can-do" attitude. We hire happy people!
It may sound hokey, but we truly believe that our mission is not about maximizing profit. Our mission is to maximize joy: our guests, yours, and our own.
The Employee Experience
"Working at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Set amongst the Roosevelt National Forest and 140 acres of private land, there is no reason to get bored. Ranch work is hard at times, but rewarding as well. At the end of the day when you're ready to pull your boots off and you're tuckered out, there's satisfaction when you've made a difference in our guests' vacation experiences." ~ Chris
Past employees do enjoy coming back to visit with us and re-ride the trails they fell in love with. This past summer we even met quite a few children of former staff. They had fun sharing memories with their children.
Ideal Candidate
Someone who loves the outdoors, adventure, horses, and meeting new people. We are looking for folks to serve our guests - to provide them with a high level of personalized service. This service will leave them with memories of the best vacation/experience of their lifetime.
Staff who can make eye contact and engage in conversation with guests from many different walks of life. Cooks who will gladly make buttered noodles for that picky eater with a smile, or create a special cake that someone stated they wanted for tomorrow's dessert. All staff will have happy attitudes while engaging with guests and providing service with a smile. All staff are encouraged to come join in on a meal or go for a horseback ride. Our guests enjoy eating and relaxing with our staff, becoming a part of the ranch family with them each week.
Room and Board
Staff rooms were improved in 2020. Some private rooms are available, others are for 2-4 people. No charge for housing, just a deposit to protect the maintenance of the housing.
Some of the lodging that is provided is bunkhouse style. Small refrigerators are provided for personal food/beverage items. The ranch provides linens and towels. Laundry facilities are available at no charge. Sundance Trail has WI-FI connection. Recently upgraded and most areas of the ranch has coverage. It is definitely adequate for email and web surfing. Cell phone service is spotty, but most staff can find a location that works or have the WiFi connection boost their phone.
Food is plentiful and delicious, and we encourage all staff to eat with our guests. You get to eat the same wonderful foods we are serving our guests. This is a time of fellowship and of course story-telling. Engaging with guests during meals usually increases the amount of tips you receive.
Employee Perks
Compensation consists of hourly pay and tips as well as the value of lodging and meals. Actual amounts will depend upon the position. Tips will vary based how well you delight the guests each week. You will be paid every two weeks, by automatic deposit.
Working at a guest ranch is hard work, but it’s also a great deal of fun. You will have the opportunity to meet people from many walks of life. You will make friendships that will last many years, many a lifetime.
You also have the opportunity to ride horses, rock-climb, and generally enjoy all the activities that the guests are paying for. You get to work and live in wide open spaces that are beautiful.
Getting Here and Getting Around
We encourage staff to bring a vehicle. It is not necessary but gives you the freedom to get off the ranch on your days off. There is some gorgeous country to see and explore while you are here. Ranch vehicles are for ranch purposes only.
If you fly, we will gladly arrange to pick you up at Denver International Airport.
For Fun
Staff may join in on any ranch activity, it may be an assigned duty, or on their days off, or after chores are completed. These activities may include: Horseback riding, hiking, biking, rock-climbing, disc golf, fishing, riflery, archery to name a few. Maybe you want to try white-water rafting, climbing a fourteener or visit Rocky Mountain National Park while you are here . And don't forget the rodeo! There are many opportunities.
How to Apply
On the employment pages of our website, you will find detailed job descriptions, expectations, and our application. Link found at bottom of every webpage, called Ranch Jobs - Employment. You will find lots more about the culture of Sundance Trail on our Secret Staff Pages. You can find the link to the Secret Staff Pages at the very bottom of each page of our website in very tiny print "Staff Login." The password is 9702241222 which is our phone number and is printed right there on the page!
If you believe this is the place for you, please complete and submit our online application.
Contact Info
- Sundance Trail Guest Ranch
- office@sundancetrail.com
- (970) 224-1222
- sundancetrail.com
