Having to work on your birthday is usually the pits. Wouldn’t you rather be driving out to some remote trail with wonderful friends and fantastic horses to a hidden lake brimming with great fishing? So would we.  And it just so happens, that’s the way one birthday boy DID spend his day. While at... (Read More)

     In light of Independence Day, we did a lot of celebrating of all the various freedoms we value every day here on the ranch. I guess you could say we celebrate those EVERY week, but it was nice to take a step back and really enjoy this beautiful country we live in—particularly our “little... (Read More)

      Well if you were following us throughout the winter, you probably saw the great snow season we had here in the mountains. That is WONDERFUL for a LOT of reasons—including the ski economy here in CO, water sources for the animals, the hayfields here in the valley and the wildflowers up in the high... (Read More)

     Some bachelor parties go to a bar. But REALLY GOOD ONES?? Come to the BAR LAZY J! What a great and fun group of guys we had the pleasure of hosting for their 4 day retreat to the mountains—and what a way to send off the groom! Besides lots of campfires, horseshoes, loping up... (Read More)

     We are already into our THIRD week of our 2014 season (seriously??) and what wonderful weeks we have already shared! We can honestly say we had an opening day like NONE other with rain and the river rising and then NO electricity an hour before dinner—eeks! But THANKS to a gas stove, some beautiful... (Read More)

    Without endings there can be no new beginnings. We know that’s true. But it’s always hard to let go of something that is as beautiful as it is sentimental. This gorgeous spruce tree is well over 100 years old and when it died last year, we sadly knew we'd be forced to cut it... (Read More)

It’s May. That means shorts and flip flops for many parts of the country, but around here? The flowers are just starting to be warmly coaxed out of rest from their sleepy garden beds. Most days are gorgeous and sunny…            …but the mountains are quick to remind us that we can do little to... (Read More)

There is plenty to love about this time of year in the mountains.  While most people are enjoying the flowers and warm weather that Spring brings, for us it’s the gearing up for our ranch season that gives us Spring fever! We know it won’t be long before the horses are home and we’ll be... (Read More)

   Another beautiful compilation of photos from the talented Beverly VanDell during her stay here last summer. We love how she captures the magic of this place. This is sure to make some of our guests homesick. Looking forward to seeing you all very soon! Enjoy!!

Awwww Valentine’s Day…. such a magical holiday.  The general consensus is that it’s meant to shower extra love on those you hold dearest. So for us? That meant a day in the snow with our four-legged loved ones.  And for them? A day at the Bar Lazy J spa…. First allow us to introduce your... (Read More)

It’s that time of year where the snow keeps falling and as the piles get higher, the animals come lower--seeking shelter from the wind, easier access to food and water from the river. Which makes our valley the perfect wintering grounds for herds that number in the hundreds. You could say it’s quite a happening... (Read More)

Hmmmmm….probably not. We know the rest of the country has been hit with some colder-than-normal weather—and our thoughts have been with you all!-- but here in our parts it’s winter as usual. We’ve gotten large amounts of snow the past several weeks and for that we’re grateful. More snow is important for the skiing community... (Read More)

      Well once again we had a heck of a year here at the Bar Lazy J. There were endings and there were new beginnings. There were tons of old friends and countless new ones. We reflect on all that makes this place so special to everyone who comes down her front drive. It’s not... (Read More)

Did you MISS us??         Wow--thank you all for the kind, pleading letters to get a blog post up. We love to know you’re thinking about us and needing your BLJ fix even in our off-season! There has been quite a lot going on here, so let us fill you in and we solemnly declare... (Read More)

       Well, well. WHAT a September Colorado had. If you turned on your television anytime mid-September then likely you saw the extensive damage flooding caused on the Front Range and in many of the lower mountain towns as well. We appreciate VERY much all of the concerned calls and messages we received from those wanting... (Read More)

      There is nothing quite like the family weeks of June, July and August.  The sounds of little voices through our valley and the sight of little cowboy boots like these makes our hearts happy as we get to share in the life-long memories families form here. But as the summer comes to an end... (Read More)

        There is lots of wildlife on and around the ranch. Our guests have been known to see just about all the larger species Colorado has to offer—including deer, antelope, elk, moose, bears and even mountain lions. But for those of you who enjoy the winged wildlife, here is a peek at just some of... (Read More)

At last we’ve been getting a summer with more typical afternoon showers and that has things as green as we’ve ever seen them for early August. But we’re surrounded by something else we don’t remember seeing for years and years and it has everything to do with the great moisture as well—crazy amounts of wild... (Read More)

        Our views around here are pretty spectacular, but there’s one thing that can take any scene and make it even more extraordinary. And that? Is seeing it through the ears of your favorite horse….home, sweet home—Parshall, CO.         And what a home it is for some very lucky pooches! Our guests always tell us,... (Read More)

With snow and everything!        Yep. It’s sunny and a beautiful 79 degrees with a light breeze here in the valley—another perfect Colorado afternoon….and yet all around us, tiny white puffs are coming down swirling in circles like we’re living in a real life western snow globe! For the past two weeks, our guests have... (Read More)

        Life is rough out there. So here at the ranch, we want you to know that whatever your worries, ailments and woes—we do our best to keep you covered when we can. The therapy is just something we throw in along the way for free….. Feel like you’re stuck in the same routine? We... (Read More)

      Well once again we’re excited to offer our guests something new and exclusive here at the ranch and the response has been incredible. For many years our upper pasture has had a variety of horse agility obstacles for guests to work and compete against their friends and family for the best times in completion,... (Read More)

     Our ranch season has begun and that means the fun is just beginning! There is no shortage of laughs and smiles around here—from the littlest to the biggest of buckaroos. And there’s one night we get to kidnap (well the “kid” part—not so much the napping part) the little people and have (almost) ALL... (Read More)

     Hello friends!  We needed to change a few blog settings for advertising purposes and many people let us know they were only getting a few sentences of our posts in their emails. Just wanted to let all of those who were wondering know that in order to see the full  posts that you used... (Read More)