Stay on a Working Colorado Ranch

Lakefront homes on Dory Lake, a herd of registered Texas longhorns, and the guardian dogs who watch over them, just 30 minutes west of Denver.

Meet the Longhorns

Our goal at Dragon Ranch is to bring true Texas longhorns to Colorado. We breed for conformation, horn, and hide, and we never get tired of watching them graze.

Rev

Rev is our young bull, sired by the famous 20 Gauge. At just two and a half years old he placed 2nd in the nation in the Horn Showcase, and his horns now measure over 80 inches tip-to-tip. He’s gentle and curious about everything.

Blue

Then there are the ladies. Blue has calico-brindle markings and horns over 80 inches tip-to-tip.

Kay

Kay, a brindle cow, also tops 80 inches and is one of the best mothers in the herd. Visitors are always amazed by her.

A longhorn cow and her calf at Dragon Ranch.

Some days the herd grazes right below the Ranch House.

The Guardians

Every working ranch needs protectors. Ours are Turkish Boz shepherds, an ancient livestock guardian breed that we’re devoted to preserving.

Hafsa is the queen of the ranch and the matriarch of the pack. Khan weighs over 200 pounds and is all king. You’ll know his deep bark at night. The “Z sisters,” Zisa and Zelda, love on anyone who visits. Runa leads the sheep pasture with Khan. Koba is a big, goofy young pup learning the job, and Shamus guards our own kiddo while he explores the woods.

Together they keep the herd safe from coyotes, mountain lions, bears, bobcats, and eagles.

Our Turkish Boz guardians bedded down with the sheep for the night.

A Boz puppy, with a grown guardian close by.

EXCLUSIVE TO RANCH HOUSE GUESTS

The Ranch Tour

Exclusive to Ranch House guests. Ranch House stays are the only stays that include a visit down to the ranch, with a free guided tour of our working ranch. You’ll meet all of the animals: the longhorns, the Turkish Boz guardians, our Kunekune pigs, the miniature horses, the sheep, the barn cats, and the rest of the crew.

We live on the adjoining ranch, so the tour is with us, Preston and Sarah. Bring your questions and your camera.

Visits to the ranch are only for guests staying at the Ranch House. Guests at our other homes are welcome to enjoy the lake, but the ranch itself is private.

Meeting the Kunekune pigs and guardian dogs at the barn.

Our Kunekune pigs on a snowy day.

Guests meeting one of our horses, with the lake and mountains behind.

Making friends over the fence.

The sheep at the hay feeder.

Ranch chores with one of our draft horses.

An elk herd passing through at golden hour.

Life on Dory Lake

All our homes sit on the shores of Dory Lake in the mountains above Black Hawk. Mornings start with lake views and coffee on the deck. You might see moose, bald eagles, or hummingbirds.

Spend the day kayaking or fishing for trout, hike Golden Gate Canyon State Park, or snowshoe in winter. At night, the city lights are far away and the sky is full of stars.

Because we live next door, help is always close by, whether you need a dinner recommendation or someone to plow the snow.

Lake levels can fluctuate due to drought conditions (2026).

Stay at the Ranch House

EXCLUSIVE TO RANCH HOUSE GUESTS: RANCH TOUR INCLUDED

The Ranch House

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Private hot tub and sauna, kayaks, fire pit, smoker grill, and a covered lakeview deck. Includes the free ranch tour. Rated 4.99 from 184 reviews. Best for families and small groups who want the full ranch experience.

Book Direct

Booking directly with us means you’re talking to the people who live here, with no middleman. We’re proud Airbnb Superhosts with top-rated homes, and we’d love to host you.

Questions? Call or text Preston at 720-272-2761