For more than 100 years guests have traveled to Granby, taking a windy road through the trees and past grazing horses, to the secluded oasis of C Lazy U Ranch.

Nestled beside Willow Creek Reservoir and beneath Mount Baldy, C Lazy U has been operating as a guest ranch since 1919. That year, a marriage brought two families together to develop the guest ranch. Jack Smilie, who operated the F Slash Ranch along Willow Creek, married Gertrude McQuery. She lived on Dexter ranch across the road.

Together, the pair decided to build guest cabins on F Slash, inviting visitors to experience the life of the cowboy. The ranch was named C Lazy U in 1946, after Willow Creek’s winding shape, which appeared to be a C above a U on its side. The ranch’s horses were also branded with this shape.

The ranch has changed ownership several times over the century, but always stayed true to its Western roots, offering staff and visitors an escape from the bustle of modern life.

Since the age of the cowboy, the West has exuded the image of toughness and determination, as well as respect and sensitivity towards the land and animals.

Today, the ranch runs a herd of nearly 250 horses — plus Sicilian donkeys named Tilly and Wilbur, and a pony named Katie. Wranglers lead guests on horseback rides through all seasons, as well organize cattle drives in the summer.  

Those at the ranch can imagine how the landscape looked in the early 1900s because these views have barely been altered over the years. Green fields stretch beside the crystal-clear Willow Creek that flows into the reservoir, surrounded by mountain ranges stretching to the Continental Divide.

The ranch’s mission is to preserve land for the next 100 years, and nearly 3,000 of its 8,500 acres is held in a conservation easement. These easements allow for wildlife to thrive and people to enjoy nature.

C Lazy U has weathered modern challenges. The 2008 recession created financial risk, COVID-19 completely halted tourism and the devastating East Troublesome Fire burned parts of the ranch in 2020. Each time the ranch and its staff have weathered these storms. They’ve also celebrated many accolades and improvements.

The Ranch has received Five Star and Five Diamond designations, as well as awards by Wine Spectator, Conde Nast and more. They’ve created new additions, such as the peaceful Lazy You Spa and Hideaway, plus expanded their kid programs and horse herd. After 105 years, C Lazy U is still standing.