The Zapata Ranch is a 103,000 acre authentic working cattle and bison guest ranch bordering the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado.

CONSERVATION We view conservation as the most valuable asset produced by the ranch, achieved primarily through working in harmony with nature. Life as a rancher puts us out on the land almost every d...

RANCHING PHILOSOPHYWe have recreation, education, and outreach programs that are integral to building a stable business that is less vulnerable to market and climatic changes. Most important to our s...

This video will start automatically once loaded. Ranching the New WestThis film was produced by Ronald Tobias, a good friend of Dukes from Montana State University, whose team spent two weeks on the ...

CATTLEAn important part of Zapata Ranch is its cattle herd, which normally runs year round on the ranch. It consists of yearlings and mother cows that graze on native rangeland. Depending on variable...

Click here for Zapata Ranch Grass Fed/Finished Bison MeatBisonThe buffalo (bison) herd is located on the North end of the ranch in a 50,000 acre pasture, called the Medano Ranch. The bison are manag...

BISON HISTORYThe bison (buffalo) herd at Zapata Ranch, is located on the north end of the ranch on the Medano, one 44,000+ acre pasture. The 2,000 head bison are managed as a wild herd, meaning that ...

Horseback riding vacations at Zapata Ranch offer the most unique way to view the grazing bison on the ranch. Individuals, familes, and corporate retreats are welcome.

Zapata Ranch offers the most authentic cattle drive vacations and horseback riding in Colorado.

Offering the best working ranch vacations near the Great Sand Dunes, Zapata Ranch has accommodations for groups, weddings, and corporate retreats.

Corporate & Family RetreatsZapata InnThe Historic Zapata Ranch headquarters and facilities offer a scenic setting and quiet atmosphere for corporate and family events. Its' log construction and c...

Our ranch horsemanship workshops offer riders of all levels a way to experience the best horseback riding in the Rocky Mountain region.

Zapata-Medano Ranch History Southern Utes & Spanish Explorers Can you imagine what it would have been like to be an early settler in the San Luis Valley? Begin by picturing clouds of dust moving ...

View one of the largest herds of Colorado bison and experience an authentic working ranch vacation at Zapata Ranch. "Live from Zapata" is the official ranch journal.

The Zapata Ranch is a wonderful setting to enjoy a corporate retreat, family reunion, horsemanship clinic or have a working ranch vacation on a 103,000 acre working cattle and bison ranch.

Planning your next ranch vacation? Located just outside Alamosa, Colorado, Zapata Ranch is the premiere destination for an authentic working ranch experience.