Several media outlets have named “cowboy core” as one of this year’s most anticipated travel trends, and while Yellowstone is largely responsible for that fad, there's nowhere better to saddle up than Colorado. Dude and guest ranches are spread throughout the state, making it perfect for a giddyup getaway.
But even in the city, it's easy to immerse yourself in Western culture — and we’re not just talking about the National Western Stock Show. Here are ten ways to embrace your inner cowboy in metro Denver, even after the Stock Show has moseyed away:
American Museum of Western Art
1727 Tremont Place
303-293-2000
The Victorian building housing this museum was a bordello and gambling hall back in the Wild West days. Today it draws a more refined crowd of cowboys. The works displayed at the American Museum of Western Art celebrate the history and beauty of this region, as well as the people who shaped its culture from the early 1800s to the present. It's open Monday, Wednesday and Friday; admission is $5.
Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
3091 California Street
720-242-7428
The Black American West Museum celebrates a little-known facet of the West: One in three cowboys were Black. On a visit here, you'll learn how this underrepresented group contributed to the region’s development. Online reservations are available, and the museum is open daily; tickets are $17 per adult.
But even in the city, it's easy to immerse yourself in Western culture — and we’re not just talking about the National Western Stock Show. Here are ten ways to embrace your inner cowboy in metro Denver, even after the Stock Show has moseyed away:
American Museum of Western Art
1727 Tremont Place
303-293-2000
The Victorian building housing this museum was a bordello and gambling hall back in the Wild West days. Today it draws a more refined crowd of cowboys. The works displayed at the American Museum of Western Art celebrate the history and beauty of this region, as well as the people who shaped its culture from the early 1800s to the present. It's open Monday, Wednesday and Friday; admission is $5.
Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
3091 California Street
720-242-7428
The Black American West Museum celebrates a little-known facet of the West: One in three cowboys were Black. On a visit here, you'll learn how this underrepresented group contributed to the region’s development. Online reservations are available, and the museum is open daily; tickets are $17 per adult.
Bison Viewing
Multiple locations
You don’t have to travel far from the city to see where the buffalo roam. (Make that bison, the biologically accurate term.) Denver has its own herds at two Denver Mountain Parks: Daniels Park in Highlands Ranch and Genesee Park in Golden. Bison also ramble around the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. The giant beasts and other animals, including our newly named national bird, are best viewed along the refuge's eleven-mile-long wildlife drive.
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Road, Golden
720-865-2160
William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, is an icon of the American West. His early life involved a precursor to the Pony Express, service in the Army, gold mining, cattle herding, fur trapping and bison hunting. Drawing on these experiences, he entered the world of entertainment and found fame with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. His legacy lives on at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on Lookout Mountain, which is open daily; admission is $5 per adult. Note that the Pahaska Tepee, which long housed the attraction’s gift shop and cafe, was shuttered by the city at the end of December; plans for reopening have not been announced.
The Fort
19192 CO-8, Morrison
303-697-4771
This steakhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places was modeled after Bent’s Fort, located on the Santa Fe Trail outside what today is La Junta. Like the onetime trading post, the Fort restaurant was constructed out of mud and straw bricks in traditional adobe style. Its Old West ambience is paired with dishes starring buffalo, elk and other wild game. Also on the menu: Rocky Mountain oysters, which some may argue are the Wild West's greatest culinary invention.
Multiple locations
You don’t have to travel far from the city to see where the buffalo roam. (Make that bison, the biologically accurate term.) Denver has its own herds at two Denver Mountain Parks: Daniels Park in Highlands Ranch and Genesee Park in Golden. Bison also ramble around the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. The giant beasts and other animals, including our newly named national bird, are best viewed along the refuge's eleven-mile-long wildlife drive.
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Road, Golden
720-865-2160
William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, is an icon of the American West. His early life involved a precursor to the Pony Express, service in the Army, gold mining, cattle herding, fur trapping and bison hunting. Drawing on these experiences, he entered the world of entertainment and found fame with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. His legacy lives on at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on Lookout Mountain, which is open daily; admission is $5 per adult. Note that the Pahaska Tepee, which long housed the attraction’s gift shop and cafe, was shuttered by the city at the end of December; plans for reopening have not been announced.
The Fort
19192 CO-8, Morrison
303-697-4771
This steakhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places was modeled after Bent’s Fort, located on the Santa Fe Trail outside what today is La Junta. Like the onetime trading post, the Fort restaurant was constructed out of mud and straw bricks in traditional adobe style. Its Old West ambience is paired with dishes starring buffalo, elk and other wild game. Also on the menu: Rocky Mountain oysters, which some may argue are the Wild West's greatest culinary invention.
The Grizzly Rose
5450 Lincoln Street
303-295-2353
Ride a mechanical bull, learn to line dance and catch live country music concerts at the Grizzly Rose. Since 1989, this honky-tonk has hosted local and national performers — including Taylor Swift during her self-titled debut studio album tour. See its calendar for upcoming shows, which promise toe-tapping tunes and a packed dance floor.
Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply
Multiple locations
Real cowboys are very familiar with Murdoch's, where you’ll find everything from Stetson hats to Colt revolvers. Stores across the Front Range sell everything from Western apparel to livestock feed, horsetack, fencing supplies, towing equipment and much more. It’s a one-stop shop for all your ranching needs.
Rockmount Ranch Wear
1626 Wazee Street
303-629-7777
Famous for creating the first Western shirts with snap buttons, Rockmount Ranch Wear has occupied the same downtown outpost since opening in 1946. Countless celebrities and iconic musicians have donned its designs embellished with sawtooth pockets, embroidery and fringe. Stop in to peruse the selection and saunter out looking like a true cowboy.
Trail Rides
Multiple locations
Pull on your boots and get in the saddle with a local horseback riding tour. Even in winter, several outfitters in the metro area offer guided trail rides. Book an experience with Big Horn Stables at Chatfield State Park or meet the wranglers with Wanderland Outdoors, which hosts private tours at the Brown Family Ranch in Longmont.
5450 Lincoln Street
303-295-2353
Ride a mechanical bull, learn to line dance and catch live country music concerts at the Grizzly Rose. Since 1989, this honky-tonk has hosted local and national performers — including Taylor Swift during her self-titled debut studio album tour. See its calendar for upcoming shows, which promise toe-tapping tunes and a packed dance floor.
Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply
Multiple locations
Real cowboys are very familiar with Murdoch's, where you’ll find everything from Stetson hats to Colt revolvers. Stores across the Front Range sell everything from Western apparel to livestock feed, horsetack, fencing supplies, towing equipment and much more. It’s a one-stop shop for all your ranching needs.
Rockmount Ranch Wear
1626 Wazee Street
303-629-7777
Famous for creating the first Western shirts with snap buttons, Rockmount Ranch Wear has occupied the same downtown outpost since opening in 1946. Countless celebrities and iconic musicians have donned its designs embellished with sawtooth pockets, embroidery and fringe. Stop in to peruse the selection and saunter out looking like a true cowboy.
Trail Rides
Multiple locations
Pull on your boots and get in the saddle with a local horseback riding tour. Even in winter, several outfitters in the metro area offer guided trail rides. Book an experience with Big Horn Stables at Chatfield State Park or meet the wranglers with Wanderland Outdoors, which hosts private tours at the Brown Family Ranch in Longmont.
Public House recently opened alongside the new Urban Cowboy boutique hotel.
Brandon Lopez
Urban Cowboy
1665 Grant Street
303-868-0545
This boutique hotel brand recently debuted its latest location in the historic George Schleier Mansion. Book a stay in one of its sixteen suites decorated with bold Western patterns, copper clawfoot tubs and other fixtures inspired by the 1800s. Libations are available in its parlor bar, as well as the two-story Public House cocktail lounge and pizzeria out back.
1665 Grant Street
303-868-0545
This boutique hotel brand recently debuted its latest location in the historic George Schleier Mansion. Book a stay in one of its sixteen suites decorated with bold Western patterns, copper clawfoot tubs and other fixtures inspired by the 1800s. Libations are available in its parlor bar, as well as the two-story Public House cocktail lounge and pizzeria out back.
