Settlers founded Parshall in 1902 at the intersection of the Colorado and Williams Fork rivers. Today, nearby Hot Sulphur Springs provides the main local attraction for tourists and Colorado residents. During spring and summer, Ranchers herd cattle in the valley; in the winter, snowmobiles traverse area trails. Parshall and the nearby area offers several boutique-style hotels that provide a unique lodging experience suited to the history, culture and rugged terrain of this Colorado region.
The Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch reflects the cattle-driving traditions of Colorado by providing its guests with a weeklong ranchhand experience. Guests can stay in one of 12 log cabins or rent the “Ranch House,” a 2,000-square-foot, multifamily lodge. During the week, visitors can ride one of the ranch’s 100-plus horses, drive cattle or fish in the two rivers or the ranch’s trout-stocked lake. The ranch also offers guided hikes and mountain-bike rides of the local trails and countryside. An on-site chef provides three meals daily; visitors can also dine at the County Seat Grill & Pub, less than 10 minutes drive from the ranch. The ranch is located at an elevation of 7,500 feet.
Named after the local Williams Fork River, Williams Fork Lodging offers guests a secluded vacation hideaway. Set on 40 woodland acres, this lodge consists of two suites, one upper, one lower, both of which look out over the river valley. Guests can explore the forests, mountains and countryside; depending on the season, patrons can hunt and fish, and rent or bring their own snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles or ice skates and boats. The lodge also permits vacationers to bring dogs and horses for riding and hiking through the many local trails. The nearby Aspen Canyon Ranch rents out snowmobiles and gives guided tours during the snowy months. Both suites contain a full-service kitchen; patrons who wish to dine out can try the pub-style food and beer at the nearby Parshall Inn, a 10-minute drive away.
Vacationers looking for a relaxing getaway can stay at the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa. Built in 1840, this resort now occupies 80 acres and includes the original lodge plus 17 additional rooms. Guests can relax in more than 20 natural hot springs or man-made pools, and the resort also offers spa services such as massage and herbal body wraps. When not soaking in the mineral springs, the spa’s patrons can enjoy cross-country skiing, dog sledding and snowshoeing in winter or play golf at one of the nearby public courses, such as Headwaters Golf Course, in warmer weather. The spa forbids any in-room cooking; guests can dine at the Depot restaurant, which lies within walking distance.
The Drowsy Water Ranch offers another ranch-style take on the local heritage in Granby, a small community about 20 minutes drive from Parshall. Guests can stay in one of the main lodge’s rooms or rent a private cabin. The Drowsy Water keeps more than 100 horses on the premises; experienced riders can take these out for riding and the staff gives lessons or guided horseback rides to less-experienced riders. Other activities include four-wheeling excursions, rafting on the two rivers and guided hikes on local trails, plus hunting, fishing and access to four local golf courses. An entertainment staff hosts dancing, sing-a-longs, campfires and hayrides. The Drowsy Water provides all meals; patrons can also dine at Remington’s restaurant, one of many eateries in downtown Granby, a 10-minute drive from the ranch.
