This holiday season – and for the first time ever – Sleeping Indian Ranch, a private estate set on 15,000 acres, will be available for families and groups to book exclusively through Telluride’s Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection.
Nestled in a broad valley on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, known as the “Gateway to the San Juan Mountains,” the showpiece 40,000-plus square-foot, seven-bedroom lodge will welcome families, weddings and corporate groups who dream of wide-open spaces. Built in 1993 as a private family vacation estate, Sleeping Indian Ranch was designed by Douglas S. Ewing, FAIA and is an American Institute of Architects award-winning home. The largest post-and-beam log structure ever built evoking the arts and crafts movement, Sleeping Indian Ranch was inspired by the legendary great lodges of Yellowstone and Yosemite. This warm and comfortable home, which can sleep up to 16 guests, is a rare architectural masterpiece constructed with reclaimed logs from the 1988 Yellowstone fire some of which are up to 50 inches in diameter.
Upon entering the ranch gate, guests cross a magnificent stone and log bridge over the Uncompahgre River and approach a long meadow plateau lined with pine trees – the Sleeping Indian Ranch comes into view in its full majestic splendor, set against a background of tall peaks. From the towering log beams, dramatic iron chandeliers, 24-hour butler service, exquisite meals prepared by Madeline’s staff and unprecedented access to vast secluded wilderness, Sleeping Indian Ranch is the ideal escape to experience sophisticated, relaxed hospitality with spirited adventures of true Americana.
Located 47 miles northwest of Telluride and the Madeline Hotel, and just six miles southeast of Rideway, Sleeping Indian Ranch is situated in the unspoiled Cimarron Range – a haven where elk, deer, black bears and bald eagles grace the land and the blue Colorado skies. Guests are completely surrounded by sublime nature with stunning vistas of steep forested mountains and the cliffs of Cimarron Ridge and Chimney Rock. The pioneering spirit of the destination embraces guests with an aura of liberty, adventure and limitless creativity, while maintaining a sense of complete privacy.
“Sleeping Indian Ranch is a special place that allows family and friends to reconnect and share a passion for the great outdoors.” says Craig Reid, Chief Executive Office, Auberge Resorts Collection. “The ranch offers a chance to explore wildlife together, relish in the remarkable beauty of the majestic Rockies and even experience life on a working cattle ranch. We are excited to showcase Auberge’s renowned hospitality to guests who seek the distinct and inspiring experiences available only at Sleeping Indian Ranch.”
A private retreat intended for family getaways, intimate reunions, corporate groups and stunning weddings, Sleeping Indian Ranch marries the grandness of the west with all the desired conveniences, exquisite furnishings and personal high-touch service. Guests have the rare opportunity to escape the hustle and noise pollution of city life, and enter a place where the air is crisp and imagination is as boundless as the reigning big sky. The ranch invites travelers to marvel at the possibilities of its immense domain while sitting by the fire and sharing stories. As the seasons change, so does the spectacular views of brilliant fall color transitioning to snow-capped mountains, and spring foliage to the bright summer wildflowers. Activities include heli-skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, fly fishing, trap shooting, ATV riding, snowmobiling, hiking, and more.
Whether celebrating life’s simple pleasures such as sipping an aged bourbon on the patio terrace and bundling up under a fur-lined blanket while overlooking the grazing elk; or indulging in more extravagant displays such as romantic hot air balloon rides at sunset and dogsledding across the snowy fields, Sleeping Indian is an unrivaled place to create stories and memories alongside loved ones. After returning from an early hike or heli-ski excursion, savor a delicious lunch by Madeline’s executive chef in the grand dining room before heading off to the shooting range for target practice. A more intrepid experience can be had at 9,000 feet at the picture-perfect Elk Cabin, which used to house sheep herders and features intricate carvings from the 1930’s. A remote spot within the vast estate, the one-bedroom cabin is an unexpected spot amidst the grandeur of the San Juan Mountains to enjoy a scenic lunch catered by the personal chef.
The interiors of Sleeping Indian are designed for groups to gather within a welcoming atmosphere. The centerpiece of the home is the Great Room, where logs of up to 50-inch diameter were used in the 38-foot high ceilings, creating one of the west’s most spectacular interior spaces. A cozy bar is crafted from Claro Walnut and creates the perfect ambience for libations and discussions next to matching walk-in stone fireplaces with 16-foot-long mantels.
Mealtime is a chance to gather in either the dining hall, which can seat up to 25 guests at a long table lit by custom bronze cast lighting fixtures, or outside on the terrace. A professional chef’s kitchen of over 2,000 square feet can handle any occasion, and a smaller family kitchen features a cozy dining alcove with fireplace. Additional luxurious amenities include a media room and cigar room, along with a three-room wine cellar of pure handcrafted limestone with tile vaulted ceiling and forged iron doors. Intimate dinners of six to eight can be held in the 3,000-bottle capacity cellar, guarded by a fifteenth century suit of armor.
When it’s time to retire after the bright stars come out, a Master Suite beckons with an added loft. Two additional suites include the Santa Fe Suite with an adjoining bedroom and loft; and the all pine Swiss Suite with a master bedroom, sleeping loft, kitchen and children’s bunkroom. Three additional guest bedrooms include the Molesworth Room complete with authentic pieces designed by Thomas C. Molesworth, the famous western furniture designer of the early 1900’s; the English Room featuring an intricate Claro Walnut interior; and the Western Room with barnwood décor.
“Sleeping Indian Ranch is a one-of-a-kind residence, which many have called ‘heaven on earth,’ and now families and groups will be able to see why it is so magnificent.” says John Drugan, Director of Operations, Madeline Hotel & Residences. “We are beyond thrilled to now share all the abundant adventures available at the ranch along with the breathtaking beauty of this pristine wilderness in the San Juan Mountains.”
The ranch is accessible via private air or chauffeured ground transport from either Montrose or Telluride. To book an experience at Sleeping Indian Ranch, please visit sleepingindian.aubergeresorts.com or contact Stacy Mach, Sales Director, Madeline Hotel & Residences at +1 970 429 7641. Nightly rates available upon request.
