Piney River Ranch for Breathtaking Mountain Views and Luxurious Glamping
About the Piney River Ranch Wedding Venue
Nestled at the edge of Piney Lake and at the foot of the grand Gore Range, Piney River Ranch is a private, 40-acre Rocky Mountain retreat, long adored for its idyllic weddings and day trips. They are located just 12 miles away from Vail Village, yet they are surrounded by thousands of acres of backcountry wilderness in the White River National Forest.
At Piney River Ranch, they offer a wealth of activities and summer fun for the entire family. From fly-fishing, hiking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, or simply lounging by the fire pit, they have something for everyone here. They also provide lodging for their overnight guests and a delicious on-site restaurant that boasts the best-smoked BBQ in the area. (and some really delicious fried pickles!! I tried some myself!!)
They are proud to have active partnerships with both the National Park Service and the Denver Water Board that are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the ranch and its surrounding areas.
Details of the Grounds
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains at 9,350 feet above sea level, Piney River Ranch is located at the end of a dirt road, maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. To ensure a safe and timely journey, take one of Colorado’s adventurous roads, allowing 45 minutes of driving time from the entrance of the Forest Service road to the ranch. Navigation will not work as you leave the town of Vail to head up to the ranch unless you download a Google Map of the area. Piney River Ranch also has the option to shuttle your friends and family in.
Their remote high-altitude location can bring many variations in weather, so be prepared for sun, high wind, rain, sleet, and even snow. Furthermore, the high altitude results in less protection from the sun, making sunscreen and sunglasses a must. Finally, the temperatures can change quickly, so guests should bring a light to medium jacket or sweater for every visit. Depending on your day’s itinerary, they also suggest packing hats, long pants, riding boots, hiking boots, or rain gear for additional comfort and protection.
Photography Opportunities
Imagine waking up and stepping out of your cabin or tent to a picturesque view of the magnificent Rocky Mountains, with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in hand. At Piney River Ranch, they offer a wide selection of rustic and lakefront lodgings, perfect for a secluded Rocky Mountain escape and special wedding and event accommodations.
Whether you choose to get ready together or separately, you have your pick from onsite cabins, glamping tents, or dedicated spaces for couples. Rustic rooms are spaced right next to each other still giving that mysterious vibe while cabins and glamping tents offer more of a comfortable vibe where you can leave all your belongings and lay on the provided beds.
Piney River Ranch offers a beautiful alpine lake with gorgeous mountains surrounding it. There is a special “First Look” location nestled behind the cabins + tents where you can find complete peace, solitude, and intimate space to see each other for the first time.
Event Deck: The ceremony deck sits on a lake overlooking the mountain range. You are completely surrounded by nature, aspen trees, and wildlife. As one of the most beautiful ceremony locations in Colorado, our outdoor event deck sits on the edge of Piney Lake, beneath the Gore Mountain Range, creating the perfect Rocky Mountain backdrop for your outdoor wedding or event. Our deck can comfortably seat up to 200 of your guests on our rustic wooden benches.
Waterfalls: If you’re feeling REALLY adventurous or maybe you want to plan this for the next day with your photographer (I know THIS photographer would be down for it!! Seriously, let’s chat!) called “Upper Piney Lake Trail” which is about a 3 mile (one way) trek with waterfalls. Another opportunity for portraits is when the family is settled in their own adventures.
Cocktail Pavilion: Adjacent to our reception pavilion is the custom, cocktail pavilion with a lake view. This space is the perfect place to host smaller gatherings, day classes, cocktail hour for weddings and retreats, or even use as your dance floor. This pavilion is included with all full-facility rentals.
Reception Pavilion: Sitting on the lake, at 3,054 square feet, their custom log event pavilion is the perfect place to enjoy your dinner and dance the night away. Equipped with heaters and custom sliding doors, this space can comfortably seat 200 of your friends and family beneath the stars.
Wedding Details (When to Visit)
Piney River Ranch is open seasonally, from June 21st through the last Saturday of September. Business hours are from 9am to 6pm, except when events are scheduled, in which case the ranch will close at 4pm. Red Sandstone Road, the road to the ranch, is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, and Piney River Ranch determines when the road is open and when it is closed for the season, to keep it safe for travelers. For updates on the road conditions after September 30th each year, we suggest calling the USFS at (970) 827 5715.
Piney River Ranch
The Ranch is a private 40-acre Rocky Mountain retreat located 12 miles away from Vail Village, surrounded by thousands of acres of backcountry wilderness in the White River National Forest. They offer a wide range of activities like fly fishing, hiking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and more. Piney River Ranch has on-site lodging, a restaurant, and partnerships with the National Park Service and Denver Water Board to preserve the natural beauty of the ranch. The remote high-altitude location has varying weather conditions, so sunscreen and light to medium jackets are recommended. They have a ceremony deck, cocktail pavilion, and reception pavilion for weddings, and are open seasonally from June 21st to the last Saturday in September.
Are you ready to chat about YOUR wedding at Piney River Ranch? I’m here to not only photograph your wedding but help you plan along the way. Feel free to use the contact button below after you secure your limited date with Piney River Ranch!! Otherwise, feel free to check out these other Colorado Wedding Venues
Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie, and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.
Piney River Ranch Contact Information:
Physical Address: 700 Red Sandstone Road Vail, Colorado 81658
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 1349 Vail, Colorado 81658
Phone: (303) 905-4439 (Ask for Monique)
Inquiries: events@pineyriverranch.com
