Arapaho Valley Ranch, a longstanding outdoor hospitality destination in Colorado, has selected Horizon Outdoor Hospitality to manage its operations beginning January 1, 2026.
The decision aligns with the Ranch’s goal of enhancing guest experiences, refining marketing and brand positioning, and supporting sustainable revenue growth while maintaining the property’s historical character.
Situated in Grand County and surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and Indian Peaks Wilderness, Arapaho Valley Ranch is near Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, and ski resorts including Winter Park and Granby Ranch.
The property has hosted guests for more than 60 years, offering a mix of accommodations, including historic and modern cabins, glamping tents, yurts, RV sites, traditional campsites, and lodge spaces along the South Fork of the Colorado River. Its history traces back to a homestead and dude ranch, reflecting nearly a century of outdoor hospitality tradition.
Under the new management agreement, Horizon Outdoor Hospitality will take responsibility for day-to-day operations, revenue strategy, marketing, and guest experience development. The firm will focus on market positioning, pricing, and distribution optimization, and the introduction of new programming designed to increase occupancy and year-round engagement.
“Arapaho Valley Ranch is a special place with a deep sense of history and connection to the land,” said Scott Foos, managing partner at Horizon Outdoor Hospitality.
“Our role is to be thoughtful stewards of that legacy while helping the property evolve to meet the expectations of today’s outdoor traveler. We’re focused on elevating hospitality, strengthening the Ranch’s presence in the market, and hosting meaningful guest experiences that support long-term, sustainable growth.”
Horizon Outdoor Hospitality has more than 20 years of experience managing campgrounds, RV resorts, glamping destinations, and boutique lodging properties in Colorado and beyond. Its integrated approach emphasizes operations, marketing, revenue strategy, and systems with a focus on guest experience and financial performance.
“Arapaho Valley Ranch has always been about creating meaningful experiences in an extraordinary setting,” said Mike Tiehen, owner of Arapaho Valley Ranch and CEO of The Tiehen Group.
“As we look to the future, Horizon Outdoor Hospitality brings the operational expertise and shared respect for our history that will allow us to thoughtfully grow the business, enhance the guest experience, and ensure the Ranch remains a place families return to for generations.”
The partnership provides an example for outdoor hospitality operators of how professional management can support growth while preserving historical and cultural value, offering insights into operational strategies, revenue optimization, and guest experience development that may be relevant for similar properties.
For more information, visit arapahovalleyranch.com and horizonoutdoorhospitality.com.
Featured image by Horizon Outdoor Hospitality