THE HISTORY

With its humble beginnings as a mountain cattle ranch in 1947, the Flying W Ranch is a living symbol of Western Heritage, embodying the romantic spirit of the Old West.  What began with eleven guests in 1953, grew to more than 1,400 nightly visitors, making the Flying W Ranch one of the most popular destinations in the state of Colorado.  Since 1953 the Flying W Ranch has served over seven million guests.  Tragically, in June 2012 the Waldo Canyon Fire swept into Colorado Springs and destroyed the Flying W Ranch, burning nineteen historic buildings to the ground.  However, in July 2020 a stunning new pavilion building was opened, and the Flying W Ranch resumed its nightly dinners and western stage show, and rededicated itself to Preserving the Old West.  Four generations of families have attended the Flying W Ranch, creating memories for young and old to last a lifetime.

 

THE SETTING

Nestled in stunning red rocks that are part of the Garden of the Gods rock formation, the Flying W Ranch is a 1400 acre working cattle ranch.  Guests can enjoy the Western Grounds, featuring a variety of ranch animals, mountain streams, duck-filled ponds and activities.  Rare American Milking Devon Oxen and American Bison are on display.  Native American dancing, horse and carriage rides, pony rides, axe throwing, archery, the Russell M. Wolfe Narrow-Gauge Railroad, the Christmas Rock hiking trail, and gift shops engage a variety of interests.  Although the Ranch is only minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, it feels like a world apart.

 

THE FOOD

A western Chuckwagon spread of smoked meats with all the trimmings is served for dinner.  Smoked brisket, smoked turkey, ¼ leg Berbere smoked chicken, and smoked sausage are featured.  Foil wrapped potatoes with sour cream and cheese, Flying W trail beans, chunky applesauce, Dutch oven biscuits, and spice cake round out an authentic and hearty Chuckwagon meal.  The meal and beverages are served on tin plates and in tin cups to replicate a Chuckwagon experience.

 

THE SHOW

The world-renowned Flying W Wranglers are the second oldest western singing band in the world.  The Wranglers have performed all over the world, including at the Grand Ole Opry, at the Kennedy Center, and at Carnegie Hall, in addition to performing over 6,000 shows at the Ranch.  The band's three-part-harmonies of time-honored tunes of the open range, superb instrumentation, and clean bunkhouse humor have delighted audiences since 1953.  Wrangler performances are enhanced by a twenty feet by twelve feet LED video wall depicting scenes from the West.