Live the West with Cattlemen’s Days, Ranch Experiences & Trail Rides

Experiencing the West in its truest form is still possible in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colo. Not only is Gunnison’s 114th annual Cattlemen’s Days on tap for July 5 – 13, trail rides on classic mountain trails, overnight stays at three guest ranches, and volunteer experiences on a heritage cattle ranch make it easy and fun to experience the area’s rich ranching heritage. The only traffic jam’s encountered in the valley are occasional cattle drives led by real cowboys.

The marquee events for Cattlemen’s Days are Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos with their thrills, spills and good-natured fun. Kids and adults alike will love cowboys displaying courage and skill on bucking broncos, the antics of rodeo clowns, the pageantry and much more. Plus, there is nothing like sitting in the grandstand and seeing the sunset behind the mountains and taking a spin on a carnival ride under the stars.

Top competitors from throughout the country will be on hand the evenings of July 10 – 12 at 7 p.m., with each night having a special theme. For the Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP) rodeo on July 10, Cattlemen’s Days pledges a portion of admissions to the local campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer, and many cowboys wear pink. This rodeo is followed by a TETWP dance at Last Chance Saloon featuring Opal Moon Band.

Everyone is encouraged to wear red, white and blue or the American flag on their clothing at the Patriot Night rodeo on July 11 to thank and support military and their families. At the Family Night rodeo on July 12, kids 12 and under are admitted free for general seating when accompanied by an adult purchasing a ticket. Dances at The Elks Lodge wrap up the fun on both evenings.