Discover Colorado’s smallest bar—the Red Dog Saloon at Arapaho Valley Ranch near Granby. A quirky, standing-room-only gem with big mountain charm.
Whiskey flows like liquid gold at the Red Dog Saloon at Arapaho Valley Ranch, a guest ranch near Granby, Colorado. At just 80 square feet, the Red Dog Saloon proudly boasts its title as Colorado’s Smallest Bar. If five customers show up, it’s standing room only. The bar’s cheeky logo? “We’re always full.”
Tiny Tavern, Tall Tales
When I stepped into the Red Dog Saloon, I immediately sensed that the bar had seen its share of good times. The saloon has been operating on and off for decades, and I was certain it had stories.
A stuffed bear head mounted on the wall had a gentle—rather than ferocious—expression, and a vintage rifle hung directly above the bar where patrons gathered.
The intimate (read tiny) setting created just the right vibe for downing a cold one after a day of fishing, hiking, or paddleboarding. A fully stocked bar included the ever-popular Buffalo Trace and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
This pint-sized paradise also has limited hours (7 to 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays from the end of May through mid-September), during which the bartender, who also serves as a member of the housekeeping staff, mixes a mean Moscow Mule.
Red Dog Saloon sign above the bar’s entrance welcomes customers to Colorado’s smallest bar. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle
Warm Welcome at Arapaho Valley Ranch
Ranch manager Hayden Hughes and guest services manager Allie Rankin set the tone of the ranch, connecting with guests and creating a laid-back feel.
Hughes grew up on his family’s cattle ranch in New Mexico and is dedicated to preserving the ranch’s beauty and integrity.
“We take pride in taking care of the precious land,” Hughes says.
Rankin, who is from Oklahoma, attends to every detail while answering guests’ questions (where do we park and should we carry bear spray?) with a smile.
“I love being here,” Rankin tells me. “And other than my friends and family, there’s really nothing I miss. After winter, I look forward to a busy summer. Then, I’m ready for the weather to turn cold and things to slow down a little.”
Ranch manager Hayden Hughes and guest services manager Allie Rankin welcome guests to Arapaho Valley Ranch with warm hospitality. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle
The Early Days
Arapaho Valley Ranch dates back to before the 1940s, although its current location dates back to 1945. Over the decades, the ranch has had several owners and has undergone extensive renovations.
Arapaho Valley Ranch reopened to guests year-round in 2023, marking the first time it had not closed for winter in four decades.
Although it’s not confirmed that this pup inspired the Red Dog Saloon logo, the pooch bears a strong resemblance. The image is in the “Our History” section on the ranch’s website. Photo courtesy Arapaho Valley Ranch
Accommodations at Arapaho Valley Ranch
Today, the ranch offers a quirky blend of overnight accommodations, including tipis, yurts, glamping tents, RV sites, and cabins, set amidst towering pines and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.
Glamping tents are a favorite at Arapaho Valley Ranch, home of Colorado’s smallest bar. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle
Tipis, Glamping Tents, Cabins
Recently, two friends and I made plans to stay in a cabin that could accommodate six. One friend had to cancel at the last minute, which left just the two of us.
Our cabin, named Caribou, had two separate bedrooms, a loft with twin beds, a full-sized refrigerator, a stove, and a hot shower. We felt like divas with all that extra space.
Tipis and yurts are a couple of options for accommodation at Arapaho Valley Ranch. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle
BYOB, Unless You Visit During Hours at Colorado’s Smallest Bar
When it came time for happy hour on our deck, I couldn’t find the small bottle of gin I was sure I had packed.
“I guess we’ll have to break into the Red Dog Saloon,” my friend quipped.
Another rummage of the trunk luckily produced the bottle of spirits. We set the table on our deck with cocktails and a platter of brie, crackers, and grapes, which we had purchased at City Market in Granby.
Chilling in the cool breeze while Denver sizzled at 100 degrees was a slice of paradise.
Arapaho Valley Ranch houses Colorado’s smallest bar and also offers a peaceful setting. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle
BYOF (Bring Your Own Food)
Although there’s a small shop at the ranch that sells snacks and the all-important ingredients for s’mores, guests should bring food to prepare since there is no restaurant on-site.
Cabins have kitchens, and glamping tents, tipis, and yurts have cooking utensils, propane grills, and even a French press.
The main lodge has a gift shop that sells convenience food and makings for s’mores. The lodge also features two living rooms, a stone fireplace, a billiards room, and Colorado’s smallest bar, the Red Dog Saloon. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle
Glamping and Camping in All Seasons
As we kicked back on our deck, other guests strolling past gave a friendly wave. We struck up a conversation with a retired couple from Texas. They said it was their second visit to Arapaho Valley Ranch, their first being in December.
When I asked how the winter roads were, they chimed in, “Everything was plowed! And, it was gorgeous here.”
Another family from California told us they were camping their way across the western states. They learned about Arapaho Valley Ranch on Hipcamp, a camping app that allows users to book campsites.
Glamping tents at Arapaho Valley Ranch. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle
Colorado’s Smallest Bar is ‘Always Full’
Whether canoeing on glassy waters or stargazing at a dazzling cosmos, Arapaho Valley Ranch offers endless activities. But my favorite aspects of the ranch were the escape from the noisy city, meeting other guests, and the smell of campfire smoke.
And, of course, the Red Dog Saloon.
Colorado’s Smallest Bar, Red Dog Saloon at Arapaho Valley Ranch. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle
When I researched “smallest bar in Colorado,” Google reminded me: “Keep in mind that titles can be subjective as new venues open and close and definitions may change.”
But the bar’s crown as the smallest in the state wasn’t what impressed me. I loved the feel of the place, its weathered wood, and the four worn barstools that have no doubt supported countless late-night tales.
Before we left, my friend bought her son a Red Dog Saloon T-shirt. It turned out that he had worked slinging drinks at the bar during his college years. He even met his future wife at the Red Dog, who also worked at the ranch. I knew that bar had stories.
Colorado’s smallest bar, the Red Dog Saloon, has a history of tall tales and even a love story. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle
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If You Go to Colorado’s Smallest Bar
A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver, Arapaho Valley Ranch houses the Red Dog Saloon in the main lodge. The bar has limited hours: 7 to 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays, from the end of May through mid-September. Rocky Mountain National Park is a 45-minute drive from the ranch.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit Arapaho Valley Ranch.
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