Brunch on the weekends is supposed to be an expansive and memorable meal, but if you want to take it to the next level this summer — think hiking, gorgeous views, a train ride and llamas — we’ve got a few ideas.
Hike to a log cabin
In Snowmass, a trial brunch at The Cabin was such a hit that it will add more weekends in July and September. The Cabin is mid-mountain and boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, along with live music and views of the Elk Range. Since there is no lift access, guests can choose when they make reservations if they plan to hike, ride a mountain bike, or rent an e-bike (available at Four Mountain Sports and Aspen Collection) for the two-mile trek. Dogs can sit with you only at uncovered patio tables.
The Cabin will offer a weekend buffet brunch from July 4 to Aug. 9 and Sept. 4–27, running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A sample menu is currently being finalized and will be available soon. Reservations will be available on around June 15
In Steamboat Springs, itap just a one-mile guided hike to Hazie’s in the Thunderhead Lodge. The menu at Hazie’s is priced for a buffet, so you can start with the granola station, for example, before moving on to the eggs Benedict station or the potatoes, French toast, or biscuits and gravy trays.
You’ll be soaking up the views of the Yampa Valley along the hike and from the dining room’s generous windows.
The guided hike has added Sundays to this summer event. Make reservations for this family-friendly experience that starts at the base of the gondola, ride up to Thunderhead Lodge, and from there walk as a group to arrive for patio seating with views. For anyone looking to book, they may visit .
Dine with a llama
The Garden of the Gods Resort & Club in Colorado Springs has partnered with Luxy Llama so that people having brunch on select weekends can interact with these singular animals. Grand View Restaurant is aptly named because, whether you’re seated inside or on the patio, the views to the west open to the shapely Garden of the Gods red rock formations.
The llamas are brought onto the lawn — and sometimes given an accessory like a scarf to wear — where guests can take photos of them or with this against this scenic backdrop.
While the llamas are calm and friendly, and there is some food available for guests to offer them, this isn’t about hugging them or climbing on them for a ride. There are additional programs to go on guided hikes with the llamas, too.
The brunch here has an elevated menu of things like eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, salads and cinnamon rolls.
Call the resort for upcoming dates and reservations at 719-329-6901.
All aboard the breakfast train
In Canon City, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a Breakfast Train, which boards at 9 a.m., so that by the time you are seated and being served, itap time for brunch. Your meal is made-to-order from the on-board 403 Grill while you sip on their “bottomless” coffee or a cocktail like a Mimosa or a bloody Mary.
No matter which train car you are booked in, all passengers are invited to stroll to the open observation car, where you can look up at the rocky canyon walls or down to the rushing Arkansas River below.
The hearty menu includes breakfast burritos or sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and cinnamon rolls. When booking your ticket, you get to choose between the extra special ride with an engineer (these sell out way ahead of time), coach, deluxe, or observation class for different price points and then add on the meal and drinks when you check out.
Trains run daily throughout the summer. Breakfast costs $30-$35 in addition to the train fare.
Horses and hay wagons
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Loveland offers “Chow Down” rides May through September for groups of six or more by reservation on specific days of the week. These breakfast/brunch rides are available to all, not just guests of the ranch. Will there be a cowboy cooking up a hot breakfast over an open fire for you? You bet!
The cost is $140 per person. Call 970-667-3915 or email ranch@sylvandale.com for days and information.
For those who prefer “soft adventure,” C Lazy U Ranch in Granby has a “Woodsie Cookout” where guests can opt for a hay wagon ride pulled by a tractor or walk the half mile to a scenic spot on the Reservoir Trail. This morning meal happens on Friday mornings in the summer and offers up fresh doughnuts, locally-caught trout, eggs, and pancakes sizzled on the outdoor grill.
Cowboy coffee, a roaring fire and a stunning view of the Indian Peaks make this a morning to remember.
