In 1878,  John Jensen  Homesteaded and later

                                                    named his ranch in the Valley,  The Lower Lake Ranch. 

                                                     The Jensen Pioneer family discovered the Elk

                                                    Creek Valley and instantly fell in love with its natural

                                                    beauty.  Within 5 years (1883),  the ranch was known as

                                                     “Quite the Mountain Resort”.   Between 1892 and 1902

                                                    the ranch hosted “The Denver Athletic Club camps”.

                                                 The boys cabin was named Apache Lodge and the Girls

cabin was named Buffalo Bill Lodge.   Weekly stories seemed to appear  in local papers describing names of guest and what activities they enjoyed.  Stories told about John Jensen driving his horse drawn buggy down to the Pine Train depot to pick up Guests for a great get-away.  Once guest arrived they could expect a great meal that would be prepared by Mrs Jensen, she was the cook.  As the Jensen children grew they entertained guest with great songs from Norway.     Articles published in 1883, by the local county newspaper  described the ranch as “ a Grand Tourist Resort”.   In 1901, tragedy occurred when Mrs. Jensen passed away but John and his four children continued the guest ranch operation until his death in 1922.  Alice Jensen the youngest of the Jensen children stayed at the ranch and continued the business, then in  1925, after Alice Jensen married Elmer Berg, ( a tall  handsome Swedish gentleman)  the Bergs continued  the Jensen’s dream of operating  the Guest Ranch and Fishing club.   In the 1930‘s  the Bergs built a new Barn, known as the dance barn.   The upstairs barn floor was built with fine oak flooring then black paint marked the Shuffle board area.   The Local Newspaper always kept locals residents informed about Barn dance events, or a grand local wedding held at the ranch.   Then there are stories remember by relatives such as Bonnie, Alice Jensen’s 92 year old niece,  “Aunt Alice  and Uncle Norman had beautiful voices often singing at a wedding ceremony held along the creek, or at the school house events”  In 1949, Elmer Berg one of the founders of Round up Riders of the Rockies, hosted the newly formed horseback riding group ending ride banquet  at the ranches  new Banquet Hall. The Banquet Hall was known for its knotty pine walls, ceilings and the great stone fireplace.     Guest could enjoy the inside dancing, eating or just relaxing.   Between 1949 to 1959, The Guest Ranch and Fishing Lodge became recognized as the 3R’s chuck wagon, serving “Great Food” off  Elmer’s Mobile Grill.   

     Ask the owners to tell more stories of the oldest Guest Ranch in Colorado  when you come for a visit.

     For over 120 years, guests have enjoyed this mountain get-a-way for indoor and outdoor recreation and relaxation.    Today, that tradition is continued,  host your family reunion, a business retreat, a fishing adventure, a wedding or just visit the ranch for a quiet getaway and stay in a “WOW” cabin room where you can enjoy a soak in a hot tub in front of the fireplace. 

        The  same beauty and hospitality of years past has been preserved for visitors today.   Surrounded by Mountain ranges, touched by a flowing creek, stocked ponds, whispering willows, and blue skies.  LLR is the perfect get-a-way located on over 200 acres and situated  at 8000+- feet,  just 20-30 minutes from the Denver Metropolitan area, off  C-470  & Hwy. 285 South    (5 Miles south of Conifer, Colorado and  3 miles north of Pine Junction, Co) 


                    Lower Lake Ranch Historically known as

                     Lionshead Ranch, in the late 1800’s                                                   View of Lower Lake Ranch from Cathedral Peaks

                        11883 South Elk Creek Rd.

                             Pine, Colorado.

                                303-838-6622                                                Lower Lake Ranch in the Valley, viewing from

                                                                                                                the top of Cathedral Peaks

email to:   information@lowerlakeranch.com