Solo travel is on the rise, especially among women, but Kim Bassett has always found it the most adventurous and rewarding way to relax at her favourite destination – Vista Verde Ranch – 40km from the nearest traffic lights and deep in the mountains of Colorado.
When did you first start travelling to Vista Verde and how many years have you now been going?
I first went to Vista Verde when I was 10 years old with my family. I had been luckily enough to visit many other ranches but when I was 18 years old my dad said I could choose whether to go to a new ranch or back to one we had been before, and straight away I said I wanted to go back to Vista Verde – so much so I ended up working there!
Realising I couldn’t be a full-time wrangler, however, I came back to the UK and trained as a teacher – which is where I still am and love my job. I now visit the ranch annually by myself – as a solo traveller. People’s knee-jerk response to hearing this is “You’re so brave” – which I always find funny as at Vista Verde it is like home to me. You are only brave or courageous when you are afraid of something but still do it anyway. Vista Verde have always made me feel like part of the family and you are never afraid when you are travelling home – I am now on my 21st visit and have my own horse, which I ride every year.
What makes the place so special?
Apart from getting to see beautiful scenery every day and breathe in the mountain air, it is the staff that makes it so special. From the minute you arrive you are made to feel part of the Vista Verde family – a family I am reluctant to leave by the end of the week. The staff are amazing and because you get to interact, not just through the guided activities but at other times including lunches and dinners, you get to know them and they get to know you, from the housekeeping team to the wranglers – they are my friends and I miss them when I leave.
Even if you don’t want to ride a horse there are so many other activities that you can do, which makes it very versatile. However, for me what makes it special is the horse program and the amazing horses they have. They are so well trained and good at doing their job and can take everyone from beginners to advanced. Even though you only get to ride them for a short time they will become your best friend by the end of the week.
For me Vista Verde is the one place where I can truly switch off from my job, which I love but can be very stressful at times. Covid has put extra stresses on us all, but I really felt sadness at not being able to travel to Vista Verde during this time. It’s everything – from staying in cosy cabins, to eating delicious food to joining amazing trails on either horse, bike or by foot. For me it is my one chance a year to forget the outside world for a week.
What made you first travel there as a single person and how do you feel they approach the solo traveller’s needs and stay?
I think it is a perfect holiday for someone who is travelling by themselves. Not only do they have dedicated adult-only designated times, but it doesn’t feel like you are on your own because you do so many things together – meals and activities. I have been lucky enough to meet some amazing guests over the years that made me feel like I was one of their family for the week. From the moment you arrive you feel very safe, which I also think is important when you are on your own.
Tell us about the horses – how does the ranch match you to your horse and how important do you feel this process is?
For me the horse program is one of the most important things, as all I do when I am there is ride every morning and afternoon. I think they do a brilliant job at matching you to your horse. I have been really lucky to be able to ride the same horse the last three times I have been, which shows what an amazing job they do. They also recognise when a guest has a special bond with a horse, which is really lovely, and have a really good understanding if you do find you need to change your horse for any reason. They have so many horses to choose from, it’s not a problem.
What are the treks like and give us some highlights of your time in the saddle over the years?
There are so many different trails that you can go on depending on the type of ride you want – slow, fast, short, long. I have been lucky enough to go on some amazing rides with fantastic wranglers. One of my favourite rides is the Long Steak Ride, where you go on a long ride, then have dinner on a hill overlooking the ranch and then a short ride back. It has plenty of areas for trotting and loping with some climbing as well. There is something magical about seeing all the horses tied up whilst you are eating.
One highlight I will never forget was an all-day ride I went on. I joked with one of the wranglers that I would only go on an all-day ride if I could spend most of it in a hammock. He made it happen! We rode for a short while, unsaddled the horses and spent most of the day laying in hammocks.
What other activities have you done at the ranch and which ones are specifically good for the solo traveller?
To be honest, I only ride when I am there because that’s what I love to do. I did try fishing once which was cool and I did manage to catch one fish! However, for people wanting to do more they have everything from hiking to skiing to paddleboarding, and I would say all the activities are good for the solo traveller because you do tend to do them in groups.
When are you going back?
I am going back this year and I can’t wait to put my cowgirl boots back on!
For further information on Solo Travel to Vista Verde please visit www.vistaverde.com EQ
