Perfectly positioned between Durango’s iconic steam train in historic downtown to the south and Purgatory Ski Resort to the north, Bear’s Ranch sits along the scenic Highway 550 corridor. Highway 550 North is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, often called the Million Dollar Highway, which begins in Durango, travels through Silverton, and continues on to Ouray—widely known as the “Swiss Alps of the United States.”

Bears Ranch is open for old fashioned sleigh rides in the Winter and horseback trail rides in the Summer.

Bears Ranch is family owned and operated by the
Tomlinson & GreyEyes families.

Bear’s Ranch is family-owned and operated by the Tomlinson and GreyEyes families. For over 30 years, the Tomlinsons ran Home of the Brave Hawaii, celebrated as an “American Treasure” and “Honolulu’s best-kept secret.” Home of the Brave welcomed over 100,000 WWII Veterans and more than 1 million guests to its award-winning tours, military museum, Brewseum (brewpub), and tiki bar— the Wiki Waki Woo.

The Tomlinson Corporation has long pioneered unique, award-winning services and products in the hospitality industry, and that tradition continues at Bear’s Ranch—preserving history while entertaining guests amid the breathtaking mountains of Southwest Colorado.

Emmy and Shawn GreyEyes have been part of the Durango community for over a decade. Their love for the San Juan Mountains and western culture is woven into everything they do, and it is their greatest joy to share these sacred landscapes with visitors. Their passion for mules—or “long ears”—grew while working with Ben Breed at Bucks Livery, and in the summer months you’ll often find them dreaming up ways to expand the herd.

While working with Ben Breed at Bucks Livery their love of mules or “long ears” really flourished. Should you visit them at Bears Ranch in the summer months you’ll likely find them concocting new ways to add more long ears to the herd!

At Bear’s Ranch, the Tomlinsons and GreyEyes greet guests with a warm Hawaiian “Aloha” followed by a classic western “Howdy!” Here, you’re not just a visitor—you’re family.

Area History