About Science Ranch 2012

Science Ranch 2012 will be held September 16-20 (with an optional fifth night stay until September 21^st) at the C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado. The C Lazy U is a full service, all-inclusive ranch resort that we’ve chosen for its beautiful cabins and lodge, excellent cuisine, and amazing offering of activities. Of course, the location is definitely a plus! The C Lazy U sits in a gorgeous valley just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, at an elevation of 8,300 feet. If you’ve never experienced a Rocky Mountain high, this is the place to start!

We’re bringing along a team of scientists to help you engage your brain and discover the beauty of the natural world around the ranch. Phil Plait, PhD, is our resident astronomer, and he’ll be giving lectures and taking out his 8-inch Celestron telescope every night to show guests the wonders to be seen in the incredibly dark sky above the ranch. Holly Brunkal, PhD, is a rock doc who will teach us about the geology of the Rocky Mountains and help us identify features of the landscape. Dave Armstrong, PhD is a biologist who will help us understand the complicated and beautiful Colorado ecosystems around the ranch. Holly and Dave will lead nature hikes to help guests experience all the things they’ve learned about. All three scientists are outgoing, friendly, and happy to answer your questions about their field!

At Science Ranch 2012 we have a number of activities planned, and you can participate as much or as little as you want. You’ll start each day with a hearty breakfast, then join us for science lectures and guided nature hikes. Or, if you can’t wait to get outside, you can take a morning horseback ride, fish, mountain bike, play tennis, swim in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, or read a book on the porch. It’s your choice! After a delicious lunch, enjoy another nature hike, ride or other ranch activity, then take a nap before a gourmet dinner. Each evening after dinner, Phil will take you stargazing. If skies are cloudy — though summer and autumn in Colorado usually provide stunningly clear, dark nights — there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors with a game room, poker room, and karaoke. Or just relax and chat with our speakers and other guests in the lodge or poolside bars.

Our goal at Science Getaways is to offer exercise for the body and the brain, but we also know that sometimes you just want to relax. The C Lazy U can help you do that too. Take a soak in the hot tub, or visit the ranch’s spa for a massage or pedicure. Vacation at your own pace – it’s always up to you. If you’re bringing a group of friends, you might consider renting the Midnight Trail Lodge, a luxury 4 bedroom cabin home. You’ll enjoy everything the ranch has to offer from your private oasis that sits on a hill overlooking the rest of the ranch.

The minimum stay for this getaway is 4 nights. For those who would like to enjoy the ranch an extra day, a fifth night stay is optional.  The scientists will not be present, but you’ll be able to enjoy all the ranch activities or explore the area if you have a vehicle.  Denver, Steamboat Springs, and Breckenridge are all about 2 hours away.

This getaway begins September 16, 2012, when the aspen leaves are beginning to turn golden, days are still warm, and crisp, clear nights are perfect for enjoying a campfire and the brilliant stars in dark skies. See the registration and info page for complete details. We hope you’ll join us for a week of discovery and fun, and to make some new friends among fellow science enthusiasts!