SoulFire
Your Adventure Guide

Welcome to SoulFire.

Whether you're here to unplug, reconnect, explore Colorado, or simply breathe a little deeper — we've gathered some of our favorite local experiences to help you make the most of your stay.

You Are Here SoulFire at Raison d'Être Ranch
2470 Driftwood Circle · Elizabeth, Colorado
Welcome

Thank you for choosing to stay with us. SoulFire is a peaceful micro-resort and guest ranch experience designed for guests seeking rest, reconnection, nature, and a slower pace of life.

Our off-grid glamping-style accommodations sit within a working ranch and animal sanctuary devoted to healing, sustainability, and respect for all life. Every animal here has a story. Every acre of this land holds intention.

Why Your Stay Matters

SoulFire is a pilot program. The revenue from your stay directly supports Journey with Equus — the equine rescue and sanctuary that calls this ranch home — so we can keep our promise to the animals we serve without relying on the public's donations.

The bigger goal is to take everything we learn here and help other grassroots animal welfare nonprofits across the country build their own sustainable model. So your time here doesn't just give you rest. It helps prove a model that can change the lives of many animals, in many places, for years to come.

This guide is our way of sharing the Colorado we love most — the quiet corners, the favorite tables, the long drives that always feel worth it. We hope it leads you somewhere good.

Food & Drink

Where we actually eat.

A short list — the places we keep coming back to. Most are casual local favorites. A few are worth the drive.

Elizabeth Favorites

Catalina's

In Town

Great breakfast, homemade salsa and chips, and surprisingly incredible pizza. The kind of casual local spot you settle into.

BreakfastPizzaCasual

Catrina's Mexican Grill

In Town

Great breakfast burritos. A casual local Mexican spot we send people to often.

MexicanBreakfastCasual

Doug's Diner

In Town

Local comfort food and a good breakfast. Diner energy in the best way.

DinerBreakfast

Jac's

In Town

Great homemade soups and a casual local atmosphere. Cozy weather, cozy spot.

SoupsCasual

Elizabeth Brewing Company

In Town

Relaxed local brewery atmosphere. A good slow afternoon stop.

BreweryLocal

Ziggi's Coffee

In Town

A quick local coffee stop when you're heading out for a drive.

CoffeeQuick Stop

Starbucks at Safeway

In Town

Convenient coffee and groceries if you're stocking up or grabbing something familiar.

CoffeeConvenience
Worth the Drive

Adriana's Mexican Restaurant

Franktown · 20 min

Famous skinny margarita with hand-squeezed citrus. Great chips and salsa. Worth the short drive.

MexicanMargaritasDate Night

Normandy Bakery

Parker · 30 min

French pastries and desserts in a small bakery that doesn't feel like Colorado in the best way.

BakeryPastriesFrench

Las Potrancas

Parker · 30 min

Fun atmosphere and Mariachi Mondays with live music. Make a night of it.

MexicanLive MusicMondays
Local Businesses We Love

The makers behind the small details.

A few neighbors whose work we believe in. The coffee in your dome comes from the first one on this list.

Dancing Jaguar Coffee

Elbert · 15 min

We proudly serve Dancing Jaguar in our guest spaces. Their beans come directly from the owner's family farms in Honduras, cultivated beyond organic standards with deep care for quality and sustainability. If you love the coffee here, visit their Elbert location.

Single OriginFamily FarmWorth Visiting

105 West Brewing Company

Castle Rock · 35 min

A community-centered brewery with a beautiful idea: instead of tips, they encourage donations to nonprofits and local causes. Worth a pint for that alone.

BreweryCommunityPurpose

Honnibrook Craft Meadery

Castle Rock · 35 min

Something different. A local meadery for anyone curious about what honey can do.

MeaderyUnique
Nature & Hiking

Close to the ranch — open to the sky.

Two of our favorite easy escapes within an hour of the ranch.

Castlewood Canyon State Park

20–30 min

Canyon scenery, hiking trails, river access. The closest real escape from the prairie — a different Colorado just down the road.

Easy WalkFamily FriendlyState Park

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

1 hr

Colorful clay formations, unique landscape, easy walking trails. The light here at golden hour is unreal.

Easy WalkPhotographyUnique
Iconic Colorado

The places people come here for.

If you've never seen them, this is your chance. Each is worth at least a half-day.

Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs · 1.25 hr

Red rock formations rising out of the earth like a cathedral. Free entry. Photo-worthy from every angle.

Bucket ListEasy WalkFamily FriendlyFree

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Morrison · 1.5 hr

The most beautiful concert venue in the country. Open to visitors during the day even when there's no show.

Bucket ListScenic DriveMusic

Pikes Peak

Colorado Springs · 2 hr

Drive or train to 14,115 feet. The view at the top is the one that inspired "America the Beautiful."

Full DayHigh ElevationBucket ListScenic Drive

Manitou Springs

1.5 hr

An old-Colorado mountain town with mineral springs, walkable streets, and surprisingly good food.

Easy WalkCouplesMountain Town

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

2.5 hr

One of America's highest suspension bridges, hung 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Make a day of it.

Full DayBucket ListScenic Drive
Mountain Towns & Day Trips

Up into the real Rockies.

A handful of towns and one big park. Each one rewards a long drive with a longer memory.

Estes Park

2 hr

The gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk in the meadows, taffy in the shops, and the Stanley Hotel watching over it all.

Full DayFamily FriendlyWildlife

Rocky Mountain National Park

2 hr

Some of the most beautiful alpine country in America. A few favorite trails: Emerald Lake, Alberta Falls, Dream Lake, Sky Pond, Mills Lake, Chasm Lake. Reservations required most of the year.

Reservations RequiredHigh ElevationBucket ListSeasonal Access

Breckenridge

2.5 hr

Historic mining town turned mountain getaway. Beautiful in all four seasons.

Full DayMountain TownCouples

Evergreen

1.5 hr

Lake, mountain views, easy walking. A close, low-key escape that still feels like mountains.

Half DayEasyMountain Town

Georgetown & Idaho Springs

2 hr

Two historic towns along I-70 that pair well as one trip. Old buildings, mountain backdrops, and good stops along the way.

Full DayHistoricScenic Drive

Cripple Creek

2.5 hr

An old gold-rush town turned casino destination, set in a high mountain bowl. Worth the drive for the scenery alone.

Full DayHistoricHigh Elevation

Black Hawk & Central City

2 hr

Two more historic gold-rush towns now home to casinos and mountain views. A different kind of evening out.

Full DayHistoricMountain Town
Hot Springs & Relaxation

Where Colorado warms you back up.

A longer drive, but worth planning a full day or overnight around. Most require reservations — book ahead.

Luxury & Relaxation

Glenwood Hot Springs

Glenwood Springs · 3.5 hr

The largest hot springs pool in the world. A Colorado classic in a stunning mountain setting.

Full DayFamily FriendlyReservations

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Glenwood Springs · 3.5 hr

Tiered mineral pools along the Colorado River. Quieter and more boutique than the big pool — our pick for couples.

CouplesReservationsRiverside
Nature & Rustic

Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs

Redstone · 4 hr

Three natural pools tucked into a working ranch in the Crystal River Valley. The most peaceful springs experience in the state.

RusticCouplesReservationsWorth The Drive
Adventure Day Trip

Hanging Lake

Glenwood Canyon · 3.5 hr

A surreal turquoise lake perched on a cliffside — one of Colorado's most photographed places. Steep hike. Permit required.

Permit RequiredStrenuousBucket List

Glenwood Springs

3.5 hr

The town itself is worth lingering in — riverside, historic, full of good places to eat. Pair with any of the springs above for an overnight.

Mountain TownCouplesOvernight

A note on Colorado adventures: Weather and trail conditions can change quickly here, and some destinations require reservations or permits. We always recommend checking official websites before heading out.

Guest Information

How to make the most of your stay.

We've kept this short and grouped by topic. Tap any section to expand.

Emergency Contacts

Save these before you settle in.

Call 911 For any serious medical, fire, or safety emergency
Candice 303-517-5856
George 303-688-3656

Nearest hospitals:
AdventHealth Castle Rock · 2350 Meadows Blvd, Castle Rock
AdventHealth Parker · 9395 Crown Crest Blvd, Parker

If severe weather strikes, guests may seek shelter in the Quonset hut unless directed otherwise by staff. Primary exit is the main ranch driveway; secondary is the northern neighboring property access route.

Welcome to the ranch

Thank you for choosing to stay with us. SoulFire is a peaceful micro-resort and guest ranch experience designed for guests seeking rest, reconnection, nature, and a slower pace of life. Our off-grid glamping-style accommodations sit within a working ranch and animal sanctuary devoted to healing, sustainability, and respect for all life.

Every animal here has a story, and every acre of this land holds intention. We ask all guests to help us preserve the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty that make this place so special.

Fire safety & smoking policy

Due to Colorado's dry climate, wind conditions, and wildfire risk, fire safety is taken extremely seriously on this property.

  • No smoking anywhere on the property.
  • No open wood-burning fires or fireworks at any time.
  • Propane fire pits provided with your accommodation may be used responsibly.

When using propane fire pits:

  • Never leave propane appliances unattended.
  • Turn off propane immediately if wind conditions increase.
  • Keep all flammable materials away from the fire feature.
  • Use all equipment only as intended.

This land is not only a business — it is home to rescued animals, wildlife, open space, and sanctuary. Thank you for helping us protect it.

Respect for wildlife & sanctuary animals

This is a no-harm, no-hunting property.

We peacefully coexist with wildlife including deer, coyotes, porcupines, bull snakes, birds, and many other native species. Please respect all wildlife from a safe distance and never chase, harass, feed, or harm any animal on the property.

To date, we have never encountered a rattlesnake on the ranch, though Colorado wildlife and natural conditions always require awareness and caution. We do commonly see bull snakes, which are harmless and beneficial to the ecosystem. Please respect and never harm them.

Interacting with animals

Guests are welcome to enjoy viewing and photographing the sanctuary animals.

  • Petting animals over fencing is permitted at your own risk.
  • Please be mindful around mouths, fingers, and fencing.
  • Do not enter paddocks, fenced areas, barns, or animal enclosures unless invited by staff.
  • Never feed animals. Many are on specialized diets due to medical, rehabilitation, or age-related needs.

Thank you for helping us keep both guests and animals safe.

Pet policy

We love welcoming respectful four-legged guests.

  • Dogs must remain leashed at all times.
  • Please clean up after your pets immediately.
  • Pets are not permitted on furniture or bedding unless protective coverings are used.
  • Guests are responsible for any excessive cleaning or damages caused by pets.
  • Livestock animals can react unpredictably if they feel threatened or chased. Please maintain proper control of pets at all times.
Driving, parking & terrain

Drive slowly throughout the property. This is a working ranch with animals, wildlife, guests, volunteers, equipment, and uneven terrain. Animals may appear unexpectedly near roads, especially at dawn and dusk.

  • Designated parking areas only.
  • No off-road driving.

Terrain awareness: expect uneven ground, dirt roads, rocks, mud, cactus, fencing, and natural obstacles. Proper footwear is strongly recommended, especially at night or after rain. Guests assume responsibility for navigating the property safely.

Colorado weather awareness

Colorado weather shifts quickly. Please come prepared for:

  • Changing temperatures and wind
  • Rain, snow, mud
  • Strong sun exposure at altitude
  • Rapidly changing conditions

Layered clothing, closed-toe shoes, and weather awareness are strongly encouraged.

Peaceful atmosphere & quiet hours

Many guests come to SoulFire seeking rest, reflection, healing, creativity, and reconnection with nature. This is intentionally a peaceful, low-noise environment — not a party destination.

  • Quiet hours: 10 PM to 7 AM.
  • Please keep voices, music, vehicles, and outdoor activity respectful of neighboring guests during these hours.
  • Excessive intoxication, disruptive behavior, illegal substances, or disrespectful conduct are not permitted.
Accommodations & furnishings

Please help us care for these spaces so future guests may enjoy them as well.

  • Shoes off inside accommodations is greatly appreciated.
  • Please report any maintenance concerns promptly.
  • Guests may be responsible for damages caused by negligence, misuse, or excessive mess.
Leaving no trace

Please help us preserve the beauty and peace of this sanctuary.

  • Dispose of trash properly.
  • Leave accommodations and outdoor spaces respectfully.
  • Be mindful of nature, wildlife, and neighboring guests.
Disconnect to Reconnect

The quiet here is the point.

SoulFire was created as an opportunity to slow down and unplug from the constant noise of everyday life.

Wi-Fi is not provided on the property. Cell service is generally available but may vary depending on your carrier and where you are on the ranch.

We invite you to embrace this — to reconnect with nature, stillness, and meaningful conversation. The screens will be waiting when you get back.

Thank you for honoring this land, these animals, and this shared sanctuary.

We're grateful you're here, and hope your stay leaves you feeling rested, inspired, and more connected to yourself and the natural world around you.

With appreciation,
George & Candice SoulFire · Home of Journey With Equus Sanctuary