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Experience living off the grid in SW Colorado, USA
Last activity
: 14 Mar 2025
Min stay requested: at least 1 month
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 911194866783
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Feedback (4)
Left by Workawayer (Mutsumi) for host
This stay was my first work-away experience, and I had a good time at Thunderbird ranch. I stayed at the ranch for three weeks in winter(10 Dec.~ 4 Jan.). It was a short stay, but the family was so welcoming, so I could have an interesting and great winter break.
My job was feeding five horses, two goats, two dogs, and sixteen chickens, opening
… read more the horse stalls, and watering plants. I had no experience in animal care, but I got used to being around them as I feed them. Eventually, I could lead the horses when I get them in their stall in the evening:) The animals were so sweet and I loved interacting with them.
The yurt was spacious enough to stay comfortably by myself. Thankfully, the shower and water of the sink worked without any problem. I could get hot water for shower and cooking. I stayed in December, so I would build fire to stay warm every night.
I also learned about Native American culture. Gaby and Debby invited me to their traditional drumming, and we exchanged songs between Thunderbird ranch and Japan. I could not attend “sweat” due to heavy snow, so that made me want to go back to the ranch to learn and experience their culture more. During this stay, I felt very welcomed and met a lot of people with interesting experiences. Thank you so much!!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
This was our first workaway job and overall we had a positive experience. We stayed from May through October in the big green yurt and helped plant and harvest the hemp fields, organized and planted veggies in the geodesic dome, planned and planted pollinator shrubs and fruit bushes strategically around the property, built a solar dehydrator,
… read more repaired some fences and occasionally milked the goats. Part of our agreement to live here was that we would have space to grow our own food. Eventually, with much soil amendment, construction of a basic gravity fed irrigation system and care, our little garden went a long way and we didn't buy any produce all summer long! Work on the farm was a bit challenging due to disorganization and lack of quality materials and tools (we mostly worked with repurposed or recycled materials and tools were often scattered across the property), but regardless we effectively managed to balance our time working on farm projects with our busy lives working part-time in town. Dan is the resident handyman and one of our favorite people to hangout with and learn from. The weekly farm meetings were always a great way to keep everyone on track and motivated with lots of laughs and coffee to help.
The yurt we lived in was a great space for the two of us. We slept comfortably, cooked meals regularly, and had space for many homesteady projects. Our main complaint was that the yurt is not insulated and running water was an ongoing struggle. In the late Spring and early Fall we had to build fires in the wood stove every night to help us stay warm and Gary and Debby were happy to let us use their kitchen and shower when our water wasn't working.
Thunderbird Ranch is full of interesting characters that make you feel like family. The other volunteers/workers are very friendly, helpful, an welcoming. Although you might not always find meat, cheese, or gluten at Sunday night potlucks it was always a great way to relax, play music, and fill your belly with homemade deliciousness! We had a lot of fun cooking and sharing meals sourced from our garden and wild foraged food from the property. Although we are no longer on the farm anymore, we hope to visit again someday. Thanks for a great summer Thunderbird Ranch!!
Left by host for Workawayer (Selena & Tzvi)
Kipi, Selena and Mango have been adopted into our family and have a special place in our hearts. I smile every time I think of them. They are always welcome here.
Their work ethic is outstanding and they are self motivated. Their positive view on life is contagious. Nothing is insurmountable and they figure out on their own how to complete any
… read more given project. They saw the vision of our ranch and pitched in wherever and whenever necessary with their satchel full of skills- gardening, building, sewing, cooking, music, community building to name a few. They brought people together in the community and instituted herb walks and promoted and supported a number of local teaching events. (permaculture, earth skills, yoga, music, farm visits etc). They left a positive imprint on the life of a small town here in SW Colorado.
Mango is a magical little being who spreads her love to everyone. She has an infectious smile and irresistible laugh.
This family is the best!
Left by Workawayer (Selena & Tzvi) for host
We had a great workaway experience on the ranch! We helped out with remodeling the yurt and wherever they needed us. They attract lots of great beings to the Ranch and we learned a lot from all of them. We feel really at home on the ranch and in this beautiful beautiful town! Anyone who wants to learn about building, permaculture, mushroom
… read more hunting, and Native American traditions should come and trade your skills here!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Feedback
Left by Workawayer (Mutsumi) for host
This stay was my first work-away experience, and I had a good time at Thunderbird ranch. I stayed at the ranch for three weeks in winter(10 Dec.~ 4 Jan.). It was a short stay, but the family was so welcoming, so I could have an interesting and great winter break.
My job was feeding five horses, two goats, two dogs, and sixteen chickens, opening
… read more the horse stalls, and watering plants. I had no experience in animal care, but I got used to being around them as I feed them. Eventually, I could lead the horses when I get them in their stall in the evening:) The animals were so sweet and I loved interacting with them.
The yurt was spacious enough to stay comfortably by myself. Thankfully, the shower and water of the sink worked without any problem. I could get hot water for shower and cooking. I stayed in December, so I would build fire to stay warm every night.
I also learned about Native American culture. Gaby and Debby invited me to their traditional drumming, and we exchanged songs between Thunderbird ranch and Japan. I could not attend “sweat” due to heavy snow, so that made me want to go back to the ranch to learn and experience their culture more. During this stay, I felt very welcomed and met a lot of people with interesting experiences. Thank you so much!!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
This was our first workaway job and overall we had a positive experience. We stayed from May through October in the big green yurt and helped plant and harvest the hemp fields, organized and planted veggies in the geodesic dome, planned and planted pollinator shrubs and fruit bushes strategically around the property, built a solar dehydrator,
… read more repaired some fences and occasionally milked the goats. Part of our agreement to live here was that we would have space to grow our own food. Eventually, with much soil amendment, construction of a basic gravity fed irrigation system and care, our little garden went a long way and we didn't buy any produce all summer long! Work on the farm was a bit challenging due to disorganization and lack of quality materials and tools (we mostly worked with repurposed or recycled materials and tools were often scattered across the property), but regardless we effectively managed to balance our time working on farm projects with our busy lives working part-time in town. Dan is the resident handyman and one of our favorite people to hangout with and learn from. The weekly farm meetings were always a great way to keep everyone on track and motivated with lots of laughs and coffee to help.
The yurt we lived in was a great space for the two of us. We slept comfortably, cooked meals regularly, and had space for many homesteady projects. Our main complaint was that the yurt is not insulated and running water was an ongoing struggle. In the late Spring and early Fall we had to build fires in the wood stove every night to help us stay warm and Gary and Debby were happy to let us use their kitchen and shower when our water wasn't working.
Thunderbird Ranch is full of interesting characters that make you feel like family. The other volunteers/workers are very friendly, helpful, an welcoming. Although you might not always find meat, cheese, or gluten at Sunday night potlucks it was always a great way to relax, play music, and fill your belly with homemade deliciousness! We had a lot of fun cooking and sharing meals sourced from our garden and wild foraged food from the property. Although we are no longer on the farm anymore, we hope to visit again someday. Thanks for a great summer Thunderbird Ranch!!
Left by host for Workawayer (Selena & Tzvi)
Kipi, Selena and Mango have been adopted into our family and have a special place in our hearts. I smile every time I think of them. They are always welcome here.
Their work ethic is outstanding and they are self motivated. Their positive view on life is contagious. Nothing is insurmountable and they figure out on their own how to complete any
… read more given project. They saw the vision of our ranch and pitched in wherever and whenever necessary with their satchel full of skills- gardening, building, sewing, cooking, music, community building to name a few. They brought people together in the community and instituted herb walks and promoted and supported a number of local teaching events. (permaculture, earth skills, yoga, music, farm visits etc). They left a positive imprint on the life of a small town here in SW Colorado.
Mango is a magical little being who spreads her love to everyone. She has an infectious smile and irresistible laugh.
This family is the best!
Left by Workawayer (Selena & Tzvi) for host
We had a great workaway experience on the ranch! We helped out with remodeling the yurt and wherever they needed us. They attract lots of great beings to the Ranch and we learned a lot from all of them. We feel really at home on the ranch and in this beautiful beautiful town! Anyone who wants to learn about building, permaculture, mushroom
… read more hunting, and Native American traditions should come and trade your skills here!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Scott & Erin) for host
We had a great three week stay with Gary and Debby. They treated us like part of the family and included us in dinners and a traditional drum ceremony. Days on the ranch were filled with hard work (up to 7 hours but often shorter) and fun with the animals. We helped build a pavilion and learned a great deal from Dan who is a long term resident
… read more there and oversees most of the building. He is awesome! We highly recommend taking the opportunity to work with him if you can. Most of our food was provided but we took a few trips into Mancos (about 10 miles away) and Durango to re-up. It was nice having our own vehicle but you could get by without it. There were other friendly faces around the ranch, Kristen, Kay and Jennifer, who made our stay there even sweeter. Check out this ranch and get to know beautiful southwestern Colorado!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
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Information for those planning to visit the US
If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling. Do NOT attempt to enter the USA without the correct visa!
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
