Entry No. 31 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: spiritual community
Sunrise Ranch
Founded in 1945 by Lloyd Arthur Meeker and headquartered by the Emissaries of Divine Light, Sunrise Ranch is a 400-acre working ranch and organic farm set in the Rocky Mountain foothills just outside Loveland. Designated a Colorado Historical Landmark in May 2025, the property has operated as one of the oldest multigenerational intentional communities in the United States for over 80 years. Visitors encounter a labyrinth, pond, organic gardens, and striking architecture including The Dome (built 1974). The ranch hosts public retreats, workshops, ecstatic dance events, holotropic breathwork sessions, and the monthly Bohemian Cafe gathering, all supported by farm-to-table meals sourced from the on-site farm.
The story
Tucked into the foothills just outside Loveland, Sunrise Ranch isn't your typical retreat center. Founded in 1945 by Lloyd Arthur Meeker, the 400-acre working ranch serves as the international headquarters for the Emissaries of Divine Light. Operating continuously for over 80 years, it stands as one of the oldest multigenerational intentional communities in the United States, earning an official Colorado Historical Landmark designation in May 2025.
The property operates as a blend of organic farm, architectural study, and spiritual sanctuary. Its most recognized landmark is The Dome, built in 1974, which anchors a grounds layout that includes organic crop fields, a tranquil pond, and a stone labyrinth. Rather than existing as a closed commune, the community sustains itself through agricultural work, residential stays, and public programming ranging from holotropic breathwork to monthly Bohemian Cafe nights.
What it's like
Stepping onto the property feels noticeably quiet and deliberate, reflecting the active spiritual community living on-site. While the grounds are technically open to the public daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., simply pulling up unannounced offers limited access to the 400 acres. The real key to experiencing the ranch is registering in advance for a public event—such as ecstatic dance or a weekend retreat—which gets you access to their farm-to-table meals and interior spaces. Because of its position right in the foothills, temperature shifts hit faster than down in Loveland proper; bring extra layers even on warm afternoons.
The move: Attend a public event together — ecstatic dance, a Bohemian Cafe evening, or a weekend workshop — then wander the labyrinth and pond gardens afterward. The farm-to-table dining and unusual communal setting make it feel like stepping into a different world for a few hours.
📍 Before you go Grounds are open daily 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but most meaningful experiences require registering for a scheduled event or retreat — drop-in access to the full property is limited. Check the events calendar at sunriseranch.org before visiting; programming spans free-standing day events and multi-day residential retreats. Overnight lodging is available during events. The site is run by an active spiritual community, so expect a contemplative atmosphere. Bring layers — the foothills location runs cooler than downtown Loveland.
- 📍 Loveland
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 100 Sunrise Ranch Rd, Loveland, CO 80538
Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Kiss My Glass — Pair a quiet morning walk near the ranch's foothills pond with a small-group glass-fusing session just west of Horsetooth Reservoir.
- Rosie's Barbershop & Cocktail Bar — Transition from an afternoon event at the ranch into downtown Loveland for evening drinks hidden behind a working barbershop back door.
- The Flipside — Balance the contemplative atmosphere of the ranch's organic grounds with a shift into downtown Loveland for pinball and arcade games.
Good to know
Can I visit Sunrise Ranch without booking an event?
The grounds are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but general drop-in access to the full property is limited. Participating in a scheduled public event, class, or retreat is recommended.
What kinds of public events take place here?
The ranch hosts public workshops, ecstatic dance, holotropic breathwork sessions, multi-day residential retreats, and the monthly Bohemian Cafe gathering.
Is overnight lodging available?
Yes, overnight lodging options are available on-site, typically paired with attendance at ranch retreats or scheduled programs.
What is the history behind the ranch?
It was established in 1945 by Lloyd Arthur Meeker as a home and headquarters for the Emissaries of Divine Light spiritual movement, making it an eight-decade-old intentional community.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Yelp · Reddit
last checked: 2026-06-11