Dude Ranch Summer Round-Up
By Susan McKee
Playing cowboy has been a part of an American childhood for more than a century. By visiting a dude ranch (sometimes called a guest ranch these days), travelers of all ages can sample the everyday life still common out on the range. The most elegant include all the amenities of a five-star resort. Smaller, “working ranches”, are often in remote areas and offer hands-on experiences in western life. The choice is wide, from those geared for active family vacations to those better suited for upscale honeymoons.
An example of the dude ranch as a luxury resort is Triple Creek Ranch (www.triplecreekranch.com), a member of the Relais & Châteaux group that’s open year ‘round. Located in the Bitterroot range of the Montana Rockies, it’s geared toward couples looking for a romantic setting. Its Chef’s Table is the most sought-after dinner reservation. The Wildcatter Ranch and Resort (www.WildcatterRanch.com), 90 miles northwest of Fort Worth in Graham, Texas, promises to “captivate your western spirit” with everything from horseback riding and canoeing to spa treatments and massages on its 1,500 acres of Texas Hill Country.
Eatons’ Ranch (www.eatonsranch.com), said to be the oldest dude ranch in the country, celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. Its 7,000 acres of rolling hills, grassy meadows and hidden valleys are about 18 miles west of Sheridan, Wyoming. Its hearty ranch breakfasts are legendary. Named “Best Family Vacation” by Frommer’s Colorado guidebook and rated among the “Top Ten Colorado Dude Ranches” by True West Magazine; Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch (www.sylvandale.com) near Fort Collins, Colorado, is open year ‘round to “help you discover your hidden cowboy”.Given the wide range of prices, amenities and locations, fitting a dude ranch to your client takes a bit of sleuthing. If they know the state they’d like to visit, try checking one of these specific groups:
The Arizona Dude Ranch Association (www.azdra.com) represents a dozen ranches in the Grand Canyon State. White Stallion Ranch (www.whitestallion.com), in the Sonoran Desert, has been owned and operated by the same family since 1965. Rancho de los Caballeros (www.sunc.com), outside Wickenburg, has an 18-hole golf course and offers hot air balloon rides. Elkhorn Ranch (www.elkhornranch.com), 50 miles southwest of Tucson, places an emphasis on horseback riding.
The Wyoming Dude Ranch Association (www.wyomingdra.com) lists 31 ranches, all with family-friendly programs. Bitterroot Ranch (www.bitterrootranch.com), just outside Yellowstone National Park, prides itself on being a top destination for equestrian vacations. Heart 6 Ranch (www.heartsix.com), also near Yellowstone, provides riding lessons for kids as young as 3. Medicine Bow Lodge (www.medbowlodge.com), 22 miles east of Saratoga, started in the early 1900s as a tent camp. Their horseback rides range from slow scenic trails to pack trips.
British Columbia’s Guest Ranchers Association (www.bcgra.com) has 14 members. Spring Lake Ranch (www.springlakeranch.com), in Caribbo Country, offers working vacation options. Hills Health Ranch, also in Caribbo, is a spa resort in the middle of 20,000 acres of ranch lands. At Chaunigan Lake Lodge (www.chaunigan.com), near the Chilcotin glaciers, fishing for rainbow trout competes with horseback riding.
There are 28 members in the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association (www.coloradoranch.com), all in the Rocky Mountains west of I-25. Lost Valley Ranch (www.lostvalleyranch.com), just east of the Pike National Forest, is a working ranch. Vista Verde Ranch (www.vistaverde.com), close to the Wyoming border, has hot tubs on the decks of its log cabins. Colorado Trails Ranch (www.coloradotrails.com), outside Durango, boasts hayrides and Western dancing.
In addition there are three main collections of ranches to check out: Dude Ranches (www.duderanches.com) has a variety of offerings. McGarry Ranches (www.mcgarryranches.pa.net) includes three locations in southeastern Idaho, each working cattle ranch. Lone Mountain Ranch (www.lmranch.com), near Big Sky, Montana, is open in the summer, fall and winter. Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch (geronimoranch.com) in southwest New Mexico is 85 miles from the nearest stoplight.
The Dude Ranchers’ Association (www.duderanch.org), in operation since 1926, has 100 members from 14 states and two Canadian provinces. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch (gohcr.com) located east of the Rockies, in the Ozark Mountains outside Jasper, Arkansas, has all the expected “western” activities. Wind Walker Guest Ranch (www.windwalker.org) in Spring City, Utah, has both one- and two-bedroom villas. Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch (www.greenhornranch.com) is 70 miles from the Reno, Nevada airport in Quincy, California. Operating since 1962, it has activities for all ages.
Guest Ranches of North America (www.guestranches.com) lists places for family vacations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Rancho Las Casadas (ranchomex.com) promises Mexican hospitality combined with Swiss management about 90 minutes north of Mexico City’s international airport. Ranch 4 Saisons (www.ranch4saisons.com), in the Red River Mountains of Québec, Canada, is described as a horse lover’s idea of heaven. Rocking L Guest Ranch (www.rockinglranch.com) in Bandera, Texas, claims an authentic Western town atmosphere.
Dude Ranch Sizzling Summer Savings
The Dude Ranchers Association has provided JAXFAX with some of the specials being offered for the spring and early summer season. Be sure to check the websites for the ranches to see other specials, as well as the amenities offered by each.
7D Ranch, Sunlight Basin, WY
With eleven cabins situated among mountains, rivers, and valleys, 7D Ranch offers a Horsemanship Clinic with Spencer Dominick, offered from July 25th through August 1st. Guests can take advantage of all the ranch has to offer including hiking, biking, fishing, wonderful meals and a children’s program. During the week of June 13-20 the ranch is offering a special rate of $1,680 per adult (13 & up), $1,425 for 6-12 year olds, $1050 for 3-5 year olds and kids 2 and under are free. Rates include lodging, meals, activities & gratuities. 888-587-9885; www.7dranch.com; ranch7d@wyoming.com
The Historic Pines Ranch, Westcliffe, CO
Recently remodeled, comfortable, modernized rustic cabins are connected by walking paths around the Pines Ranch Property. Activities include a riding program, children’s programs, whitewater rafting, ATVs and fishing. Family discount weeks start June 20, July 4, and August 15th with prices for a 6 night stay (Sun.– Sat.) adults $1,450, 7-12 yr olds $1,000 and 2-6 yr old $525. Rates are all inclusive of everything. Upcoming events include a dedicated singles week, August 15 and Cowgirl’s weeks starting May 30th, and September 15th and a couple’s week, September 12th. Also offered are ½ week packages and long weekend stays. Call 800-446-9462; www.historicpinesranch.com; cowboy@historicpines.com
North Fork Ranch, Shawnee, CO
Established in 1985, North Fork Ranch rests quietly along one-half mile of the tranquil North Fork of the South Platte River. The 520-acre ranch adjoins the Pike National Forest, Lost Creek Wilderness and Mt. Evans Wilderness. Their all-inclusive vacation package includes a full host of activities for everyone in the family, including horseback riding, shooting, hiking, fishing, rafting, and activities for the little ones. Special offers include “25% off one adult” per party of 2 or more on a weekly reservation in honor of our 25th Anniversary as well as “Grandparents Free” with a weekly reservation of parties of 8 or more. 800-843-7895; www.northforkranch.com; info@northforkranch.com
Wilderness Trails Ranch, Durango, CO
Forge a relationship with your horse, drive cattle, hike into 500,000 acres of wilderness, fish, whitewater raft, waterski or tube, swim, soak, indulge in a massage, join a horsemanship clinic, and dine like royalty. Since 1970, Wilderness Trails Ranch has been an ideal resort vacation holiday for kids from 3 to 83. During the weeks of May 23-June 5th, enjoy the Spring Fling at WTR for adults only with discounted rates. Offered will be a Wine and Cheese Ride, A Horseback Scavenger Hunt, and a wine tasting party. This will be a celebration of 60 years as quality dude ranch. Offered are 3-6 day all-inclusive visits. Call 800-527-2624; www.wildernesstrails.com; wtr@wildernesstrails.com
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, Emigrant, MT
With something for everyone, authentic western hospitality awaits you at this ranch located in southwestern Montana. The ranch is nestled within more than 8,000 acres of beautiful, rugged countryside and backs up to the vast and pristine Gallatin National forest. The ranch is known for its majestic scenery, peaceful atmosphere and outdoor adventure. From May 30-June 3, 2010 enjoy “Visions of Yellowstone,” a multi-day program with educational experiences that explore the unique characteristics of Yellowstone’s ecosystem through environmentalism, wolf biology, geothermal activity, photography, and animal tracking with Yellowstone’s greatest specialists and personalities at a cost of $1,200 per person. 800-548-3392; www.mtnsky.com; reservations@mtnsky.com
Three Bars Cattle & Guest Ranch, Cranbrook, Canada
Three Bars Guest Ranch is located in Canadian Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, between Banff Park and Glacier Park. This special part of the world offers an abundance of nature, clean fast moving water, green fields and breathtaking mountain vistas. The ranch offers a complete range of horseback riding programs, hiking, river rafting, mountain bikes, fly fishing, tennis, heated pool, hot tub, and fitness facility. For the month of June they are offering 50% off a second ranch package. When booking, use the promo code “DUDE”. 877-426-5230; www.threebarsranch.com; info@threebarsranch.com