Imagine yourself taking the best vacation of your life at a dude ranch. The cool, fresh mountain air, the open spaces, the feel of a steady horse beneath you as you top the next rise... the flash of color from the dark pool as the monster trout rises to your offering...luxuriating in the warmth of the setting sun as you wait for the dinner bell's call ... shared time with family and friends.

We now have over 100 members in The Dude Ranchers' Association, which was formed in 1926 to preserve this special way of life and the wonderful environment in which it takes place. Membership in the Association is not automatic. Dude ranches applying for membership go through a rigorous two year inspection and approval process. When you vacation at a Dude Ranchers' Association Dude Ranch, you can be sure of a quality vacation.

Horses, Hats, History and Hospitality - they're the foundation of every ranch. 

When you book your vacation at a member ranch, you can be assured of genuine, western hospitality combined with the lodging industry’s latest standards.

The Dude Rancher’s Association is the governing body of the West’s Dude Ranch industry. Created in 1926, it provides an organized structure for members, in which they are able to exchange ideas and experiences in an effort to uphold the highest quality of services within the industry. The Association promotes the western ranch vacation, while continuing to build a strong working relationship with Federal and State land agencies in order to preserve and protect parks, forests and wildlife.

You will find that not all Dude Ranches are members of the DRA. There are a number of strict by-laws which must be followed in order to become (and remain) a member ranch. Approximately 70% of the ranches that apply meet the high standards of the association and go on to become members.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST NEWS FOR THE DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION AT: http://duderanch.org/news.cfm?

Discover Dude Ranching The Early Years of Dude Ranching Activities at Dude Ranches A Ranch to match your Dreams Why choose a DRA Member Ranch? Frequently Asked Questions Board of Directors