Warm up with family and friends at an all-inclusive Dude Ranchers’ Association-accredited ranch
Dreaming of warmth, sunshine and adventure? Leave the cold and dreary weather at home and embark on the original all-inclusive vacation at a Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) ranch located in the Southwestern climates of Arizona, New Mexico or Colorado.
There is a broad spectrum of DRA-accredited guest ranches across North America, ranging from rustic, no-frills working ranches to luxury resort-style ranches. From valleys complete with untouched Rocky Mountain backdrops to desert sunsets across the Southwest, you can find DRA-accredited ranches throughout the Western U.S., as well as in California, Arkansas and Canada. If you’re dreaming of a warm vacation destination this season, the DRA can help plan the perfect winter escape to one of its Southwestern dude ranches where activities include horseback riding, swimming, fishing, nature walks, whitewater rafting and much more.
If you’re looking for a luxury dude ranch experience, Arizona’s dude ranches might be the perfect fit. The breathtaking backdrop of extraordinary landscapes like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and The Painted Desert is just the start to a memorable vacation. Tanque Verde Ranch, located just east of Tucson, is one of the premier all-inclusive dude ranch resorts in the country. You will find the perfect blend of Western adventure, solitude and luxury amenities to make your vacation unforgettable. Or escape to the warm heart of the Southwest at Rancho de los Caballeros. This resort has the soul of a bed and breakfast offering full resort amenities and privacy, yet with the charm and intimacy of yesteryear. Additional ranches in Arizona that offer a wide range of activities and amenities include Circle Z Ranch, Elkhorn Ranch, Hidden Meadow Ranch, Flying E Dude Ranch, White Stallion Ranch and Rancho De La Osa Guest Ranch.
To experience the true cowboy life, select one of New Mexico’s dude ranches where evidence of the American Old West is visible at every turn. Explore the outlaw trails of Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, and the Sundance Kid on horseback or head into the canyons that sheltered the great Apache warrior Geronimo in the 1800s. Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is perfect for an “Old West” family adventure. This ranch is located in the untouched Gila National Forest of Southwestern New Mexico and offers a relaxed and personal atmosphere. New Mexico is also home to Burnt Well Ranch, a small family owned cattle and sheep ranch located in Southeastern New Mexico. Burnt Well Ranch is another great ranch to visit in the winter due to its mild winter temperatures ranging in the 60’s.
For those who enjoy slightly cooler temperatures this time of year, plan your visit to Mosca, Colorado’s Zapata Ranch, which was recently named one of the “Top 3 Best Ranches in America for a Real, Working Ranch Vacation” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Zapata Ranch has one of the world’s most spectacular and diverse landscapes and offers plenty of scenic and unique activities such as horseback riding, white water rafting, nature tours and fishing.
The DRA was founded to preserve and protect the unique dude ranch vacation experience and identity. It requires its members to uphold top quality and service standards. The DRA’s experienced staff helps all types of travelers customize their experience, guiding them to the perfect ranch that suits their needs and desires. Priced competitively with respect to other similar all-inclusive vacation options, almost all meals, activities and special events are included in the cost of a ranch visit.
“The Dude Ranchers’ Association takes great pride in all of our ranches, and we are particularly fond of the adventures and warmth that guests can enjoy during the winter months at our Southwest ranches,” said Colleen Hodson, executive director of the DRA. “These ranches offer a scenic escape from the bleak winter conditions many people are experiencing at the time, and they guarantee a vacation that is anything but ordinary.”
A complete listing of DRA-accredited dude and guest ranches can be found online. Visitors can search for ranches by location or activities and amenities. For assistance planning your dude ranch vacation, contact the Dude Ranchers’ Association at (866) 399-2339.
About Dude Ranchers’ Association
Dude ranches are the original Western vacation. The Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) was founded to preserve, protect and promote this unique vacation experience and its identity. Though guest expectations have changed and ranchers have had to change with them, the core principles of dude ranching remain the same: horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart. DRA was founded in 1926 and currently has more than 100 accredited members, all of which are required to uphold the highest quality and standards within the dude ranching industry. For more information on the DRA or individual ranches, visit www.duderanch.org. The DRA can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DudeRanchers and Twitter @DudeRanchers.
For more information contact Amanda Fennell, French West Vaughan, 919.277.1155, afennell@fwv-us.com
While many of our spring break picks have involved beaches and warm weather, there are lots of other spring break ideas that may work better for your family. One of the family vacations that I’m hoping to do one year is a dude ranch family vacation. Most of them are located in gorgeous areas of the United States, and include lots of different activities including horseback riding, fishing, whitewater rafting, yoga, and cooking classes. Events, meals, and activities are generally included in the cost of your spring break dude ranch family vacation!
