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Posts Tagged ‘Wyoming Dude Ranch’

Dude Ranches and National Parks

April 29th, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

In honor of National Parks Week, I wanted to share with you a great summer vacation idea located nearby some of most visited national parks in America, according to a recent study released by the National Park Service: a dude ranch vacation.

As ecotourism is becoming more popular than ever, the Dude Ranchers’ Association’s dude and guest ranches have been the pioneers of green living and green vacations for decades. At a guest ranch you can reconnect with nature in some of the most tranquil, pristine areas of the country and learn to “live off the land” with fishing trips, bird watching, hikes, wildlife viewing and more. Below, please find a sample of DRA-accredited ranches located right in the heart of or near some of the country’s top national parks.

Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the 20 largest national parks in the United States. There are two DRA ranches located within an easy drive of the park, which is known for its abundance of wildlife and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. A day trip to Glacier National Park from Averill’s Flathead Lake Ranch and Bar W Guest Ranch is highly recommended.

Several DRA-accredited guest ranches are either located in or bordered by national parks. Both Moose Head Ranch and Triangle X Ranch are located completely within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park, a location that attracts nearly four million visitors per year to northwestern Wyoming. White Stallion Ranch borders Arizona’s Saguaro National Park, while Tanque Verde Ranch – the largest DRA-accredited ranch in terms of acreage – is less than a 10-mile drive. The Buffalo National River – America’s First National River – runs through Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, which borders Buffalo River National Park in the Ozark region of Arkansas.

Many dude and guest ranches are located within an easy day trip from national parks. Located in the north-central region of Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a short, scenic drive away from not one but four DRA-accredited ranches: Drowsy Water Ranch, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch and C Lazy U Ranch. Pikes Peak – a mountain in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains – is within an hour drive of Tarryall River Ranch. Dude ranch guests can drive to the top, take the Pikes Peak Cog Rail (the world’s highest cog railroad), or enjoy a panoramic view of Pikes Peak from one of Tarryall’s trail rides.

Tags: adventure vacation, all-inclusive, Arizona Dude Ranch, colorado dude ranch, Family Ranch Vacations, Family Vacations, Guest Ranch Vacations, Montana Dude Ranch, Wyoming Dude Ranch
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Many Dude and Guest Ranches are Offering Spectacular Savings During their Shoulder Guest Seasons

April 23rd, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

Shoulder seasons are the weeks before and after the main season begins and ends. A ranch will sometimes offer added values like a massage, private riding lessons or a fine bottle of wine upon check-in etc. They may offer a repeat guest discount, a group of more than 20 people discount or an early bird booking discount. Some ranches will offer special packages during these times as well like fishing packages, riding only packages, horse clinic packages, shorter stay packages, pack trips packages, overnight camping and much more.

We know finding the perfect ranch match for your family can sometimes be hard so The Dude Ranchers Association wants to help, give us a call at 866-399-2339 or shoot us an e-mail and we will do all we can to help you find that perfect ranch for your family.

Any time is a great time to make memories with your family so what are you waiting for let us help you make memories that will last a lifetime!!!

Sundance Trail Guest Ranch

Red Feather Lakes, Colorado Phone: +1 (800) 357-4930 Family dude ranch vacation in the Colorado Mountains; Smallest smallest of the CO member ranches. Western Horseback Riding; NOT nose-to-tail; we love teaching beginners! A relaxed, stress-free, hassle free, easy going atmosphere that only a very small family dude ranch can enjoy.

http://sundancetrail.com/summer-dude-ranch/dude-ranch-summer-rates/dude-ranch-summer-rates/

Smith Fork Ranch

Crawford, Colorado Phone: +1 855-539-1492 Smith Fork Ranch is a private luxury destination nestled in the Colorado Rocky Mountains amidst thousands of acres of the West Elk Wilderness and the Gunnison National Forest. SFR offers unique western adventures, gracious hospitality, superb farm to table cuisine and an award winning wine list.
http://www.smithforkranch.com/lodging-amenities/rates-packages/

Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch

Quincy, California Phone: +1 (800) 334-6939 A truly all inclusive guest dude ranch vacation, we provide the perfect location for family vacations, reunions, weddings, corporate and business retreats, meetings, special events, equine guided education and so much more. Still serving up the best hospitality in the west!

http://www.greenhornranch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=47

Goosewing Ranch

Jackson, Wyoming Phone: +1 888-733-5251 Here at Goosewing Ranch, we combine the lifestyle of ranching in the Wyoming wilderness with many of the modern refinements that make your visit with us especially enjoyable. Remote with spectacular scenery overlooking and close proximity to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Excellent horseback riding, fly fishing, newly remodeled outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and kids activities.
http://goosewingranch.com/specials/

Paradise Guest Ranch

Buffalo, Wyoming Phone: +1 307-684-7876 Celebrating 100 years of FUN in 2007. Tucked away in the scenic Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. Luxury log cabins with fireplaces, outdoor decks & spacious living rooms.

http://www.paradiseranch.com/rates/specials

Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch

McLeod, Montana Phone: +1 877-496-7848 Enjoy a Montana ranch vacation in a remote pristine wilderness north of Yellowstone. Small guest capacity and unique activities. Horseback riding; Fly fishing on private frontage along the Boulder River; Jeep ride to ghost town and historic gold mines; Hiking; Scenic raft float; Campfires/cookouts.

http://www.hawleymountain.com/rates.htm

THREE BARS CATTLE & GUEST RANCH

Cranbrook, British Columbia Phone: +1 877-426-5230 Three Bars GuestRanch, The Adventure Ranch of the Canadian Rockies, invites you to experience the ultimate horseback riding vacation. Located just south of Banff National Park, Three Bars Ranch offers the most diverse activities program available anywhere. Voted Canada’s #1 Dude Ranch 2011.
http://www.threebarsranch.com/rates_specials.php

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

Jesmond Clinton, British Columbia Phone: 1.800.253.8831 Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is located in the pristine Cariboo region of British Columbia. Surrounded by wide open spaces and tranquil wilderness, Echo Valley offers horseback riding, hiking, fly-fishing, gold panning, bird watching, rafting, golf and a world class spa.

http://www.evranch.com/cms.asp?wpID=482

Tags: added value, adventure vacation, All-Inclusive Vacations, California Dude Ranch, Canadian Dude Ranch, colorado dude ranch, Destination Vacations, Family Ranch Vacations, Family Vacations, Guest Ranch Vacations, Montana Dude Ranch, Wyoming Dude Ranch
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Natural Horsemanship Clinic, August 25-31, 2013

April 9th, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

The Red Rock Ranch Natural Horsemanship Clinic educates riders and horse enthusiasts on how to understand obedience through feel while working their horse, including light in mouth–– what this truly feels like–– response to leg pressure and much more. A family owned Jackson Hole Dude Ranch, the Red Rock Ranch is located just outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Red Rock Ranch offers experienced instructors, all whom are currently active in the horse industry. Our instructors are well versed in working with “problem” horses as well as teaching drill team, vaulting, polo instruction, team driving, young horses, roping and revamping horses with “baggage”. Our team has been heavily influenced by Tom Dorance and his Natural Horsemanship philosophies.

For more information and to reserve our space please call the ranch aat 307-733-6288 or visit www.theredrockranch.com

Tags: added value, cowboys, cowgirls, Horses, Riding, Specialty Weeks, Wyoming Dude Ranch
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T-Cross Ranch -Leading a Trail Ride 101

February 21st, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

I saw this story on T-Cross Ranch‘s Blog and thought it was so well done…I had to share. Enjoy!

At supper one evening, Mark told four of us gals that we could head out on our own the next morning. We had all been coming to T Cross for a while; some for years and years, but it was still exciting to think we’d be turned loose to go adventuring on our own! I saw the opportunity to practice my wranglerette skills and my compadres were more than game to let me give leading a trail ride all by myself a whirl!

Hole in the Wall as viewed from the valley floor. Can I get them up there and back?

The next morning we got down to the corral early and debated which trail to take. We sorted out that nobody else was heading up to Hole in the Wall and decided that would make for a good test of my skills. Conner told me what time I needed to get back by before they would send out a search party…boy would that be embarrassing! The gals debated how to get to Hole in the Wall, but I felt pretty sure I knew the way and confirmed with Conner and Michael just to be certain.

We got underway, heading across Horse Creek and the west meadow to the gate. I had to get off of Idaho to open it, but pointed out that I needed to check cinches anyway. My companions on this trail ride had decided they would score me on a variety of different factors ranging from horsemanship, such as opening gates to picking good bathroom stops! (As if I needed this extra pressure.)

It wasn’t too long before they began concocting issues to test my wranglerette abilities. “Cindy, I need to drop my stirrup because my knee hurts.” “How much further is it?” “What kind of tree is that?” “What’s the name of that yellow flower?” “What mountain range is that called?” (read more)

Tags: Activities, adventure vacation, all-inclusive, Wyoming Dude Ranch
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Three Ranches

November 19th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

Life on a ranch can be lonely, hard, breathtakingly beautiful, often ironic, and sometimes downright hilarious. Welcome to one family’s three ranches.

From the Jacket Cover: “How, in this day and age in the United States, do you run a successful guest ranch, manage thousands of acres of land for livestock and wildlife, and raise top quality beef cattle? This is the story of three Western ranches, two in southern Wyoming and in northern Colorado. They have been owned since the 1960s by the extended family of Charles C. Gates Sr. One is a guest ranch; the other two are working cattle operations. All three confront a daily challenge to survive and thrive.”

By Will and Deni McIntyre, with an introduction by ranch managers Lissa Howe, Justin Howe, and Mark Dunning.

Will and Deni McIntyre have photographed at the A Bar A guest ranch almost every year since 2002. For this project they brought in their scope to include the Big Creek and State Line Ranches as well, recording a year in the life of all three spreads.

“For the text, we had access to wonderful archives both private and public,” Deni McIntyre says. “They held documents going back to when these ranches were homesteaded. I selected excerpts that helped tell the story, and they became the background of the book.”

Book Reviews

The Western ranch is an American icon that few people experience first-hand. In Three Ranches, Will and Deni McIntyre present an intimate, well-researched, visual story that includes historic photographs and excerpts from the personal memoirs of people who have called these ranches home.

The McIntyres bring their sense of humor, friendship, and personal appreciation of these ranches to this wonderful book. If you only buy one photo book about ranching in the West, this should be it.

For more information please visit: www.abararanch.com/three-ranches/

Tags: all-inclusive, dude Ranch History, In The News, Wyoming Dude Ranch
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Great Leaf Peeping in the National Parks

September 26th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

USA Today Travel recently wrote an article discussing how national parks are a great place to experience the beautiful colors of fall. The article mentions of The Dude Ranchers’ Association‘s very own Triangle X Ranch located in Grand Teton National Park. Following is an excerpt.

by David and Kay Scott, NationalParksTraveler.com

As the days grow cooler and darkness lingers a little longer, it’s time to savor the brilliant colors of fall. The glorious reds, bright yellows, and vivid oranges produced by oaks, maples, cottonwoods, sumac, and other broad-leaved trees and shrubs become a visual treat in much of the country.

What better place to view this grand spectacle than a national park? What’s more, children are back in school and crowds are down. Some national park lodges even offer discounts during this shoulder season. Here’s a sampling of parks with lodging facilities.

The Western Parks

For foliage colors farther west consider America’s first national park, Yellowstone, and itssouthern neighbor, Grand Teton National Park. A fall visit to either of these Wyoming parks avoids the summer crowds and is likely to result in more wildlife sightings. Peak time for the leaves is generally from mid-to-late September and early October. Yellowstone has nine lodging facilities spread throughout the park. All are managed by Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Closing dates are frommid-September to mid-October (travelyellowstone.com; 888-297-2757).

Grand Teton National Park has five lodging facilities, three of which are managed by Grand Teton Lodge Company (gtlc.com; 800-628-9988): Colter Bay Village closes in late September; Jackson Lake Lodge and Jenny Lake Lodge each close in early October. Signal Mountain Lodge with 79 cabin units, including a few with kitchens, closes in mid-October (signalmountainlodge.com; 307-543-2831). Triangle X Ranch is a dude ranch that requires a four-night minimum stay from September to the first week in November when it closes for the season (triangleX.com; 307-733-2183). According to Triangle X employee Megan Johnson, the park has been through a relatively dry year and the aspen and cottonwoods have already started to change colors, a process that is likely to last through early October.

For more information or to make reservations please visit www.trianglex.com or call 307-733-2183

Tags: all-inclusive, Wyoming Dude Ranch
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The Lodge & Spa At Brush Creek Ranch Introduces New Wedding Packages Ideal For Destination Weddings Of Any Size

August 9th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

Luxurious Wyoming Retreat Ideal for a Unique Destination Wedding Locale for Up to 160 Guests

By The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 – 9:09 am

SARATOGA, Wyo. /PRNewswire/ — Step through the gates of The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch and this 15,000-acre vacation getaway reveals itself as the ultimate all inclusive destination wedding setting. For the first time since opening in May 2011, Brush Creek Ranch is introducing a variety of all new, all-inclusive wedding packages that range in size, price point and flavor. These personally-tailored package options allow couples to host all inclusive Western weddings weekends of any size, from the most intimate private gatherings of 25 close friends and family to large, glamorous events of 160 guests.

This historic Wyoming cattle ranch turned exclusive wedding destination offers a refined, one-of-a-kind Western experience, where impeccable service and understated luxury come together to create memories as vast as the western skies for the bride and groom and their family and friends. The Ranch has received numerous accolades for its unsurpassed charm, including a ringing endorsement from high profile wedding planner Bryan Rafanelli, the visionary behind Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, who said that if he were planning his own nuptials he would choose Brush Creek Ranch for both his wedding and honeymoon destination.

The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch‘s new, all-inclusive packages offer something for everyone:

The Country’s Top Dude Ranches

July 24th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

Two of the DRA’s dude ranches were recently showcased in an article in Parade.com and in the Sunday paper. What an honor it is to have two of the 100+ ranches in our association chosen to represent the quality and authenticity that is so important in a ranch stay.

Following is a little of what what said:

Most Luxurious
Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, Jesmond, B.C.
“Luxury” may not be the first thing that comes to mind with a dude ranch, but then again, neither does Thailand—yet Echo Valley offers both. The ranch exhibits clear Thai influences, from the spa treatments to the Thai silk accents in the rooms. Even the restaurant offers “Traditional Thai Night” every Thursday, spotlighting—what else?–authentic Thai cuisine.
Most Authentic
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, Shell, Wyoming
While the Hideout offers activities like fly-fishing and trapshooting, it readily admits that most of it’s guests come for the cattle work. That means branding, gathering and wrangling the thousands of cows, calves and yearlings on the ranch. You will not, however, have to cook your own franks and beans in a pot over a fire. The Hideout’s fine dining from its Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef has earned rave reviews from its guests.

To read the full article please go to http://www.parade.com/news/2012/07/22-national-day-of-the-cowboy.html

For more information about dude ranches please visit www.duderanch.org or call 866-399-2339

Tags: all-inclusive, Canadian Dude Ranch, The Dude Ranchers' Association, Wyoming Dude Ranch
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Brush Creek Ranch 4th of July 2012 Celebration

June 11th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

Bring family and friends together for a July 4th vacation celebration Brush Creek Ranch 4th of July 2012 Celebration of a lifetime at The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch in beautiful Saratoga Wyoming. Our authentic western fun includes something for everyone including our 3rd annual Brush Creek Ranch professional rodeo, a barn dance in the loft of our historic barn, July 4th fireworks, a ropes course tournament, a complimentary scenic float trip, nightly live entertainment and much more.

This 4th of July Dude Ranch Vacation Package includes all of these additional July 4th activites & adventures!:
• July 4th Fireworks display
• Third annual Brush Creek Ranch Rodeo with professional bull riders
• Nightly Live Entertainment
• Boot Scootin’ Barn Dance
• Complimentary family scenic float trip for up to 6ppl per trip
• Outdoor Movie Night
• BCR Ropes Course ‘Tournament of Champions’

Plus, our standard “All Inclusive” rate inclusions:
• Unlimited ‘on ranch’ ranch activities including horseback riding, fly fishing, Brush Creek Ranch Gun club shooting, mountain biking, roping & bull riding lessons, falcon peak yoga, hiking, paintball and more, including all gear, guides/wranglers & instruction; and Daily Lil’ Wranglers Kid’s program for children ages 4-11
• All meals and beverages, including premium beers, wine and spirits program.

All-inclusive rates start at: $750-875 per adult per night, based on double occupancy and lodging unit selected. Plus receive 20% off this rate when booking by June 15th.

Minimum stay: 3-Nights

Valid: 7/1/12-7/8/12

Excludes: 10% ranch fee, taxes, spa experiences and off-ranch activities

Book by 5 p.m. MST June 15th to receive 20% off your 4th of July Package! Mention Website Special when booking.

Tags: all-inclusive, Wyoming Dude Ranch
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A Week On An Authentic Wyoming Ranch – Reading, Writing and Riding

April 16th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

By: Janet Rodgers, Contributor to Forbes Magazine
April 9, 2012

Hankerin’ for a creative, outdoor adventure this summer right here in the U.S.? The historic landmark Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Wyoming (2 ½ hours from Denver) beckons. Authentic ranch is framed by the Snowy Range Mountains, pasturelands with real cattle, and cabins dotting the shore along the Little Laramie River.

The Vee Bar, located near Laramie Wyoming, is a family-friendly vacation destination that is sure to please the horse loving cowboy or cowgirl in you. A variety of activities, ranging from horseback riding to river tubing, will suit each member of your group. Experience true western hospitality!

Open to those at any level of writing and riding skills, Page Lambert, award-winning author and writing coach, and Sheri Griffith, legendary sportswoman/adventurer, invite you for one unique week, June 2 – June 7, 2012. “Through the Eyes of the Horse – Literature & Landscape of the Horse Retreat” will surely rekindle even the most dormant of creative fires. Learn what horsemanship can teach us about our own natural instincts instead of relying only on the intellect.

Basic requirements for the retreat: you’ve got to be interested in equine culture, be happy to ride, and you should be able to read and write. The retreat is tailored to fit each individual – so let them know

your creative goals (writing, painting, photography, journaling) and your horse-related/nature-related interests…

The Riding Part: Sheri teaches herd dynamics, communicating with horses, horses as working animals, horses (and us) as sensate beings in a sensate world, horse heartbeats, grooming and tacking up. Rides will be out in the open (abreast of one another) in 3 different groups – leisurely walking, trotting, and fast track. Each group has two wrangler guides, and the groups are fluid – ride with one group one day, then switch to a different one.
The Reading and Writing: Page leads literature discussions about horses and animals as characters, reads aloud appropriate excerpts, and shares the wisdom of ‘horse whisperers.’ She encourages immersion in the natural world, keeping journals, and dispenses fun, short writing prompts.

$300 will hold your horse. Oprah loves these two gals and this retreat! Cost: only $1490.

Click: http://www.pagelambert.com/horse_literature.html

Or write directly to page@pagelambert.com.

You can also contact the ranch at 800-483-3227 or visit www.veebar.com for more information and to make reservations.

Tags: added value, all-inclusive, Specialty Weeks, Wyoming Dude Ranch
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