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A Ranch to Match Your Dreams
Horses, hats, history and hospitality - they're the foundation of every ranch.
So, how do you choose the ranch to match your dreams?
Riding should be your first consideration - choose the riding environment that appeals to you; open meadows, prairies, mountain trails or southwestern desert. The location of the ranch determines the terrain.
Then, choose the type of riding you'd like; working livestock, cattle drives, pack trips, team penning and arena games or daily trail rides. All ranches fall into one of the following categories - which will help you make the best choice:
WORKING DUDE RANCH
These are working cattle or sheep operations. Your horseback riding adventures will be determined by the ranch's livestock and the work related to them. Be prepared to experience these activities first hand.
DUDE RANCH
Horseback riding is central to these ranches. The cowboy in you will experience Western riding and a variety of outdoor activities.
RESORT DUDE RANCH
Horseback riding is featured, and these ranches offer an array of diverse activities and onsite facilities. These are apt to be the larger ranches.
Your next consideration should be the time of year - typically, the ranches in the northern states (and cooler climates) are the busiest in the summer months, while the southern ranches offer warm weather riding in the winter months.
The number of guests that a ranch can host will also be something to think about - a stay at a ranch with only eight guests is a dramatically different experience than choosing a ranch that serves eighty or one hundred guests. The difference is most noticeable in the dining and social experiences.
Your accommodations are also an important consideration - ranch atmospheres range from rustic to luxurious, and everything in between. Ranches are always extremely clean and comfortable, but if you need hair dryers, TV's, Jacuzzi tubs, a daily massage and wireless Internet to make your dream vacation, just choose your ranch accordingly. With over one hundred unique ranches in the Association, we have one to match your dreams - perfectly. As you narrow your choices down to a couple ranches, call and explain to them what's most important to you - they'll help you make the best choice.
Choose a Dude Ranchers' Association ranch and Ride The West with The Best!
What time of year do you want to go?
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| This will determine which ranches are operating and open to guests. Due to snow conditions, northern ranches of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming and those at higher elevations, often open later in the spring than more southern ranches in Colorado or those at lower elevations. On the other hand, many Arizona ranches are open through the winter months but less active during the summer. Some ranches are open all year but have different activities to fit the season. |
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Do you have a specific geographic region, location,or type of terrain in mind?
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| The background for your fantasy may be the wide-open sagebrush country, the hills and cactus of the Southwest, or the lodgepole pine forests of the Rocky Mountain Region. It may also include a side trip to visit Aunt Marie or one of the marvelous national parks that are sprinkled throughout dude ranching country.
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Who is included in the fantasy?
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| Are you a couple, a single parent, or a single? Do you have small children or teenagers? While anyone can fit in at almost all ranches, you may have particular preferences. For example, if you have children or teens, you may want to select a ranch with organized activities for the kids. If you are a single, you may wish to locate a ranch that is more adult oriented. |
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Do you prefer a program that is more or less structured?
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| Larger ranches are usually able to offer more organized options and scheduled entertainment programs while smaller ranches often can offer more personalized riding activities but fewer non-riding programs. Are you more comfortable in small groups or when blending in with the crowd?
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What type of a riding experience are you looking for?
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| All ranches focus on horseback riding as the main activity but the programs differ. Some ranches are working cattle ranches that also accept guests. Many of these allow the guests to assist with the ranch chores. Others offer actual cattle drives during specific periods. Of course, you are on vacation and are never obligated to do any work!! Some ranches offer only walking rides while others allow trotting and loping as well. Most ranches offer instructions for beginners through experienced riders. Many ranches offer overnight pack trips, often at an extra charge, while others may focus on pleasure riding in breath-taking country. Whether you are a beginning rider wanting lots of support or an old hand looking for a challenge, there are ranches that can meet your needs.
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What activities besides horseback riding are you looking for?
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| Is one of you an avid fisherman or just dying to experience the thrill of whitewater rafting? Need a ranch with a children's program, a hot tub, swimming pool, or one that has evening programs? Check out the handy activities grid in The Dude Rancher Directory for easy comparisons. |
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What type of accommodations are necessary in your fantasy?
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| While the fantasies of many include a rustic cabin or historic mountain lodge, some may prefer the adobe of the southwest or the smell of a canvas tepee on a cattle drive. Ranch accommodations range from a simple room in the main ranch house to elegantly appointed cabins with moss rock fireplaces.
Regardless of your preference, most ranches offer comfortable beds, private baths, and daily maid service.Being Specific about what you expect will help you find and get what you really want in accommodations. The same is true of meals. Almost all ranches offer hearty ranch breakfasts of eggs, pancakes or waffles, bacon, ham or sausage, coffee and juice. Some will have homemade granola, fruit platters, Eggs Benedict or similar fare. Most offer late risers fruit, cold cereal or muffins. Lunch and dinners range from basic meat and potatoes to gourmet candlelight dinners. |
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Does anyone in your party have any special needs?
Do you require a special diet or an extra firm mattress for a back problem?
Do you need any help or assistance in getting around?
Do you have a little one that may require baby sitting services?
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| If you have a special need, be sure to ask if the ranch can accommodate it. |
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Identify ranches that may meet your needs.
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| Use your answers to the previous questions as your basis for selecting six or eight individual ranches listed under Member Ranches by State or in our FREE printed directory, The Dude Rancher, to contact for their brochures and rate sheets. The descriptions under Member Ranches by State and in our directory will give you a good basic understanding of what each ranch offers.
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Call or write the ranches for their brochures.
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| After contacting the ranches that seem right for you, review the material they send you. Narrow it down to the three or four most likely candidates. Now, call these ranches and use your answers to quiz each ranch about their location, programs, accommodations, and meals. Be specific about what you want. The ranchers won't be insulted -- they know from experience that repeat visitors tend to be those who have found just the right match to their fantasy. They would rather deliver more than you expect than have you leave feeling your vacation didn't meet your expectations.
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| ... and you just can't seem to decide, ask the last candidates for former guests you may contact or you may also call The Dude Ranchers' Association office at (866) 399-2339. Once you've found your perfect ranch, don't delay in making reservations. Ranches have a limited number of guests they can host at any one time so plan ahead. Many ranches begin booking a year in advance. Following these simple steps should help you find the perfect ranch for you. Good Riding! |
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