Top Tips for Dude Ranch Vacations
Picking a Guest Ranch for Your Riding Holiday or Family Vacation
Holidays on dude ranches from Arizona and New Mexico through Colorado to Wyoming and Montana offer a look at the old American west, from rustic to deluxe accommodation
Many visitors are looking for a real Wild West experience, and a dude ranch vacation is a great way to get it. Guest ranches from Arizona to Montana offer a wide range of activities and facilities, so choosing the right one can be a bit bewildering. Colleen Hodson of the Dude Ranchers' Association offers a few basic tips on picking a ranch for a family holiday.
Start by deciding what kind of experience you're looking for. Guest ranches fall into three categories, Hodson says. Riding is the main focus at any dude ranch, but ask about other activities and facilities that may also be available. Ranches of each type vary from simple, rustic decor to deluxe accommodations with every amenity.
Dude Ranches offer a range of western horseback activities, such as trail rides, riding lessons and rodeo-style demonstrations. Although other activities may be on the schedule, the focus is on riding and the outdoors.
At Working Dude Ranches, activities are determined by the ranch's livestock. Guests join in and experience the working ranch life first hand.
Resort Dude Ranches feature numerous facilities in addition to horseback riding. These can include tennis courts, spas, sports and fitness equipment.
Location: Do you have a preference as to where you want to be geographically? Some ranches are near national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or Rocky Mountain National Park. Others are close enough to cities such as Tucson to allow for alternate days of museum-going or shopping. Some people want to be within an hour's drive of the airport. For others, the more remote, the better.
Cost: Dude ranch vacations range anywhere from $900 per week to $3500 per week. Most are on the All American Plan, which means that meals, lodging and most activities are included in the price.
Season discounts: What time of year are you going? Many ranches offer discounts during their early spring and late autumn seasons. They may also offer specialty weeks during those times, such as fall colors, photo workshops and cooking classes. There are winter activities at many ranches as well.
Adults only: Another off-peak offering is adults-only weeks, which have a different atmosphere to family vacations. And some ranches are adults-only all year round, a great option for honeymoon couples.
Family programs: If you have small children, look at ranches that have a kids' program with specific kids' counselors for riding, crafts and activities such as overnight camp-outs. Ask if any other children the same ages as yours will be there. Many ranches also have specific activities for teenagers.
When planning a family reunion at a guest ranch, make sure there are activities for everyone, especially those that do not ride. For example, those who can't ride a horse may be able to go by wagon or van to join in a breakfast ride. The great thing about a dude ranch vacation is that everyone can enjoy their chosen activities during the day, and come together to share their adventures over dinner.
The Dude Ranchers' Association has over 100 member ranches throughout the western states. For more information, click here.
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