Get ready to experience the Great Outdoors like never before! Whether your pick for movie night is always a Classic Western or you just have always dreamed of riding off into the sunset on horseback, a Dude Ranch just might be the perfect vacation option! Not only will you be able to get in touch with nature – and your inner Cowboy – you will get to spend quality time with your loved ones.
What To Expect
Dude Ranches are not just pop-up tents around campfires in the middle of nowhere. You will be pleasantly surprised to know that Dude Ranches throughout the Western U.S. have come a long way since their origination in the 1880s. With over one hundred Dude Ranches throughout the U.S., you have many options where you can still find the all-inclusive, luxurious feel that many are looking for while on vacation.
When you arrive, typically all you need to do is unpack and unwind for the duration of your stay. Everything else is planned and taken care of for you – including your meals and most of your activities! The Dude Ranch Association ensures that all its members meet certain guidelines and standards, especially recent COVID safety guidelines. The benefit of Dude Ranches is that you will have plenty of wide-open space to social distance, including individual cabins for each family or group. This is an especially popular vacation option for multi-generational getaways!
What To Do
The question really should be “what CAN’T I do?” The first, and obvious, activity that may come to mind is horseback riding! The best part is you do not have to be a pro to give it a go. You will find lessons and options for all experience levels. But what else is there? Here are just a few options to add to your Dude Ranch Adventure:
- Hiking – Most ranches have designated hiking trails that you can choose to explore on your own or with a tour guide!
- Zip-lining – Get your adrenaline pumping as you take in a new perspective as you zip-line over the “Wild West”!
- White Water Rafting – For those looking for a little adventure, consider grabbing your family or a few friends and navigating through river rapids! Depending on where you are and the time of year, the difficulty and roughness change so be sure to ask about expected water conditions when you are booking your trip.
Every ranch is different and due to demand, sometimes they require bookings up to a year in advance! With so many factors to consider while planning your Dude Ranch experience, we are here to remove some of the overwhelm. If you are ready to create a getaway that your family will never forget, click here to schedule your call and let us help you find the perfect Dude Ranch for you!
