See the Laramie River Ranch

The DRA Featured on "Trip on a Deal"

The Dude Ranchers' Association was featured on this week's episode of "Trip on a Deal"! Chelsea, the associate producer of the travel webcast stated "We found your blogs, reviews,listings, and adventures a great resource for any family who's looking to travel!" To view the show click here!

Why Take a Dude Ranch Vacation

Imagine a place where your teenager can't have a cell phone, a video game, or a television, and yet has such a good time they weep when it's time to leave, and beg you to come back. There really are such places. They're called Dude Ranches. “Of all the things we’ve done... and we’ve done, I think, some nice things with our daughters... England and France and things like that ... this is it!,” says Clyde Wetzel of Washington state, “This is the best vacation... and we’re coming back next year.”

We met Wetzel and his family at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, a gorgeous, rustic and historic property set in a picturesque mountain valley that features a world class trout stream. Horses are the center of this traditional Montana dude ranch, with horseback rides tailored to the age and ability of the rider. Don’t ride? Don’t worry! There’s no better place to learn than at a dude ranch. And the view from the back of a horse is the perfect way to explore the vast and pristine wilderness of this ranch and its adjoining National Forests, just outside Yellowstone National Park.

Once you’re back at the ranch, you’re still away from the world. Like most dude ranches, there are no telephones or TV's in the cabins. There is internet access in the rustic main lodge, but you'll have a better time if you take a break from the computer screen, and gaze instead at a crackling fire in the huge stone fireplace of a lodge built back in the 1920's. Or, step outside in the evening and rediscover the stars, that shine brighter is this pure clean air than you’ve ever seen before.

Some guests still fly in on the grass landing strip. Dinners are served family style. An evening softball game of kids and parents in a grassy meadow hearkens back to a simpler time. This very well maintained property looks much the same as it did 50 years ago. But that's a big part of its appeal that keeps families coming back for generations. “This place is kinda like a time warp,” says Chicago architect Michael Graham, here for the third year in a row with his wife and three daughters. “I think people like it because it doesn’t change at all. I mean, its completely family centered.”

The Nine Quarter Circle is one of the more than 100 member ranches of the Dude Ranchers' Association (DRA). Located from Arkansas to California, British Columbia to Arizona, these properties are located in and help preserve some of the most beautiful areas of North America. Each one is different, with its own unique history, and spectacular scenery.
Many are family oriented. Others cater more to adults, with some featuring
special weeks targeted toward women, singles or even quilters. Prices, programs and activities can vary. But they all offer a chance to step away from the hectic world of schedules, blackberries and telephones, and get a taste of the authenticity of the American West. It's an opportunity to discover the peace and majestic beauty of the land, to learn to ride and appreciate horses, and get reacquainted with your family. And once you check in, you can leave your wallet in the room. Dude Ranch rates typically include all your lodging, food, horseback riding and other activities.

Plus, a ranch visit doesn't include standing in long lines on hot asphalt, traffic jams, or worries about strangers at a hotel. Dude ranches are safe places, where children can run free without fear. Many offer comprehensive children's programs that can keep the kids busy and happy all day long, so parents can have a vacation too!

And what a vacation it can be! Some dude ranches can take you on a multi-day pack trip high into the wildest corners of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll photograph places few people will ever set foot in, and be amazed at the kind of back-country cuisine your experienced guides can provide. Other ranches offer white water rafting on the scenic rivers that flow right through their property. Dude ranches are paradise for those who love to fish. Many offer fishing guides, instructors, and even the equipment to help a novice learn the finer points of casting. Come fall some ranches morph into hunting outfitters. And in winter, DRA ranches offer excellent cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter activities, and even a chance to horseback ride in the snow.

Looking for a winter escape from the cold? Head for the dude ranches of the Southwest, where you can experience summer like conditions in January, as you ride through the picturesque desert of Arizona. Mix in a game of golf, a dip in the pool, a nature hike, or even a mountain bike ride. And we haven’t even mentioned all the new friendships you’ll make that can last a lifetime.

Whatever ranch you choose at whatever time of year, they’re all tough to leave. There are often tears in the driveway when it’s time to go home, even among the adults. Once you’ve had a taste of a dude ranch, you may never want to go anywhere else again on vacation.

Invest in ‘REAL’ Value ~ Come Stay Where Cowboys Play

Return to the simple way of life, all inclusive ranch offers more for your dollar. A week now, memories forever.

Let’s face it, these last few years haven’t been the easiest of times. On days when things seem especially rough, think about what it must have been like out on the open range, it is time to “Cowboy Up”!
Getting back to the basic’s, the Cowboy way, a handshake was a deal…no papers involved, your dollar bought you food for a month not a candy bar and your word was true, more so than a signature.
Now is the time to step back and recapture your spirit of the west! This code of ethics is still found at North Fork Ranch & Fishing Lodge in Shawnee, Colorado, an easy one hour drive from Denver. A small family owned & operated ranch has taken great pride in welcoming in guests who have become ‘friends’ for over twenty four years. A traditional dude ranch in the summer months finds activities for the young at heart and adventurous alike. Enjoy a day out on the trail exploring the Rocky Mountains upon horseback, making the catch of a lifetime fly fishing in over two miles of private, pristine water, hike into the Alpine Wilderness or simply sit back, relax and rejuvenate counting the stars in the wide open skies.
Enjoy Colorado’s newest Orvis Endorsed Lodge year round. Resting on the banks of the North Fork of the South Platte River, thousands of pounds of teeming trout are awaiting. Fireside dining with a gourmet flare & intimate accommodations are far from a night of beans and the cold ground.
A handshake & a fair deal is the Cowboy way. An all inclusive rate ensures that you will receive more for your dollar than ever before and there’s not even an extra charge for the memories you take home for a lifetime. It takes Real courage to Invest, it’s a promise.

Guest Testimonial of The Week

If you are a couple, friends or family, you will have the time of your life at Elk Mountain. The place is made even more special by the owners, Tom and Sue, and their professional, friendly and hardworking staff who cannot do enough for you. The cabins were spotlessly clean and the food plentiful, freshly prepared and excellent quality. The scenery was breathtaking both at the ranch and on the rides. We rode most days, but there are also activities for non riders or if you like a break, such as white water raft trips or trips to the hot springs. There is always something to do in the evening too. You are encouraged to do as little or as much as you like . . . we only sat down to eat! We truly enjoyed every minute of our week and will definitely return to enjoy the amazing hospitality again. R Carter and M Herbert, United Kingdom


More Guest Testimonials are available on each ranch's more information page. Check out The Dude Ranchers' Association website for more!

DUDE RANCHES HELP FAMILIES KNOW THEIR KIDS

Folks who are seeking to reconnect with their kids or who are seeking to strengthen family bonds are turning to a special type of vacation that fosters close family ties, a dude ranch vacation. Like previous generations, today’s families are learning about the wonderful hidden value of the simpler, caring way of life found on a dude ranch. They are learning that dude ranches are extra friendly places for kids and families to re-discover each other. Out on the ranch folks are cut off from their usual distractions of TV, phones, computers and electronic games. No car pools, no housework, no evening business meetings. Removed from their usual activities, families find new ways to relate. We have repeatedly seen families doing such novel things as taking an evening walk and talking to each other or playing old-time children’s games on the lawn in front of the lodge. These days it is a rare treat to see such joy and laughter on the faces of an entire family as we do on dude ranches. The new adventures and exciting experiences that fill dude ranch days are the positive types of shared experiences that build healthy family bonds and a sense of togetherness that enable us all to weather the more difficult times in life. To watch a father and son gain new respect for each other as they ride the trails together can warm the heart of the toughest ranch hand.

At the same time, the gurgle of a mountain stream and the cheerful song of a Meadow Lark do much to heal the soul and calm nerves frazzled by the demanding ring of a telephone or the current uneasiness in the day’s news. Returning to nature and a hundred year old, simple, honest way of life seems to wash away those unsavory layers of stress that have become an almost accepted part of modern life. A natural process of unwinding that helps guests to slow down and begin to discover the wonders around them and those within themselves and their families starts when they first set foot on a dude ranch.

Moving as one with your horses through a mountain meadow touched by the morning dew and alive with the brilliance of spring wildflowers seems to lift the spirits and heal the wounds of modern life like no amount of psychotherapy can. Sharing stories of the day’s activities in the warmth of a fading sunset, while awaiting the dinner bell on the lodge porch, somehow fosters friendships and family ties that last through the years. Quiet talks on evening walks through the meadow help to bring families closer together than they have been for years.

The Dude Ranchers' Association Educational Trust Schoalarship Deadline for the 2009-2010 Educational Trust Scholarships is MARCH 15, 2009.

Downloadable Application forms are available online at www.duderanchhistory.com.

General Purpose Statement:
Our goal is to support Dude Ranching and the future of Dude Ranching by providing financial assistance and encouragement to students pursuing an educational program that will lead to a career of benefit to them and the Dude Ranch industry.

VALUE CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS SADDLE UP FOR RANCH VACATIONS

Falling stock portfolios and uncertainty about the economy have spooked some consumers and added to the worry level of many others. More families are now looking for the best bang for their vacation buck. Value conscious vacationers are discovering that not only is a dude ranch vacation a good economic value but also that it is one vacation that is a natural therapy for those very day to day worries that seem to load us down. When you couple these benefits with the fun, adventure and relaxation found on a typical dude ranch, you get a hint of the underlying value offered by ranch vacations.

Many ranch vacationers find they very much appreciate the all-inclusive American plan offered by most ranches. Typical ranch vacations include your room or cabin, three meals per day, horseback riding, basic riding instruction, hiking, fishing, children’s’ programs, cookouts, hayrides, line dancing and most other on ranch activities. This removes the financial uncertainty of many vacations and allows the budget conscious family to know the total cost of their ranch vacation before they go. The Dude Ranchers’ Association requires full disclosure of all costs by its members. Executive Director, Colleen Hodson, states: “There should be no surprises or hidden costs. Ranch guests should know upfront the cost of their ranch vacation.” She points out that when any optional off-ranch activity such as raft trips, scenic vehicle tours, or visits to nearby rodeos is not included in the basic package, extra charges should be well publicized in advance.

Ranch vacations vary in price by the level of accommodations and meals as well as by the scope and variety of activities offered. Weeklong Ranch vacations range from under $1,000 per adult for more modest ranches to over $2,000 per adult for more luxurious ranches offering the widest variety of amenities and activities. Be sure to ask about children’s discounts and early and late season discounts. Check out this current list of ranch specials!

FIND RENEWAL IN THE WIDE OPEN SPACES

During these turbulent times are you looking for a safe but fun family vacation far from the worries of today? If so you may want to consider a domestic family vacation that has been enjoyed by countless thousands of families for more than 100 years.

Western dude ranches are typically located in rural areas far from the events of today. For over a century weary city-dwellers have been seeking to escape the pressures of urban life and to find spiritual relief in the beauty and simplicity of the American West. Returning to nature and a 100 year old, simple, honest ranch way of life seems to wash away those unsavory layers of stress that have become an accepted part of modern life. A natural process of unwinding starts when guests first set foot on a dude ranch. It helps them to slow down and to begin discovering the wonders around them and even within themselves.

Moving as one with your horse through a mountain meadow touched by the morning dew and alive with the brilliance of spring wildflowers seems to lift the spirits and heal the wounds of modern life like no amount of psychotherapy can. Sharing stories of the day’s activities in the warmth of a fading sunset as you await the dinner bell on the lodge porch somehow provides a perspective that is comforting and reassuring. Quiet talks on evening walks through the meadow help to bring families closer together than they have been for years.

Today’s dude ranches offer comfortable accommodations ranging from rustic to upscale, excellent food, great horses, riding instructions for beginners through experts, good fishing, superb hiking and spectacular settings. Most include cookouts, hayrides, ranch dances, and excellent children’s programs. Many offer raft trips, cattle drives, rodeos, swimming pools, tennis and optional overnight pack trips. Home-baked breads and desserts accompany scrumptious ranch meals that satisfy hearty outdoor appetites. Enjoy nature and revive your spirit in an exciting but relaxed setting while making lasting friendships. Dude ranches offer a safe, homey atmosphere and are great for families, singles and couples. It is the vacation with something for everyone. Find your dude ranch vacation!

2009 Dude Ranch Directory Now Available

The Dude Ranchers’ Association has been helping folks find quality Western ranch vacations since its formation in 1926. Thus, 2009 marks our 83rd year. To help folks find the perfect ranch, the Association annually publishes a directory that lists and describes its 100+ member ranches located in 12 Western states and two Canadian provinces. This annual directory includes a description of member ranches organized by state, a handy amenities comparison grid, and much more ranch vacation information.
In addition to a description of each individual ranch’s program and amenities, each ranch listing conveniently contains the ranch’s address, phone number, dates of operation, altitude, the nearest airport, and more. The 2009 directory has been described as the most authoritative and reliable one-stop source available anywhere for finding the perfect ranch vacation.

All new Dude Ranchers’ Association members have undergone the same rigorous two-year inspection and selection process that has allowed the association to set the standards for excellence in the dude ranching industry for the past 83 years. Not all that apply are accepted. Member ranches range from rustic cattle ranches to more luxurious resort type facilities. However, all still preserve the ranch flavor with a focus on horseback riding, cookouts, hayrides and personal attention. Most have great fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Many have children’s programs, pools, overnight pack trips, and trips to nearby National Parks, while others offer an opportunity for “city slickers” to work with the cattle alongside real cowboys. Don’t just dream about it, be a part of that history. Experience the real West comfortably on an authentic dude ranch! Click To Get your Copy of the 2009 Directory

You Can't Get It Anywhere Else!

Inspired by Leadership, Fine Western Dude Ranches Offer Recession Bustin’ Travel Deals.

A real experience with real value is who and what we are and always have been.” These words are written by Russell True, President of the *Dude Ranchers’ Association. They’re found in a recent open letter to membership, in which True reminds ranchers that although these times are “uncertain” their industry hasn’t survived for more than a century by backing down in the face of adversity. Ranchers are a resilient breed. Many DRA ranches are owned and operated by third, fourth even the fifth generation of the same family! Their survival throughout the stormiest chapters of history is testimony to the hardiness of ranchers as well as the tremendous appeal of the guest ranch as a family vacation destination. Why do so many families opt for a dude ranch vacation year after year? Value tops the list. No other segment of the adventure travel industry even comes close in this respect.

True to form, DRA member ranches are bucking up to meet current tough times head-on, by adding even more value to the quintessential Western vacation. From the Alberta Rockies to the Arkansas Ozarks, ranchers are extending incredible travel deals and packages. As True puts it, “Cabins in spectacular locations, horseback riding, three meals daily, activities and entertainment all in one, the value quickly becomes obvious…giving (families) time and memories. without constantly reaching into their pocket until its empty.”

READ MORE...

2009 Membership Drive

Do you want to be a part of the prestigious Dude Ranchers' Association? If so, we invite your application for membership during this special 2009 membership drive by offering a 50% discount on the application fee and a streamlined application process. Below are several great reasons why you should consider joining. Please contact me to get started.

Colleen Hodson
Executive Diretor
colleen@duderanch.org
1-866-399-2339

DRA Membership Benefits:
Marketing:

• Listing on the DRA web site, www.duderanch.org, which receives approximately 14,000 unique visitors per month. The number one dude ranch travel site on Google, Yahoo etc. READ MORE

"Marketing is certainly one of the most obvious benefits of DRA membership. Referrals from the DRA site to our website are in our top 3 sources of traffic, and these, of course, are very qualified leads. Additionally we are provided with editorial leads, coop ads, and simply being "kept in the loop" on the opportunities that exist for promoting the industry and our ranch-that alone is more than worth the dollar value of our dues. However, the element of membership that has no dollar value, like the experience at our individual ranches, is the development of potent relationships. The DRA membership hosts a wealth of extremely creative, intelligent, warm, and driven individuals. "Together, we benefit from this pool of expertise, experience, integrity, and vision. It is a truly priceless alliance. We have been DRA members since 1970, and we are very proud to be a DRA approved ranch." Erika Wilderness Trails Ranch

Dude Ranches Come With Multi-Sports Family Adventures

There’s a new term popping up for the action-packed modern family vacation. It’s known as the “multi-sports adventure,” and it calls for multi planning as well. Long before anyone lifts a paddle or laces-up hiking boots they must first create an itinerary calling for frequent stops, hiring a local outfitter, and arranging for suitable food and shelter along the adventure. Linking together the components of the multi-sports adventure can get complicated. But, it doesn’t have to be. There’s one vacation category where sports loving families can simply park the car, unpack their bags and settle in for a week of jam-packed action. It’s the Western dude ranch, a place where folks don’t have to think about what comes next because all the details are in place to let the good times roll! Sure, the horse and riding are paramount to any Western dude ranch experience. The longest standing organization promoting and preserving the Western ranch lifestyle, The Dude Ranchers’ Association, or DRA as it’s often called is the first to confirm riding is at the heart of any ranch getaway. But, according to DRA Executive Director, Colleen Hodson, there are folks who wouldn’t dream of hopping on a saddle that choose a DRA Western dude ranch for active family vacations. In addition to riding or sometimes in place of, they ride the rapids, paddle a canoe, play golf or tennis, hike in the wilderness, cycle the back roads and mountain trails, go caving, hot air ballooning or rock climbing. She says active parents usually participate in the same sports as their kids, and she adds, “Another beauty of multi-sporting at a dude ranch is when they want to take time for themselves, Dad can play a round of golf and Mom can relax with spa treatments.” Read More