Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Fall Adult-Only Getaways a Growing Trend at Dude Ranches

CODY, Wyoming—Guest ranches are ever popular as family vacation destinations, but members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association recognize that adults also value time to themselves.


As a result, more and more guest ranches are offering special adult-only programs, says Colleen Hodson, executive director of the Dude Ranchers’ Association in Cody, Wyoming.

“At least sixty percent of our member ranches set aside time for adults,” Hodson says. “It’s definitely a growing trend in ranch vacations.”

Some ranches set aside a month, others a week and most all are held in the spring or fall. “Fall is an ideal time to visit,” Hodson says. “Not only to take in the season’s colors, but because the summer crowds are gone.”

The Home Place Ranch in Alberta, Canada is doing an adult only week featuring Feast on Alberta’s foods and beverages. While riding horseback or fishing, let your eyes feast on the beauty and colors of the high cattle country of the Homeplace Ranch. All meals feature Alberta products in homemade ranch recipes plus over the week you will try a complete assortment of our own Alberta brew, Big Rock Beer. The Home Place Ranch

Rainbow Trout Ranch, Colorado is offering a special Colorado late season for “adults only” during the glorious month of September with the main emphasis on riding and fishing. A three night minimum stay is required and rates are lower due to evening activities and children’s programs being curtailed. Rainbow Trout Ranch

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Idaho you can enjoy 5 days and nights at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, staying in one of the lodges 6 cozy guest rooms. Treat yourself to three scrumptious meals per day. Horsemanship instructions taught by Vickie Fuller, who has been teaching since mid 1980's. Her teaching focuses on developing solid basic fundamental skills in both horse and rider to support any discipline the rider may choose to pursue. When not working with Vickie, relax on a scenic trail ride through tall pines to scenic vistas. Camp includes lodging, meals, horseback riding lessons and trail riding. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

For a complete listing of ranches that offer adult-only programs or to request a free catalog, call 866-399-2339, e-mail info@duderanch.org or visit http://www.duderanch.org/.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Lost Valley Ranch Receives 34th Consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Award

Congratulations to DRA Ranch Member, Lost Valley Ranch in Sedalia Colorado!  Western dude ranch hospitality at it's best!

For the 34th consecutive year, Lost Valley Ranch – Colorado’s premier dude ranch and family vacation destination – has been awarded the prestigious Four-Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Less than three percent of the 58,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this designation, representing the “best of the best” throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.


In addition, Lost Valley Ranch is one of just three lodging properties in Colorado, and the only ranch in the state, to receive the AAA Four-Diamond status every single year since the rating system was introduced in 1977.

“We’re delighted that our brand of Western hospitality and tradition of excellence has been recognized for the 34th year in a row,” said Bob Foster, owner of Lost Valley Ranch. “From the kitchen to the cabins, from the corral to evening entertainment and especially with our staff, we work hard to set the standard exceed guest expectations. This honor confirms that dedication and commitment, something we are extremely proud of.”

To be considered for AAA rating and approval, properties are evaluated for overall quality, range of facilities and level of services. Judging criteria is broad and includes everything from the size of the resort to regional architectural style and design.

Lost Valley Ranch offers one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins featuring mountain-side views and deluxe accommodations. Privately situated among the pines, each cabin includes a stone fireplace, a shaded porch with lounge swings and traditional western décor with authentic designer furnishings.

About Lost Valley Ranch

Lost Valley Ranch, Colorado's premier dude ranch, provides a guest ranch experience for adults and families, including the best of the West activities: horseback riding, cattle round-ups, swimming, fishing, hiking and more of the great outdoors. Situated an hour and a half from Denver, Lost Valley Ranch is recognized as the only Colorado ranch to receive AAA's Four Diamond rating for 34 consecutive years. To learn more, please call 303.647.2311 or visit www.lostvalleyranch.com.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Riding high at the Bar Lazy J Ranch

Another great article posted June 17, 2:25 PM by Denver Outdoor Travel Examiner Melanie Pahl!


This is one in a series on the guest ranches of western Colorado.

Growing up around horses is every little girl’s dream. By age 8 I would doodle them, collect miniatures of them and eventually own one and this love affair continues today. This past summer I was given the opportunity to stay at the Bar Lazy J Ranch in western Colorado to write about my experiences there. The bonus was that I could ride every day. My exposure to horses has been limited since I live in the city and life somehow moves you along. But this trip was something that I needed in order to reconnect with a part of my soul that had been ignored for too long. I was going to get up on a horse every chance I got and what better location than the Arapaho National Forest outside of Rocky Mountain National Park?  Read More...

Monday, June 14, 2010

WOW DEAL FROM HOMEPLACE RANCH

The Homeplace Ranch in Alberta Canada would like to offer you a great deal for a dude ranch vacation. During August 21 to 24, August 23 to 26, or August 31 to Sept 3, receive two holiday stays for the price of one!!

Total cost for two persons; all meals, snacks, accommodations, riding (lesson if requested) and ranch activities, just $866 plus 17% taxes/service charge.   (Regular price for two persons $1732.) Wow what a deal....When contacting the ranch for this offer, please mention the WOW DEAL!

This offer is good until the end of June.

The Homeplace Ranch
Mac MaKenny
Site 2, Box 6, RR 1
Priddis, Alberta
T0L 1W0
Toll Free: 877-931-3245
(Phone/Fax) 403-931-3245

Thursday, June 3, 2010

North Fork Ranch Highlighted in Orvis Book!


The North Fork Ranch was recently published as of one of the top fishing lodges of North America in Orvis's New book.  Congratulations on this great honor!!! For a fabulous vacation with great fishing check out the North Fork Ranch!