Saturday, March 27, 2010

Authentic Working Ranches


At an authentic working cattle ranch the main emphasis is our horse and cattle program. You'll experience horses that are comfortable working cattle, or just leisurely heading out and exploring country. Great riding, good ranch horses, where there is little to no head-to-tail riding. Riding is our main activity and will match you to the right horse for your riding ability. Beginner riders to experienced leave here with more knowledge about horses, horsemanship, and cattle, than they've experienced anywhere else.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Guest Testimonials of the Week

Lake Mancos Ranch - My husband, son and I have been to Mancos Ranch 3 times. It was one of the best vacations that I have been on. They have wonderful children's programs for all age groups. The children are put in with kids their own age. My son would leave with his counselor in the morning and I wouldn't see him til dinner sometimes - (that's the kind of vacation parents only dream of). We met a family there years ago that we still correspond with. There are so many things to do and you can pick whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it. If I didn't want to go riding, I would go shop in Durango or Mancos. The food is exceptional and every night you are seated with different guests so by the end of the week you know everyone there. In the morning, the coffee is made in the dining room and you sit around the fire and chat before breakfast. It's just a great way to spend a week. Even though my son is older now, my husband and I would love to come back by ourselves some day.

McGinnis Meadows Cattle & Guest Ranch - We found McGinnis Meadows and have been going there on Vacation every year - May of 2010 will be our 4th trip - Everybody on that ranch makes you feel so special - The horses are fantastic and very safe for any rider skill. I would give Mcginnis Meadows - 4 stars!!!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

RIDING, ROPING AND ROUNDUP WEEK

August 22-29, 2010. All-inclusive rate $1,690 includes all meals, lodging, programs and entertainment. Transportation from Denver, trap shooting and massage therapy, Orvis fishing school and 4.6% Colorado Sales Tax are the only extra chares. Beginner to advanced riders welcome.

It all looked so easy in those John Wayne movies: 3,000 head of cattle, moving hundreds of miles with just 6 cowboys. The skills the cowboys exhibited were: complete control of their horse; a sense of where to apply pressure to the cow heard and an expertise with a rope. We want to to impart these abilities to you at our adult only riding, roping and roundup week, August 22-29, 2010 at Lost Valley Ranch. Under the training of Jeff Wahlert, a three-generation Colorado cowboy, you will learn and experience what cowboys have practiced for over 160 years. You may not be ready for the open range by weeks end, but you will have an appreciation and insight into the life of a cowboy.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Satisfaction Guarantee

Three Bars Ranch

We are so confident that you are going to love your vacation at Three Bars Ranch, we guarantee it!

If you visit Three Bars Ranch, and are not 100% satisfied with the ranch, simply let us know in the first 24 hours and we will refund 100% of your money. This is the only offer of its kind in the industry.

We realize that a Three Bars Ranch vacation is a large investment, and you expect the best. Whether this is your first guest ranch vacation or your an old hand, we want you to be comfortable in knowing we are everything we say we are. If after arriving at the ranch, you feel that we have miss represented ourselves, or if you feel the ranch simple does not live up to your expectations, simply let us know if the first 24 hours and we will refund 100% of your deposit, minus the credit card charges.

A Three Bars vacation is everything that we say it is and more, we guarantee it!

The Beckley Family

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Certified Wrangler Class

Wrangler Training Class Available On May 7th and 8th, 2010.
The Bar W Guest Ranch is hosting a two day training course. The first day will cover Red Cross Basic First Aid, Adult CPR and AED. Each participant will receive certification cards. The second day will cover DRA Horse Safety & Adaptive First Aid for the Trail. Each participant will receive wrangler certification cards. Lodging is available. Class is limited to 25 participants.
Date and Time: May 7th and 8th 8:00am 5:00pm each day.
Rates: DRA Horse Safety & Adaptive First Aid for the Trail $25 per person for wranglers with jobs at DRA member ranches. $50 for non DRA members. These rates include lunch. Red Cross Basic First Aid, Adult CPR and AED $55 per person Lodging is available in our lodge for $60 per person which includes dinner and breakfast. Contact Ted for more information or to reserve a space.
Ted Harvey
The Bar W Guest Ranch
Whitefish, Montana
866-828-2900

Monday, March 15, 2010

The Laramie River Ranch Newsletter


The Laramie River Ranch is located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains along the pristine Laramie River. Fill your summer days with horseback riding, cattle penning, fly-fishing, and family oriented activities with our naturalist. We’ll fill your nights with dancing, country western music, stargazing, and good conversation. Our small size allows us to provide you with a big dose of western hospitality - fresh baked desserts, homemade cookies in every room, and a chance to relax and make friends. Retire to your historic lodge room or riverside log cabin accommodations. Make the Laramie River Ranch your family tradition.  See what wilidlife calls the Laramie River Ranch home in the winter...check out the Ranch Newsletter. 

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Dude Ranching U.S.A.

This article just came out on LiveTravelMountains, A blog On Everything Mountains....read it and enjoy!

Have you always wanted to stay at a dude ranch in the U.S.? Well, 2010 is the year of U.S. National Parks and the The Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) now offers dude ranch holidays in the footsteps of national parks.


Says the association:
“The dude ranch is one of America’s favorite past times for family getaways. Travelers can escape the daily grind, get some fresh air and explore the natural wonders of our great nation. Ranches affiliated with the DRA hold the highest standard of lodging and western activities. Pairing a dude ranch and national park vacation is the perfect opportunity to have adventurous days and comfortable nights.” Read More...

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Specialty Weeks at The Hideout!

Singles Week at The Hideout, May 30 - June 5th 2010!


We have an adventure filled week for single people planned! It can be hard to travel by yourself, when there are couples and families travelling together. Join us for our “Singles Week’ where you will enjoy elegant lodging, great horse riding, gourmet meals, cattle drives, complementary night out at the Cody Night Rodeo and a fun filled week.

Women’s Week at The Hideout, May 23rd - 29th 2010!

There is something special when you can have time to hang out with the girls. There is always a heap of laughter and a lot of fun. Join us for ‘Women’s Week’ where you will enjoy elegant lodging, great horse riding, gourmet meals, cattle drives, complementary massage and a fun filled week

Monday, March 8, 2010

Guest Testimonials of the Week

The Flying E Ranch, Arizona - We just returned from out 8th time at the Flying E and always have a terrific time. The weather this year was especially nice, 70s all week long, and the riding, the food, the entertainment, all are absolutely Top Notch! We can't say enought good things about our time there. John and Priscilla FOLIN.

This past August, I enjoyed some of the best dry-fly fishing that I’ve ever experienced at the Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch in Montana, and I've fished all around the country and the world. The unbelievably robust wild trout population on the 1 1/2 mile stretch of the Boulder River at the Ranch is a paradigm of the effectiveness of catch & release, which has been strictly enforced at the Ranch since 1972. I've been coming to the Ranch with my family for over 15 years. On this year's trip, my son, Mike (an experienced fly fisherman), landed a 25" wild rainbow on a #14 royal and my nephew, Jason, fly fishing for only the second time in his life, caught an 18" wild cutthroat! Because the insect hatches are so prolific, the fish (even the big ones) rise to dry flies (caddis, humpies, hoppers, etc.) all day. Stocked rainbows in the pond are even bigger and guests may keep a fish or 2 from the pond for lunch or dinner. Although there were a number of fisher people at the Ranch, including my family and friends, crowding was not an issue as there are numerous great pools and riffles. And they're easy to find, aided by maps at the Lodge, so no guides (and no guide fees) are needed. Lessons for beginners are free. I'm an experienced fly fisherman and each day I caught from 50 to 100 wild trout: rainbows, cutthroats, cutbows and brookies ranging from 6" to over 20". Even novices can boast of 5 to 25 trout-days. And, if I want to take a break from the river, I can indulge myself with a fantasy fishing trip: either a horseback ride to the high mountain-meadow streams of Meat Rack, or a 4X4 day-trip to Monument Peak to catch wild goldens in Blue Lake, or both. And best of all, room & board (3 meals per day), fishing, horseback riding and excursions are all included at under $200 per person per day for a week’s stay! In my opinion, you just can't find a better fly fishing experience or value anywhere. Stephen Gerard, New York City (& Catskills) NY 2010

K Diamond K Ranch in  Republic, Washington - Kathy, Brian, Steve, June, Lexi and Steven, I wanted to say thank you for hosting an 84 year old granny. I so enjoyed your new lodge and all the activities you had to offer. Your beds are very comfortable and I loved the gorgeous setting. The highlight of my trip was seeing your pet deer, Bambi and the new baby goat that was born while I was visiting. Thank you for having a "Granny friendly" lodge. I am saving my social security checks for my next visit. See you soon, I hope! -Pearl Mance.

Smith Fork Ranch in Crawford, Colorado - What an amazing experience for our family.! We loved trying new things - cow penning, archery, and river rafting in particular. The trail rides were beautiful, the scenery amazing, and the mountain air so wonderful for a bunch of city kids. We will definitely be back!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Visit a National Park during your Dude Ranch Stay


2010 is the year of National Parks. The buzz around these American landmarks is undeniable after the release of Ken Burn’s PBS documentary. Families everywhere are looking to vacation to Mother Nature’s playground this summer. For a fun twist, the Dude Ranchers’ Association can facilitate a holiday at traditional dude ranch right on the footsteps of a National Park.  Search for your next Dude Ranch Vacation near a National Park today!

Hidden Meadow Ranch Honored by Condé Nast Johansens Luxury Travel Guide

Hidden Meadow Ranch, an Arizona mountain hideaway, has been selected as the winner of prestigious 2010 Awards for Excellence – earning title of “Most Excellent Ranch” for the second time in three years.
Greer, AZ (February 25, 2010) — Hidden Meadow Ranch, a White Mountains hideaway in northeastern Arizona, has been named a winner of the 2010 Awards for Excellence, a program of Condé Nast Johansens, the international luxury travel guide from the most trusted name in travel publishing, Condé Nast Publications Ltd. The program honors outstanding properties throughout the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands.

Read More...

Monday, March 1, 2010

Ailing Florida girl experiences her dream on Colorado guest ranch

A dude ranch in Granby is making "Dreams Come True" this weekend for an 11-year-old Florida girl with a life-threatening illness.
Given her choice, Morgan Blackwell picked riding horseback in the Colorado snow for her dream-come- true. She browsed online and liked what she saw at The C Lazy U Guest Ranch & Resort.