Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Monday, August 23, 2010

Fishing to Heal at the Upper Canyon

The first week in August the Upper Canyon Ranch came alive with "Pink " as we sponsored a Casting for Recovery retreat. All of us at Upper Canyon Outfitters (UCO) were privileged to experience the weekendwith such a powerful group of ladies. The CfR retreat lodging and meal costs for a group of twenty-four women was sponsored by the Mt. Outfitters and Guides Association, through the "Big Hearts under the Big Sky" program. The group kept busy learning the fundamentals of fly casting, entomology, knot-tying and equipment basics, but most importantly, they spent time on the water practicing catch-and-release fishing. Casting for Recovery, founded in 1996, is a national non-profit support and educational program for breast cancer survivors.The retreat is tailored to promote and support mental and physical healing through shared
experiences and the learning of new skills. To learn more about this fantastic weekend go to the Upper Canyon Outfitters website!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Dude Ranches Highlighted in Los Angeles Times - Travel

Here is a great article from the Travel section of the Los Angeles Times written by Rosemary McClure. 

The story posted 2010.08.08 at 11:37 AM PDT

Reporting from Philipsburg, Mont.-- Nearly two decades have passed since tough-as- nails trail boss Curly Washburn hurled insults at the three "City Slickers" who invaded his turf, a Colorado cattle ranch, in search of a Wild West adventure.

The 1991 movie, which earned Jack Palance a supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of Curly, the crusty cattleman, spurred an increase in dude ranch vacations as urban and suburban cowboys tried their hands at riding, roping and herding cattle.

I thought I might like riding the range too. But my interest waned when I realized I'd have to sleep in the dirt — and pay for the privilege.

Fast-forward to 2010: Dude ranches have come a long way.  READ MORE...

Friday, August 6, 2010

Guest Testimonial of the Week

Here are a few great guest reviews that we found on TripAdvisor that I thought I would share with you...

Price Canyon Ranch  Arizona

“Welcoming service, beautiful accommodations, awesome views, great rides!”

Mar 19, 2010
Trip type: Friends getaway

The moment we drove up the winding road to this jewel of a ranch, my buddies and I knew we had picked the right place for a de-compression week from the stress of the business world! Greeted warmly by Price Canyon's staff, we began 4 phenomenal days of rides, relaxation, great meals and camaraderie. Though the trip was made some time ago, my ribs still ache from the laughter we enjoyed - not just amongst ourselves, but with the ranch's host, cook and cowboys - all of whom went out of their way to make us feel like family. Among our four guys were riders of varying experience, but Randy found ways to ensure everyone of us could enjoy the challenge - whether it was navigating thick brush, climbing rocky peaks, driving cattle, loping in wide-open pastures, or barrel racing in the rodeo pen. You can bet that all of us were well-tired at the end of each day. But none would miss the fabulous dinner that awaited us every evening (the third of three hearty, delicious meals each day)! Of course, there's nothing better than an open fire-pit around which to regale the days events, especially with the Chiricahua mountain range and billion-star sky as the backdrop. If you live in the city or suburbs, you have no idea what a REAL starry sky looks like until you experience this one! None of us had ever seen anything like it!! Slowly, we acknowledged that we must get some sleep, so off we went - usually one by one - to our own beautifully appointed rooms, each tastefully decorated as if it were a suite at a 5-star resort! Then up again, bright and early for breakfast and morning rides. As you might imagine, we hated to leave - and we'll definitely be back. Kudos and thanks to the Kemmerly family and their team for creating this rare treat!

Date of stay October 2008
Visit was for Leisure
Traveled with With Friends

“I cried when I left...but was back four months later for more PC bliss”


Rancho de los Caballeros Arizona

“More than We Expected!!!”

Wow! I think that is a good way to start. I suprised my wife with a two night; three day stay at the Ranch thinking that we would get bored if we stayed any longer...I was wrong. We vacation two to three times a year and I have to say this was one vacation that I wished I would have booked more time on.
From the moment we arrived we were greeted like regular guests and we found the location; amenities and activities outstanding. We did the all inclusive meals and we stayed in the large suites. The suite was very spacious and centrally located to all the activities. The breakfast; lunch and dinners were very good. The pool area is clean and the water is kept a a refreshing and crisp temperature. We did the 10:00 am 2 hour horseback ride through the desert. The views from all around are outstanding. The guide was very hepful and we were able to gitty-up on the horses through several spots throughout our desert ride.

My wife had a massage at the SPA which she really enjoyed. I played 9 holes on the golf course. The course layout is great; holes are challenging and the views are spectacular! We hung out at the Saloon in the evenings after dinner to chat with the locals and the bar staff. Music played and we had a great evening each night. We also hiked the Vulcher moutain peak and did the trap shooting with Cowboy Bob.

We are going back soon with our two kids. The trip from Phoenix Airport is a smooth 1 hour and 15 minutes. You will not be disappointed with this place.


Echo Valley Ranch & Spa British Columbia, Canada

June 6, 2010
Trip type: Family

The Echo Valley spa is one of those places you want to tell everyone about, but at the same time hope that it keeps its charm as a secluded getaway. The ranch is located in a gorgeous valley of the Southern Chilcotin region. The views from all around are breathtaking. The amenities are exceptional. The architecture is amazing (especially the authentic Ban Tai spa with exquisitely detailed carved moldings. The food is out of this world! Delicious! - prepared by their own multi-award winning chef.

The ranch also has its own 'battalion' of well-mannered border collies, who will befriend you and attend to you on your walks around the ranch. And, as if this were not enough, the staff are without exception, some of the friendliest most welcoming people you will ever meet.

Date of stay June 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Traveled with Family with Young Children