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...

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/.

Sleigh Ride in Northern Idaho at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

During the winter season here at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, we are busy doing sleigh rides for our guests. We have 5 teams of draft horses who take up to 150 people per day on our 2 mile loop route. After the ride, guests can warm up by the fire inside the lodge with hot coco and popcorn. Many of our guests have a tradition to return each year for their family winter outing. We also offer a romantic couples rides pulled by one of our draft horses. This winter magic has cast its spell and set the stage for many marriage proposals. For more information about the sleigh rides go to the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch website.

Guest Testimonial of the Week

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
"We just got back from 4 days at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch and the pleasure was all ours. What a wonderful place. Janice and Roley are gracious hosts, as are their two talented children. The lodge and cabin were beautiful and the food was terrific. The riding was outstanding. The wranglers led us through beautiful terrain on well-trained horses. We even got to try herding a few errant cows. My only complaint was that our stay was too short. We received the royal treatment and I can't wait to get back." -Beth