New DRA Website with Blog

It’s done…it’s live…After working for months on a new look, The Dude Ranchers’ Association is announcing their brand new website at www.duderanch.org.    It was developed with you the vacationer in mind. 

Along with adding new features, new searches and many cool things to the new site we have also moved our Just "Dude" It blog and have placed it inside.  We will be discontinuing using and updating the blog in blogger...so please continue to follow us at  http://www.duderanch.org/blog/.

Come check out the great variety of options on riding, food, accommodation and activities.   You decide what will make your vacation special to you.   Let us help you choose the ranch for your next Original Western Vacation.  There is a little cowboy in all of us…come find yours!

Casting For Recovery at North Fork Ranch, Colorado

Check out this link to a very powerful and encouraging video on behalf of Casting For Recovery, a breast cancer survivor retreat that took place at the North Fork Ranch in Shawnee, Colorado.  The Casting For Recovery offers free, 2½ day retreats for 14 participants at a time. Fly-fishing instruction is the means used to help women gain skills to cope with recovery from breast cancer.  Their goal is helping one survivor at a time focus on the road to recovery.


The first time you click on the link, it may cover some random news story or something for approximately two minutes. Please just wait for the story to finish and then the Casting For Recovery story will play.   Watch Video   It is worth watching. 

Vote For Ranch Rider’s Colorado Horse-nality Of The Year & Win A 7-Night Family Holiday At The Lost Valley Ranch.

The X-Factor might still be grabbing the headlines, but this Autumn ranching holiday specialist Ranch Rider is teaming up with Colorado Tourism to launch a western themed talent contest: trusty steeds from across the US state, battling it out for the esteemed title of Colorado “Horse-nality (personality) of the Year”. Riding and ranching fans will be able to vote for their favorite mounts from October through December 2010, all of the four legged contestants appearing on the tour operator’s dedicated blog (http://bit.ly/bLg1pW). A major incentive to participate, every vote will be entered into a random draw, the winner trotting off with a 7-night Ranch Rider summer holiday (for two adults and two children) at the Lost Valley Ranch in Deckers, Colorado.


According to Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, “Wherever families decide to ranch, it’s always the friendly mounts that make the holiday, and that’s why we’ve decided to showcase the west through the eyes of Colorado’s trusty steeds.” Irrefutable proof that the Centennial state is a hotbed of trail-blazing talent, the contest will feature every Colorado ranch in the tour operator’s portfolio. And, to ensure voters have all the fodder at their fingertips, Ranch Rider has even enlisted the assistance of “Hondo,” as its “Horse-nality of the Year” mascot. A gelding with a mischievous side, Hondo will be giving voters the low down on all things ranching, whether he’s chewing the bit over his favorite trail ride, introducing the next contestant or spilling the beans on the wonders of the Lost Valley Guest Ranch, his permanent residence. A steed with a celebrity following, Hondo has arranged his own weekly slot on PONY Magazine’s blog (http://www.ponymag.com/) – the first post went live on Friday 8th of October.

An added reason for parents and kid’s to vote, the UK’s number one horsey teen mag is also giving away a year’s subscription to the title. Not forgetting those all important ranch hands, Ranch Rider has even rounded up a few of the state’s cowboys and cowgirls. They’ll be sharing the best of the west on the “Horse-nality of the Year” teen blog, and “on the hoof” horse-bites, plus tips and twips will appear on the riding specialist’s Facebook® and Twitter® pages throughout the three-month contest. To vote, simply send the name of the horse you are voting for, your full name, age, daytime telephone number and email address to competition@ranchrider.com.

Of course, Ranch Rider is aware that the charismatic Hondo will compel many an adventurer to book a stay at the Lost Valley Ranch. Interested guests can join him on the homestead’s daily trail rides or partake in an endless list of pursuits including, river tubing, hiking, fishing and square dancing. The homestead also features a weekly rodeo where budding wranglers can showcase their new found western skills and there are three separate kid’s programs for children aged 3-5, 6-12 and teens.

Entrants can vote once, for one or ALL of the horses featured in Ranch Rider’s Colorado “Horse-nality of the Year” contest. Voting is open globally and there are no age restrictions. All entrants should email the name of the horse they are voting for, along with their full name, age and email address (and parents name and email address if under 13 years) to competition@ranchrider.com Parents who are voting should include the number and ages of their children. For the full list of Terms & Conditions please see http://www.ranchrider.com/.

Dude Ranch Vacations for Singles | eHow.com

Check out the article about Singles weeks on eHow.com...

Although a dude ranch is not typically associated with singles activities, a healthy, invigorating outing somewhere in the big-sky country of the American west can bring people together just like any other shared interest. Dude ranches also foster social activity with amenities such as trail rides, a hot tub, sauna or community-style meals. Although most dude ranches cater to families, there are a number that reserve special weeks for adults only or singles.

Read more: Dude Ranch Vacations for Singles
Dude Ranch Vacations for Singles eHow.com

Ride The West With The Best

Wyoming Dude Ranch Vacations

This article was published on the USA Today Travel Tips by by Jennn Fusion, Demand Media.  Its worth reading....

Wyoming dude ranch vacations date back to the 1880s when people visited city slicker friends who had retreated to wilderness horse and cattle ranches. The railroads brought weary travelers through Wyoming, prompting entrepreneurs to charge room and board. Dude ranch vacations offer "get away from it all" relaxation in a unique setting. At first glance, they appear expensive, but prices include meals, accommodations, horse riding and entertainment -- making it easier for families to budget. Click here to  read the rest of the article and see the top picks...

How to get all the Wranglers to spend their Saturday Night Playing Horseopoly with your Five-Year Old

This blog article came from Serena the "Sassy Chicago Mama"  that vacationed at the Covered Wagon Ranch this summer with her family. With her permission I am sharing it with you...enjoy... 

First of all, yes, there is a version of monopoly called “Horseopoly.” And no, you don’t need to rush out and buy it. Not only is it confusing, but the horses on the box look slightly demented and creepy. But when you are staying on a Dude Ranch in Montana and your 5-year-old son finds it in the game closet, you clearly need to play it.


What was surprising to me was that he somehow “wrangled” all the professional wranglers into playing it with him.

For those who don’t know what a wrangler is, let me explain–they are these fantastic people who spend their lives working outside and doing anything and everything that is needed for the horses. Which can consist of:

a) Feeding, cleaning, brushing, and exercising horses
b) Cleaning up their poop
c) Leading packs of people who say they have riding experience and really don’t on 3-hour riding trips in the mountains of Yellowstone

d) Tirelessly leading your 5-year-old around the ranch on “his” horse Joseph and insuring that Joseph wins the “horse race” (i.e. when the horses run up the mountain to take their Sunday pasture breaks) by personally riding and pushing him ahead of all the other horses that are probably 5 times younger AND faster than him.

Needless to say, those wranglers clearly need a break on Saturday nights. And yet, they stuck around after our communal dinner to play Horseopoly with us. How did G accomplish this, I wonder? I like to think it is because he is a good kid that people just like to hang around because they are so unaccustomed to 5-year-old children who don’t whine, throw tantrums, wear silly clothes with Disney characters on them, or glue themselves to some horrid hand-held video game. Or maybe because John and I are SO funny, we were the only entertainment those hard-working wranglers needed that night.

In reality, it is probably just because they are such good sports and secretly knew that ending our trip with a rousing game of Horseopoly with the wranglers would be the cherry on top of the sundae for G and that it would make his trip complete.

Which it did. 

So I thank you Boone, Erin, Chris, and Kirbee (who had to actually get up from the table and do her best galloping impression of a horse in order to not get sent to the “stable” or what us Monopoly players know as “jail) for making the last night of our stay memorable. I am positive it is not how you wanted to spend your night, but it is a night a little 5-year-old boy will remember forever.

And for those of you who have always dreamed of going to a Dude Ranch in Montana like I did, look no further: The Covered Wagon Ranch

We had the time of our lives and when I asked G if he would rather go back to (gulp) Disney World or come back to The Covered Wagon Ranch, he didn’t bat an eye and picked the ranch. So I guess one could say, “Go to The Covered Wagon Ranch! Children like it better than Disney World!”

AQHA -- DUDE RANCH TRIP GIVEAWAY

If you're an American Quarter Horse fan, we've got all the connections to get your name in the drawing for a five-day stay at an Arizona dude ranch!

America's Horse -- If you're an American Quarter Horse fan, we've got all the connections to get your name in the drawing for a five-day stay at an Arizona dude ranch!

AQHA is proud to join forces with AQHA Alliance Partner the Dude Ranchers Association and AQHA Corporate Partner Tractor Supply Co. to offer you a chance to win this exclusive contest on Discover Horses.com. Discoverhorses.com and AQHA are partnering to offer you the most up-to-date and behind-the-scenes coverage of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Since 1946, the Flying E Ranch has specialized in authentic Western hospitality, with great horses for every rider, good food and a comfortable place to relax at the end of the day. Whether you choose to ride, help out on the ranch, see the sights or just kick back in the pool or hot tub and allow the magic of the desert to relax and inspire you, the ranch hands will make your Flying E Ranch vacation a true Western experience.


Sound like a vacation getaway you can't refuse? Then register at www.discoverhorses.com/sweepstakes.html for this dude ranch trip giveaway. The trip includes airfare, meals and a five-day stay for two at the Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. Trip dates are subject to availability; trip must be used between November 1, 2010, and May 1, 2011. Entry deadline is September 30, 2010.

Al Roker visits the Box R Ranch

Thought I would share this great and funny video with you...its worth the watch!!

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!

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...

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.

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...

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!

Dude Ranches Featured in American Cowboy Magazine!

American Cowboy Magazine highlighted "The Best Ranch Vacations of the West" in a nine page article in the June July 2009 issue written by Mark Bedor.  Here is the link to the article...check it out!! 

Dude Ranch Vacations Offer A Taste Of The Old West

I found this good article about Dude Ranches on the Travel & Leisure - Article Fabric blog...Articles from all over the world on Travel and Leisure weaved into one site!  Here is a few paragraghs...

Dude ranch vacations were born in the late 1800's, but they really began to become popular in the post-World War I years. Society became more mobile, thanks to the automobile, and economically, the times were good. The movies were a popular form of entertainment, and westerns were dominant in films, creating a desire among large numbers of people to visit the Wild West. The only problem was that the west had been tamed.


And so was born a new American tourist attraction--the dude ranch. For a few days, tenderfoots could become cowboys, but without the perils true cowboys had faced. In a structured environment, dudes could learn to ride and roam the wide open spaces under the protective eye of a guide.

Virtually every state west of the Mississippi has at least one dude ranch. While no two are identical in the activities offered, they all share one thing--a lot of time will be spent on horseback. Novice riders will be given lessons, an appropriate mount will be provided, and a cowboy is born. Ranch hands will lead the dudes on trail rides of varying lengths, and many ranches offer the opportunity to spend two or three days riding the range and sleeping in the open. READ MORE...

63 Ranch Celebrates 80 years of Dude Ranching!

The 63 Ranch, a dude and cattle ranch located in southwest Montana, will be celebrating their 80th season this summer 2010. The 63, still owned and operated by its original founding family, was the first dude ranch in Montana to be declared a National Historic Site and is not far from where the Dude Ranchers' Association was first organized in Bozeman, MT on September of 1926. Although not an official member of the association until 1936, the ranch ranks as one of the oldest member ranches still in operation today.


For over three-quarters of a century, the Christensen family has been in the business of creating memories that last a lifetime! Paul, Elmer and Johanna welcomed their first guests; three young men from Chicago, in 1930. Not unusual for the time, these first guests spent the entire summer at 63 before returning to Chicago to share their unforgettable experiences with others. The fact that relatively little has changed over the years continues to be the most popular topic of discussion among historical guests who return with the intention of sharing their own most memorable childhood experiences with younger generations. "It has always been about preserving the romance of the old west." adds Sandra Christensen.

In celebrating their significant milestone, The 63 Ranch is offering unique peak season vacation packages including 15% discounts for the weeks of July 4-11, 18-25 and August 8-15 with no added gratuities or service charges. Book the week of August 15-22 and one child 10 years or under stays for free! For availability, please contact: 63 Ranch at 1-888-395-5151, Vacations@63Ranch.com or visit http://www.sixtythree.com/

Boy Surprised With Dude Ranch Trip

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind., (WANE) - Seven-year-old Drew Sigler got the surprise of his life Thursday. After being kept in the back room of his family's Columbia City home part of the morning, Drew walked into the living room to find it full of family and friends.

He also found an important call waiting for him. It was Jerry Helmicki, owner of the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado with a message that Drew had won a week-long vacation to the resort in August.

"I'm very, very, very, very, very happy!" Drew told NewsChannel 15. READ MORE...


Drew Sigler and his family will be staying at the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado. Click here for more information on the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch

Article appeared on the Fort Wayne Indiana news website of www.wane.com. Written by Janice Allen.

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. 

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...