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

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Video

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!”

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...

LMR Outdoor Youth Adventures on Facebook

Lone Mountain Ranch Outdoor Youth Adventures (kids camp) is now on Facebook! This is the place to find out about our kids activities, adventures and cool happenings at Lone Mountain Ranch. A day in Lone Mountain Ranch’s Outdoor Youth Adventures may include canoeing, horseback riding, a kids rodeo, mountain biking, climbing wall, pony rides (under 6 years), pizza parties, high and low ropes, camping, backpacking, ice cream socials, archery, leather crafting and many other fun activities! We invite you and your family to “like” our page and learn more about the family fun at Lone Mountain Ranch!

Check it out!!!

Guest Testimonials of the Week

Bar W Guest Ranch, Whitefish, Montana


“Our visit to the Bar W was two-fold. Firstly it has been a lifelong dream to visit Montana after years of writing to a pen pal here as child. Secondly it was to overcome a fear of horse riding as a result of a near fatal accident n the UK. Our visit here has met all our expectations, dreams and more! The careful management of the ranch by Ted is evident in all his people show have a “can do” attitude at all times (with safely and fun built in at all times). A special mention must go to Dave whom without I don’t believe I would have trusted myself to overcome my fears and enjoy the rest of the week. Thank you Dave! We would like to give special mention to Mandy who is not only a talented rider but a beautiful photographer and talented girl. Justin we thank for his manner and caring smile. James we thank for his fun and taking us on trails that needed to be ridden. Steve we thank for his kindness and genuine interest in people. Leah we thank for showing us some of the most stunning scenery in the world and her caring nature. Above all I must thank Blue Duck for taking care of me and restoring my faith in horses, they are God’s special creatures. If I could pack him in my suitcase I would take that gentleman home! Thank you all for a super holiday. We will be back.” I wrote this in 2007 and indeed did return to the Bar W in 2009 to experience the Cowgirl Up for the first time. In life we are taught never to go back as it may not live up to our memories, however, coming back here has broken that myth! The 2009 holiday afforded me time with friends, old (met at the Bar W in 2007) and new, fabulous riding thanks to Buster and as expected professional and knowledgeable staff whom have truly been a pleasure to interact with especially as they predict our needs before we even know we have any! I will be back!!! Thank you to everyone at Bar W! The Bar W in Montana is a little piece of heaven and I thoroughly recommend you visit soon. Pauline, Scotland, UK



Kay El Bar Ranch, Wickenburg, Arizona

The Most relaxing place on Earth, Kay El Bar we'll be back - My Wife and I had our second visit to the KL last year. It was like coming home. Everyone is so friendly, Guests and Staff. It is like one big family. The rides are amazing and tailored to your ability and what you would like. Fast paced loping ride or a long scenic mountain hike. All day ride with lunch overlooking fabulous canyons. Nothing is too much trouble the wranglers are great fun but professional too. The food is amazing, simple home cooking with family style seating discussing the rides and views and enjoying being relaxed. You don't need to think for the week you can just … be….and at the end of the day the sumptuous bed just floats you off to dreams of being a cowboy. Ready and refreshed more of the same. Not once did I want to see a TV, Phone or Newspaper, nor did I ever want to again. I could seriously live that life. Our second visit will NOT be our last. I seriously cannot stress how stress free a visit here is. It is well worth the 11hour flight in fact it is a positive bargain when you feel that stress just pour away into laughter. Thank you Kay El Bar. Daniel, West Sussex, England.



Spotted Horse Ranch, Jackson, Wyoming

Well I just returned from our trip out west with my daughter, son-in-law and my husband, I'm thankful we ended our final day of our vacation at the Spotted Horse Ranch. If we would have started our vacation at the ranch we would have not left to our other locations. The personal treated you like family, we where there only for a few days and felt we knew these people forever. The was a little of something for all of us. I am not a horse person but did go out riding a few times and was amazed at the view and how well the horses responded. We went whitewater rafting, hot springs swim, fly fishing which is more my thing, ate wonderful food and enjoyed entertainment in the evening at their private Saloon. I have been telling everyone about it and can't wait to return, but this time for the full week. If you haven't tried a dude ranch, this is the place, you will not be disappointed. Sincerely, Kathy Rader, Kenosha, WI.



Drowsy Water Ranch, Granby, Colorado

I have been to Drowsy Water Ranch five times and can't wait to get back this spring. I have taken several different friends with me, including my 82 year old aunt, and they all loved it. The valley is beautiful, the owners are so nice, and the staff goes out of their way to help you. Not only do you get to ride great horses, but you can go white water rafting, eat breakfast on the mountain top, square dance, hike in some of the most beautiful areas, kids can catch trout (and then eat them if they want to), wade in a mountain stream, see all kinds of wildlife, eat great meals (I gain 5 or 6 pounds every year), and so many more great things that I would have to write a whole page. They make you feel at home the whole time you are there plus they have so many activities you never miss the television or telephone. I especially would recommend Drowsy Water for folks with children. They have a wonderful children’s program with activities for all ages. I have seen so many happy first time riders, young and old. It is amazing what they can do for beginners in just a week. This is a great place for a vacation and I will be going back every chance I get. Paulette, Kentucky.

2010 Lone Mountain Ranch Conference Special!

Starting at $199/ person/ night

Lone Mountain Ranch is a historic guest ranch located in Big Sky, Montana offering the perfect setting for your conference, retreat or meeting. Cozy log cabins near a clear mountain stream, exceptional dining, a relaxing Conference environment and a tradition of warm western hospitality make the Ranch a favorite destination.

The recreational potential at the Ranch is extraordinary. We offer horseback riding, mountain biking, Orvis® endorsed guided fly fishing trips, naturalist guided hikes, Yellowstone National Park tours, wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting trips and more!

Rates include accommodations, 3 meals daily, conference facilities and airport transfers. Please call 800.514.4644 or email groups@lmranch.com for availability. You can also check out our website at http://www.lmranch.com/conferences/.


*Rates based on single occupancy in a small cabin, 3 night minimum stay, 12 person minimum group

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/

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!!!

Montana Fly Fishing Adventure with the Rich Ranch

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

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!

New DRA Ranch Members

Membership in the Dude Ranchers' Association is not automatic. Dude ranches applying for membership go through a rigorous two year inspection and approval process. It includes an application fee, a detailed written application, references from former guests, an appearance before the board of directors and on-site inspections during operations. These inspections focus on safety, livestock management and hospitality industry standards for all aspects of the ranch. Approximately 70% of the ranches that apply meet the high standards of the association and go on to become members.

Once accepted, ranches go through a year of probationary membership during which they undergo a second on-site inspection. Only after a satisfactory second inspection are they admitted to full membership. Once a full member, all ranches are accredited every five years.

At the 2009 Fall Board of Directors Meeting, there were seven ranches accepted on probationary status. The following ranches are in the first year of our two year application process. They are:
Hidden Meadow Guest Ranch, Arizona
4UR Ranch, Colorado
Zapata Ranch, Colorado
Lonesome Spur Ranch, Montana
Lazy E-L Ranch, Montana
K Diamond K Ranch, Washington
Red Reflet Guest Ranch, Wyoming

There were also seven new ranches accepted for full membership into the DRA. They are:
Rowse’s 1+1 Ranch, Nebraska
Red Horse Mountain Ranch, Idaho
Bar W Ranch, Montana
Covered Wagon Ranch, Montana
Geronimo Trails Ranch, New Mexico
Crossed Sabres Ranch, Wyoming
Rancho de los Caballeros, Arizona

The Dude Ranchers' Association has been preserving western ranch vacations by establishing and maintaining strict standards, while protecting the land and wildlife for over 80 years - We encourage you to “Ride the West with the Best!”

Snowmobiling at the Rich Ranch a Montana Guest Ranch

Covered Wagon Ranch

The 63 Ranch Video

Saying Goodbye...

The Dude Ranch Industry has lost two of their “pioneers” this last month, DRA Hall of Famers, Leo Hargrave of Hargrave Land and Cattle Guest Ranch and Nancy Ferguson of Eaton’s Ranch. They truly helped make the industry what it is today. Please take a moment to tip your hat to these two great dude ranchers’ I know they will be missed by all..

Nancy Ferguson
Nancy Eaton Ferguson, 88, of Wolf, passed away at her residence on July 21, 2009. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at Eatons’ Ranch at a later date. Born Feb. 28, 1921, in Sheridan to William and Patty (Alderson) Eaton, she attended Sheridan schools and was a graduate of Sheridan High School. She married Tommy Ferguson at Eatons’ Ranch on Sept. 5, 1942. She was the Sheridan Rodeo Queen in 1939, served on the Wolf Creek School Board, the Hospital Auxiliary Board, and was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Wyoming, the Book Review Club, and was Lady President of the Dude Ranchers’ Association. She was preceded in death by her husband; a brother, Billy Eaton; and a daughter, Judy Ferguson. Survivors include her children, Susan Van Allen, Patty Kaufmann, William Ferguson, and Thomas J. Ferguson, Jr.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Memorials may benefit the Nancy Eaton Ferguson Sheridan WYO Rodeo Scholarship Fund, c/o First Interstate Bank, PO Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
The service  will be held on September 19 at the ranch at 4:00 p.m. and we will have a cocktail reception immediately following.

Leo Hargrave:
Charles Leo Hargrave, 87, died Saturday, July 11, 2009, at his home in Laclede, Kansas. Leo was a man of many talents honed from a humble upbringing during the Great Depression and WW II.
Leo married Ellen White of Laclede, KS, June 10, 1978. He built their Charolais operation and surrounding lease lands to the point that he was recognized as a model of sustainable environmental grazing practices. The couple simultaneously built a dude business on the cattle ranch. Guests from around the world joined them for the next 20 years in Living the Legend of a Montana cowboy. Leo spent 6 years helping to guide the Dude Ranchers’ Association as a board member and was honored with induction to the DRA Hall of Fame in 2007.

Guest Testimonial of the Week

I go this email from Heidi from Apple Valley, MN this week and thought I would share it with you.

Hello! I just wanted to let you know how happy I was with my stay at Covered Wagon Ranch in MT. The cabins were charming, the food was excellent, and the staff was outstanding. We were very impressed with Covered Wagon Ranch. I would definitely recommend them! This was our first dude ranch adventure. Thanks for all your help in planning! Thanks!! Heidi

Guest Testimonial of the Week

Sweet Grass Ranch
I've just returned from a wonderful week at Sweet Grass Ranch. Spectacular scenery, fantastic horses, and great food! The riding here went well beyond my expectations. Bill and Shelly are such wonderful hosts. Watching Rocco work with horses is a special treat. No wonder guests return year after year!