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.

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Dude Ranch Vacations for Singles eHow.com

The Elkhorn Ranch, Arizona

Fifty-one miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona, in its own valley, where mountains and desert meet, lies the Elkhorn Ranch. Owned and operated by the Miller family since 1946, the 3rd generation of Charley and Mary Miller and Tom and Anne Miller now holds the reins.


In October, the Millers welcome their crew to get the ranch ready for opening day on November 14, 2010. Being a winter season ranch, families tend to come during the holidays and school vacation weeks with more of an adult crowd visiting during Arizona's sunny winter season. The Elkhorn offers exceptional riding and comfortable living for thirty-two guests.

With seventy head of horses, riding is the main interest with gentle or loping rides through the desert and more vigorous trips along the many mountain trails. Charley visits with everyone at breakfast and lunch to talk about riding plans. With 6 guides, the rides are small and tailored to your interests and abilities.

Elkhorn's 3rd annual Digital Photography and Natural History workshop, led by Stewart Aitchison and Ann Kramer, will take place January 23 - 30, 2011. Come and enjoy the ranch for this great workshop.
With Easter arriving in late April for 2011, Elkhorn has spring vacation dates available in March, when you have a chance to see lovely desert wildflowers. The Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter holidays are quite full already, but the Millers hope you will call to see if there's a spot for you!

When you are not in the saddle, you can enjoy Elkhorn's heated swimming pool, wintering birds, tennis, hiking and relaxation beneath the Arizona sunshine. The Miller's favorite near by attractions are the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Kitt Peak National Observatory, or for shopping a visit to Tubac and Tumacacori the San Xavier del Bac Missions. For more information please go to http://www.elkhornranch.com/

Adventure Out Of The Traditional Conference Environment And Into The Great Outdoors.

Ranch life is comfortable and casual by nature - relaxed, informal, but highly productive. A Dude Ranch provides outdoor western adventure with a focus on group problem solving that will enhance communication skills, encourage cooperation and build self-confidence. Your staff will discover how to improve their efficiency as a team. It's all about trust, communication, teamwork, reciprocal learning, coaching, training, and feedback.

Whether your intention is to motivate a group, improve focus, strengthen relationships, or celebrate success, the Ranch setting can provide the inspiration and the environment. Corporate groups have found Dude Ranches to be an all- inclusive destination capable of handling their accommodations, meals, activities, and meeting requirements for a successful team building or strategic planning retreat. Making adjustments to fit a corporate group’s needs is usually available. Bring your group to a Ranch for a retreat that will both challenge them and leave them with fond memories.

See a list of Ranches that may offer a great setting for your next meeting or conference!

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/.

WOW DEAL FROM HOMEPLACE RANCH

The Homeplace Ranch in Alberta Canada would like to offer you a great deal for a dude ranch vacation. During August 21 to 24, August 23 to 26, or August 31 to Sept 3, receive two holiday stays for the price of one!!

Total cost for two persons; all meals, snacks, accommodations, riding (lesson if requested) and ranch activities, just $866 plus 17% taxes/service charge.   (Regular price for two persons $1732.) Wow what a deal....When contacting the ranch for this offer, please mention the WOW DEAL!

This offer is good until the end of June.

The Homeplace Ranch
Mac MaKenny
Site 2, Box 6, RR 1
Priddis, Alberta
T0L 1W0
Toll Free: 877-931-3245
(Phone/Fax) 403-931-3245

Ranches with Adult Only Weeks

Sometimes you just want to get away with your significant other, adult friends or even by yourself. Dude ranchers understand that and have set aside a few weeks of their seasons for just that purpose. These “adult only” weeks are usually in the spring or fall when there are fewer number of guests. This gives you a chance to experience the ranch on a more personal level. So grab a little time for yourself and come see some of the most spectacular fall colors from the back of a horse at one of the DRA ranches.  See List of Ranches that offer Adult Only Weeks.

June at Smith Fork Ranch

Grand Opening Weekend - June 4th - 6th

Join us Friday June 4th, 2010 for a fabulous weekend marking the start of summer in this enchanting region of Western Colorado. The festivities commence with an exciting evening of regional mesa cuisine prepared by Chef Matthew Dusharme using local and seasonal ingredients from our own garden and live music on the pavilion offering unparalleled views of the West Elk Mountains. Tour the vineyards of the North Fork Valley, ride horseback or hike our miles of private trails, fly fish the epic waters of the Gunnison River or our own private waters of the Smith Fork and stocked ponds, cycle around the mesas, enjoy a relaxing creekside massage, and end your day with a glass of wine from our extensive private cellar and a meal celebrating the slow food movement of the valley.  Discover Smith Fork Ranch, your private ranch.

Special discounted rates for Coloradans start at just $166/night/couple, space is limited, call now to
reserve!*
*two night minimum stay, includes breakfast. Taxes, service charge, & alcohol not included. Three night all inclusive package also available.

True West Weekend - June 11th - 13th

Join us Friday June 11th for a special weekend filled with authentic western amusements - start the weekend off Friday night at the Old Elk Lodge Pavilion here at Smith Fork Ranch with a barbecue cookout, beer from local Revolution Brewery, and live bluegrass music! Saturday morning the fun continues with our local town of Crawford Pioneer Days Parade - help us carry on the tradition and participate in float making and parading alongside our horse drawn wagon. Take a history tour by horse on a trail ride with our knowledgeable wranglers, learn to shoot with a bow and arrow, step into the real wild west on a flora and fauna naturalist guided walk, or kick back in a rocking chair under the stars and let the world go by.  Escape to Smith Fork Ranch, your private ranch.

Special discounted rates for Coloradans start at just $166/night/couple, space is limited, call now to
reserve!*
*two night minimum stay, includes breakfast. Taxes, service charge, & alcohol not included. Three night all inclusive  package also available.

Napa Valley Culinary Event - June 15 - 18th

Join us Tuesday June 15th for a unique three night experience celebrating the wines of the Napa Valley. Featuring special guest vintners from Steltzner Vineyards and Fountainhead Cellars, youʼll be whisked away on a culinary journey with our in house chef Mathew Dusharme who will be using local and seasonal ingredients from our own garden to create a delightful five course meal with wine pairing. Ride scenic Colorado Rocky Mountain trails amidst the wild flowers and budding summer foliage, or fly-fish the private waters of our ponds and the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River, savor our 5-star cuisine, and soak in our hot tubs - then gather with your friends and a glass of wine around the fire at the end of the day. Stay with us for this fantastic journey and then go on to the world renowned Food and Wine Classic in Aspen or linger longer here for the weekend! This week of wining and dining is one you won’t soon forget!

Special all inclusive gourmand package rates available starting at $700/night/couple, space is limited, call
now to reserve!*

*three night stay, includes lodging, all meals, half day guided on ranch activity, and amenities. Taxes, service charge, & alcohol (excepting mini course and wine pairing dinner) not included.

For more information contact the Smith For Ranch at 970.921.3454 or visit http://www.smithforkranch.com/

GRAB YOUR SISTER'S YOUR GIRLFRIENDS AND COME FIND YOUR INNER COWGIRL

When you book an all inclusive Cowgirl week at one of these DRA Dude Ranches you can expect great riding, great food and great accommodations. There is no better way to reconnect with friends and family.

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

Woman's Only Week

Woman's Only Week, May 30th - June 5th

Time to cowgirl up! Every woman has a cowgirl within, come find your cowgirl side with us here at Three Bars Ranch for a fun reinvigorating week on the ranch. Bring a group of your friends, sister, mom or come out to make some new friends. The Beckley women have put together a fun week at the ranch designed especially for our "cowgirl" friends. Of course you will have all the horse time you wish to have with some time dedicated to help you connect with your horse in lessons and basic horsemanship class. Local wine tasting, cooking class and a little shopping trip. The perfect girls getaway. Contact the ranch for more details.

Horse and Personal Awareness Week at the Homeplace Ranch

Want to learn more about yourself and improve your riding skill?

Mark a week-end in May to spend at Homeplace Ranch.
Its an opportunity to understand "joining up" with a horse and as well as what it might tell you about your relationship with others.  Go to the Homeplace Ranch website for more information! 

Planning A Wedding this year??

Tumbling River Ranch is the perfect location for your mountain wedding. Just an hour from Denver, our facilities are nestled in the heart of Pike National Forest, surrounded by colorful aspens and beautiful mountain views. Tumbling River offers luxurious accommodations, superb cuisine, and exceptional horseback riding, hiking, and fishing opportunities. For a memorable and romantic wedding, share this special location and our renowned hospitality with your closest friends and family. We have 2 historic lodges and multiple cabins for up to 55 overnight guests, and we have the ability to accommodate 150 for the ceremony and reception. Our custom wedding packages accommodate 3- to 5-day stays, with overnight guests gaining full access to all our exciting activities. To start planning your dream Rocky Mountain wedding, give us a call today!

See for your self...Check out the Tumbling River Ranch Video

Cowgirl up! Arkansas Dude Ranch Hosts ‘Women’s Weekend’

(EMAILWIRE.COM, December 17, 2009 ) JASPER, Ark. – In the northwestern corner of Arkansas, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is quietly etched into the Ozarks, offering the perfect backdrop for leisurely horseback rides, hiking, rock climbing and soaking in nature’s beauty. When guests are done with their fun for the day, they retire to their luxury log cabins after being served mouthwatering meals. Read More...

Escape to the Southwest This Winter!

The Farmers Almanac predicts this winter will be “especially harsh” in the Northern climes. That forecast, along with expectations of a continuing economic recovery make it advisable to firm up travel plans now. Reserve a spot to escape the coming freeze, somewhere perhaps like the sun drenched deserts of Arizona or the warm, enchanting lands of New Mexico.

The American Southwest is one of the sunniest spots in the country. It’s also the locale of numerous Western dude ranches, 12 of them proud members of The Dude Ranchers’ Association. The organization has kept the standards for the industry high since its inception in 1926. A reservation at a ”DRA” member ranch comes with the guarantee of an authentic, quality, experience. Keeping travelers’ budget, preferred activities, and desired level of service in mind, DRA staffers steer vacationers to ranches best suited for them.

Plenty of Southwest dude ranches offer the same resort-like amenities and services of other popular “snowbird” destinations. What guests won’t find are added charges or daily resort fees. Instead, dude Ranches operate on the American plan. Lodging, activities and delicious, hearty meals are included in one “no-hassle” rate, a guarantee touted by Arizona’s Grapevine Canyon Ranch for their 2010 rates. It’s an upfront, straightforward policy, packaging accommodations, riding, all meals, even taxes and gratuities in one rate. Rates vary by season, with some of the lowest rates in January and February. The no-hassle rate starts at just $178 per person per day. Once the land of Dragoons and Apaches, there are still remnants of primitive Indian villages on ranch property and wild grapevines still flourish in the canyon. Located between Tucson and Tombstone, the working ranch provides ultimate immersion into the Cowboy life of the Old West with the exception of lodging and meals. No bunkhouses and beans for “Grapevine guests. Instead, guests retreat to cool, private casitas and feast on homemade meals made from “scratch.

In Southwest New Mexico’s pristine Gila National Forest, guests of Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch escape the cold and the frantic pace of modern society. Eighty-five miles from the nearest stoplight, solitude is the ranch mantra. The ranch accommodates only 15 guests at a time. Riding the trails, visitors may glimpse elk, wild turkey, even a mountain lion but rarely other people. Not a resort type guest ranch, visitors may add a spa experience at the Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa in nearby Truth or Consequences. Here, ranch guests are offered a 10% discount off all services. And many do choose to soak for a day or two in the spa’s geothermal, natural springs.

Ranches more like resorts are found near Tucson. Both the White Stallion Ranch and Tanque Verde Ranch, come with luxurious pools, spas, and tennis courts. The White Stallion offers a full calendar of special events -horse and riding seminars, cowgirl camps, and packages co-sponsored by Elderhostel. At the Tanque Verde there are special pack trips through December and a mountain bike adventure for serious pedalers.

Can’t get much further south in Arizona than DRA dude ranch resort, The Circle Z Ranch, straddling the border, minutes from Mexico. The ranch is recognized worldwide as a prime destination for “birders.” In the nearby Patagonia-Sonoita Nature Reserve, riders often glimpse vermillion fly catchers and other rare birds. First class amenities include an all-weather tennis court and heated pool. Colorful adobe cottages and meals served on the lodge patio entertain guests with panoramic views of the mountains and desert.

Live Like a Cowboy at the Historic Vee Bar’s 4th of July Jubilee

Laramie, Wyo.--Nestled in the shadows of the Snowy Range Mountains along the banks of the Little Laramie River, the Vee Bar Guest Ranch has a rich history that stretches back over a hundred years, and travelers who want to celebrate the 4th of July “Old West style” will have the opportunity to visit the ranch for an Independence Day Jubilee. Located just 2 1/2 hours north of Denver, this offers an easy and economical destination for road-trippers who want a change of scenery that’s not too far away.

The fun begins with trail riding, river tubing, fishing, and hiking early in the week. Later in the week, guests will be able to team-pen cattle, move some 400 cows and calves from one pasture to another, campout, and ride in the mountains, just like the cowboys of the Old West. On Friday evening, July 3rd, local musicians perform music to dance to, while the celebration continues. Dance until dark and celebrate the Fourth with an assortment of fireworks right on the ranch. Add a seventh night to the package and enjoy Fire in the Sky in Laramie, compliments of the Vee Bar. Fire in the Sky begins on the Fourth with a concert in the evening and a great fireworks display afterwards. The event kicks off Jubilee Days, Laramie’s hometown rodeo, and a week of festivities.

The highlight of the week for many, however, is the Vee Bar’s legendary horseback riding program. Horseback riding is the quintessential cowboy activity and by far the best way to see new country. What sets the Vee Bar’s horseback riding program apart is that guests are assigned one horse for the week so they have the opportunity to bond with their horse. Their horseback riding program is diverse to suit the needs of everybody in the group, and riders are not asked to ride head to tail in an uninspiring line and loping rides are offered.

All of this is enhanced by the accommodation, which is comfortable and inviting. The cabins and lodge offer antique furnishings from the Vee Bar's rich and colorful past. Perfect for a week-long vacation or a weekend getaway, the cabins are in close proximity to the Snowy Range Mountains. Whether travelers are looking for a romantic mountain getaway or a rough and tumble family vacation, these warm and inviting cabins will be a perfect fit.

Dates: June 28th-July 4th, 2009. For more information about the Vee Bar Guest Ranch, visit the website or contact Kari Kilmer at 307-745-7036. To Read more...

There is still time to book your summer dude ranch vacation!

The selection of savings on a family dude ranch vacation this summer are as varied as the ranches themselves. With the array of added value programs and specials at these ranches ranging from Alberta, Canada to Wyoming - there is no better time to pack up the family and head west for that vacation you have been dreaming of:

Why Vacation at a DRA Dude Ranch?
All inclusive packages: meals, lodging, housekeeping, activities at the ranch, horse and tack for the duration of your stay are included in the package.

FAMILY REUNIONS, COUPLES, FAMILIES & SINGLES ALL WELCOME: It make perfect sense! It frees everyone up to have a good time. The cooks, housekeepers and support staff necessary to provide a restful and meaningful event are all provided.

There is something for everyone:
You can choose between a variety of activities: riding, taking a leisurely walk, getting a relaxing massage, sitting on the porch reading a book all the while feeling the stress and tension of everyday life slip away. You do not have to worry about your spouse and the kids or the other guests because they are off having a great time riding, roping, white water rafting, fishing, team penning, swimming, playing tennis, trap shooting , going on hay rides and much much more. By evening everyone is in for a treat. While dinning on down home cooking or feasting on gourmet fare you know there are no dishes to be done. Close the evening out with western dancing, camp fire sing along, a game of billiards or relaxing in the Hot Tub.

Each year families, couples and those traveling alone, are experiencing the wonderful hidden value of the simpler, caring way of life found on a dude ranch. They are learning that dude ranches are extra friendly places for kids and families to re-discover each other, and the single traveler. The new adventures and exciting experiences that fill dude ranch days and enable us all to weather the more difficult times in life.