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!”