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/.

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...

How to Choose a Vacation Ranch | eHow.com

Another great article from eHow.com...check it out!

How to Choose a Vacation Ranch eHow.com

Names of Arizona Dude Ranches | eHow.com

Here is short but great article about some of our Ranches in Arizona...enjoy!

Names of Arizona Dude Ranches eHow.com

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

Bar Lazy J Ranch Video Testimonial

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!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

May we remember each day that the Memorial Day holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who died in military service for their country... because of them we have our Freedom!  May you all have a safe and fun Memorial Day Weekend! 

"The story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots."
 ~Randy Vader

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.

Colorado dude ranches: Drowsy Water Ranch

This article was posted on May 12, 3:29 PM by Denver Outdoor Travel Examiner Melanie Pahl on the www.examiner.com site....

This is the second article in a series on the guest ranches of western Colorado.


Taking your family to a Colorado dude ranch is still considered the “great American vacation” after 100 years of these ranches being in existence. People can trade in their modern world of cell phones, internet and Ipods for horses, cowboy boots and blue jeans. These ranches also provide a spectacular setting for friends and families to connect and allow them to build lasting memories.  READ MORE...

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!!