Dude Ranch Vacations - Ranchweb

1. Dude Ranch Vacations: The Dude Ranchers' Association was formed in 1926 to preserve this special way of life and the wonderful environment in which dude ranching takes place. When you vacation at a Dude Ranchers' Association member ranch, you can be sure of a quality vacation. Membership is a rigorous two year inspection and approval process that ensures guests are treated to genuine western hospitality combined with the lodging industry’s highest standards. Our dude ranches offer all-inclusive vacations that are perfect for solo travelers, multi-generational families and corporate events. Horseback riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, cycling, zip lining, white water rafting, rodeos, camp fire sing-a-longs, western dancing, fine dining and more await your discovery on your next dude ranch vacation.

2. Category of Ranches: Guest Ranches Working Ranches Resort Ranches Luxury Ranches Ultra Ranches

3. Guest Ranches: Guest ranches arose in response to the romanticization of the American West that began to occur in the late 19th century. In 1893, historian Frederick Jackson Turner stated that the United States frontier was demographically "closed". This in turn led many people to have feelings of nostalgia for bygone days, but also, given that the risks of a true frontier were gone, allowed for nostalgia to be indulged in relative safety. In the US, guest ranches are now a long-established tradition and continue to be a vacation destination. Depending on the climate, some guest ranches are open only in the summer or winter, while others offer year-round service. Some of the activities offered at many guest ranches include horseback riding, target shooting, cattle sorting, hayrides, campfire sing-along, hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, zip-lining and fishing.

4. Working Ranches: Working Ranches allow you to experience life as a cowboy – with cattle drives, round ups and ranch work. Life on the ranch is dependent on the season, and this may also decide what’s on the agenda for the week. We might need to move some cattle to a different pasture, check the fences, make sure the livestock have water, or help with other ranch chores. We suggest that you ask your hosts about the schedule for the week regarding the work/riding agenda during your stay. Riding is the main activity, and ranch horses are used for moving the cattle out in the open country through meadows, wooded canyons, and mountain tops. You are encouraged to ride abreast to enjoy the breathtaking country. Or maybe you’d rather pass on the “work” and just enjoy the beautiful scenery or take a gentle lope through the open meadows.

5. ResortRanches: Resort Ranches offer western activities with higher end amenities and dining experiences. Enjoy the “softer” side of the guest ranch stay. The amenities may be a bit plusher, what we like to call “rustic elegance” but these ranches still compliment the western lifestyle. Resort ranches may offer greater ability to accommodate larger numbers of guests and conferences. It’s a given that our main activity is horseback riding, but resort ranches also offer a variety of other activities to share the great outdoors. From guided hikes to world class fly-fishing, playing tennis, or soaking in the pool or getting a massage, there are activities for everyone. Perhaps our chef will prepare gourmet delicacies served on linens in our dining room, with a special glass of wine.

6. UltraRanches: The world's leading authority on ranch vacations is exciting new Ultra Ranches category recognizes and celebrates dedication and excellence, not only to the ranch vacations phenomenon, but to the travel industry worldwide. These elite properties set the highest standards, are nestled among the very best hotels in the world, and are recognized by leading travel experts and travel publications as being the crème de la crème. Ultra ranch vacations go above and beyond luxury ranch vacations, catering for the mega-wealthy, and Ultra Ranch distinguishes the highest level of hospitality and excellence in accommodations, experiences, amenities, food/wine and service.

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