What’s been the buzz in the last few years in horseback riding? Dude Ranches! Or “guest ranches.” But what are dude ranches? You probably know it isn’t just the title to a Blink 182 album (couldn’t help myself). What’s included? What do you get from them? Dude ranches are cool in all, but what are some alternatives for those who want a more relaxed experience but a longer ride experience. Well, my goal is to answer all (if not most) of your burning questions surrounding dude ranches and “Cowboy Experiences.” Also, I’ve included pictures in this post from various ranches across Colorado as it is my home state but dude ranches can be found across the western states!
What are Dude Ranches?
Officially, from the Dude Ranchers Association, it is defined as a “Western Vacation.” Helpful, huh? See, back when the Wild West was taking the county by storm, many people from the East Coast, and even internationally, wanted to experience the “cowboy” way. Where there is money to be made, there are vacations created for those to stay. Those who could afford repeatable experiences during this time quickly realized it was a home away from home. As the Dude Ranch Association states “Lifelong friends were created, and family memories were cherished and passed down.” Nowadays, dude and guest are interchangeable and mean the same thing.
I mentioned the Dude Ranchers Association [DRA]. What is this organization? The DRA is an organization founded in 1926 that esteems itself with strict membership guidelines. Hopeful applicants must go through a tough 2-year inspection and approval process. The Dude Ranchers Association has been around for almost a century with the mission that “members are not hotels with horses outback.” They have over 90 members across the Western States. They’ve built a great reputation and are a great start to looking for a Dude Ranch experience near you or in a state you’d like to visit. Some states have their own dude ranch organization. Colorado, for example, has its own Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association.
What happens during a dude ranch stay?
Now that isn’t as easy to answer as you’d like it to be. It does in fact vary based on the ranch and the geography. The most obvious and main activity is horseback riding. But what activities are offered can vary from ranch to ranch. Some can be included in the overall package price or can be “a la carte.” Be sure to call or email the ranch and speak to someone about what is and isn’t included. Here is an idea of what you can expect or look for when planning that long-awaited vacation:
Horseback Riding
- Trail RidingRiding – Horseback trailing riding activities are what most people imagine when they hear the words “dude ranch.” It is no surprise that you can expect trail riding. At most ranches, this is the main activity, and it is the best way to explore the area and see what wildlife, plants, and scenery there is to offer.
- Horsemanship Lessons – A little less common but still a fun activity to keep in mind. Have you wanted to do more than just walk with a horse? Maybe you’ve wanted to shake off the rust in your riding skills. Lessons are a great way to do so! What is great about some ranches is that they even offer 1:1 lessons for personalized instruction.
- Pack or Overnight Trips – This is a very cool activity for a ranch to provide. This gives you some camping, or glamping depending on the ranch, and much more time on the horse and in nature. Unlike some commercial horseback riding offerings, you only commit to 1-2 nights camping and most pack or overnight trips include food and lodging. All you need to do is show up and enjoy.
- Cattle DrivesDrives – Have you ever wanted to live out your wildest Home on the Range fantasies? Imagine riding a horse, corralling cattle in a new pasture, and feeling the wind in your face. Adrenaline running in your veins as cattle scramble around you? Cattle drives are a ton of fun and what can be more authentic than a cattle drive on generational ranches?!
- Horse Drawn Carriages – These activities are more popular in the fall and with sled rides, depending on the winter in the area, also being an option. This can be great for younger guests who can’t ride horseback yet.
Fishing
A popular activity as many people like the idea of fishing but may not have the time or money to invest in the sport. Many of these ranches have their own private ponds and lakes that guests can use. Most of these ranches also provide fishing equipment if you don’t want to worry about bringing along your own.
Water Sports
- Swimming – What child doesn’t love splashing and swimming around a large pond or lake? This can be a great thing to look for if you have little ones that love water!
- White Water Rafting – This will most likely come as an add-on that will be completed through a third-party company but you’ll usually get a discounted rate through the ranch by having your stay with them.
Shooting and Archery Sports
Have you wanted to try shooting at a target? Maybe archery has gotten your attention in the past? Now might be the time to try it! Of all the activities I’ve listed, shooting sports are more likely to be a la carte add-ons as they can cost the ranch a pretty penny for various reasons. Archery tends to be included with the package pricing.
Hiking
Want to get a quick exercise in? Maybe just explore the area on your own two legs? Many ranches offer hiking trails so you can get exercise, some fresh air, and explore on your own terms. This can also be a great and easy way to see wildlife in the area. Look for ponds where mammals like to get water. Look into the trees for birds and go birdwatching.
What else is included in a dude ranch stay package?
What could make staying at a dude ranch worthwhile? If you think about it, a hotel stay in a major National Park City (Estes Park, Jackson Hole, West Yellowstone, etc) can be on average up to $300 per night! For five nights, that adds up to $1500 without taxes and hotel fees considered. Go 30 minutes away from the city and stay at a dude ranch and the week’s stay package could start between $1500-$2000 which includes the activities I mentioned and possibly more!
Lodging
It would be ridiculous to expect you to stay anywhere else other than on the ranch. Yes, lodging is included in the pricing package (though it never hurts to double-check). This is why the base of the pricing package is high. Understand you will, in most cases, get the bare minimum lodging necessities like a bed, a bathroom, maybe a desk, fresh linens daily/room service, and maybe a few other things. But by being able to enjoy the night with ease or wake up and have all the day’s adventures there for you, it is very beneficial to stay on site.
Meals
This is included in a majority of the dude ranches out there. They realize that between the remote location and lack of food storage options in lodging accommodations, it is easier to include meals for the guest’s elevated stay and experience. Then there are some ranches that include “typical meals,” but you can upgrade to “premium” meals. Just be careful and always check with the ranch’s itemized package pricing.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure with plenty of options from horseback riding to water sports, fishing, or even just taking a break from the real world, dude ranches – or guest ranches – are a great way to get that done! Let the ranch take care of planning the itinerary, cooking the food, and gathering supplies. You’ve booked this vacation to relax and that’s exactly what you’ll do on a Dude Ranch Vacation! Until next time, stop stalling – answer a horse’s calling!
Scenic Byhorse 