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| #2
- RANCHES |
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| Giddy-Up at a Guest Ranch - The Ultimate Summer Vacation by Dusty Dave |
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A Guest Ranch, also called a Dude Ranch, is without a doubt the Ultimate Summer Vacation. Why? Because, once you get there, you don't have to think about anything but relaxing. Everything is planned out for you: your activities, meals, etc. The only big decisions you will have to make are whether you are going to have three or four pancakes for breakfast. Most ranches these days are more like resorts. Besides offering horseback riding for all levels of riders, they also have tons of other fun activities to keep everyone in your group happy. Options often include fly-fishing, white-water rafting, canoeing, archery, skeet shooting, hay rides, campfires, the list goes on and on. The beauty is that you can do as little or as much as you want, that is totally up to you. If sitting on the front porch of your cabin all day reading a book and drinking a glass of wine is your idea of an ideal vacation while your kids or spouse are out horsin' around, then more power to you. If the old-school idea of a ranch vacation, where you mend fences and shovel $h!t all day, is more up your alley, don't fret none cowboy, there are still some ranches that offer that. Actually, a visit to a real working ranch can be incredibly rewarding and the work is more fun than work. You can help do chores around the ranch if you want, but you certainly don't have to. The real benefit to a working ranch is that the horseback riding is much more wide open. As opposed to staying on a trail, you might be pushing cattle on the open range one day and riding over to a neighbor's ranch to help look for a lost calf on the next. If you like to ride a lot, a working ranch is an excellent choice. A typical ranch vacation is a week long (from Sunday to Sunday) and usually costs somewhere around $150 - $250 per person per day. That cost includes your lodging, meals and activities. There's no sense dilly-dallying, make your reservations pronto Tonto. Many of these ranches fill up quickly and you don't want to be stuck at home while all the cool kids are out riding the range. See ya on the ranch! BONUS: Find out the difference between a GUEST RANCH and a DUDE RANCH at the bottom of this page. I've asked a bunch of ranch owners what they think the difference is. You'll be surprised.
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Howdy! Listed below are a few very nice places that I have picked out for your convenience. You are free to share all the information and photos in this press release with your readers. Just click on any image for a high-res version. Have a great day & Giddy-Up! Dusty Dave |
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PHOTOS
AT TOP OF PAGE: SIGN & FLOWERS (RANGER CREEK RANCH), COWBOY &
ROPE (WILDERNESS TRAILS), BARN & HORSES (THREE BARS RANCH), MTN.
RIDERS (DIAMOND D RANCH) |
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W Ranch The year round Bar W Guest Ranch on Spencer Lake in Whitefish has it all: great horses, wonderful accommodations, scrumptious food, loads of activities and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. The Bar W has blended elegance with Old West authenticity to create an atmosphere that truly comforts ,especially after a long day in the saddle. They offer an extensive horseback riding program for all levels. From first-timers to competitive riders, their experienced staff is ready to assist you. Additionally, you can enjoy the cool town of Whitefish (only 3.5 miles away) and the Flathead Valley. Come and visit – you’ll feel reborn!
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Bonanza
Creek Guest Ranch
Martinsdale, Montana Since the 1870's Montana ranch hands have roamed the range and worked cattle along the banks of Bonanza Creek. A century later, very little has changed, the only difference is that now there's a place at the table for you. At the ranch, you ride to your ability, and do lots of it. Bonanza Creek is part of a working cattle ranch owning 1500 head of cattle on 25,000 acres. When you're not out "hitting the trail," you can go hiking, biking or just plain relaxing. Also great fun is the evening ride and cookout. You can help out at the ranch if you want to as well. You may be putting out salt, checking for sick or injured stock, or moving stock from one pasture to another. Also, you can test your fishing skills against feisty rainbow, cutthroat, or brook trout. |
Cheff
Guest Ranch Located in the beautiful Mission Valley and nestled at the base of the majestic Mission Mountains, the Cheff Family owns and leases over 10,000 acres of ranch land. The view from the ranch is spectacular, you can literally see forever. Ninepipes and Kicking Horse reservoirs are in full view. Nothing beats relaxing on the deck of the lodge watching the sun go down after a long day of swimming, canoeing, fishing, and horseback riding. Guests are welcome to take part in the daily activities that occur while staying at the working cattle, moving the stock, picking hay, and irrigating. Each day guests go riding on the trails surrounding the ranch, through the woods, into gorgeous meadows, across streams and to beautiful mountain lakes. |
Diamond
D Ranch
Stanley, Idaho The Diamond D Ranch is for the ultra-adventurous. The ranch is set in the midst of incomparable beauty of rugged, snowcapped mountains, forests of pine and quaking Aspen, clear blue lakes and green pastures. Riding is offered twice daily including two lunch rides a week. For a trip you will never forget, the ranch can custom tailor a pack trip into the spectacular high country. Additionally, miles of trails provide endless opportunities for the enthusiastic hiker, photographer and wildlife admirer. Some of the guided hikes available include a 3.5 mile round trip climb to Mystery Lake which is a high mountain lake stocked with California golden trout. The lake is crystal clear and is a fly fisherman's dream. |
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| Twin
Peaks Ranch Everything is possible at Twin Peaks. Take a beautiful trail ride through the mountains, round up and herd cattle on the ranch’s 2,900 acres, float the Salmon River's white water rapids, go on a pack trip to a tented high-camp complete with campfire and Dutch Oven desserts or break out the fishing rod at the lakeside lodge. But wait, there's more. You also get to compete in team penning and other arena events, do a little shooting at the rifle range, learn how to country dance, enjoy a local rodeo, or just relax on your porch. Whew! That's a lot. |
Ranger
Creek Guest Ranch
Shell, Wyoming At 8,300 feet, Ranger Creek Ranch lies on top of the Big Horn Mountains. A horseback ride out from the ranch in any direction will put you in some of the most diverse and beautiful terrain in the country. Spend an unforgettable week mountain biking, river rafting, fishing, taking an overnight pack trip, trying your hand at the guest rodeo or just kick it in the hot tub watching the horses play in the pasture. Top draws are the evening campfires, mountain man stories, and visits to the historic town of Cody. Oh yes, can't forget the ever popular Cody Rodeo. |
Three
Bars Ranch Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, this amazing ranch offers horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, tennis, an indoor heated swimming pool and tons of great memories. At Three Bars Ranch you can ride to your heart’s content. Explore trails through the woods, criss cross the picturesque plateau or wander the banks of the St. Mary’s River. If you’re a little more adventurous, you can partake in an all-day ride to the top of Bandana Lookout. Evenings find guests playing volleyball, sitting around the campfire, learning to swing a rope, trying their hand at archery or soaking in the hot tub.
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Drowsy
Water Ranch
Granby, Colorado For over 70 years this 600 acre ranch, nestled in its own private mountain valley, has provided folks from around the world with an authentic western vacation. The Ranch has programs for all ages. From infants to teenagers and parents to grandparents alike, there's something for everyone. Enjoy horseback riding, swimming, horseshoes, steak fryes, trout fishing, square dancing, jeep trips, song fests, campfires, hayrides, movies, pack trips, staff entertainment, gymkhana rodeos and raft trips. The fresh mountain air here will do you good. |
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| Flying
A Ranch
Pinedale, Wyoming The Flying A Ranch rests 8,300 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Gros Ventre and Wind River Mountain Ranges. Built in the 1930s the Flying A has great historical significance and character. The Ranch offers guests luxurious accommodations and delicious cuisine in a casual western atmosphere. Enjoy trout fishing on the Ranch or in the surrounding mountain streams and lakes. The beautiful high country can be explored on foot, mountain bikes or horseback. An abundance of wildlife can be viewed from your private porch or while relaxing in the hot tub. |
Rancho
Las Cascadas
Mexico Ride horseback through open fields, across rivers, and past authentic old Mexican villages and ancient haciendas filled with history. Enjoy a dip in the Jacuzzi after a few long hours of riding. The living room provides a place to gather for conversing, playing games or browsing the ranch's lending library stocked with different literature. The ranch is located in a beautiful setting on high plains, surrounded by mountain tops, right in the very heart of Mexico at 7,500 feet above sea level. Getting to the ranch is a snap. The ranch is only 50 miles north of the Mexico City International Airport. Pick-up can easily be arranged. |
Deer
Valley Ranch
Nathrop, Colorado Since 1954, Deer Valley’s philosophy has remained the same: “To provide a beautiful setting where families can vacation in a Christian atmosphere.” Located between two 14,000’ peaks, the ranch is surrounded by beautiful mountain country…God’s country…and we’re glad to share it with you…by foot or by horse! In addition to hiking and horseback riding, enjoy western and specialty meals, hot springs pools, fishing, complimentary golf, children and teen programs. Join us for western fun, simple pleasures and lifetime memories! |
La
Reata Ranch
Kyle, Saskatchewan La Reata is an authentic working cattle guest ranch nestled in the beautiful Saskatchewan River valley, along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker. The ranch includes 9 miles of river frontage. Guests experience the cowboy-way of life and a real-life ranching adventure including lots of horseback riding on well trained quarter horses. All guests are welcome to participate in the cattle and ranch work. While there is a lot to do, they always make time for a hearty lunch and a sleepy snooze in the sun. Some summer months, they even offer an overnight pack trip and camp-out under the stars. It's a real cowboy dream, far away from urban life.
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| Grapevine
Canyon Ranch
Pearce, Arizona Grapevine Canyon Ranch, a working cattle ranch as well as a guest ranch, lies in the heart of Arizona Apache country at a 5,000 foot elevation. The ranch buildings, nestled in groves of Arizona oak, manzanita and mesquite trees, are almost invisible in this wooded canyon, with mountains forming a dramatic, three-sided backdrop. Guests have several options for riding, with a varied seven-day-a-week program and rotating destinations. The most popular program to date is the Cow Camp. Learn to rope, heard and drive cattle, go on a mini cattle drive, sleep under the stars with the cowboys, and drive the cattle back.
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Red
Willow Ranch
Lone Butte, British Columbia The Red Willow Ranch lies in the South Cariboo of British Columbia amidst rolling hayfields and endless forests. Here the Hirsch family has provided a truly unique horseback riding experience alongside their excellent hospitality. Their focus is you and your horse. Riding on your own or with a wrangler provides an adventure holiday never to be forgotten. They are a working guest ranch providing an easy lifestyle where you can truly relax, enjoy the horses, join in with a sing song around the campfire or just soak in the silence of the stars. There are many activities for you and your family, try your hand at cutting cows, throw a rope, pool, darts and many more. As a guest said: “It’s all there you only have to take it in.” Come as a guest leave as a friend.
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Wilderness
Trails Ranch
Durango, Colorado Relax, Rekindle, Reconnect, Rejuvenate, and Recharge at Wilderness Trails. Captivating seclusion in the spectacular San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado near Durango. Indulge in their unique blend of the past and present. Charming well-appointed log cabins. Top-notch horses, cattle work, riding by skill level, certified instructors. Kids bored? Not here! They offer programs for children ages 3-5, 6-11, and teens as well. Other activities include a dip in the pool, a hot tub, fishing, water skiing, rodeos, hay rides, rafting, country dancing and lessons, candlelight dinners and cookouts. Located near Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings and Narrow Gauge Railroad, you'll have plenty to do and see. June discounts. September is for adults only. Ask about their new DVD - Our Passion for 39 Years - The Roberts Family.
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Granite
Creek Ranch
Ririe, Idaho You are invited to experience a ranch on 4000 acres in the mountains of southeastern Idaho. Guests love the cattle drives which are done several times a week to move cattle to new pastures or bring to them into the corral for branding and doctoring. They also offer scenic trail rides through meadows and higher up into the mountains. For anglers, fishing and boating on a 5 acre lake is available Their cozy cabins are roomy and come complete with electricity and modern bathrooms. The ranch serves delicious home-cooked meals, with dinner around the campfire. They maintain a flexible, relaxed schedule so you can enjoy yourself to the fullest. |
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North
Fork Ranch
Shawnee, Colorado Rekindle the spirit of the West! ~ Welcome to life at North Fork Ranch where time is measured by the arc of the sun and the shadows of the mountains. This is your place to connect with nature, rejuvenate your spirit, and remember just how many starts there are in the sky! An all inclusive program makes decisions easy: horseback riding in the majestic Rocky Mountains, thrilling whitewater rafting, trading tales around the campfire, intimate accommodations, and dining with a gourmet flare. Heated pool, massage, trap/target shooting, above timberline hiking easily making memories for a lifetime. You’ll feel right at home!
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Reid
Ranch
Salt Lake City, Utah Tucked away on the slopes of the Uintah mountains on the Red Creek River, the Reid Ranch is secluded in one of the most magnificent scenic and wildlife regions around. The moose, elk, deer, occasional mountain lion and bear that may be seen are but a part of the variety of wildlife that make this region their home. Bald and golden eagles soar overhead while ducks and blue herons are viewed as you hike or leisurely rest on the lodge's sun decks. Situated at 7800 feet above sea level, guests have a feeling of freedom to roam and relax under a warm mountain sun and cool mountain breezes. You will delight in the numerous outdoor activities to choose from: horseback riding, swimming, fishing, rock collecting, hiking, boating, playing tennis and volleyball, archery, or relaxing in the spa. |
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YOUR READERS MAY ALSO ENJOY MY AWARD WINNING BOOK: THE TOP 100 MOST BEAUTIFUL RUSTIC VACATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA With over 700 color photos you'll be sure to find just the right rustic getaway. Choose from dude ranches, fishing lodges, farms, log cabins and even yurts. Activities for families, couples or singles include fishing, horseback riding, cattle drives, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and much, much more. The book can be purchased online at www.rusticvacations.com for $22.95
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OK - Here we go. So what is the difference between a GUEST RANCH and a DUDE RANCH, or is there a difference? Let's start with my opinion, for what it's worth (approximately 2 cents, maybe even less than that). I think the whole thing (guest ranch vs. dude ranch ) was just one big marketing decision. I don't think there is any real difference between the two. I've been to pleny of both and they're the same exact thing. Somewhere down the line, someone, for some reason decided that a GUEST RANCH was a more marketable title than a DUDE RANCH so the change occurred. It seems like, back in the day (as far back as 50 years ago or more) almost all ranches that invited guests were called Dude Ranches, now, almost all of them call themselves Guest Ranches. It's a sticky situation to be sure. - DUSTY DAVE THE OPINIONS OF VARIOUS RANCH OWNERS & RANCH STAFF: enjoy... Would you rather be a dude being treated like a guest, or a guest treated like a dude? We treat our guests as guests of honor, from the moment they arrive to the time of departure and it is rewarded. Many guests return time after time to enjoy being a guest again, only this time they will be "ranch family" guests, since we already know them. Definition: Guest: a person spending time at another's home in some social activity, i.e. a visit, lodging, food and entertainment it provides. Dude: A person reared in a large city, more excessively concerned with their clothes, grooming and manners. - LINDA I may be mistaken, but my understanding is that according to the Dude Ranchers' Association, a dude ranch must be able to provide at least one horse for every guest staying at the ranch. A guest ranch has riding as one of the activities but guests should not expect to be able to ride on every single trail ride. We assure guests that they will ride at least once a day and sometimes twice so that makes us a guest ranch. - JIM We are a Guest Ranch, where guests come lodge only or bring there own horse. A Dude Ranch is where you and come ride and pretend your a cowboy. Our Ranch is the real traditional Ranch. 5 generations. Our guests love to watch what goes on, on a daily basis with the ranch. We offer lodging on a ranch in the country, verses a motel in town. - DEBRA The difference between a dude ranch and a guest ranch as near as I could always tell in my opinion it gives you some idea as to when the ranch was built - the old ranch's were all dude ranches and the new ranches are all guest ranches. - APRIL There is a big difference between a guest ranch and a dude ranch. Big, big difference. A guest ranch is a large, working, cattle and horse ranch whose major income is derived from the sale of cattle, horses, sheep, etc. This guest ranch takes as a sideline a small number of guests who desire to observe, and or work on a real ranch. They want to play cowboy. Sometimes there is hunting and fishing on the ranch also. The guests eat meals in a bunkhouse environment with the cowboys. There are no pools, tennis, tv, or golf. Riding is with the cowboys working and moving cattle, fixing fence, putting out mineral, branding, doctoring sick cows, etc. The guest rides a real ranch cow horse and it is not nose to tail riding. A dude ranch is a small piece of land in a rural setting that takes hundreds of guests each week. They are housed in cabins usually or a grand lodge and they take their meals in large lodge looking houses with maybe 100 at a sitting. There is usually a large kitchen staff with a chef in charge. They offer horseback riding, tennis, swimming pools, badminton, fly fishing, hot tubs, golf, tv, and all the city amenities. There are no cowboys. There may be only a token number of cows. Riding is done nose to tail one hour at a time. There is usually maid service for the bedrooms or cabins. It is much like a resort with horses in a rural setting. - GENE I am happy to volunteer a answer to the difference between a guest and dude ranch. In the early 1900's when "dude ranches" were just coming into existence most of not all visitors at these formative ranches originated from the east coast and were called "dudes". Dudes knew little of the ways of the west and even less about horseback riding let alone driving cattle etc. Nowadays, many ranches offer amenities akin to that of many resorts and their visitors are called guests. - RON We believe that there is no difference between a guest ranch and a dude ranch - two different words to describe the same great thing! - SUNDANCE The difference between a guest ranch and a dude ranch is, at a dude ranch you pay to work and at a guest ranch you pay so you don't have to work but lay around and have fun. - GARDNER A guest ranch is similar to a hotel but in a ranch setting. A dude ranch however is somewhere people live the dream of being a cowboy or cowgirl. That said, today many places use both names. - PAULA I would say a Dude Ranch might be more towards buffet meals, working with cattle and more rustic then a Guest Ranch that has all the activities but more amenities, such as spa treatments, plate service, daily maid service etc. - DEBBIE As for your definitions
for dude ranches (we consider them mostly upscale ambiance, cocktail
hour, gourmet food) and guest ranches (we define them as more authentic
"saddle your own horse" hands on ranch experiences, eat grub
with the ranch hands or around the chuck wagon after a hard day of ridin'
the fence line, roundin' up strays, etc.) I'm eager to see what you
have to say. We're always being asked the difference or being mis categorized.
But then it's all in the eyes of the beholder, right? - LINDA ++++++++++++ In closing, I couldn't have said it better: An old question with every answer as unique as the ranch that provides the answer to the question. - APRIL
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You can see all of these amazing rustic vacations and thousands more at www.RusticVacations.com Also, don't forget about the Rustic Media Section with info about the website, the book, the author and more.
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