RanchSeeker Blog

Moms are the best. They are always there for you, they love and support you no matter what and are someone you can always count on. So how do you show your appreciation for someone so special? Certainly, your mom will love anything you give her but you REALLY want her to love what you give her. There are countless presents you can purchase with each running some risk of not being right in some way. It may be the wrong size, it may be the wrong color, it may not work for her lifestyle or it may be the same thing you get her every year.

Choosing a Mother's Day present isn't difficult when you realize that what mothers want most is to spend time with their family. Mom’s love to share experiences and strengthen the bonds of family and create memories to be cherished for years to come. One of the best ways to do this is through traveling together where you are away from everyday worries and routines and can be completely focused on each other. A trip together is one of the best ways to forge the bonds of family and friendship while also engaging in some activity or indulging some interest. Just being away from the everyday, out of a comfort zone of the familiar, is already revitalizing and rejuvenating.

A dude ranch may not be the first place you would think of taking your mom but it is an excellent one, especially if the entire family is going. Dude ranches are like summer camp for the entire family. There are many fun activities to choose from including fishing, hiking, wild life watching, hayrides,and horseback riding so everybody gets to be a kid. Dude ranches tend to be very hospitable, laid back, "authentic" in their own way, and bring out a perpetual smile in everyone there.

Aside from the typical activities, some dude ranches have some special offers and packages specifically designed for mom in mind or if you are going on a mother/daughter trip. Many dude ranches have specialty classes such cooking classes and wine tasting classes. Some have on site spas ready to pamper your mom. If you want to be a cowgirl for a week you can do that with some women’s weeks.

Here are some specials just for mom:

Victoria Weekend Spa Getaway at Echo Valley Ranch

Book this special packages at this special East meets West guest ranch and spa in British Columbia, Canada. Echo Valley Ranch features not one but two world class spas: European and Thai. Each spa has their own unique spa treatments that your mom can try.  This package includes all accommodations, meals, use of ranch amenities and a special 5 course British style dinner.

Mother/ Daughter bonding at Women’s Only Week at Coffee Creek Ranch

 Coffee Creek Ranch is having a women’s only week from May 7 to 13 to celebrate Mother’s day.  Many unique activities are planned for this week including classes where you can learn how to cook healthy meals from scratch, how to bake with ancient grains and even learn how to make lotions and facials from items in your kitchen. Then head outside and go on a hike, a horseback ride or just kick back and stick your feet into the creek.

No matter what you decide, be sure to let her know you appreciate her in every way.

Happy Trails!

Images have a powerful way of affecting how we feel and our mood. Seeing a beautiful horse with an inspiring quote is just about the most perfect imagery for me. Here is our second instalment of inspiring horse quotes. I just can't get enough of these and love to reread these every day.  Here is the first instalment of inspiring horse quotes, if you happened to miss them.

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man ~ Winston Churchill

The horse knows..He knows if you know..He also knows if you don't know.

If you're too busy to ride, then you are too busy

Can you see her smile? That's true happiness.

Riding is the best solution to any problem

Happy Trails!

Come to Big Sky Country and experience a rustic Dude Ranch vacation, Cowgirl Camp or Healing Retreat for Women. Located in Sawmill Canyon in Lennep, Montana this family owned and operated dude ranch combines dude ranching culture with good old western hospitality to make your vacation experience a memorable one. Open to guests from June 1^st until September 1^st Horses N Courage, can accommodate up to 8 guests at a time so that your stay at the ranch can be customized according to your particular vacation needs. You’ll arrive as a guest but depart as a friend.

Accommodations & Meals

This Montana guest ranch offers unique accommodations for those looking for a different kind of ranch experience in the great outdoors. There is no cell phone coverage or WIFI available so that guests can disconnect in order to re-connect with each other as well as their surroundings. Choose from either a wall-tent or a cowboy-teepee.

Wall-Tents: Clean, cozy wall tents, sleep up to 4 adults comfortably and are furnished with comfortable cots, warm fluffy sleeping bags, extra blankets, throw rug, lantern, a mirror, lawn chair, small table with a wash bowl and a pitcher. The clean, old fashioned out house toilet is a short walk from your tent.

Cowboy-Teepees: Teepee’s sleep one adult or 2 children comfortably, with a cot(s) and a fluffy sleeping bag, extra blankets, a table, lantern, throw rug, lawn chair, a washbowl, pitcher and a mirror. The clean, old fashioned out house toilet is a short walk from your teepee.

Shower: A large, wood-sided outdoor shower that is a self- standing little structure with propane heated water. It sits behind the cook tent, facing the trees, ensuring that you have the utmost privacy!

Guests enjoy rustic, hearty ranch-cooked meals that are prepared outdoors and  served with all the western fixing’s which include ranch raised natural beef, big mountain breakfasts and substantial lunches. All that clean fresh air will have you asking for seconds but make sure you save some room for s’mores around the campfire at night! If you require a special diet, be sure to note it on your contact form in advance, so that the ranch can accommodate your needs. Guests are welcome to bring any favourite snacks or soda with them as well as any alcohol since the ranch is BYOB (Bring your own booze). These items can be stored in the cook tent’s propane powered refrigerator.

Dude Ranch Vacation

If you and your friends or family love horseback riding then this is the vacation choice for you!  This rustic dude ranch package includes either 7 days and 6 nights or 4 days and 3 nights, with wall-tent or cowboy-teepee accommodations and three hearty western ranch-cooked meals per day. With over 2,000 acres of private land to explore on horseback you will have the chance to herd and move cattle while observing the abundant wildlife and taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. Guests can ride up to 6 hours per day, depending on riding ability and comfort level in the saddle. When not in the saddle guests enjoy mountain hiking, photography, soaking in a natural hot spring pool at White Sulphur Springs, honing roping skills or simply kicking back at night to admire a star filled sky.

Cowgirl Camps

June 23-26 (6 spots left), June 30- July 3 (8 spots left) July 7-10 (8 spots left) July 14-17 (2 spots left) 2016

Calling all wannabee cowgirls! These weekends are for girlfriends, moms, daughters and sisters who want to experience a “cowgirl getaway” in Montana. After learning basic horsemanship you will saddle-up and ride as well as trail cattle and learn to rope. A trip to White Sulphur Springs as well as hiking, photography and wildlife spotting opportunities will round off your weekend fun. On the last night of your stay you and the rest of the gals will enjoy “song & s’mores” while swapping stories around a blazing campfire. An experience like this will stay with you forever!

Healing Retreat for Women

Hope, Courage and Healing Retreat for Women Suffering from Emotional Shock and Trauma in the Body (August 11-14, 2016)

This special retreat is for women only and will help those in need get out of the pattern of self-defeat and bring hope, joy and unlimited possibilities through the healing power of the horse in the back country of Sawmill Canyon in Montana.  This is a horseback riding Healing Retreat for Women Veterans and Women Suffering from Emotion Shock and Trauma in the Body. Together with the horses and nature you will be guided through a healing process to help you rediscover aspects of your life that have been lost and help you employ healthy changes in your life.

The retreat focuses on” Healthy Relationships, Emotional Shock and Trauma, Emotions and the Body and Co-Dependency”. Your stay is all-inclusive and includes wall-tent and cowboy teepee accommodations, ranch-style cooked meals, beautiful scenery, horseback riding, a chance to see wildlife, photography opportunities, dummy roping and a soak in a natural hot spring spa to empower the Mind, Body and Spirit.

Learn more about your retreat hosts here: Sarah: http://horsesncourage.com/meet-the-hereim-family/ and Rosie: http://gentlehoofbeats.com/therapyaboutus.htm

When the mountains start  calling consider Horses N Courage for your next adventure!

Happy Trails!

Pets are our best friends and people want to do everything with them including vacation. Since dogs are like members of our families there’s always tough decisions to be made when you decide to go on a vacation. Who will take care of your dog? Where will your dog stay? Will your dog get lonely? Will your dog miss your family? What if an emergency occurs with your dog while you are away? These are not things you would like to be worrying about while you are trying to relax and bond with your family. However, there is a solution. Take your dog with you on a dude ranch vacation.

Dog friendly dude ranches are becoming more popular every year. The dude ranch environment is highly suitable for dogs and with all that glorious outdoor space at their disposal, they will have a blast! Imagine going on a horseback ride with your furry friend happily trotting along beside you. Perhaps on another day your dog can join you for a hike or bike ride on the nature trails. Bring along some toys and enjoy a nice game of frisbee on another day.

Here are some pet friendly dude ranches who welcome dogs and other pets. Each ranch has different rules and expectations for dogs, so contact any dude ranch you’re considering and speak to them about the specifics of their dog-friendly policy before booking. Most fees are pretty nominal and a small price to pay to bring your furry BFF. Most likely your dog will need to be house trained and get along well with other animals and people.

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch welcomes dogs to stay in cabins for only an additional $15 fee per night. They also allow guests to bring their own horses in the Spring and Fall. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is a fourth generation family owned and operated ranch, located on 1100 acres of beautifully scenic North Idaho. They are open year round and very family friendly. There are a wide variety of activities for everyone to enjoy.

YD Guest Ranch

 YD Guest Ranch in British Columbia is pet friendly and all they require is for your dog to be kept on a leash or contained when you are away from the ranch. Your dog will need to be trained to not bark when left on their own as well. Pet’s can stay in tipis and tent-cabins for an extra charge of $20/day. Horses are also welcome. Dry hook up are $35/night and paddocks are $35 for a single horse and $15 for shared. YD Guest Ranch is a luxury adventure ranch featuring unique first class accommodation, exceptional dining and a huge diversity of guided experiences on site. Their accommodations are very unique and you can book a stay in one of their tipis, tent- cabins and tree houses.

Southern Cross Guest Ranch

 Southern Cross Guest Ranch welcomes guests to bring their own horse. Guests can book the All Inclusive Non-Riding plan which includes their lodging and meals.  A stall rental of $15 per night is charged for the horse.  Then you can ride on their trails at any time of the day or night.  They have many repeat guests that do this quite frequently. Southern Cross Guest Ranch is a premier year-round guest ranch and horse farm conveniently nestled in Central Georgia's Historic Heartland and within an hours drive from Atlanta

Echo Valley Ranch

Echo Valley Ranch is a luxury ranch and world class spa located in British Columbia. They also welcome dogs and horses. Their only requirements for dogs is that they must get along with border collies as the ranch has about 10 over them residing there and the guests must rent a cabin. The additional cost is $20/day. Horses need a certificate of health from a veterinarian and the cost of boarding is $25/day.

Coffee Creek Ranch

Coffee Creek Ranch welcomes animals of all types as long as they are house trained and well socialized. You can bring your dog, cat, rabbit, pig etc. They have dog friendly cabins with outside kennels for your dog to stay in while you are gone for activities. Dogs are not allowed on horseback rides but can join you for walks and hikes on the trails.  The fees are $10/per day for each animal and a refundable cleaning deposit of $10 a day. They also allow you to bring your own horse for $25/day as long as you can verify your horse is current on shots. Coffee Creek Ranch is located Northern California on 357 acres surrounded by National Forest and the Trinity Alps wilderness area.

Happy Trails (Woof)

Everyone loves French Toast. It’s soft, sticky and sweet with a bit of crunch. It’s simple to make and only takes minutes to prepare. Plus, the ingredients are simple and most kitchens have them on hand. Perhaps these are reasons why it’s a favorite among cowboys who start their day early and need a quick yet hearty breakfast. This French toast recipe uses thick cut bread. You can use Challah bread for a bit of sweetness or a regular loaf (white or whole wheat) and cut your own thick slices. This gives the French toast more structure and makes it less probable to get soggy. The cowboys like it this way!

Ingredients:
6-8 slices sandwich bread
2 eggs
3/4 cup of milk (homo or 2%)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
butter for cooking
confectioners sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions:

Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon in a shallow dish until blended.

Heat a large frying pan or skillet  and melt bit of butter. Coat a slice of bread on each side and place into pan. Cook until golden on both sides (about 2-3 min on each side). Remove and repeat with the rest of the bread. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.

Happy Trails!

The following article appeared in  Ranch & Reserve Magazine's 4th edition.

When people think of going on a dude ranch vacation, the USA and Canada, are the destinations that first come to mind with locations such as Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Texas, Alberta and British Columbia to name but a few. However, another great option is Mexico which is home to some outstanding guest ranches like Tierra Chamahua Eco Adventures, known also as Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch, situated in northeast Sonora. This is an excellent choice for those wanting a fantastic ranch experience in a warm and friendly ambiance with a distinct Mexican flavour! Close to southeast Arizona and with offices based in Tucson, shuttle services will safely escort you to the ranch and back enabling you to relax and enjoy the scenery while en route to your Mexican home for the next week.

Fact from Fiction: Security in Mexico

Owing to a biased and often incorrect coverage by the international press, Mexico has been characterized as having travel concerns for foreigners. This is simply not the case.  Past guests of Tierra Chamahua from the US (45%), Canada (25%), Europe (20%), Australia and New Zealand (10%) have all experienced guest ranch vacations packed with adventure, exceptional service and hospitality in a secure environment ensuring a safe and truly memorable vacation.

Not Your Typical Guest Ranch

With over 30,000 acres this privately owned guest and cattle ranch boasts vistas like you have never seen before. Spectacular otherworldly desert and pristine wilderness landscapes await the adventurous traveler. This scenic, unique adventure travel destination is ideal for guests who love nature, the great outdoors, ranch life and an active vacation. Guests will also appreciate the utter peacefulness and tranquility for those times when one simply wishes to relax after an exhilarating day out on the range.

World-Class Riding Trails

A vacation at Tierra Chamahua will provide you with your very own personal playground for backcountry horseback riding excursions. Horse-lovers will be thrilled by challenging, awe-inspiring, excitement-filled rides through virtually secluded sierras, mountains, hills, mesas, rock cliffs, ravines, canyons and some of the most unspoiled wilderness to be found on a ranch vacation.Horseback riding at this guest ranch offers some of the best outdoor riding trails in the world and once in a lifetime photo ops!

Unlimited Adventures

Countless experiences await at Tierra Chamahua:

Wildlife Spotting: Encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat is always a thrill and at Tierra Chamahua there is the ever-present possibility of running into various different types of animals as well as different species of birds. Around the ranch there are five types of felines that habitat the area: mountain lions, bobcats, ocelots, ring-tail cats and the occasional, migrating jaguar. The opportunity to see many other different animals all in their natural setting will make you feel like you are on your very own desert safari.

El Cajon Canyon: Hikers will love exploring the natural beauty of this particular canyon which is truly one of Nature’s works of art. Three to four hundred foot walls on both sides as well as awe-inspiring scenery will captivate nature-lovers. There are boundless opportunities overall for hikers.

Lake Angostura: This isolated, unspoiled and pristine lake, located a stone’s throw away from the ranch’s border, boasts breathtaking scenery coupled with a remarkable history. Be sure to ask your guide all about it!

Jeep Tours: With 120 kilometers of dirt roads at your disposition the rocky, wild and rugged landscapes are sure to please even the hardiest thrill-seeker in your group.

Mountain Biking: Experienced bikers and newbies to the sport will appreciate the ruggedness as well as the unspoiled beauty that the surrounding terrain provide.

Stargazing: Without the interference of city lights the ranch is the perfect venue from which to gaze upon a heavenly star-studded night sky.. Binoculars and telescopes enable amateur astronomers the opportunity to admire the beauty of the universe as never before.

Fishing: Test your fishing skills at the lake or in the river and you might just snag a large-mouth bass, sunfish, catfish or trout. In any event the surrounding majestic scenery will ensure that the fishermen in your group will have something to write home about.

Pictographs: History buffs will be particularly interested in the dozens of pictographs found throughout the canyon where ancient pre-Columbian dwellings, caches, ceremonial centers, hunting lodges, ovens and sculpted deities are to be found, each offering a diversity of cultural, religious and behavioral history.

Porching: Last but not least this activity simply requires “kicking back” in order to practice the art of relaxation. It is the perfect moment for guests to share their day’s adventures with each other while watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon.

Ranch Accommodations

At the end of a fun-filled day spent enjoying the great outdoors guests ease into comfortable beds in either one of the rooms located in the Cumaral Lodge or in one of the spacious cabañas. The rooms, which are more like suites, feature window views that are simply breathtaking. The lodge also features a shared living-room and kitchen with a wrap-around, roofed porch that afford stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Cabaña de los Vaqueros and the Sunrise Cabaña are ideal for those looking for a more private and intimate hideaway. Guests staying in the cabañas also have access to the wrap-around porch, living area and kitchen in the Cumaral Lodge. All accommodation options run on solar-power.

Culinary Delights

Mealtimes at Tierra Chamahua are very special. The all-inclusive rates include three gourmet, home-cooked meals a day. International as well as northern and southern Mexican dishes will please even the most discerning palate. Tasty snacks, pastries, and non-alcoholic beverages are also included.  Meals are served family-style either in the dining room or at the outdoor table on the balcony. Packed lunches are provided for guests on hiking adventures to be enjoyed in the canyons while surrounded by a beautiful natural setting.  Because the ranch’s location is rather remote, guests are encouraged to bring along their own alcohol as well as any favourite food items or snacks. A scheduled stop at a grocery store en route from Tucson will give you time to pick up these items.

An Adventure of a Lifetime

Tierra Chamahua is different than your typical dude ranch as it offers unique and exciting vacations for those looking to go off-grid and disconnect from the wired world. It is a place where your body, spirit and mind will feel truly connected to nature as you immerse yourself in the pristine, secluded wilderness that surrounds you. The sheer variety of activities that are at guest’s disposal are guaranteed to fill your days leaving your nights free to admire a starry sky with new found friends. Making lasting memories at this extraordinary guest ranch is easy.

Let RanchSeeker help you find the ideal guest ranch vacation today! www.ranchseeker.com

Happy Trails!

At White Stallion Ranch, the personal touch and hospitality of a traditional dude ranch is carefully blended with the service and amenities of a fine resort. Reconnect with nature, family, friends and serenity while riding through the unspoiled desert, rugged mountains and cactus that have brought Hollywood film-makers to the ranch for over 70 years. White Stallion Ranch has been featured in 27 Hollywood films dating back to 1939.

White Stallion Ranch is a proud member of the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame as the #1 property in Tucson for 5 consecutive years. White Stallion Ranch is situated between Phoenix and Tucson, making it easy accessible from Arizona’s two major airports.

The Place for Family Fun

White Stallion Ranch is a wonderful place to bring your family. They welcome children and have many family fun activities such as rock climbing, basketball, hiking, tennis, volleyball, swimming, hayrides  and even have a petting zoo. After the family has fun playing outdoors, they can relax after dinner in the fun recreation room. There are many games to choose from which includes a foosball table, a pool table,  shuffleboard, air hockey and board games. There won’t be a moment where your family isn’t occupied and having a wonderful time.

White Stallion Ranch also has a special Cactus Kids Summer rate .This ranch is one of the few places left in the world where your children are safe to go about their day without you.  After introductions have been made, you’ll find them off with  their new friends for various activities.  Do you have little toddlers? Well if they are under 5, they stay for free.

The Ranch for Horseback Riding Enthusiasts

If you are hoping to get a lot of time in the saddle, then White Stallion Ranch is the perfect destination for you. With one of the largest privately owned herds in Arizona, they have a horse for every experience level from first-time trailblazers to life-long riders. In addition, guests are carefully matched with their horse for the duration of their stay, based on riding experience, height, weight and riding ambitions.

White Stallion Ranch offers a wide variety of horseback riding excursions. If you are a beginner, go on one of their Slow Rides. This is the best way to see the desert flora and fauna and experience the ecosystem of the Sonoran desert. You’ll ride all week and never use the same trail twice on their walking rides. If you are a more experienced rider and want more of an adrenaline rush try one of their fast rides. Intermittent walking and trotting allows you to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. If you want to learn or improve your riding skills, White Stallion Ranch also offers lessons with their patient and knowledgeable wranglers. You have the choice of group or private lessons. Also, try their Wine & Cheese or Beer and Cheetos rides where you ride into a secluded spot with your group and enjoy your chosen beverage and snacks.

What is more Western than an old fashioned hayride.? Every Wednesday, climb aboard their hay wagon, decked out with hay bales for seats and powered by a magnificent team of draft horses and head towards your special lunch spot. There you will enjoy “All American” hamburgers and hotdogs cooked over a fragrant Mesquite fire with all the trimmings

For all the female horseback riding enthusiasts out there, White Stallion Ranch offers their popular Cactus Cowgirls events for women five times a year. You’ll have your very own horse that you can groom, bathe, learn to saddle and ride. There will be plenty of riding and lessons so it’s a perfect time to improve your saddle skills.

 Accommodations

The ranch has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. The accommodations are beautiful western-themed casitas with views of mountains, gardens and, of course, the horses. White Stallion Ranch as 41 guest rooms and also The Hacienda, a lovely and private four-bedroom, three-bathroom home perfect for larger families or small groups.

All your meals and snacks are included in the nightly rate. Fresh, quality ingredients go into the meal options at White Stallion Ranch. Their homestyle meals are sure to please many palates and they can accommodate special diets with advance notice. Coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, hot and cold teas and lemonade are available all day.

White Stallion’s all- inclusive vacations offer great value for all the activities they offer your entire family. Be sure to book early as their special packages and holidays fill up quickly.

Happy Trails!

There are many new modern ranches but if you are seeking an authentic dude ranch experience, look no further than Coffee Creek Ranch. This ranch was founded in 1900 and lies across 367 acres in Northern California. It’s surrounded by the National Forest and Trinity Alps and is adjacent to Coffee Creek of course.

A Fun Vacation For the Entire Family

If you are looking for somewhere to bring the entire family, Coffee Creek Ranch offers all inclusive vacations that are family, kid and even pet friendly. They are open from Easter through Thanksgiving and offer many youth programs.  With the kids occupied in youth programs, you are free to have some of your own time. As well, there are many opportunities to have fun and bond as a family. It’s a win-win situation for everyone! During Spring and Fall there are adult only and singles weeks.

Kids will love all the activities at Coffee Creek Ranch and there are plenty to choose from for kids aged 3 to 17. The wee ones can enjoy free pony rides, arts and crafts, gold panning, fishing, square dancing, story time, scavenger hunts and more. Kids 6-12 can participate in  horsemanship instruction, swimming, fishing and more. Teenagers 13-17 can enjoy roping lessons, hiking, pool tournaments, trap shooting and more. There isn’t a shortage of activities to keep kids of all ages busy at Coffee Creek Ranch.

Coffee Creek Ranch offers a variety of horseback riding activities from the twice a day 2 hour ride to  Wilderness Pack Trips in the Trinity Alps Wilderness area. There are overnight camping trips and day trips available. Pack trips can also be combined with some hunting with the appropriate permits

Fishing is abundant in the waters around Coffee Creek Ranch. They offer  stream, pond, lake and wilderness fishing. They can also arrange for a fishing guide or fly fishing lessons if requested in advance. Some of the fish available to catch are rainbow trout, brook trout, catfish, bass and  king salmon

Rustic Secluded Cabins

Accommodations at Coffee Creek Ranch are in private, secluded themed cabins. The interiors have rustic wood paneling with charming country details. The cozy interiors are themed according to it’s brand. Circle B cabin, for example, is decorated with bears, Bigfoot, and butterflies! All fifteen cabins have tall pines and ceiling fans to help keep them cool in the summer. They also have one ranch house room and one cabin equipped for the handicapped. Most family cabins have wood-burning stoves where a view of the fire sets the mood for those “romantic weekend getaways” for couples.

Dining at Coffee Creek Ranch

At Coffee Creek Ranch you will enjoy the freshest garden to table cuisine prepared by professional chefs. Traditional family recipes are prepared with the freshest vegetables, herbs, fruits and Angus beef. The menu is planned and prepared keeping in mind both children’s tastes and the hearty appetites of the adults in the family. Some culinary features include hearty “cowboy” breakfasts with fluffy pancakes, their weekly Steak Fry and Sunday Thanksgiving dinner by the pool. They can also accommodate special diets from gluten-free to vegan with advance notice.

No Idle Time at Coffee Creek Ranch

With the abundance of activities all included in the all inclusive rate there won't be a shortage of things to do. The Coffee Creek Ranch Western Vacation

Includes:

•  Daily Horseback Riding
• Your private secluded cabin in the woods
• Daily maid service
• Three meals daily – all you can eat
• Heated swimming pool (20 x 40)
• Over sized outdoor Jacuzzi Spa (seats 14)
•  Steak-fry’s & Barbeques
• Badminton, Ping Pong & Volleyball
• Rifle Range & Trap shoot with use of guns
• Fly-fishing & Gold panning in Coffee Creek
• Exercise Room
• Tennis (nearby)
• Wireless Internet
• Hiking – 550 miles of Wilderness trails
• Horse drawn Hay Rides & Bonfires
• Horseshoes & Basketball
• Fishing, Pedal Boating in the stocked trout pond
• Archery Range with use of bows & arrows
•  Satellite TV in main lodge only
• Bingo, Talent Show, Karaoke & more!

Summer Season Only:

• Live Country, Western, Rock ‘n Roll Music
• Square & Line Dancing Lessons
• Supervised Youth Activities

Coffee Creek Ranch offers daily and weekly rates and also offer many specials throughout the year for holidays and special events. With so many incentives, no wonder they have been around for over a hundred years. Plan your visit to Coffee Creek Ranch today!

Happy Trails

Bring a part of the dude ranch experience back home with you. Being a cowboy is hard work and hard work requires good wholesome food. Texas Hash is a popular and hearty way for cowboys to start their day with enough protein and nutrients to provide energy for the day ahead. You may not be wrangling cattle during your day but everyone works hard and could benefit from a good start to the day. This  delicious Texas hash recipe comes together quickly for those busy mornings and could even be made ahead and heated in the morning. The cast iron skillet will ensure your meal cooks evenly throughout, and (if seasoned properly) will give it amazing flavor. Even better is that it cooks up in one skillet so you have fewer dishes to wash afterwards! This Texas hash recipe is also great for dinner too!

Ingredients

3 1/2cups OBrien Style frozen hash brown cubes (see note) 1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 strips of bacon, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 cup prepared salsa
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
sour cream and sprigs of fresh cilantro to garnish

Instructions

1.Preheat broiler.

2.Place potatoes into a microwaveable bowl with the water, cover tightly and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Drain well.

3.Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place bacon and oil into the skillet and cook until bacon is crisp, 4- 5 minutes.

4.Add garlic and cumin and stir until fragrant. Add the potatoes and salt and cayenne pepper and continue to cook and stir over high heat until potatoes are beginning to crisp.

5.Stir in the salsa, then sprinkle cheese on top and broil 3 4 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with sour cream and cilantro before serving.

*If you have cubed frozen potatoes without the O’Brien seasoning (onions, red and green pepper), you may want to add some of those things along with the garlic, stirring until slightly cooked. Adapted from this recipe

This year’s hot travel trend is actually not even new. The dude ranch vacation dates back to the late 1880s when the spirit of the Wild West was firmly entrenched in the American and European psyche. Wealthy foreigners and Eastern industrialists, including Theodore Roosevelt, came to the West – and its dude ranches, for the abundant wildlife and magnificent unspoiled scenery. During the 20s and 30s, dude ranch owners discovered that opening up their ranches to guests was a good way to increase their income. This has continued to the present day.

So why have dude ranches’ popularity exploded these days? When it comes to vacation planning, many people nowadays want to go somewhere unique where they can create memories and bond with their families. “More people are visiting dude ranches to do something out of the ordinary” says Colleen Hodson from the Dude Rancher’s Association. “Dude ranches are the original Western adventure vacation.” Deep down the core principles of dude ranching remain the same: horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart but dude ranches have evolved immensely from what they originally were and now offer a plethora of experiences. Perhaps the popularity is due to fact that there really is something for everyone. You can go to a dude ranch numerous times and have a different experience each time depending on the type of ranch, time of year and who is accompanying you.

Some dude ranches feature special ranch getaways for cowgirls or adults only, while others are a virtual “Disney World” for kids of all ages. Some ranches focus on the culinary experience serving the finest wine and food pairings along with cooking instructions supplied by noted chefs.  Other dude ranches attract fitness buffs by offering yoga, meatless menus and spa treatments.  Still more are known for birding, astronomy, photography classes, painting workshops and special eco-tours.

You also won’t feel as connected on other types of holidays where you are just one tourist among thousands. High end ranches across the USA average 45 guests at a time and your days and meals are often shared with other guests. By the end of your stay, you’ll know everyone and might even have forged some new friendships.  The remote, peaceful setting lends itself to easy camaraderie, so it’s not uncommon for lifetime friendships to develop during a dude ranch vacation

Once you have been to a dude ranch, you will probably want to go back. Dude ranch owners report that more than a third of all reservations each season are made by repeat visitors. Colleen Hodson reports a similar yet different pattern among the daily inquiries at the Dude Rancher’s Association. She is finding that a group lovingly nicked named as “ranch junkies”, who are travelers who visit dude ranches frequently but prefer to explore a different DRA ranch each trip are inquiring often about dude ranches

Whether it’s the unique experience, the diverse activities, the welcoming atmosphere or the human connection the old is new again. Put a dude ranch vacation on your to do list to see what everyone else is loving.

Happy Trails!