RanchSeeker Blog

This week’s blog post RanchSeeker will be picking up where we last left off. If you missed out on our last post be sure to check it out here. Our previous post highlighted Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia and Idaho. This week we will be focusing on the following destinations and ranches:

Montana

Once you’ve experienced Montana, you’ll understand why they call it “Big Sky Country.” The majestic beauty of the state is apparent wherever you go—just as apparent as that big Montana sky! When it comes to experiencing a true western vacation, nothing can compare with Montana dude ranches. And these Montana ranch vacations are available in every corner of Big Sky Country. Take in a magnificent view of Yellowstone National Park; experience the awesome beauty of nature at Glacier National Park; or just relax in the historic charm of the Whitefish area.

Montana ranch vacations offer something for every member of the family: ride horses in spectacular settings; experience the cowboy life at a working cattle ranch; fish from sun up to sun down; hike till you run out of trails; take in the scenery from a mountain bike; cross country ski and snow shoe in majestic mountain terrain; or experience the thrill of white water rafting. Montana dude ranches offer all this and so much more! Some popular ranches are the Bar W Guest Ranch,  Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch, Horses N Courage, and the Ranch at Rock Creek

Ranches in Montana take advantage of the national parks (including the well-known Yellowstone National Park) and the mixture of mountainous and prairie landscapes to attract visitors.

If you’re looking to experience authentic ranch life on a dude ranch, many Montana ranches will take you along on cattle drives, show you how to brand the animals, and let you help out with the daily tasks.

Photo courtesy of The Ranch at Rock Creek

New Mexico

New Mexico has earned its nickname as the “Land of Enchantment,” and once you visit a New Mexico dude ranch you’ll understand why! This spectacular Southwestern state features breathtaking scenery that includes the 3-millionacre Gila National Forest as well as a genuine Old West experience. 

Your New Mexico ranch vacation will expose you and your family to a mix of cultures that create this “Land of Enchantment.” From the Spanish influence of adobe dwellings to the Native American art and history that thrives here, you’ll experience the modern-day version of the Old West at each New Mexico dude ranch! Geronimo Trails Ranch offers lots of excitement for those interested in a New Mexico ranch experience.

Photo courtesy of Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch

Wyoming

Wyoming’s nickname is the “Cowboy State,” and it’s no wonder. This beautiful region is filled with wilderness areas and a true Old West feel. Wyoming dude ranches live up to the Cowboy State name in every way imaginable. From cattle drives to cross country skiing, your Wyoming dude ranch vacation will offer something for everyone in the family: spectacular scenery, horseback riding, fly fishing, pack trips, wildlife viewing, hunting, snowmobiling and much more. Whether you prefer the forested beauty of Jackson or the Western history and tradition of Cody, your Wyoming dude ranch vacation is sure to serve up memories that your family will treasure for a lifetime.

Ranches in Wyoming take advantage of the Rocky Mountains in the west, the high plains in the east, and so many other breathtaking landscapes to attract visitors. Imagine hiking up the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming during the day, then relaxing at night with at a local cowboy cookout. There are so many activities, both indoor and outdoor, that you can partake in during the stay at a Wyoming ranch. 

From Yellowstone to Cheyenne, from the Bighorn Mountains to Medicine Bow, you’ll find Wyoming dude ranches in every part of this magnificent state. Ranch Seeker makes it easy to browse through everything these beautiful ranches have to offer. Finding the perfect Wyoming dude ranch for your family is just a click away!

Check out these Wyoming ranch favourites: Gros Ventre River Ranch, Klondike Ranch, New Haven Working Cattle & Guest Ranch, Red Reflet Ranch, Spotted Horse Ranch, and the Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch. 

Photo courtesy of The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

Don’t forget that RanchSeeker’s website provides several ways that you can search for your dream western vacation all of which are user-friendly but if you prefer you can also contact Ashlie@ranchseeker.com for additional assistance.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog so that you can read next week’s installment about other great locations for your next vacation.

Happy Trails!

Trying to decide where to go on vacation is never an easy task. Nowadays there are so many different types of experiences to choose from and a guest ranch vacation is just one of them. RanchSeeker can help you find that perfect ranch vacation that suits your needs. Perhaps you have always dreamed of living the life of a cowboy for a week, or maybe you just like the idea of spending some time in the saddle as well as taking part in other fun activities like hiking, shooting, fishing or simply relaxing in a place that is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. 

Each ranch that you will find listed on our website literally offers “something for everyone” all you need to do is pick the one that best matches your vacation criteria. RanchSeeker’s website provides several ways that you can search for your dream western vacation all of which are user-friendly but if you prefer you can also contact Ashlie@ranchseeker.com for additional assistance. 

Maybe you already have an idea of what you would like to do on your ranch vacation but perhaps you are unsure of where you would like to go especially since there are so many great destinations to choose from. Let RanchSeeker help you with that. Below you will find the 1st installment of several blogs that we will be posting over the next few weeks that describe popular ranch vacation destinations with links to ranches in those areas that you might be interested in checking out in more detail. 

Arizona

There’s really nothing that says “the West” more than the Desert Southwest, and there’s nothing that says “Desert Southwest” more than the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure experience in the Desert Southwest, you’ll find it at any Arizona dude ranch. From the history of Tombstone to the high desert country of Wickenburg, from the beauty of the desert surrounding Tucson to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon itself, there’s nothing that compares to an Arizona ranch vacation. Get away from the crowds, breathe in the crisp desert air and look out over amazing vistas—all this and more is waiting for you at an Arizona dude ranch. Some favorites are White Stallion Ranch, Stagecoach Trails Ranch, and Sedona Ranch.

Photo Courtesy of White Stallion Ranch

Ranches in Arizona take advantage of the desert landscape and diversity of topographical features to attract visitors. Imagine horseback riding through the Arizona desert or eating breakfast on the front porch watching the sun rise over the desert. This is possible at Arizona ranches. With the warm and comfortable climate, many of ranches in the Grand Canyon State are open year-round so it doesn’t matter whether you go in July or December.

California

A California ranch vacation takes advantage of the comfortable climate and variety of picturesque landscapes to attract visitors. From the picturesque Sierra Nevada landscape around Taylorsville, to magnificent ocean views from the Coffee Creek Ranch and Marble Mountain Ranch along the Northern California coast, to the always-sunny weather of Santa Barbara County in the southern part of the state, California dude ranches truly have something for everyone. You may not think of a California dude ranch vacation when you think of the The Golden State, but spectacular Western dude ranches abound in California.

Photo courtesy of Marble Mountain Ranch

Colorado

Colorado dude ranches take advantage of the state’s mountainous, Rocky Mountain landscape, and outback living to attract visitors 

Colorado is known for its spectacular scenery, and it’s no wonder. From the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, the landscapes of Colorado are as vast and as varied as the many Colorado dude ranches that are scattered throughout this great state. Whether you want to experience a sample of the Old West lifestyle or just take it easy and enjoy a little rest and relaxation, you’ll find it all on your Colorado dude ranch vacation. 

Photo courtesy of Vista Verde Ranch

Known as the “Centennial State” because of its entrance into the Union in 1876, Colorado has a rich ranching history. That history is evident today in each and every Colorado dude ranch. In addition to soaking up local history, your Colorado ranch vacation will give you the opportunity to enjoy everything from skiing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides to golf, white water rafting and mountain biking. A Colorado dude ranch truly offers something for everyone in the family!

Being centrally located in the US, guests from anywhere won’t have to travel far to visit a ranch in Colorado. During your Colorado ranch stay, you’ll be able to participate in cattle drives, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. Some Colorado ranches are also working ranches, so you will be able to experience what it’s like to live like a cowboy. Try these favorites Laramie River Ranch, Latigo Ranch, Vista Verde Ranch and Colorado Trails Ranch

Georgia

Ranches in Georgia attract visitors using the natural wonders of the region including the coastal plains in the south to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north. With its rich history and spectacular climate, Georgia dude ranches offer guests year-round accommodations and a heavy dose of Southern hospitality. Enjoy the many museums and historical points of interest in this Southeastern gem. Georgia dude ranches in the Historic Heartland district, located within an hour of Atlanta, provide visitors with magnificent countryside and beautiful weather no matter what time of year you visit.

A favorite dude ranch among visitors is the Southern Cross Ranch.

Photo courtesy of Southern Cross Guest Ranch

Idaho

Idaho dude ranches take advantage of the Rocky Mountain landscape and exciting outdoor activities to attract visitors. 

Imagine going for a mountainous hike first thing in the morning, white water rafting in the afternoon, relaxing next to a warm fire with your hot chocolate in the evening. All this and more is possible at an Idaho ranch. On subsequent days during your stay you may find yourself  horseback riding, relaxing in a hot tub or pool, or even rafting. One favorite is Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. 

Photo courtesy of Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

Idaho offers guests some truly spectacular scenery. Known as the “Gem State” because of its rich gemstone deposits, Idaho dazzles and surprises visitors with its geographical variety and stunning natural wonders. Each Idaho dude ranch takes full advantage of the state’s incredible scenery. From rich farmland to spectacular mountain locations, an Idaho ranch vacation will offer virtually any type of wilderness experience you can imagine.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog so that you can read next week’s installment about great locations for your next vacation.

Happy Trails!

If you have ever wanted to experience the life of a cowboy if only for a short period of time, then this historical Wyoming working cattle ranch is the vacation choice for you. Klondike Ranch is so much more than your typical dude ranch. Here, there is no head-to-tail horseback riding. Ninety percent of the spring, summer and fall is spent horseback riding and working cattle every day.

For those looking for a real adventure be sure to sign up for the overnight camp out at the ranch’s mountain cow camp. Spend 1-2 nights camping out either in one of their bunk wagons or in a tent under a brilliant, star-studded sky. Feast upon open fire cooked meals prepared by the “cow camp chef” while taking in the majestic beauty of the bighorn Mountains. Private outdoor bathroom facilities are provided to ensure your comfort.

If you would rather  spend all your time at the ranch then there are modern, rustic, comfortable cabins, each with their own private bathroom some of which feature kitchenettes and living areas as well. Meals are served family-style in true ranch fashion. You’ll dine on home-cooked, healthy, hearty meals while enjoying good conversion with new friends seated at your table. If you are out on an all-day trip a sack lunch will be provided.

While staying at the ranch you will have the opportunity to become a “ranch hand” if this interests you. This means helping out with the day to day “chores” like: fencing, doctoring livestock, cutting and baling hay, and irrigating pasturelands. Guests love to learn new skills and immerse themselves in the life of a true cowboy.

But that’s not all! Klondike Ranch also provides first-class fishing opportunities, hiking, rodeos, photography excursions, exciting historical tours and other experiences for you to choose from while on your Wyoming vacation.

 There truly is something for everyone!

 Get Adventurous

• Move cattle on a Real, Working Cattle Ranch
• Sleep Under the Stars on Overnight Camp-outs
• Discover the Past on Historical Tour

 Relax & Unwind

• Relax and Soak in Fresh Mountain Air
• Fish Crystal Clear Streams
• Capture Breathtaking Scenery with your Camera
• Unwind Under the Stars in Our Outdoor Hot Tub

 Become Family

• Sit Down with us for Family Style Meals
• Get An Inside View & Become a Part of Wyoming Ranch Life
• Enjoy Modern, Comfortable Accommodations with Rustic Charm

Check out what past guests had this to say about their visit:

 “Fantastic holiday, we all wish we’d been able to stay longer!!”

Joyce M. Aberdeen, United Kingdom (Klondike website)

“Live the life of a Wyoming Rancher ~ Beautiful scenery, Well Trained Horses, Amazing People”

GaPulley. Barnard, Missouri (Klondike website)

 “I have had a dream of being a cowgirl and my week at Klondike Ranch made that a reality.

Patty, Richard, and their family are a warm, welcoming group of people who not only make you feel like part of the family but are there to share their knowledge of local history, the workings of a cattle ranch, and their dining room table for amazing home cooked meals.

The horse I was pared with for the week, Stormy, was a great match as she was gentle and responded well to my attempts at proper commands. Throughout the week, we had the opportunity to ride around the ranch as well as in the mountains with the cattle. I have not seen anything more beautiful than the views around Klondike ranch and loved ever minute of my week there. The hardest part of my week was leaving to come back to reality.”

AEDO1,Falls Church, Virginia ( TripAdvisor)

For an authentic western experience choose Wyoming’s Klondike Ranch and fulfill your dream of living the life of a cowboy or cowgirl.

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation today. 

Spring is finally here and there is no better time than right now to start planning your next vacation. RanchSeeker represents many different guest ranches to choose from but for those looking for the ultimate wilderness adventure look no further than Chilcotin Holidays located in Super Natural British Columbia. I think Judge Thomas Chandler Haliburton described Canada best in the early 1900’s when he said:

“Canada is a country so vast that it is difficult to convey an adequate idea of its size ; so fertile that nothing short of official returns will exonerate a description of it from a charge of exaggeration ; so prosperous as to not only rival, but to surpass all other countries on the face of the earth ; so healthy in climate, so beautiful in scenery, so abundantly supplied with magnificent lakes and rivers, so full of commercial resources, and so rich in minerals, that I am overpowered with the magnitude of the task I have imposed upon myself in attempting to convey even a faint idea of it”

With that in mind imagine a vacation that is all about the great outdoors and authentic wilderness adventures. Chilcotin Holidays’ guests can choose from over 100 wilderness-related programs and guest experiences under the following categories:

Vacation Packages

Horse Pack Trips

Fishing Trips

Hiking Tours

Dude Ranch Experience

Photography Tours

Mountain Biking

Wildlife Viewing

Winter Adventures

Build Your Adventure Packages

For more detailed descriptions click HERE

Chilcotin Holidays enables you to connect with nature in a meaningful and life-changing way. With over 5,000 sq-km to explore with licensed guides and Cayuse horses at South Chilcotin Mountain Park you are sure to enjoy each and every day of your wilderness vacation. Whether you stay just for a few days or a week you will discover that it isn’t so much about the quantity of time spent in nature but more so about the quality of your time spent outdoors. Chilcotin Holidays is the ideal choice for those looking to try new things and discover more about themselves and their surroundings.

You can choose from half day, full day and full-length adventures. Should you choose to go horseback riding be sure to bring your camera!  You will be exploring hidden pathways, pristine mountain trails and riding past emerald lakes, snow- capped mountains, wide open valleys, and abundant wildlife. For those who love to hike there are endless mountain trails and picturesque look-out points to discover. The fisherman in your group will love the mountain-fed lakes and rivers that provide an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends or spend some quiet time alone while trying to hook “the big one”. 

But that’s not all Chilcotin Holidays also offer training courses for those interested in learning a new skill or seeking personal development like the following: 

Guide Training

Log Cabin Building Course

Horse Logging Course

Lodge Management Program

Entrepreneurship Program

Bushcraft & Survival 

ESL, English as a Second Language

Photography Course

Internship

For more detailed descriptions click HERE

As you can see Chilcotin Holidays really is the destination vacation that has it all! Everyone in your group or family will easily find activities to fill their days as well as broaden their horizons. 

Are you ready to embark on your wilderness adventure?

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation today.

The following blog has been provided by  guest contributor Jon Sutton to share his knowledge about fishing with RanchSeeker's readers. 

Guest ranch vacations are rarely boring affairs. Throughout your stay, you’ll be immersed in the dude ranch lifestyle. You’ll ride horses, learn rope skills, get a taste of ranch culture and enjoy wonderful cuisine. But most of the best guest ranches also give you the chance to do other things too.

For example, many guest ranches border rivers or lakes and provide great opportunities for fishing. And because most guest ranch vacations are family affairs that include the kids, they provide the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to the sport.

It’s really a no-lose proposition: Even if the fishing trip doesn’t go well, you’ll get the chance to spend a couple of hours bonding with your children and sharing the great outdoors with them. But if you plan the trip well, you’ll likely have a fantastic time, catch plenty of fish and take home photos of your kids showing off their catch.

Just try to embrace the tips below to ensure that your kids enjoy the best possible fishing experience. If things go well, you may spark a lifelong love of the sport, and help them develop an appreciation of the natural world.

1. Outfit your kids with age- and size-appropriate equipment.

Too often, kids are forced to fish with a parent’s hand-me-down rod, which is essentially guaranteed to be too large and complicated for them. Instead, you’ll want to outfit them with something befitting their size and skill level. A 5- to 6-foot-long spinning or spincasting combo is the ideal rod and reel for most kids who are learning to fish.

2. Pick a good location to fish with your kids.

You have to put your bait where the fish are if you expect to catch any, so don’t just go down to the lake and started casting about randomly. Instead, look for places near vegetation or man-made structures like docks, or where the depth changes abruptly. These are the types of locations in which fish often congregate. 

3. Get started early or wait until later in the day.

Fish often exhibit daily activity cycles; they’ll become active and feed during some times and rest during others. In the spring, summer and early fall, these active periods are often most pronounced near dawn and dusk, when the sun is low in the sky. Additionally, these times often offer the most comfortable fishing conditions for you and the kids.

4. Target the species your kids will have the best chance of catching.

Don’t set your kids up for disappointment by trying to catch largemouth bass, walleye or pike. Instead, try to increase your children’s chances of catching fish by targeting abundant, easy-to-catch species. This typically means targeting catfish and bluegill (as well as their relatives), but perch and rainbow trout can also be easy to catch in small ponds that are stocked with them.

5. Use real or live baits, rather than artificial lures.

Fancy artificial lures may be productive and fun to use for experienced anglers, but fishing novices will generally struggle to use them and end up snagging them on the bottom. Instead, use natural or live baits when teaching your kids to fish. For example, small worms, crickets and small dough balls are very effective for catching bluegill, while hot dog slices, grapes and shrimp are excellent catfish baits.

6. Keep things light, positive and fun.

Chances are, it may take a little while for your kids to get their first nibbles. This can lead to frustration, which can cause them to lose interest in fishing altogether. Accordingly, you’ll need to maintain a positive attitude and ensure that they’re still entertained and happy while learning to be patient. So, make sure to learn plenty of kid-friendly jokes and allow them frequent breaks to explore the shoreline or chase frogs, if necessary. They’ll usually regain their interest in a few minutes and do so with renewed determination.

***

If you follow these tips and tricks, you’ll set yourself up for a great day on the water and help your kids form memories that’ll last a lifetime. So be sure to give fishing a try on your next guest ranch vacation – you’ll be glad you did.

Just be sure that you familiarize yourself with the fishing rules and regulations of the state you’re visiting and that you obtain all necessary licenses before doing so. You don’t want to taint your child’s first fishing trip with an unpleasant encounter with law enforcement.

In the meantime, cruise on over to Outdoor Empire and check out their comprehensive article about taking your kids on their first fishing trip. There, you’ll learn more tips and tricks to make your kids first trip a great one.

Happy Trails!

If you are looking for upscale luxury, a culturally diverse atmosphere, personalized guest care and spectacular natural surroundings then this Wyoming guest ranch is for you. The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, located in Shell, Wyoming (east of Yellowstone National Park) combines a real working cattle ranch with great horseback riding opportunities as well as world class fly-fishing and old west hospitality.

With no more than 25 guests per week and a 1:1 staff guest ratio as well as access to 85 horses you will find that the owners and staff are actively involved with your well-being during your guest ranch vacation. In addition to riding, working cattle and fly-fishing, they offer an array of non-riding activities and adventures such as trapshooting, archery, canoeing, hiking, biking, 4x4 tours, and other exciting activities to fill your days. While riding you will experience a unique variety of terrains, biodiversity, climates and scenery since elevations in this area range from 4,200 to 13,200 feet. And with close to 650,000 acres to explore you will seldom ride the same trail twice so be sure to bring your camera! The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is a Riding Guest Ranch with great horses for all levels of riders. Along with Quarter Horses and Paints the ranch also have a growing number of well-trained Mustangs for their guests to ride.

The Hideout Guest Ranch & Lodge, although more of an adult orientated ranch, also welcomes families and is an ideal vacation choice for solo travellers. Many of the ranch’s guests are repeat vacationers. They come back because of the warmth of hospitality, the high-end pampering and excellent, healthy food created by their culinary schooled chef. Accommodations include western-style log cabins that were built in 1992 and recently renovated guest casitas all of which feature your typical creature comforts from home. There is a swimming pond and hot tub for guests to use as well as emerald green lawns and well-lit pathways which connect to the main lodge. While staying at the ranch you will be treated to hearty Western fare and gourmet dinners and the view from the dining room, where meals are served, is simply spectacular! Open all year round the ranch offers many different rates and packages, so you are bound to find a time of year and package that best suits your upcoming vacation needs.

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation.

Are you a photography aficionado? Do you love the great outdoors and horses? If so, then Three Bars Ranch has the ideal vacation package for you. From May 27st-June 2nd the ranch is offering their 2018 Equine Photography Week! Join them and award-winning photographer Ryan Courson for a week long equine workshop.

With the Canadian Rockies as your backdrop, and a heard of 80 horses as your subjects, you will have all of the opportunities and assistance that you may need in capturing some incredible equine images. In between customized shoots, you can enjoy all the amenities and activities offered at Three Bars Ranch.

Workshop cost are $2790.00 per adult, + 6.2% tax. Packages include all meals, upscale log cabin accommodations, unlimited horseback riding, and all other ranch activities, plus custom horse shoots, workshops and coaching by Ryan Courson. for more info on Ryan and his photography visit www.ryancourson.ca

Three Bars Ranch Equine Photography Workshop https://www.threebarsranch.com/events/

Be sure to let the ranch know that you heard about this exciting workshop through RanchSeeker’s Blog.

Voted Canada’s # 1 Guest Ranch 4 years running Three Bars Ranch considered “THE Adventure Ranch of The Canadian Rockies” is located just south of Banff in Cranbrook, Super Natural British Columbia. Three Bars specializes in 3 – 6 night all- inclusive riding and non- riding packages. Here you will find an abundance of nature, clean, rushing water, green fields, and breathtaking mountain views. There is a wide range of activities to choose from like horseback riding, hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, fly fishing, and tennis. Every day is a new adventure for you and your loved ones to experience!

At the end of the day a spacious log cabin awaits you where you can kick-back and relax on your porch while enjoying all the western charm that your cabin affords you. There are cabins suited for couples and families alike.  Aside from all of the modern amenities that are included there is also an indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub and Jacuzzi ideal for soothing sore muscles after a long ride.

When you choose to vacation at Three Bars Ranch you are choosing to experience something more than just your regular vacation you are choosing a “real ranch for real people!”

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation!

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, just 16 miles east of Sandpoint, Id.  Spanning over 75 years and four generations, riding and herding cattle across the spectacular 2,000 acre ranch property has been their passion and pride for this dedicated working ranch family.  Since 1991, when Western Pleasures first opened its doors to guests, the ranch family and staff has also provided an unforgettable riding experience to its guests, whether newbies or oldtimers, from daily trail rides to helping herd cattle from one pasture to another and a thrilling night ride under starry skies complete with a campfire cookout to get a real taste of cowboy life.

All-inclusive summer packages offer twice-daily trail riding sessions on specially trained ranch bred horses. Guests are carefully matched with their mounts to ensure maximum riding enjoyment throughout their stay, Personalized programs are also available for guests who usually arrive from Sunday to Saturday to take full advantage of the many exciting on and off-ranch adventures. In addition to couples, groups and singles, families are especially welcomed during the summer months when kids' riding programs and activities are in full swing, so parents get to enjoy some downtime with lots of family fun. Along with its excellent riding programs, which include lessons/riding in the indoor arena on rainy days, Western Pleasures has a varied array of non-riding outdoor activities to please every family member, be it skeet shooting, archery, fat tire biking, hiking, children's playground, recreational room games and TV westerns, wagon rides around the property or a soothing soak in the hot tub after an exhilarating day spent outside. Off-ranch activities available include swimming, boat rides or kayaking expeditions on a nearby lake.

Accommodation choices are cosy lodge rooms or spacious, comfortable fully-equipped cabins dotted around the ranch, suitable for families and groups. Included in the packages are three gourmet meals daily in the large lodge dining room or guests can opt to access the lodge restaurant or self-cater in the cabins.

Ranch amenities also consist of a library for some quiet reading pleasure, access to Wi-Fi, an outdoor seating area and a large old-fashioned veranda to sit back on and appreciate the majestic mountain vistas or watch the wranglers bringing up the horses. Just a few of the many thoughtful touches designed to please and expand the western guest ranch experience. What summer vacation could possibly be more unique, happy and healthy for a family than an active, outdoor, fun-filled guest ranch riding staycation with the friendly folk at Western Pleasures Guest Ranch, where you arrive as guests and depart as family....yahoo!

Ranchseeker is just a click away from helping you find this and many other fine ranch properties for that perfect summer vacation for you, family and friends!

Happy Trails!

The following article 1st appeared in Ranch & Reserve Magazine's 9th issue

With 2018 just around the corner it seems like the perfect time to repost this blog ( some edits have been made). What adventures are you planning to tick off your bucket list?

The Oxford Dictionary defines “bucket list” as follows:

Noun

Informal

A number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime: making this trip is the first thing on my bucket list

Origin

Early 21st century: from the phrase, "kick the bucket ‘die’ " popularized by the 2007 film “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman

Ever since “the Bucket List” hit movie theatres worldwide, a bucket list movement has been on the rise and continues to evolve among younger and older generations alike. Websites with titles like “10,000 Things To Do Before You Die"  and “100+ Creative Bucket List  Ideas You Should Add To Your List”  are popular search engine phrases for those looking for inspiration and ideas to help create their own personal bucket list.

Nowadays, more and more people suffer from the never-ending pressure of their day-to-day responsibilities, commitments and overwhelming time constraints. Whether it's a student working towards a degree, a hardworking employee with perhaps a family to raise or a simple case of trying to schedule a “date” with a significant other, life doesn’t leave much time to dare to dream and plan those things you would like to do before, yes….I’m going to say it…kick the bucket!

Health, monetary and career goals along with those endless to-do lists may already be a part of your daily routine, however, a bucket list allows you to delve deeper and ask yourself what do you really want to do, experience, see and learn in your lifetime? There is nothing too big, insignificant or random when making a bucket list.  In fact it can be an incredibly enlightening experience. From a very young age we are taught to consider others before ourselves and as we grow older this can often result in setting aside or putting off things that perhaps at one time were very important to us.

An encouraging and positive aspect of bucket lists is that they are fluid in nature. During a lifetime, priorities will change and things that at one time or another were at the top of the list, may not be so later on. My bucket list is a perpetual work in progress, a constant subtracting and adding of new experiences and goals that I would like to achieve, although there are many “givens” that consistently remain throughout this process. As I grow as a person and am exposed to all the wonderful choices that this wide world has to offer, I find that a bucket list enables me to approach life with an enthusiastic "joie de vivre" as I strive to live life to the fullest.

Everyone’s bucket list is unique. Perhaps it includes an extreme activity like sky diving, swimming with sharks, or bungee jumping. But a bucket list can also be about learning a new language, living abroad, swimming in the ocean for the first time, learning to ride a horse or visiting a country that appeals to your inner self.  The act of making a bucket list allows your imagination to roam freely as you identify and make accomplishing these goals an integral part of your life plan. As C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

An endless.....literally endless list of possibilities exist out there, so when making up a bucket list perhaps a guest ranch vacation isn’t one that immediately comes to mind.....but oh how it should!  Guest ranches provide an unbeatable opportunity to engage in an array of exciting and challenging activities, quite often conveniently close to home or far away in colourful locales. Experience the thrill of trail rides among absolutely breathtaking scenery as you decompress, reconnect with nature and get in touch with your inner “cowboy or cowgirl."  With so many excellent dude ranches to choose from, the following is a short list only to consider when planning your next bucket list guest ranch adventure.

Laramie River Ranch 

Experience the rugged Rocky Mountains at this Colorado guest ranch where horseback riding is the main focus and genuine western hospitality is par for the course. In addition guests can partake in exceptional fly fishing opportunities, naturalist led hikes and wildlife adventures. Live musical entertainment and square dancing at night will enhance your western experience. Accommodations include rooms in the lodge or cozy cabins depending on your particular needs.

Red Horse Mountain Idaho 

This guest ranch is one of Idaho’s best kept secrets. Guests will experience first rate western hospitality, moments of relaxation as well as an extensive list of guided adventures to choose from. With several riding packages at your disposal or activities like mountain biking, 3D archery and kayaking to name a few everyone in your group is sure to be satisfied! Book either the Hilltop Vacation Home (ideal for large groups or families) or one of their cabins or suites.

Geronimo Trails Guest Ranch 

Open meadows, tall ponderosa forests and an abundance of wildlife awaits you at this New Mexico guest ranch. Horseback riders or hikers will marvel at the deep canyons and crystal clear streams that are all part of the Gila National Forest. While you explore the area you will havethe opportunity to learn about the rich history associated with the region. Geronimo Trails Guest Ranch is a small ranch (only 4 cabins) so guests are guaranteed a truly personal atmosphere.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch 

Wyoming is the perfect playground for those looking for an exceptional experience! With 650,000 acres to explore this upscale working cattle, riding, fly-fishing and adventure guest ranch is the ideal vacation choice. Trapshooting, archery, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking,4X4 tours as well as many other opportunities await the intrepid traveller. Be sure to book well in advance so that you don’t miss out since this guest ranch fills up quickly due to returning guests and word of mouth.

Let RanchSeeker   help you find your ideal guest ranch bucket list destination!

Just three hours from Grand Canyon country and two scenic hours by car south of Las Vegas, with en route views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, this picture-perfect NW Arizona desert ranch, located at the foot of the Mohave and Hualapai mountains, enjoys a warm temperate climate during the colder months, making it ideal for a winter escape dude ranch vacation.  Designed to resemble an old western township, the ranch prides itself on greeting guests like friends and having them leave like family! 

Boasting over 360,000 acres of stunning desert vistas, the Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch  riding program is second to none and can easily accommodate beginner riders along trails of cactus strewn landscape to trotting and loping among desert washes for more experienced riders.  Expert wranglers are always on hand to safely guide riders and help them gain new skills and confidence while deriving the utmost enjoyment during the twice- daily riding sessions.

Back home at the ranch, guests can enjoy a varied assortment of activities which might include a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, a soak in the hot under starry desert nights or billiards, ping pong and nightly socializing at the Frontier Lodge.

Outdoor fun includes archery, cowboy action shooting, wagon rides, mountain bikes, hiking, rental ATV’s and exciting gunslinger nights for a real taste of the Old Wild West, plus skilful demonstrations of roping and bull-whipping in the courtyard by the wrangler staff.

Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch offers an all-inclusive package which includes accommodation, twice-daily riding and three hearty, delicious meals per day plus all the many ranch amenities.  Guest accommodations, which can house various sized families and groups, consist of western-themed comfortable rooms that all come with a patio and rocking chairs, including some with courtyards and extra-large bathrooms.

For fans of Glamping, the ranch has recently introduced a large, authentic Conestoga wagon that once hauled freight during the 18th century, which now sleeps five comfortably and comes fully equipped with heating and A/C  for those who want to experience first-hand the thrill of pioneering like in the old days out west.

Owners JP and Tricia McCormick, their sons and dedicated staff work very hard to ensure their guests are treated to the best possible Old West experience and the glowing reviews which the ranch regularly receives is a testament to their success.

For this and other unique ranch properties, look no further than Ranchseeker to help you find the perfect ranch for your perfect ranch vacation.

Happy trails!