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Situated on 40 acres of land in the heart of Western Colorado the Double G Ranch features a completely renovated main building as well as two RV spots and horse accommodations. Located nearby you’ll find open public land which consists of approximately 3000 acres plus a State Park, and two reservoirs which are ideal for fishing, sailing, stand up paddling (SUP), and white-water rafting. The Divide Golf & Country Club as well as four other golf courses close by in Montrose and Delta are perfect for the avid golfer in your group. 

Since the ranch is only a short twenty-minute drive from Montrose guests can take advantage of a variety of shopping and restaurant offerings as well as several convenient connecting flights. United Airlines or American Airlines have direct flights from Denver, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Chicago, Los Angeles and Newark. Ridgeway is also only a twenty-minute drive from the ranch. This picturesque “cowboy city” boasts many different restaurants as well as interesting art galleries. Here you will find everything that you need during your holiday.

The ranch’s six newly renovated rooms and suites are furnished in a stylish mix of comfortable “Colorado Country Life” and chic “New York Loft Style” accommodating up to twelve guests in total. Four open fireplaces create a warm and cozy atmosphere for moments of relaxation after a fun-filled day spent outdoors. During the evening relax in their spacious open living/dining area as well as in the separate guest-lounge area complete with a bar, pool-table and open fireplace. A special highlight of the ranch is their expansive deck with easterly and southerly views of the stunning Colorado mountains. A large hot tub combined with mountain vistas, three hundred days of sunshine and wildlife viewing opportunities make for truly memorable moments. 

Mealtimes are always an event unto themselves to be looked forward to while on any vacation. In the morning the delicious aroma of German and American breakfast options attract hungry guests to congregate around the kitchen island. Lunch, upon request, (lunch boxes for the daily trips and rides are provided), are served in the open kitchen/dining/living area or during the summer months on the outside deck. Dinner (priced separately) is served on an inviting banquet table and consists of quality organic beef and seafood dishes. The steaks, burgers and various BBQ meat options are provided by the ranch’s neighbours who operate a sustainable open range farm. Guests can also choose to eat away from the ranch at one of the many restaurants found in Ridgeway, Ouray or Montrose.  

Since Double G Ranch is open not only throughout the warmer months but also during the winter this means that they offer an incredible array of thrilling activities for guests to choose from while on their Colorado guest ranch vacation. 

Summer is almost upon us so below you will find a list of exciting activities that you can take part in over the next few months. Be sure to check back in with us again for our next blog post which will not only outline the sensational winter adventures to be had but also provide other interesting details about this Colorado guest ranch experience.

Summer Activities

Temperatures ranging from 70 – 90 Fahrenheit and plenty of sunshine means that a variety of outdoor activities can be enjoyed during the warmer months. Colorado is truly a magnificent place to be during any season but especially during the summer.

Horseback Riding / Wagon rides

Because of the ranch’s location time spent in the saddle is truly spectacular. The beauty and solitude of the Colorado mountains and landscape is second to none. Ride across free-range cattle pastures where galloping is not only allowed but encouraged for those who are able and after an exciting two hour ride your hosts will welcome you with a well-deserved picnic. Other rides take you through scenic nature parks where abundant fauna and flora are present for your viewing pleasure. Deer, elk and many other wild animals will surely cross your path. 

*The ranch provides horses for guests, but you can also bring your own. The duration of each ride is determined by the ability of your horse. If you do bring your own horse, please be advised that they don’t need shoes on all the trails and the ranch can accommodate up to 10 guest horses. Price per day per horse including food is $20USD. *

**On request and if available you can also participate in small cattle drives. **

Hiking / Running

The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) as well as the Middle Fork of the Cimarrons Owl Creek Pass, Dry Creek, Black Canyon, Gateway Canyon and many other areas offer exciting trails for hikers to explore while reconnecting with nature and the surrounding wildlife.

Rock Climbing

Advanced climbers as well as beginners will find endless climbing opportunities to try out such as the Via Ferrata Climbing Trail in Telluride or in various other high rope courses found nearby.

Off Highway Vehicles (ATV, Jeep, Motocross & Bike Touring)

The trails surrounding the ranch as well as the State Park and open land areas are ideal for off road vehicles. Upon request the ranch can provide several contacts for all types of off-road vehicle rental companies. 

Fishing / Boating / Rafting

Only 10 minutes away from the ranch you will find the Ridgeway Reservoir. Onsite rental companies can provide everything that you need to try your hand at fly fishing, stand up paddling (SUP), motor-boating and water-skiing. For the more adventurous at the Uncompahgre River and Colorado River there are guided tours for white-water rafting and canoe trips. And for those seeking the ultimate “rush” 30 miles away from the ranch you can jump from a 60 ft high cliff into the clear lake in Blue Mesa Park. 

Golf

Only 5 miles away from the ranch avid golfers can take part in a round of golf at the remarkable “ Divide Gold & Country Club” which features unbeatable panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. Or choose one of the other 4 golf courses located in Montrose and Delta.

Adventure Activities

If you have ever wanted to soar through the sky in a hot air balloon, fly in a helicopter or see the world from above while strapped into a tandem paraglide then this is your chance. Double G Ranch can help you organize your ultimate bucket list items.

As you can see Double G Ranch has something for everyone seeking a vacation of a lifetime.

Happy Trails!

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

This year when planning your next vacation for your family, spouse or friends why not choose a guest ranch vacation? You don't have to be a cowboy or even know how to ride a horse to have a great time. Here are 5 reasons you should check out the ranches on RanchSeeker today. 

Dude Ranches Offer All-Inclusive Value Most dude ranches offer all-inclusive vacation packages which makes your vacation stress-free. Comfortable accommodations, meals, snacks and many activities are all included in your upfront costs. Many ranches also have swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas.

( Photo courtesy of White Stallion Ranch)

Dude Ranch Vacation Packages Many dude ranches aside from offering basic all-inclusive vacation packages also offer customizable vacation packages. If you want to be a “real cowboy” for a week you can choose a working ranch and help rustle up the cows, participate in a rodeo and saddle-up your own horse. Or if you prefer a more laid-back approach you could choose a spa package at one of the many ranch spa resorts and spend the week being treated to relaxing treatments and incredible views. There are many vacation packages available that you can choose from to make your dude ranch vacation tailor-made for you.

(Photo courtesy of New Haven Ranch)

Horseback Riding If you love horses then a dude ranch vacation is definitely for you. Whether you are an experienced rider or will be riding for the first-time responsible wranglers will help you find the right horse for you. Enjoy riding through forests, surrounded by majestic mountains, or through canyons alongside rushing rivers or even take a ride through an arid desert surrounded by green cacti. Many ranches will pair you with a horse at the beginning of the week who will be yours for the rest of your stay so be prepared to make a new friend.

(Photo courtesy of Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch) 

Dude Ranches Are Close To Nature A dude ranch vacation is all about the scenery – unplugging from technology and connecting with nature. Riding and hiking trails always lead to the very best of the surrounding landscapes that are inaccessible any other way. Re-connect with the world around you.

(Photo courtesy of Hawley Mountain Ranch) 

Spend Quality Time Together With today's modern dude ranches offering so many activities there is something for everyone of all ages. Whether you are traveling with your family, spouse or good friends you are bound to find something that interests everyone in your group. Many dude ranches offer kid-friendly programs so be sure to ask them. Vacations are about making memories and spending time together.

(Photo courtesy of Echo Valley Ranch & Spa) 

Still not sure whether a dude ranch vacation is what you are looking for?

Check out our SEARCH FOR RANCHES tab and read more about each ranch listed on RanchSeeker.  

Happy Trails!

Summer is finally here which means school is out and the days are longer as well as warmer. People everywhere are looking for that perfect destination for their summer vacation. The possibilities are endless. You could choose a beach or lakeside resort, travel overseas or go camping. All these popular options fit the bill but why not do something a little different this year…something a little more adventurous? Think Guest Ranch Vacation!

Great food, spectacular scenery, friendly hosts, and a plethora of activities to choose from are just some of the reasons why you should consider booking a guest ranch stay. Imagine evenings gathered around a campfire under a star-studded sky and days spent outdoors riding, fishing, kayaking or learning a new skill like shooting or archery. There are many reasons why a guest ranch vacation should be your vacation choice this year but here are just a few.

(photo courtesy of Western Pleasure Guest Ranch) 

Dude Ranches Offer All-Inclusive Value

Most dude ranches offer all-inclusive vacation packages which makes your vacation stress-free. Comfortable accommodations, meals, snacks and many activities are all included in your upfront costs. 

Dude Ranch Vacation Packages

Dude ranches aside from offering basic all-inclusive packages also offer customizable vacation packages. If you want to experience the life of a cowboy for a week you could choose a working ranch and help rustle up the cows, participate in a rodeo and saddle-up your own horse. Or if you prefer a more laid-back approach you could book a spa package available at several ranches and spend the week being treated to relaxing treatments and incredible views. There are so many options to choose from to make your dude ranch vacation tailor-made just for you.

(photo courtesy of Echo Valley Ranch & Spa)

Saddle up and Ride

Horseback riding aficionados will of course be delighted by the idea of a guest ranch vacation; however, those who are new to the sport will also find great joy in saddling up and experiencing the connection that develops between horse and rider as they ride through breath-taking scenery guided by experienced wranglers. Classes are readily available at most guest ranches to help first-time riders feel more comfortable before mounting up and hitting the trail or for those intermediate riders who would simply like to hone their riding skills. Regardless of your skill level you are sure to have an exhilarating time in the saddle and bond with your new equine friend.

(photo courtesy of Klondike Ranch) 

Reconnect with Nature & Your Loved Ones

We have never been more “connected” than we are now technologically speaking; however, this “connectedness” comes at a heavy price. We are far too often glued to our PCs, laptops, and smart phones even after office hours or while on vacation. We have forgotten what it is like to be truly present in the moment and to be completely focused on the people that are most important in our lives. Many guest ranches are off the grid so to speak, although the majority of them do offer WiFi in their main lodges for those that simply can’t go cold turkey.

Guest ranches provide a great opportunity to reconnect with nature. They are often situated in places that feature majestic mountainous backdrops, lush green forests or arid deserts that boast incredible sunsets and otherworldly landscapes. It is almost impossible not to feel the grandeur of nature or be awed by the natural beauty that envelops you while staying at one of these amazing locations.

(photo courtesy of Hawley Mountain Ranch) 

Learn New Skills

It is always fun to learn a new skill or revel in a sense of accomplishment as you master an activity that is unfamiliar or perhaps even challenging to complete. Guest ranches offer lots of exciting activities to choose from like archery, skeet shooting, rock climbing, rifle shooting, roping, fly fishing, white water rafting and zip lining to name a few. There are countless activities to try that are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Many guest ranches feature specialized activities owing to their terrain or resident expert on hand that add to their guests’ enjoyment.

(photo courtesy of Red Reflet Ranch)

Stargazing

Perhaps stargazing isn’t something that immediately comes to mind when planning a vacation, but when was the last time you were able to gaze up into the night sky and be dazzled by hundreds of twinkling stars and constellations overhead, uncluttered by the profusion of city lights and dense pollution? Due to their often-remote locations, guest ranches provide a unique opportunity to appreciate not only incredible scenery by day, but to be able to reflect upon the vastness and infinite beauty of the skies above.  Starlit evenings like these are cherished moments to share with those dear to you.

(photo courtesy of Stagecoach Trails Ranch) 

Accommodations

Depending on which guest ranch you book you can choose to stay in either cozy, western decorated themed rooms, spacious chalets, cabins or even luxury camping tents. It all comes down to personal preferences.

There are dozens of reasons why a guest ranch destination should be on your summer vacation to do list. Whether you are organizing a family reunion, a vacation with your immediate family, a getaway with friends or just some alone-time with that special someone a guest ranch vacation will not disappoint!

( photo courtesy of Bar W Guest Ranch)

Let RanchSeeker help you find your unforgettable summer vacation. We represent guest ranches all over the USA as well as in Canada,

Happy Trails!

The following blog post was featured 1st in  Ranch & Reserve Magazine's Vol 3 Issue 1 

In the midst of bleak wintry months, when darkness falls early and daylight hours too short, it’s hard to imagine the eternal hope and promise of spring. We tend to forget the sheer essence and joy of a spring season; the whiffs of crisp fresh air blowing down the street; fleecy white clouds scudding across iridescent pale blue skies; buds beginning to burst; tender green shoots poking above ground and early daffodils wafting gently in the breeze.  

Spring heralds the perennial rebirth of earth and renewal of all life forms; a primeval force that is rooted deep in the human psyche which is celebrated in various ways by various peoples, such as Stonehenge, an English prehistoric Druid monument, where followers gather to observe the precise angle at which the sun rises over the ring of massive standing stones during the vernal equinox on March 20th when day and night across the globe is of equal length.

The coming of Spring, was so integral to its culture, that the ancient Mayans bequeathed to the world the UNESCO archaeological site of Chichén Itzá in Mexico, which hosts countless visitors to its Kulkulkan Temple at the dawn  equinox, all hoping to glimpse a mythical serpent slithering along the steps of the pyramid owing to the effect of light and shadow created by the early Mayan architects and astronomers.

The First New Moon of Spring honoured by the Cherokee tribes, involved much traditional feasting, music and dancing as decreed by the seven “principals” or elders, who determined the appropriate dates in March to proclaim the arrival of spring.

And not least….the sensational avant-garde ballet and orchestral work Rite of Spring by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky which premièred in Paris, May 1913 and portrayed earthy pagan Russian rites.  Despite its somewhat rowdy reception by the audience, the musical score has become an acclaimed concert staple.

These and many other spring festivals, events and ceremonies welcome the advent of spring, which usually falls between March 20th and ends June 20th within the Northern hemisphere.  Springtime is what pulls us out of ourselves, to shake off the winter doldrums and embrace the earth awakening out of its deep winter sleep.  And…. what better place is there to experience this annual resurgence of life firsthand than at an authentic working ranch, which offers the opportunity to see gangly new calves, cattle being driven out to pasture, wildflowers in bloom and spectacular landscapes.

Horses N Courage a unique Montana dude ranch, is one such place to experience that primordial call of nature and get back to the basic, simpler things of life.  Situated in Sawmill Canyon, in beautiful Big Sky country and surrounded by amazing mountain scenery, this rustic working ranch is owned and operated by the Hereim family and can accommodate up to 8 guests at any one time between June 1st and September 1st.  With such a small number of guests, the warm and caring hosts soon have guests feeling right at home!   

Accommodation at the ranch campsite compound consists of comfortably equipped Wall-Tents for up to four adults or Cowboy-Teepees suitable for one adult or two children.  An immaculate clean old-fashioned outhouse is a short walk away.  A self-standing, large wood-sided outdoor shower with propane heated water sits behind the cook tent, facing the trees for absolute privacy.

Hearty ranch-cooked meals are prepared and eaten outdoors on a friendly communal dining table and include such mains as ranch-raised natural beef with western style fixings.  Big mountain breakfasts and generous lunches will satisfy even the hungriest appetite.   Guests are also encouraged to bring their own smores for the nightly campfire, favourite snacks, soft drinks and alcohol if desired.  If you do have any dietary concerns, please advise the ranch at time of booking.

This down-home kind of ranch is the perfect place for experienced horse-riders to spend many hours in the saddle honing their skills and for intermediate riders to gain valuable practice time in the saddle. Depending on ability and comfort level, guests can ride up to 6 hours a day, exploring the 2,000 acres of private ranch territory while observing abundant wildlife.  Special thrills include herding and moving cattle or trail riding among alpine meadows festooned with wildflowers and breathtaking vistas of Big Sky country. 

The ranch offers packages of 7 days/6 nights or 4 days/3 nights with wall-tent or cowboy-teepee accommodation and three western meals per day. Non-riding activities include mountain hiking, photography, rope lessons or soaking in the natural hot springs at nearby White Sulphur Springs. In addition, the ranch hosts a Women’s Healing retreat and other Well-Being events during the summer months. Please see ranch site for details. Horses N Courage is a WiFi free ranch, which allows guests to totally disconnect from the constant clamour of cell-phones, to live truly in the moment and recharge their own inner life source.

Our other featured ranch, The New Haven Ranch in Hulett, Northeastern Wyoming, lies on the edge of the Black Hills and is a fulltime 4-generation family-run and operated genuine working ranch. The ranch is flanked by timbered canyons, high plateaus and sage brush prairie land. Its central focus is all about raising cattle, riding horses and caring for a menagerie of ranch animals.  New Haven is not your average cattle ranch and sits on the grounds of an old ghost town with a long and colourful history.  The ranch property was originally founded by homesteaders over 150 years ago before being driven out by, “dirty cattle barons.”  

Open to guests since 2003, the minimum one-week stays, available from May 19 to October 13, offer experienced and intermediate riders age 16 and up, an invaluable, up close opportunity to participate in all the many adventurous aspects of a working cattle ranch, such as moving cattle, checking fences and reservoirs, rounding up strays, roping practice and cutting as well as loading and shipping cattle. The ranch is an advocate of the “Parelli Way” style of natural horsemanship.  As a fully functional, busy ranch, it assigns each guest rider two horses for the week and advises that riders should have previously ridden in all three gaits and be able to sit in the saddle for up to 3 hours. 

Other activities to be enjoyed for riding and non-riding guests are hiking, wildlife spotting, swimming, boating and fishing for trout at the ranch lake. The Devil’s Tower, an ancient volcanic vent and the first ever National Monument, is 30 minutes away. Mount Rushmore and the gold digging town of Deadwood are less than 2 hours.

Accommodation consists of 5 comfortable bedrooms with private baths at the Guest Lodge which can house up to 10 guests.  The attached kitchen and dining room provide three good, satisfying ranch-cooked meals a day or lunch out on the trail and all-day snacks.  The ranch produces an astonishing variety of home-grown beef, lamb, goat, geese, ducks, game birds, trout, eggs and vegetables. The lodge has furnace and woodstove for heating or A/C during the warmer months. 

For leisurely evenings after an active fun-filled day, what could be more relaxing than kicking back on the guest lodge balcony with new-found, like-minded guests admiring the Missouri Buttes; maybe a friendly game of pool in the recreation room or sharing a soak in the hot tub under a pristine star-studded night where cares are forgotten, and the world is suddenly fresh and new again.

Spring is such an awesome, magical season…. it’s a sign of things to come with life spilling over in joyous abandon, a time to reassess and discover what truly is important in this life and nothing could be better than a spring ranch vacation to kick start an exciting year ahead!

Let RanchSeeker  help you find that perfect ranch to reacquaint you with that glorious feeling of being alive!

Happy Trails!

Over the past few weeks RanchSeeker has focused on several popular guest ranch destinations in the USA and we have also highlighted lots of great ranches in those areas. Our first blog post highlighted Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia and Idaho. Then in our 2nd blog post   we featured Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming.  For our final blog post about “Where Should I Go on My Next Ranch Vacation?” we will be focusing on the following destinations and guest ranches located in Canada.

Alberta

When you think of “ranches,” “old west” and “cowboy,” the province of Alberta, Canada, may not come immediately to mind. But all that will change when you discover the variety of Alberta dude ranches that welcome guests each year. In fact, Alberta has a long history of western traditions and is well known throughout much of the western U.S. for their ranching background and cowboy heritage. 

From the border of the Northwest Territories to the southern border with Montana, Alberta’s landscape holds something for everyone: rivers, lakes, badlands, the Rocky Mountains and even glaciers! Alberta ranch vacations take full advantage of this province’s magnificent geography. Alberta dude ranches offer activities for every member of the family: horseback riding, cookouts and barbeques, nature trails, white water rafting, wildlife viewing, golf, pack trips, photography outings, fly fishing, mountain biking, birding, cattle drives, hiking and so much more! Alberta ranch vacations create memories that will last a lifetime!

Ranches in Alberta attract visitors with their national park system, dinosaur digs and the fact that the province has 5 of the 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Imagine visiting the Dinosaur digs in the Alberta Badlands in the morning, working on the Alberta ranch with the cowboys in the afternoon, and relaxing in the evening in the hot tub. You can do all this, plus more, at an Alberta ranch. 

At many Alberta ranches you can choose an independent schedule and explore on your own, or have the ranch arrange activities for you including horseback riding, fishing trips, and city tours.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience check out Banff Trail Riders.

Photo courtesy of Banff Trail Riders

British Columbia

One excellent way to enjoy all that this special province has to offer is a BC ranch vacation. This portion of western Canada is home to many BC dude ranches, each of which is set against the spectacular backdrop of Canada’s natural beauty. From the rolling hills of the Cariboo to the foothills of the Canadian Rockies to the Coastal Mountains and throughout this spectacular province is sure to provide your family with memories that will last a lifetime. 

Imagine going for a morning fishing trip, spending the afternoon exploring early settler or local Native heritage sites, and relaxing in the evening with your ranch staff and fellow guests. All this is possible when you visit British Colombian Ranches. Your ranch may also organize horseback trips, cattle drives, pack trips, canoeing, and a wide range of outdoor activities for you during your stay. Be sure to ask about winter options as well.

Photo courtesy of Chilcotin Holidays

It’s no wonder that so many people travel to British Columbia each year to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this western Canadian province. From majestic forests to breathtaking mountain vistas to magnificent seascapes and more, BC offers its guests and residents some of the most incredibly stunning scenery available anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. British Columbia dude ranches take advantage of the “beautiful BC” landscape and the rich local Native history to attract visitors.

Check out these Super Natural BC guest ranches: Chilcotin Holidays, Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, Three Bars Ranch and Sundance Guest Ranch.

Photo courtesy of Sundance 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 don’t miss out on other interesting guest ranch related posts.

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!

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.

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.

For folks looking for an exciting vacation as well as spectacular scenery, Banff Trail Riders is the perfect choice!  You will discover an aspect of the Canadian Rockies that is only possible from atop a horse, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the help of your seasoned guides, the majestic Alberta Rocky Mountains will provide whatever type of western-style adventure you have in mind.

Choose from a variety of horseback riding options that range from one hour up to six days spent exploring the backcountry of Banff National Park. Knowledgeable park guides, who have been sharing their love of Canada’s first National Park for over 50 years, will expertly lead you through exhilarating remote trails.

For example, you could select the one hour “Bow River Ride.” Guests are lead along the peaceful Bow River which encompasses thick marshes and grassy meadows as well as varied wildlife. If you are lucky you might even catch an eagle or a hawk soaring high above in the sky. Be sure to take your camera along to document the endless pristine views of the grandiose Rocky Mountains. There are also several other 1-3-hour rides that you can choose from like the “Spray River Ride”, “Sundance Loop Ride” and “Sulphur Mountain Ride” to name a few. 

If you are looking for more time in the saddle, then the multi-day horseback adventure is for you. This is adventure travel at its finest. At night guests bed down in a cozy backcountry lodge or a well-equipped wilderness campsite after hitting the trails. At the Sundance Lodge expect some added luxuries like hot showers, indoor washrooms, comfortable bedrooms with Egyptian cotton sheets, a large country kitchen and a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace. The Halfway Lodge (utilized on longer rides) is a true backcountry lodge with a cozy interior, single beds, and outhouses. It also features a private, one-with-the-outdoors shower. Both provide a classic mountain lodge feel.

Spacious A-frame heated tents with single, double and family tents available do just nicely for nights spent in the wilderness. Each canvas tent sits on a raised wooden platform with comfortable camp cots ready for you and your sleeping bag. There is a large kitchen tent where all meals are prepared, and many social evenings are spent, and clean outhouses and washbasins are available at each camp. A 10,000-volt wildlife fence surrounds the camp and corrals, so you can rest easy knowing that there won’t be any unexpected wildlife visitors during the night.

You will discover that days spent in the saddle and fresh mountain air tends to work up quite an appetite. And although you are miles from civilization you will find yourself pleasantly surprised by the sophisticated hearty meals that are prepared by your backcountry chefs. Fully catered meals include such delights like braised beef short ribs to grilled salmon. Go ahead and ask for ‘seconds’ you deserve it!

As you can see Banff Trail Rides offer many exciting riding and vacation options to choose from during the warmer months of the year but now you can also experience the magical beauty of the winter season as well. Regardless of when you choose to visit you will not be disappointed! 

Happy Trails!

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

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!