RanchSeeker Blog

Located in Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada this authentic dude ranch has been operating as a guest ranch for 70 years. Here you will find a rich history, rustic elegance, delicious food and signature “Cowboy Service”. There is lots to do while staying at the ranch so you can be as active as you want to be or simply kick back and relax. Kids love the ranch as they discover new adventures and enjoy being in the beautiful outdoors. It’s also the ideal venue for secluded corporate retreats or the perfect ranch wedding.

Horseback-riding

If you have ever dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl then this is the vacation destination for you. Horseback rides with experienced wranglers will take you along sun drenched dusty trails or through grassy fields with snow-capped mountain peaks off in the distance. You will feel transported back to a simpler time like the days when the pioneers and homesteaders used these very same trails to herd cattle. At the beginning of your vacation you will be matched up with the best horse to suit your riding experience level and then you and your new equine friend will enjoy trails that lead through rolling meadows and shaded trails lush with sagebrush, western hemlock trees, and towering Douglas fir and ponderosa pines. With two hour guided trips, all day guided trips and even overnight pack trips to choose from your dream of being a cowboy or cowgirl is bound to be fulfilled.

YD Guest Ranch

Covered Wagon Trips

For those vacationers looking for a truly unique experience the ranch offers “Covered Wagon Trips”. Your first and last night will spent at the ranch and then once you have been matched up with a horse and feel confident in the saddle your wilderness horseback trip will begin. A master team driver will lead the covered wagon out early in the day. You can choose whether to ride in the wagon or on your horse with experienced guides to your first overnight destination. Camps are set up by YD crew members beside a little lake or a mountain stream and the wilderness kitchen provides delicious, hearty meals to enjoy around a blazing campfire. Guests have spacious private tents with cots, waterproof floors, and screen windows. Portable showers are available for your comfort, although the more adventurous wash away the days’ dirt in the creek – talk about invigorating! Be prepared to be “wowed” by this incredible adventure!

Covered Wagon Trips

 Other Ranch Activities

When not in the saddle YD Guest Ranch offers ATV and ARGO Touring adventures against the beautiful backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. Experienced guides will teach you all you need to know to get the most out of this exhilarating activity. A driver license is not required and minimum age of participant is 16 years old to drive own ATV. Helmets are provided. Other fun outdoor activities include archery hiking, and fly fishing. Guests also enjoy soaking in the hot tub after an action-packed day.

ATV and ARGO Touring

Accommodations

You will experience down-home hospitality in an informal atmosphere that blends the creature comforts of home with a Western flair. Tastefully decorated, authentic Native Tipis, Cliffside miner tents (with Decks) and one beautiful Tree House are nestled privately between the aspen and fir trees. To preserve the quiet sanctuary and sounds of nature, the tents and Tipis do not feature wireless internet, televisions or phones. Take time to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with nature and your loved ones. For those that can’t completely disconnect there is free WiFi access, a guest phone, laptop and printer available in the main ranch lodge.

Miner tents

Dining

Most meals and social gatherings take place in the main ranch lodge. Here you will always find hot coffee and a friendly face. Meals consist of wholesome, hearty “western gourmet” fare with a variety of fruit, local produce, Montana beef and other fresh meats as well as tempting home-made breads and other goodies. Aside from dining in the lodge expect traditional cowboy cook-outs and BBQ’s. Special diets for food allergies or dietary restrictions can be accommodated within reason with advance notice. If you like a nip or two now and then be sure to bring your own since the ranch does not have a liquor license.

Home-cooked meals

In a Nutshell

A YD Guest Ranch vacation offers the opportunity to try out new adventures, meet interesting new people, and enjoy delicious western gourmet food while staying in secluded peaceful accommodations.

Enjoy the Cold Season in a Rustic Setting of a Dude Ranch

#1) Echo Valley Ranch and Spa Nominated as TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice, Echo Valley Ranch and Spa is nestled in the mountains of British Columbia. A few hours away from Vancouver, the ranch is an all-natural treat where Canadian wildlife grazes peacefully around and the mountain spring water reflects the same purity as the air. On the inside, the rooms are warm and comfortable while the exclusive Royal Suite promises privacy and total relaxation. However, if you’d rather stay at a cabin, you can take your pick from a number of unique types available at EV Ranch. If you’re in the area during winter, make sure to avail the Winter Ranch Vacation Getaway between December 12, 2014 and January 5, 2015.

Some of the great offerings of this vacation package include:

• A glass of champagne or mulled wine on your arrival
• Guided snowshoeing walks every day
• Ice fishing at the nearest lake with the ranch’s own equipment
• Cross Country skiing
• Thai yoga stretching classes every day
• Weekly Thai banquet and Thai dancing
• Weekly cooking demonstrations For a minimum of $186 per person per night (Canadian $210), you’ll also get to use all the ranch’s facilities, including free Wi-Fi, a heated swimming pool, games room, Karaoke, and fitness center.

Echo Valley Ranch

#2) Lone Mountain Ranch Established as a cattle ranch in 1915, Lone Mountain Ranch is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in Montana. It was added to the National Registry of Historic Places, giving it a significant role in the history of the state as well as the guest ranch industry nationwide. You can still see many century-old original structures on the dude ranch, including the Meadowlark guest cabin, corrals and barns. Lone Mountain also flaunts exclusive Northern Rocky Mountain cuisine delicacies such as elk chops.

If you want to head to Montana this winter and rough things up a little, the Winter Discovery Package at Lone Mountain Ranch will cost you $2,300 per week per adult. For this price, you’ll get the following perks:

• A choice between cabins and rooms in Ridgetop Lodge
• Access to Nordic trails and snowshoe trails
• Sleigh ride dinner
• Ski and snowshoe rental
• Gourmet BBQ trail lunch between January and March
• Evening programs at the Ranch saloon For a little extra, you can add other things to this list, including Yellowstone Park snowcoach tours, ski lessons, and massage therapy.

Lone Mountain Ranch

#3) Big Bar Guest Ranch Six hours away from Vancouver and nestled in the Marble Range of the Southern Cariboo in British Columbia, Big Bar Guest Ranch is the perfect place to experience rustic living just like the cowboys. Its main attraction is the Harrison House, which was built on the land in 1936. On the inside, it welcomes guests to relax and enjoy the warmth of a fireplace built with rocks from the Fraser River. Surrounding the house is an extensive lawn where you can play soccer, badminton or even horseshoes. After a long day, you’re welcome at the communal dining room where you can enjoy authentic ranch delicacies in hearty portions. Now if you plan to head to Big Bar Guest Ranch during the colder season, be prepared to be welcomed by plenty of snowfall. The serenity of the area combined with the cozy atmosphere inside the cabins will make you forget your worries back home. You can also visit the nearby pond to skate, go ice fishing, or explore the surrounding country either on skis, snowshoes or even horseback. Currently, the winter rates are $150 per night for cabins, $25 per stay for the ski pass, and $65 per person for each ride. One thing you should know is that the dude ranch’s restaurant will be closed, so you’ll be cooking your meals in your cabin’s fully equipped kitchen. However, if you plan to be at the ranch during Christmas, you can celebrate with a traditional meal with the ranchers and other guests for an additional fee.

Big Bar Ranch

So whether you plan on spending your winter dude ranch vacation indoors or out in the snow, check out these three options first for the best experience around.  

Discover Western Hospitality at the Grand Canyon

History of Bar 10 Ranch

Why 13,000 Visitors Drop by the Bar 10 Ranch

Conestoga Wagon Accommodations

Lodge Accommodations

Authentic Western Meals for Hearty Appetites Mealtimes are special at Bar 10 Ranch. Not only do you get to swap stories and meet new friends around the table, but you get to taste western dishes cooked in Dutch oven pots for authentic flavors. As the ranch takes pride in being self-sufficient, the cowgirls in charge of the kitchen prepare homemade rolls and deserts which complement delicious, slow cooked roasts. However, what truly makes mealtime stand out is that meals are served buffet style. So you can go for seconds or even thirds if you want to without paying extra.

 Bar 10 Ranch Dining

Variety of Activities, Especially Near the Grand Canyon Whether you’re staying overnight at the dude ranch or simply dropping by for the day, be prepared to enjoy fun-filled activities at the Grand Canyon. You can take part in an ATV adventure that can take anywhere between 1.5 hours to a full day. On the other hand, if you prefer exploring scenic areas cowboy-style, you’re welcome to go horseback riding on short trails near the lodge or opt for longer rides to secluded areas. Other activities you can enjoy at Bar 10 Ranch are hiking into the Canyon, river rafting in the Colorado River, skeet shooting, and helicopter tours. You can also get up, close and personal with the area’s flora and fauna at the Nature Center or end your day around a campfire or singing and dancing with the cowboys and gals of Bar 10.

ATV Tours in the Grand Canyon

Tempting Packages with Equally Attractive Prices The Basic Overnight package, which is designed for ATV and short-term visitors, offers dinner, lodging and breakfast for as low as $115 per person per night. The dude ranch also offers exciting packages for vacationers, such as the Grand Canyon-Colorado River Rifting Trips package. Offered between May and September, this package allows you to explore the vistas and canyons of the Colorado River before touring Arizona’s geological marvel. However, if you don’t like any of the packages available, you can easily get Bar 10 to customize one according to your requirements.

The Bottom Line