RanchSeeker Blog

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 have the 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.

3 Tips for the Best New Mexico Horseback Riding Adventure

For the original blog post click HERE 

There’s no denying that horses played a powerful role in shaping American history. To this day, these mighty, compassionate animals hold a special place in the heart of New Mexico. We welcome all riders to experience one of the last strongholds in the American West on the New Mexico horseback riding adventure of a lifetime! Read on for three essential tips that will prepare you for your journey. For an even more personalized vacation, our ranch owner, Meris, will send you a free guest ranch itinerary. Submit your preferred travel dates and how much you’d like to ride, and we’ll create a customized trip for you within the next 24 to 72 hours!

3 Tips for Your New Mexico Horseback Riding Adventure

1. Get to Know Your Horse

Horses aren’t just a part of history. They are an important part of life to this day on many ranches like Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch! By taking the time to get to know your horse, you will gain a new respect for your equine partner as they carry you on their back through the rugged terrain of the Gila National Forest. Unlike many dude ranches, we get to know our guests on a personal level so that we can match everyone with their ideal horse. Your hosts and wranglers, Meris and Seth will be happy to give you pointers along the way to improve your riding and your relationship with your horse. You’ll also have plenty of one-on-one time with your horse, so you can brush and feed them if you’d like!

2. Ride in Comfort

Before you ride, come prepared with the proper clothing and gear. The last thing that you want is to get too hot, cold or uncomfortable during the middle of your ride. Because of varying elevation and daily temperature swings in the mountains of the Gila National Forest, we recommend wearing light layers. Long sleeves are good protection from the strong sun. You’ll want to wear comfortable jeans and riding or cowboy boots with a heel and a smooth sole. We also recommend pantyhose or padded bike shorts to help prevent chafing. The proper clothing always makes for a much more enjoyable ride.

3. Choose Your Ranch Wisely

When it comes to planning your guest ranch vacation, remember that not all ranches offer the same level of western hospitality and personalization. Always verify that the ranch is a member of the Dude Ranchers’ Association , like Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch. Membership in this association means that a ranch meets the highest standards of excellence in the dude ranch vacation industry. See what some of our guests have said about their experience on Trip Advisor.

Enjoy Unlimited Riding at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch

After a day exploring the region’s history and culture by horseback, extend your cowboy adventure into the night. Join us for an authentic Western meal and a campfire beneath the stars. With the beautiful surroundings of the Gila National Forest, you’ll never experience anything more dazzling than how brightly the stars shine at our ranch. Unlimited horseback riding in the 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest, three home-style meals a day, and comforting amenities are always included with your stay.

Learn more about Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch 

Happy Trails!

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

Guest ranches in New Mexico take advantage of over 500,000 acres of national forests and rich history to attract visitors. With four centuries of Native American, Spanish and South-western cultures New Mexico is a melting pot of culture. Typically, one thinks of New Mexico as an arid state; however, heavily forested mountain wildernesses cover a substantial area. Aside from horseback riding you can choose from endless recreational activities and enjoy New Mexico’s colourful history, art and flavourful cuisine. On your next guest ranch vacation why not consider visiting Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch?

Now is the time to book your stay to save! Geronimo Trail is offering some great Spring Discounts  

 Book Now and Save up to 25% on select weeks in March and April! 

Join Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch for the western vacation of a lifetime and enjoy:

• Warm sunny weather - 280+ days of sunshine per year and turquoise blue skies allowing you to get out of the cold and dreary and back to your happy self again.

• 3 delicious home cooked meals a day prepared for you.

• Private, beautifully decorated accommodations and comfortable beds so you can unwind and catch up on much needed sleep.

• Well-trained, responsive, well cared for horses and quality saddles so you can enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the world.

• Take a step back in time and learn about the history of the area: Explore 1,000-year-old cliff dwellings, view pictographs and find pottery shards and other artifacts.

Don’t miss out on the few available weeks left in March and April with this great discount!

*Must book by February 28th.

*For new 2019 reservations only.

Contact the RANCH via RanchSeeker for specific details.

Horseback ride through awe inspiring deep canyons that will not only take you across crystal clear streams but also lead you to fascinating archaeological sites just full of interesting historical anecdotes.  

View pit houses, cliff dwellings, pictographs, pottery shards, and other artifacts from the Mimbres people, who once populated this land from 200-1150 AD. This area is also the birthplace of Geronimo and the Chiricahua Apaches’ homeland. During your visit your Informed guides will tell you all about Basque Sheepherders coming through the area, Cowboys, Outlaws and even Tin Mining as well. 

With an emphasis on horseback riding this small family owned guest ranch promises some of the most breathtaking scenery of untouched land in America that you will ever see. Here, you will also find abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, great food and a pleasant climate. When the sun sets guests are treated to a clear starlit studded sky free of any light pollution which means that the Milky Way as well as some planets can often be viewed as well.

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch, open March through mid-November, is a real western adventure! Take advantage of their spring discount and book your last-minute getaway now!

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

Happy Trails!

Soon we will be bidding farewell to 2018 and ringing in the New Year. For many, it is all about making resolutions which often include: go to the gym, lose weight, eat healthier food, try something new or tick off items from your bucket list.

If life as a cowboy/cowgirl and reconnecting with nature has always been something you’ve dreamed of, then the following article which first appeared in Ranch & Reserve Magazine’s 9th issue will be of interest: 

“If a Guest Ranch Vacation Isn’t on Your Bucket List It Should Be” 

In the spirit of the New Year upon us, I have decided to repost with applicable updates:

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 theaters 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.

Geronimo Trail 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 have the opportunity to learn about the rich history associated with the region. Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is a small ranch (only 4 cabins) so guests are guaranteed a truly personal atmosphere.

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch

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 adventurous. 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.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

Southern Cross Guest Ranch

Considered “One of America’s Best Dude Ranches" by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Southern Cross Guest Ranch, is a wonderful All-Inclusive vacation in a horse lover's paradise. It is conveniently located in Central Georgia’s Historic Heartland and is within an hour’s drive from Atlanta. The ranch is best known for its exceptional hands-on horseback riding program, unguided riding opportunities, and peaceful, comfortable setting and is also home to well over 150 quality Paint and Quarter horses. There are various activities to choose from while staying at Southern Cross Guest Ranch where horseback riding is the featured activity.

Southern Cross Guest Ranch

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

Even if you have never ridden a horse before you can still book that dream guest ranch vacation. Most guest ranches offer horseback riding lessons so that 1st timers can feel confident saddling up before joining more experienced riders out on the trails. Horseback riding is a thrilling activity, but it is important to learn a few of the basics before setting off on your ranch adventure.

Horseback Riding tips for Beginners:

1)      Before booking your guest ranch vacation find out whether the ranch that you want to go to offers lessons for first time riders. Let them know in advance that you would like to book some lessons with their experienced wranglers.

2)      Be sure to pack sensible riding attire.  If you don’t own any riding boots it isn’t necessary to buy them unless of course you want to. Most guest ranches supply cowboy boots in various sizes that you can use while staying there. Also, make sure that you take a couple pairs of jeans with you since your legs need to be covered to prevent chafing while in the saddle. 

3)      Request the use of a helmet whenever possible to protect your head in case you fall. And should you fall off try to get right back into the saddle to rebuild your confidence; however, if you really feel like you can’t then it’s best not to force yourself. You can always take a few more lessons and try again. But the key is to try again.

4)      Approach a horse diagonally from the front whenever possible to avoid their blind spot. Also use your voice to let your horse know that you're approaching them. Make sure you don’t make any sudden movements and use a gentle walking pace. You don’t want to creep up on them as horses are easily startled.

5)      For first time riders it is a good idea to use a mounting block. Position your horse in an open area then place the mounting block just under the stirrup on the left-side. Then make sure that your horse is paying attention and standing still as you don’t want him/her to walk off while you are trying to get on. Have someone hold the reins for you if you don’t feel comfortable yet doing that yourself. Finally put your left foot into the stirrup and pull your body up and over into the saddle.

6)      While riding your horse try to remain calm and relaxed. Horses can sense when you’re scared, nervous or relaxed and happy. If you give off a nervous vibe your horse may become jumpy, flighty and generally less compliant. Horses are predominately “flight” animals and your nervousness may be interpreted as a perceived threat nearby. Take a deep breath or chat with the other riders out on the trail to calm yourself and remember that horseback riding is fun!

7)      Keep your heels pointing slightly down to prevent your foot from sliding down in the opposite direction and getting caught up in the stirrup. This is important because if you do fall off you don’t want to be dragged by your horse. Also make sure your behind is firmly seated in your saddle to ensure a better riding position.

8)     Make sure you that keep your head up and look in the direction that you want your horse to go otherwise you will be sending a mixed message. Maintain a good posture and avoid waving your arms in the air since horses can be easily spooked. 

9)      To stop, pull your reins back and sit deep in your saddle. Don’t pull too hard as a horse’s mouth is very soft and sensitive. You can also accompany this action with a ''whoa.”'  Keep in mind if you pull back for too long you will be signalling to your horse that you want to back up. 

10)   Don’t forget to engage with your horse. Be affectionate with them. Before setting out make sure that you learn your horse’s name. Tell your horse what a good girl or boy they are and stroke them. Just like you talk with your dog or cat do the same with your horse. Give them treats like apples, sugar cubes or carrots if the wranglers give you the okay.

These are just a few of the skills and tips that you will learn about horseback riding if you are new to the sport. Once you have mastered the basics you will find that riding is a wonderful way to spend your time while on vacation. Although there are many fun activities to do at a guest ranch time in the saddle is by far one of the most enjoyable. Sit back, relax, take in the spectacular scenery and make a new friend.

Remember every rider was once a beginner!

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation.

This week’s blog post is courtesy of Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch.  You can see the original post here. 

Looking to beat the heat? Then come out to Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch  for a Gila National Forest summer vacation. The common perception of New Mexico in the summer is that it is a hot desert. However, Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is located beneath the tall Ponderosa pines in the cool higher elevations of the Black Range Mountains of southwest New Mexico. Not only are we in the forest and mountains, but warm spring waters flow through canyons we ride through. We make sure that every picnic ride we go on takes you to a place where you can take a dip and cool off. And with very low humidity, daytime high temperatures remain comfortable. So what else can you expect during your Gila National Forest summer?

Gila National Forest Summer

No crowds! Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch still has availability for mid-June through mid-July. We are a small, family run guest ranch.  There are only 4 cabins and maximum capacity of 16. If you are looking for an escape from it all, this is the dude ranch for you!

Wildflowers! One of our guests favorites is the prickly poppy. Fields of these beautiful white flowers are blooming in full force in June and July. They make for a picture perfect photo opportunity. Wildflowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors flourish during a Gila National Forest summer.

Riding through incredible canyons! Taylor Creek and Beaver Creek meet to join the East Fork of the Gila River and all three waterways twist and wind their way through canyons. A must see spot for all our guests is what we call The Narrows. It is a narrow canyon where our horses can splash through and cool down while you gaze at the rock walls around you.

No Gila National Forest summer would be complete without swimming in warm spring fed creeks. Every picnic ride we take you on includes a stop by a creek or river. Because warm springs feed our area, the water is always a constant temperature (around 72 degrees). Perfect for cooling down! Whether you want to dip your toes or immerse yourself, the crystal clear warm spring waters of the Gila National Forest welcome you.

Cool mountain breezes and low humidity! No need for air conditioning here. Even if the temperature climbs into the 80’s and 90’s during the day we get a big temperature swing and it cools off at night. Nighttime temperatures are typically 50-60 degrees. Sleep with your window cracked open while the sounds of the Gila National Forest summer night relax you to sleep.

Clear starlit nights! The Gila National Forest is over 3 MILLION acres. Wilderness surrounds you and the night skies are truly a sight to behold. The complete lack of light pollution as well as very low humidity allows you to glimpse billions of stars. Not only that, you can also often spot the Milky Way and planets as well. Full moon nights are gorgeous as well, with nothing but the bright white moon as your flashlight.

Ready to plan your Gila National Forest summer vacation? Contact us today and beat the heat in the Gila this summer!  And be sure to mention that you heard about Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch first through RanchSeeker.

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch: Open March through mid-November. Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is a real western adventure! Horseback or hiking takes guests through beautiful forests of tall Ponderosa pine, through astounding deep canyons with sheer towering walls and crystal-clear streams. From the "Top of the World" guests view more than 3 million acres, 1000 square miles of the Gila National Forest, the Aldo Leopold and Gila Wildernesses. Elk, mule deer, wild turkey and other wildlife abound. Pithouses, cliff dwellings, and rock art of the earliest inhabitants, the Mimbres (750 - 1150 AD) to explore in the immediate vicinity. The land Geronimo and the Apaches roamed. Well-trained, responsive horses for every ability. Our main focus is on trail riding: seeing the beautiful scenery from horseback and making this a special vacation for you. Comfortable, attractive accommodations, warm hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, great food, serenity.

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.

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!

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!