RanchSeeker Blog

Located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Spotted Horse Ranch has an abundance of outdoor features to offer families, couples and solo travelers. Although relaxing is high on the list of ‘musts’, a stay a Spotted Horse Ranch is never boring!

Choose from fly-fishing, hunting, and a scenic float trip on the Snake River or white water rafting for the more adventurous traveler. For those guests who want to get a taste of the wilderness that surrounds the ranch there are overnight pack trips available. And of course, there are daily trail rides to choose from. Come experience thousands of acres of scenic forest lands. Don’t forget your camera as you will be treated to majestic mountain vistas and valleys of wildflowers all from atop one of Spotted Horse Ranch’s Appaloosa horses.

Two nights a week during the summer months the ranch hosts evening cookouts. Live entertainment provided by local talent and the smell of steaks grilling over an open-fire will take you back to a time gone-by. There is also volleyball, ping-pong, square dancing and horseshoes to try your hand at while taking a break from the more energetic activities. For the ultimate in rest and relaxation, guests are taken to the local hot springs for a dip in the natural “hot tub.” There are even great hikes close by, so you can warm up a bit before, well, warming up!

Guests stay in comfortable individual cabins made of log featuring modern conveniences from home have spacious rooms with private baths and all embody the true spirit of the West. In the main lodge you’ll find the dining room that overlooks the Hoback River as well as a living-room with a beautiful rock fireplace and lounge. Other main features include a sauna, whirlpool, video library, and laundry facility.

A vacation at Spotted Horse Ranch provides adventure as well as perfectly blended moments of relaxation. With a true sense of the ‘old west’ and the hospitality that makes each guest feel at home, this Wyoming guest ranch should be high on your list of “must-see” next year.

Happy Trails!

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

Coffee Creek Ranch, located in Northern California is 367 acres of pure, natural, pristine wilderness. Here you will find snow-capped mountain, cascading waterfalls, lush meadows, sparkling lakes and one of Northern California’s finest guest ranches. For fly fishing enthusiasts, this is a dream location. For horseback riding enthusiasts the ranch offers a variety of horseback riding activities from the twice a day 2 hour ride to Wilderness Pack Trips in the Trinity Alps Wilderness area. If overnight pack trips or shorter trail riding is more your style, the ranch will tailor your time in the saddle to suit your particular needs.  Everything about Coffee Creek Ranch, from their comfortable and cozy cabin accommodations, to their freshly prepared, delicious hearty meals is designed so that guests get the most out of their guest ranch experience.       

If you are looking for somewhere to bring the entire family that offers all-inclusive packages which are family, kid, pet and most importantly budget friendly then Coffee Creek is definitely a guest ranch that you should consider for your next vacation or short getaway. Kids from 3 to 17 years old are easily entertained by all of the activities that are available at the ranch since there are plenty to choose from. Little ones love the free pony rides, arts and crafts, gold panning, fishing, square dancing, story time, and scavenger hunts. Kids 6-12 can participate in horsemanship instruction, swimming, fishing as well as other fun pursuits. Teenagers 13-17 enjoy roping lessons, hiking, pool tournaments, trap shooting and more. There definitely isn’t a shortage of activities to keep kids of all ages busy and content at Coffee Creek Ranch and happy kids means happy parents.

Other activities include mountain hiking and biking, swimming in a heated pool, soaking in the outdoor Jacuzzi, badminton, volleyball, horseshoes, pedal boating, table tennis, gold panning and basketball. Guests can also test their skills at the rifle and archery range. For the fishermen/ fisherwomen in your group stream, pond, lake and wilderness fishing opportunities as well as private fly-fishing lessons are available .In the evenings Bingo, square & line dancing, Karaoke and a talent show round off the fun list of activities that guests can choose from while staying at the ranch.

At the end of a fun-filled, adventure packed day retire to one of Coffee Creek’s private, secluded themed cabins that feature rustic wood paneling decorated with charming country touches. All fifteen cabins have tall pines and ceiling fans to help keep them cool during the warmer summer months. The ranch also has one ranch house room and one cabin which is equipped for the handicapped. Most family cabins include wood-burning stoves which are ideal for creating cozy moments with loved ones.

 After taking part in so many energetic activities and breathing in all that fresh wilderness air you are bound to have worked up quite an appetite!  Feast upon garden fresh vegetables and tender Angus beef seasoned with aromatic herbs as well as traditional family recipes lovingly prepared by professional chefs. Then start your morning off right with a hearty “cowboy” breakfast accompanied by fluffy pancakes, thick maple syrup and a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For those guests who require special dietary considerations simply let the ranch know in advance.

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

Happy Trails!

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

White Stallion Ranch is a traditional dude ranch located in Tucson, Arizona that has been owned and operated by the True family for over fifty years. Nestled at the base of the beautiful Tucson Mountains on 3,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert you will be surrounded by rugged mountains, cactus and unspoiled desert. With several different rides to choose from first-time trailblazers to life-long riders will have ample time to enjoy the beauty of the desert from atop a horse. The True family has one of the largest privately owned herds in Arizona which means they have the right horse for every guest.

White Stallion Ranch offers activities for guests of all ages and interests aside from riding such as hiking or spending the day visiting local attractions like the Saguaro National Park, hot-air ballooning, or golfing. After dinner guests gather around a roaring bonfire under a star-studded sky while listening to the melodic strumming of a guitar complemented by cowboy songs. Large telescopes are available for those who would like to learn more about the sky above. There is also line dancing lessons, nature and animal programs, watercolor classes (with their resident artist Ute Vaughn) and Loop Rawlins’ Wild West Show of Trick Roping, Whip Cracking & Gun Spinning.

For guests who have always wanted to experience a real western rodeo every Wednesday (weather permitting) the ranch puts on an Exhibition Rodeo to entertain and educate visitors. The opening ceremony is a patriotic demonstration of the American flag set to music, followed by a presentation of flags that represent each guest's country. How cool is that?

The ranch’s wranglers, family and friends get together each week to compete in team roping, barrel racing, break-a-way roping and the occasional bull-dogging. While guests are seated comfortably in the bleachers, Russell True from atop a horse explains the skills required for each event, comparting the history and methods of scoring as well as plenty of colorful rodeo stories to entertain all who are present.

The True family has been “rodeoing” for almost 50 years now and it has become a family tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. You won’t find a better place to see and hear firsthand what it takes to ride in a rodeo while gaining a greater understanding of the cowboy way of life.

So if you have ever wanted to experience a real western rodeo as well as stay at a traditional dude ranch White Stallion Ranch is the vacation choice for you.

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation.

Are you looking for something that is incredibly fun and unique to do on your next weekend getaway? Or are you searching for a way to celebrate an upcoming special event in an unusual way? If so, Sundance Trail Guest Ranch’s Murder Mystery Weekends just might be the place for you.

Country Inn Murder Mystery weekends!

What do Pepi Roni (the pizza magnate), Judge Waylin Payne (of Roadkill, Colorado) and the science fiction author H. G. Wells have in common? Why, they’ve all been murdered right here at our Colorado bed and breakfast – dude ranch!

One of our favorite winter time activities at the ranch is Murder Mystery game weekends. Once a month or so, when we have 8 to 12 willing suspects, we find a poor murder victim sprawled out nearby – “deader than a doornail.” Murdered, and often with the first clue nearby.

Our guests then spend the weekend, between meals and horseback riding, untangling each other’s half-truths, evasions and high jinks. The games are designed for participants who are willing to take a whimsical view of blackmail, larceny, deceit, and murder.

Those of you who are offended by such high-jinks as shady dealings, sordid affairs, and deceptive conduct should not book reservations for these weekends! If you do book, plan on some laughter!

We love hosting these games. Imagine, people come to spend the week-end with us. They exercise our dude ranch horses, they make us laugh like crazy for the weekend, and then they pay us money! What a life!

We can also schedule a game for any time that you might have 8 – 12 people who want to spend the week-end together and play (before dude ranch season begins in mid-May) –perhaps a birthday party or maybe just get away with some friends!

Contact Sundance Trail Guest Ranch for more detail about the Bed and Breakfast Murder Mystery Package

All Country Inn Murder Mystery packages include lodging, meals, a murder to solve and daily horseback ride (weather permitting).

We are also planning a December 31st New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Party!

This will be an “all evening” affair – the game will start with appetizers and then supper and the case will be solved before midnight.

Also included:

Champagne Toast at midnight

Morning brunch

Morning or early afternoon horseback ride.

Do you have a group of friends that would enjoy a Country Inn Murder Mystery weekend together?

Do you have a birthday, anniversary, or other special event that you would like to celebrate with a unique twist?

We can schedule a Murder Mystery at any time that you would enjoy – just round up a group of friends (for a total of either six or eight players or more), book two nights together, and we will take care of the rest!

The games are designed to be played in 3 to 5 rounds of investigation, one round with each meal, starting with Friday supper.

Bookings are limited to the first eight players, and restricted to participants who are willing to take a whimsical view of blackmail, larceny, deceit, and murder.

Those of you who are offended by such high-jinks as shady dealings, sordid affairs, and deceptive conduct should not book reservations for these weekends!

And if you love horseback riding plan on riding our horses each morning after breakfast!

How much does it all cost?

Participating in a Murder Mystery requires a two night stay. We are only willing to stay up to midnight on New Year’s Eve!

Current Country Inn Rates: Consider two nights’ lodging, five meals, two horseback rides, the Murder Mystery event, and just enough free time to enjoy other activities or do nothing at all!

Gift Certificates for Country Inn, massage, and Dude Ranch Vacations are also available, and can be purchased by phone. Also, if you are looking for a unique venue to get married or elope to Sundance Trail Guest Ranch can help you with that too!

*View the original source for this offer here* 

If a Murder Mystery Weekend just isn’t your “thing” be sure to check out what else Sundance Trail Guest Ranch has to offer. Located in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, and open all year round this family operated guest ranch is ideal for your next family vacation and offers dude ranching at its best. For more information about the ranch itself check out our previous blogpost here 

Please don’t forget to mention that you heard about Sundance Trail Guest Ranch through RanchSeeker J

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation.

One wouldn’t normally think that a guest ranch vacation and attending the largest ballooning event on earth would have any common ground but in this case it does. Read on to see what Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch in New Mexico had to say in their recent blog post about this thrilling combined vacation opportunity.

It’s Time for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017!

Are you planning a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017 this October? If so, consider adding on a stay at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch! We are located approximately 4 hours south of Albuquerque and still have availability during Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017. The Fiesta runs from October 7-17, 2017.

For nine days in October, visitors from all over the globe will descend on Balloon Fiesta Park. The must see attraction is watching the New Mexico skies fill with hundreds of balloons

“The Largest Ballooning Event on Earth”

There is nothing quite like observing the daily Mass Ascension as the sun brightens the horizon on crisp October mornings. When hundreds of balloons rise to dot the clear desert skies over Albuquerque it is truly a sight to behold. Balloons of all shapes and sizes also add a unique spin on the spectacle.

Ask any New Mexican and they will tell you that autumn is one of the best times to visit New Mexico. The mornings are crisp and cool while the afternoons are warm with highs in the 60s and 70s with calm winds, perfect for ballooning!

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017

Had your fill of balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017? Head on down to Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch for a mountain escape. Autumn is when the New Mexico wildflowers are at their peak after receiving all the summer rains. It is also elk season and you can often hear elk bugling at dawn and dusk. Let our horses guide you into the beautiful Gila National Forest. Ride through deep canyons, across crystal clear streams and atop mountain overlooks where you can gaze upon the brilliant fall colors. As you are planning your trip to New Mexico, check out our Area Attractions page. It includes some other New Mexico attractions our guests have enjoyed.

Contact Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch today to book your Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017 adventure!

*Find the original blog post here.*

Happy Trails!

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

So you’ve booked your guest ranch vacation but never ridden a horse before now. Not to worry since most guest ranches offer lessons to 1st time riders before sending them out on a group ride. Horseback riding is a lot of fun but it is important to learn a few basics before saddling up for the first time

A Few Basic Horseback riding tips for Beginners:

1)      Before booking a guest ranch vacation find out whether the guest ranch that you want to go to offers lessons for first time riders. If it is your first time let them know in advance that you would like some lessons.

2)      Make sure to take sensible riding clothes with you and a cowboy boots if you have them. If you don’t have riding boots you don’t need to buy them unless you want to. Most guest ranches have boots on -hand that you can use in various sizes. Take a couple pairs of jeans with you as your legs can chafe against the saddle if you don’t wear long pants.

3)      If it is your first time riding a horse, wear a helmet when possible to protect your head in case you fall.

4)      Horses have blind spots so avoid approaching a horse from behind or from the front to avoid getting kicked from a startled horse. It is better to approach them from the side where they can see you.

5)      In the beginning use a mounting block to get onto your horse and always mount from the left-side.

                                                         Photo compliments of Echo Valley Ranch & Spa 

6)      When you are riding a horse on your guest ranch vacation try to remain calm and relaxed. Horses are very sensitive creatures and they can feel if you are uncomfortable and not in control. Be patient and take deep breaths until you feel at ease.

7)      When riding a horse keep your heels tilted down while in the stirrups as this will prevent you from flying over the horse’s head if your horse has to come to a sudden stop.

8)      When riding a horse, keep your head upright and sit firmly in your saddle and maintain a good posture. Don’t wave your arms around in the air.

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.

10)   Most importantly try to have fun and enjoy your surroundings and your horse.

These are just some of the basics that you will learn about horseback riding while at the guest ranch of your choice. Once you feel comfortable with the basics you will find that horseback riding is a fun way to spend time on vacation. There are many other activities at a guest ranch aside from riding but spending time with horses is definitely one of the most enjoyable.

Find your next guest ranch vacation today using our Dude Ranch Finder.

Super Natural British Columbia is home to many great guest ranches and Willow Ranch is one of them.  This newly built guest ranch features cozy cabins situated in the middle of the forest surrounded by views of the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains. Located only 5 minutes from Highway 5 the ranch is conveniently close to the town of Valemount making it the ideal vacation choice for a one night stay while travelling around Canada or perhaps even longer for those looking to kick off their boots and relax a spell.

Willow Ranch

There are 4 modern cabins to choose from: Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter all of which feature a kitchen, dishwasher and microwave for your convenience. A separate bedroom has a comfortable king-size bed and there is a pull-out couch in the living room for additional guests as well as a bathroom. Since they are located on McLennan Forrest Road ATV’s and snowmobiles can easily access them as well. There is also direct access to walking and horseback riding trails.

There are endless horseback riding opportunities available as the ranch is surrounded by crown land (forest and mountains) and there truly is no better way to experience the Canadian mountains than from atop a horse. Guests can choose from several types of rides that can be tailored to fit their specific needs and for those who have never ridden before there are classes available too!

Willow Ranch

Explorer Ride

1.5 hour ride which has everything that a good trail ride needs. It goes through forest, climbs up the mountainside with some great views over the valley. A very nice ride for any level rider, as the route can be adjusted to meet particular rider’s needs and abilities.

Viewpoint Ride

A half day ride through the mountains with amazing views.

Pony Trail

For smaller kids there is a pony ride, a fun loop which takes about 30 minutes. The horses are held by qualified staff members to keep it safe and fun even for the littlest kids.

Pony Experience

For 1st time riders there is the pony experience where qualified wranglers take their time to teach a little bit about horses, grooming and tack and afterwards guests can go on a shirt ride.

Be sure to ask about Willow Ranch’s fantastic combo deals like their “one night & ride” for travellers just passing through which combines their Explorer Ride with a night stay in one of their cabins. Of course the ranch can also help you complete your Canadian horse holiday dream by filling up your days with riding, horse whispering demonstrations and workshops. Whatever your needs the staff at Willow Ranch are happy to customize your stay to suit your specific vacation needs. For those traveling with their own horses and looking for somewhere to stop for a night or two Willow Ranch has pens with shelter ready that are big enough to keep two horses.

Cabin in the winter

Next time you are travelling through Canada be sure to consider a stop at Willow Ranch Valemount!

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation!

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

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.

Laramie River Dude Ranch

Crystal Waters Guest Ranch  

Located in Super Natural British Columbia’s Cariboo region this Canadian guest ranch specializes in horseback riding, ranching and fishing vacations but they also offer lots of other fun summer activities as well as winter packages. Home to caribou, black bears and countless species of birds means bringing a camera along is a must! Accommodations include western-style cabins situated on the shores of the pristine Crystal Water Lake which is surrounded by rolling meadows and deep forests.

Crystal Waters Guest Ranch

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.

Red Horse Mountain Ranch

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 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.

Geronimo Trails 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 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.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

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

The following article 1st  appeared in  Ranch & Reserve Magazine’s  8th issue.

There’s something about summer that brings out a sense of wanderlust in all of us. It makes you want to throw some clothes into a suitcase and leave everything behind in the hope of encountering new experiences that will lead to everlasting memories. With so many vacation options to choose from nowadays it can be difficult to pick the right destination for you, your family or group. Camping in the wilderness, relaxing at a beach-side resort or exploring a new city are always great options; however, choosing to spend your time at a guest ranch is a different, fun and adventurous way to spend a fantastic summer holiday.

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 is sure to fit the bill. Here are just 5 reasons why booking a guest ranch vacation this summer is the right one for you!

Great bang for your buck!

The majority of guest ranches utilize the “all-inclusive” vacation concept. This means that you pay upfront for your accommodations, meals and in many cases most of your activities are included too. There may be some additional costs but in general your vacation can be budgeted for in advance. You can also customize your vacation to suit your specific needs. An added benefit for solo travelers is that many guest ranches do not add an extra premium to the vacation price.

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 immensity of nature or be awed by the natural beauty that envelops you while staying at one of these amazing locations.

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 particular terrain or resident expert on hand that add to their guests’ enjoyment.

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

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.

A top 5 list of why you should book a guest ranch wouldn’t be complete without including 5 outstanding guest ranches to consider when booking your summer vacation this year:

Three Bars Guest & Cattle Ranch 

This Canadian guest ranch, located in Super Natural British Columbia, is known as the adventure ranch of the Canadian Rockies. Guests can choose from a wide range of exciting activities like horseback riding, hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, and fly-fishing. Breathtaking scenery and world class lodgings await guests where western culture and modern conveniences are combined to feature 21 log cabins and a main guest house situated on 35,000 acres.

Three Bars Guest Ranch

Vista Verde Ranch

Experience the majestic Rocky Mountains at this Colorado guest ranch where guests will find a list of diverse activities to pick from as well as amazing food. Immerse yourself in their strong horse program or choose from a myriad of activities that promise to keep everyone entertained. Select either a cozy cabin or lodge room situated in the mountains while still enjoying AAA Four Diamond amenities and 1st class hospitality.

Vista Verde Ranch

Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch 

Surrounded by acres upon acres of pristine wilderness this Montana guest ranch offers many memory-making activities all set in a wild and remote location. Float down the scenic Yellowstone River, try your hand at fly-fishing, hike unspoiled nature trails, sign up for an unforgettable jeep trip or explore the breathtaking scenery by horseback. At the end of the day settle into one of their comfortable cabins or lodge rooms for a relaxing night’s sleep.

Hawley Mountain Ranch

Spotted Horse Ranch 

Wyoming has always been a popular destination for people seeking an authentic guest ranch experience and the Spotted Horse Ranch definitely delivers. Whether you choose to relax by the Hoback River or partake in one of the many activities available like horseback riding in the valley, white water rafting on the Snake River, fly-fishing the local streams or scenic rafting, each day will provide a variety of things to do.  At night cozy cabins or spacious rooms embodied with the true spirit of the West will provide a relaxing atmosphere in which to lay your head and “perchance to dream” of more fun-filled days to come.

Spotted Horse Ranch

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch 

This rustic Idaho guest ranch promises stunning scenic mountain views and a once in a lifetime dude ranch experience. Kayak on Idaho’s largest lake, sign up for an exciting white water rafting adventure, indulge in a day at The Spa at Seasons in Sandpoint or saddle up for a ride that will take you along beautiful ridges and valleys rich in history and spell-binding scenery. Warm hospitality, gourmet country meals coupled with the awe-inspiring vistas and heart-stopping activities would fit anyone’s vacation to do list.

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

Just go for it this summer.  Dare to be different!  Choose a guest ranch for its unbeatable value, the chance to reconnect with nature and loved ones, an opportunity to learn new skills, take in unforgettable scenery from atop a horse, and marvel at an uncluttered night sky. A vacation at a guest ranch provides its guests with endless delights and fond memories long after your western experience has come to an end.

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

Happy Trails!

You don’t have to be a cowboy to love a dude ranch vacation. Here are 4 great reasons to book your next vacation at one of RanchSeeker’s guest ranches.

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 or even the desert on your next dude ranch vacation. 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.

Ranch Life

City hotels and beach resorts are usually quite anonymous.  You come, you stay and you leave, scarcely meeting a soul or getting to know a very different way of life.  At a guest ranch, there is an immediate sense of family with the owners, the ranch hands and fellow guests.  There is communal eating, shared activities during the day and get-together dining and entertainments at night.  People talk, exchange ideas and histories, as well as their varied experiences that day.  Many people form lasting friendships or acquaintances and some return regularly to renew and relive their fond memories of past vacations. It’s a unique personal feature and attraction of a ranch vacation.  It feeds into our psyche of wanting to feel at home, a sense of belonging, while enjoying the freedom of the great outdoors. It’s a way of getting back to the fundamentals, away from the distractions and duty of everyday life.

Spa Facilities

Lots of guest ranches now boast spa facilities…..from a full-on spa complex complete with qualified staff and health professionals to administer facials, body care and massages plus heated pools, mud baths and float therapy to a modest beauty salon providing more basic personal care. This is of benefit to guests wanting to invigorate and rejuvenate during their vacation and an ideal way to indulge the senses and be pampered after participating in an all-day exciting outdoor excursion.  In addition, many ranches offer yoga and Pilate classes to kick off the day. Some ranches have a complete program by fully trained personnel devoted to health care management and an exercise and diet regime, especially tailored to seniors and those in need of life-improvement treatments conducted in a peaceful environment.

Ranch Lodges & Accommodations

When most people think of a ranch, the image that frequently springs to mind is bunk beds and baked beans…….maybe, once upon a time, but not in this day and age. Guest ranches have come a long way from those days and now compete superbly with stylish hotels and resorts.  It all depends on what you want and expect from a guest ranch vacation.  Some ranches offer a more intimate approach, with family-style cabins equipped with kitchenettes, able to sleep a family or group and a patio for casual BBQ meals.

Photo courtesy of Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

Other more upscale ranch resorts have private, spacious suites, fine dining and select wines, swimming pools, tennis courts and in-house spas.  In between is a wide variety of guest ranch accommodations and amenities that is designed to ensure the comfort and well-being of every type of guest and their expectations.  The great news about ranches is their versatility and adaptability to all different kinds of guests flocking to their homesteads and their ability to accommodate all types and all budgets.

Guest ranches usually have a comfortable lodge where guests mix and mingle, eat, dine and socialize every night.  Most guest ranches provide some form of nightly entertainment or special event depending on their locale, their staff and their size.  Each guest ranch is unique and has its own special attractions.  And yes…the food ranges from down home, plentiful wholesome fare to haute cuisine prepared by trained chefs designed to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

So…. just go for it and embark on a different kind of adventure , the sort of vacation that will bring endless delights and fond memories long after your trip is over.

Happy Trails!