RanchSeeker Blog

Are you looking for adventure on your next vacation? Why not consider Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch, a genuine Mexican cattle ranch and wilderness preserve located a mere 55 miles south from the southeast Arizona town of Douglas. With over 30, 000 acres, exotic scenery and otherworldly landscapes you will be reminded of a National Park.

Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch

Adventurous activities are abundant at this guest ranch. Enjoy stunning landscapes, scenery and wilderness while horseback riding through unspoiled lands or spend the day hiking through box canyons in the Canyonlands. There are also wonderful opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife viewing. Kayaking, mountain biking, 4X4 jeep excursions and stargazing are just some of the many activities to choose from or just kick back, relax and enjoy the complete peace, serenity and tranquility at the ranch. Connected to the natural world instead of the wired world this ranch is a great way to disconnect and re-connect with loved ones. Accommodations have been built and designed for sleeping comfortably, with each room, cabin and tent offering privacy, space and tranquility. Your days will be spent mostly outdoors making new friends and new memories and admiring a spectacular star-filled night sky that you never get to experience in the city. Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch is the ideal place for avid nature lovers because of its varied and diverse habitats that include lake, river, mountain, high desert, box canyon and riparian ecosystems. With its close proximity to the United States, getting to the ranch is as simple as 123.So book your next guest ranch vacation here and experience an exciting, fun-filled, relaxing, memorable time. And last but not least enjoy Mexican hospitality and food that is second to none! Happy Trails!

Have you ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon but hate the idea that there will be tons of people there too? Here’s your chance to experience the canyon without the crowds by visiting the Bar 10 Ranch located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Heaton family has been hosting guests at their guest ranch for decades providing overnight stays and numerous ranch activities.

At the Bar 10 Ranch there are lots of fun activities for everyone in your group. You can sign-up for a thrilling white-water adventure, rafting trip or take a one-of-a-kind helicopter tour and take in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. If you feel like simply relaxing you can enjoy the “Grand” views from a secluded area while appreciating the country atmosphere and western hospitality of your hosts. If you are up for more adventure then climb onto an ATV which lets you explore the rugged beauty of America's preeminent gorge or you can take in the scenery atop a horse and experience the true Old West by horseback riding through miles of scenic vistas. There’s also skeet shooting, hiking and evening entertainment to keep your days as active as you want them to be while on your guest ranch vacation. So what are you waiting for? Book your guest ranch vacation at the  Bar 10 Ranch and enjoy the grandeur, the mystery, and the Old West flavor of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River on the fabled Arizona Strip. Happy Trails!

Bar W Guest Ranch – A Western Vacation for the Whole Family

A Look at the Past of Bar W Guest Ranch

Why It’s Time that You Drop By Bar W

Dogs Welcomed – Bar W Guest Ranch truly is for the whole family, including members on all four feet. While you can’t keep them inside the lodge or cabin, they’ll be comfortably placed in stalls in the barn and provided with relaxing beds, shavings and water. Just remember to have your pet on a leash while roaming the ranch.

Best Horse Riding Experience in Montana – Dave and his girls hardly knew how to ride when they visited their first dude ranch. However, they’ve come a long way and use their experience to help their guests. As a horse-oriented ranch, Bar W offers an advanced and diversified equestrian program and boasts the best trainers in the area. You can explore the mountainous beauty of Montana, especially the peaks of the Stryker Range, meadows of Swisher Lake, and open prairie of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Three Types of Lodging – Bar W offers three accommodation options to suit different needs: traditional western lodge, rustic cabin suites, and unique Glamping tents. The main lodge features six rooms, three common spaces, and a game parlor. In addition to promising comfort, the lodge overlooks the horse pasture and allows you to enjoy the wildlife making its way through the wetlands around Spencer Lake. As for the cabin, it was designed by Montana’s skilled Amish to overlook the pasture and surrounding forest. There are two suites you can choose from, both of which boast hand-crafted log furniture and a rustic design. Finally, the Glamping (GLAMorous camPING) tents allow you to enjoy an informal western feel without compromising on luxury. With each tent, you get a queen size bed, futon, kitchenette and private porch. However, the tents are only available between May 1^st and October 31^st.

Indoor Evening Entertainment – The 60x100 indoor arena is used to improve riders’ skills or train the horses. However, it’s also where you can get together with everyone to enjoy live band music, dancing and an ol’ fashioned hoe-down. You can even book the arena for a wedding, company party or reunion during your vacation.

All Year Round Activities – Unlike most dude ranches, this Montana gem is open all year-round. So even if you can’t make it in summer, you’re welcome to enjoy the different activities offered in winter, including snowshoeing or hiking the ridge near Spencer Lake, dog sledding, ice fishing, pigeon shooting, and sleigh ride dinners. You can also relax in the peaceful surrounding in a nice hot tub on the ranch or at one of the nearby day spas.

Numerous Events Around the Area – Whitefish offers its visitors a wide range of events, including the Winter Stroll along Main Street and the Winter Carnival to crown the Royalty. To ensure that you don’t miss out on these, the ranch’s website details monthly Whitefish events.

Different Package for Different People – Bar W offers a variety of packages, including CowGirl-Up, Western Cattle Drives, Adults Only Week, and Photography Week. During off-peak months, the least you can expect to pay is $75 + tax per night for only your room. However, rest assured that you get more than your money’s worth at the ranch by going for a more comprehensive package.

The Bottom Line

Mexico’s Unique Adventure Guest Ranch

La Historia de Rancho Los Baños

What to Expect at the Adventure Guest Ranch

Range of Adventures – If you want your vacation to be more than an opportunity to relax, you can take your pick from a range of activities on and around the ranch. For instance, you can hike through El Cajon to enjoy a mental, physical and spiritual exercise, especially while exploring the 2,000 year-old pictographs and dwellings of the ancient Native Americans previously residing in the area. You can also stop by the Hanging Gardens to visit the whirlpools, waterfalls and rock slides that give the ranch its name. Other adrenaline-pumping activities you can opt for are horseback riding, jeep tours, mountain biking, stargazing, kayaking, and nighttime wildlife safaris.

Multiple Relaxation Opportunities – One of the top ranches in the world, Rancho Los Baños offers guests multiple opportunities to relax and beat stress. One of the popular relaxation methods is porching, which is enjoying the view from El Cumaral Lodge’s wrap-around porch. You can play games, read, chat or simply watch the sun rise or disappear from the porch.

Numerous Accommodation Options with Modern Amenities – The dude ranch offers three types of accommodation through El Cumaral Lodge, the refurbished Cabana de los Vaqueros, and the new Sunrise Room. The lodge has three B&B style rooms, a shared living room and kitchen, a roofed porch, and all the electrical appliances you’ll need. As for the cabin, it includes two rooms and a private bathroom. A more intimate accommodation, it boasts a front porch, western decorations, and easy access to the El Cumaral’s wrap-around porch. Finally, the Sunrise Room ensures privacy to its 2-4 guests while providing a view of the scenic surroundings.

Tempting Specials – For the 2015-2016 season, the ranch offers different packages which you may enjoy. Between October and November, you can stay at the ranch for $1,075 per guest ($975 per guest for double occupancy) for five nights and six days. There’s also a Ladies Special with two or more ladies at $195 per guest per night between October and November. All packages offer value for money through three meals, guided hiking trips, tours, wildlife spotting, lassoing lessons, and much more.

Great, Fun-Filled Events – Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch offers numerous special events, such as the Sea to Sierra Adventure, which is set to be between Feb and May then August and November. The event is $2,500 per guest for nine nights and ten days. Other events you may want to attend are the Green Summer at the Rancho, Cowgirls Week, and Mexican Roundup (Corrida).

The Bottom Line

Get Over the Winter Blahs at Lone Mountain Ranch

Lone Mountain Ranch

How to Celebrate Winter at Lone Mountain Ranch

Lone Mountain Ranch never unwinds, especially during the winter season between November 27 and April 19, 2015. This is why you can enjoy a wide range of activities such as:

Ski Big Sky – Big Sky is renowned for providing skiers and snowboarders alike with a unique skiing experience. Boasting over 5,800 acres covered with snow, it’s considered the most skiable terrain in the U.S. If you’re residing at the ranch during winter, you can head there on one of its private ski shuttles.

Yellowstone Tours – Yellowstone Park is the nation’s first national park and a wonderful place to watch bison herds wading through the snow. You can also explore the area by skiing, snowshoeing, or riding heated snow coaches. If you want, the ranch can also arrange for snowmobile rentals for a unique guided tour.

Nordic Skiing – One of the oldest winter activities at Lone Mountain Ranch, Nordic skiing will definitely take your breath away. The ranch has already been voted No. 1 by Cross Country Skier magazine, so don’t miss out on the chance to swish around the Big Sky Ski Resort and Moonlight Basin Ski Resort.

Backcountry Skiing – You don’t have to go for to enjoy the adrenaline rush of backcountry skiing. Thanks to the ranch’s location, you can explore the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem on two skis. Just make sure to book one of the numerous backcountry skiing tours, which include Fir Ridge, Specimen Creek, and Bighorn Trail.

Snowshoeing – Once at the ranch, the 30km of trails you see are going to tempt you to strap on a snowshoe and explore the area. If you want something more romantic, you can book a full moon snowshoe tour, which is a favorite of both locals and our guests.

Fly Fishing – You can enjoy fishing all year round at this dude ranch. Whether you choose to head to The Gallatin or Madison River, get ready to catch something tasty or simply take a picture with one of the rare species in the area. You can also combine snowshoe and fishing or book an ice fishing trip on Hebgen Lake.

Dog Sledding – Lone Mountain Ranch can arrange for its guests to experience other services offered at the Big Sky area. If you want a dogsled adventure, the ranch will book one with Spirit of the North at Moonlight Basin. In addition to snuggling while a herd of trained dogs pulls you effortlessly through the surrounding winter wonderland, you can learn how to handle the enthusiastic canine cavalry in the lead.

Massage and Yoga – If you want to stay warm and toasty indoors, why not indulge in a full body massage? Guests can indulge in the massage and yoga therapy sessions offered at the ranch. Even if you want to venture outside, you can always come back to unwind while experienced therapists revive both your body and soul. To complement this long list of activities, Lone Mountain Ranch offers a number of comfortable accommodation options where you can relax after a long day and warm your limbs in front of a fireplace or wood burning stove. And if that still isn’t enough, wait until you taste the offerings of the Mountain Bistro Dining. Not only are they prepared with organic ingredients, every morsel is so exquisite that you’d want to return to the ranch every year.

Winter 2015 Deals at Lone Mountain Ranch

Sleigh and Stay Package – Promising an unforgettable retreat, this package includes a sleigh ride dinner, live entertainment, one night at the ranch’s cabins, a delicious breakfast at the dining lodge, and one day access to the nearby trails. Rates start at $399 per couple.

Ski and Stay Package – By opting for this package, you can enjoy skiing downhill at Big Sky Resort. Your room will be at the Ridgetop Lodge, but you can always opt for a cabin. Rates start at $399 per couple per night and include a one day pass to the resort as well as breakfast.

Romance Package – For couples who seek solitude and relaxation, this package is perfect. It includes accommodation, meals, 2 one-hour full body massages, and numerous treats once you arrive. The package’s rates start at $895 per couple per night.

B&B Package – If you simply want to stay at the ranch and develop your own itinerary, you can enjoy a cozy night followed by a hearty breakfast for $275 and up per night.

To book any of these packages, visit http://www.lonemountainranch.com/ or call 800-514-4644. Don’t let winter get you down and giddy up to Lone Mountain Ranch for a unique holiday.

A Unique Trail Riding Ranch in the Rocky Mountains

What Makes the Ranch at Laughing Water Special

Variety of Accommodation Options – There are three accommodation choices for you to pick from: Large Family Cabin, Duplex Cabins and Main Lodge Rooms. The first option comes with two bedrooms and an open loft. Large enough to accommodate 12 individuals, the cabin features a western theme and is surrounded by Montana’s unique beauty. The duplex cabins provide guests with their own private bath and covered porch. As for the lodge’s 4 two-room suites, these allow visitors full access to the dining and game rooms in the building. You can also snuggle up in front of the fire at the center of the family room, dining room, and adult lounge.

Numerous Fun Activities that Match the Season – Open during both summer and winter, the ranch offers a variety of activities for both seasons. During summer, you can enjoy horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and hiking. You also get a day at Glacier Park where you enjoy horseback rides by day, white water raft trips in the afternoon, and a rodeo show in the evening. Meanwhile, in winter, you can ride in the snow and enjoy activities such as snow shoeing and cross country skiing. In addition, you get a day out to enjoy dog sledding.

A Unique Montana Adventure Package – If you want something more special, you can go for the summer or winter Montana adventure package at the ranch. During summer, the package entails a stay at Whitefish Mountain resort and access to the alpine slide, zip line, golf course and aerial adventure park. On the other hand, the winter package entails snowmobiling, downhill skiing from Whitefish Mountain, and powder skiing.

Special Weeks to Entertain Guests – The Ranch at Laughing Water hosts a number of specialty weeks to truly give you a western dude ranch experience. For instance, you can be part of the Cattle Drive, which is when cows are brought in from the hills for veterinary checkups and branding. If you take part of this event, you can stay three days and two nights on the range in cozy cabin tents and enjoy campfire cooking and storytelling once your work is done.

Upcoming Kids Program – The dude ranch has jumped on the kids program bandwagon, offering to entertain the little ones through age-appropriate activities. At the time of this review, the program is still underway. However, your hosts are ready to customize a special week for you children according to their age, horse skill level and interests.

Plenty of Local Attractions – If you want a little more than what the ranch currently offers, you’re in luck. The Ranch at Laughing Water is close to numerous local attractions such as the crown of the continent Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain ski resort, and Jerry’s watering hole.

Specials for Recurring Visitors

A Western Vacation for the Whole Family

A Look at the Past of Bar W Guest Ranch

Why It’s Time that You Drop By Bar W

A Wide Variety of Activities – If your idea of a vacation entails a lot of action, this is where you should be. The ranch provides a range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, skeet shooting, fishing at Spencer Lake or Trout Pond, archery, wagon rides, and steer wrestling. Guests can also take part in the rodeo, which features barrel racing and pole bending along with other activities.

Three Types of Lodging – Bar W offers three accommodation options to suit different needs: traditional western lodge, rustic cabin suites, and unique Glamping tents. The main lodge features six rooms, three common spaces, and a game parlor. In addition to promising comfort, the lodge overlooks the horse pasture and allows you to enjoy the wildlife making its way through the wetlands around Spencer Lake. As for the cabin, it was designed by Montana’s skilled Amish to overlook the pasture and surrounding forest. There are two suites you can choose from, both of which boast hand-crafted log furniture and a rustic design. Finally, the Glamping (GLAMorous camPING) tents allow you to enjoy an informal western feel without compromising on luxury. With each tent, you get a queen size bed, futon, kitchenette and private porch. However, the tents are only available between May 1st and October 31st.

Indoor Evening Entertainment – The 60x100 indoor arena is used to improve riders’ skills or train the horses. However, it’s also where you can get together with everyone to enjoy live band music, dancing and an ol’ fashioned hoe-down. You can even book the arena for a wedding, company party or reunion during your vacation. All Year Round Activities – Unlike most dude ranches, this Montana gem is open all year-round. So even if you can’t make it in summer, you’re welcome to enjoy the different activities offered in winter, including snowshoeing or hiking the ridge near Spencer Lake, dog sledding, ice fishing, pigeon shooting, and sleigh ride dinners. You can also relax in the peaceful surrounding in a nice hot tub on the ranch or at one of the nearby day spas.

Numerous Events Around the Area – Whitefish offers its visitors a wide range of events, including the Winter Stroll along Main Street and the Winter Carnival to crown the Royalty. To ensure that you don’t miss out on these, the ranch’s website details monthly Whitefish events.

Different Package for Different People – Bar W offers a variety of packages, including CowGirl-Up, Western Cattle Drives, Adults Only Week, and Photography Week. During off-peak months, the least you can expect to pay is $75 + tax per night for only your room. However, rest assured that you get more than your money’s worth at the ranch by going for a more comprehensive package.

The Bottom Line

Rediscover the Wild West Experience at Colorado’s Oldest Dude Ranch

Bar Lazy J’s Origins

Reasons to Drop by Bar Lazy J

A Range of Activities for All Tastes – As part of your vacation, the ranch offers numerous activities all weeklong. First off is horseback riding; you can take your pick from the ranch’s 100 horses, all of which are well-trained to accommodate all levels of riding abilities. You can also choose from special rides, such as high country rides and a Spa Ride. If you’d rather go fishing, catch and release more like it, don’t hesitate to discover why Bar Lazy J has been voted by Signature Ranch Awards as the #1 fly fishing ranch. With the Colorado River at the back, get ready to click photos with some of the biggest fish in your life. However, if you want to catch something you can take home, the ranch’s own stocked trout pond will be a better choice. Finally, you’re welcome to enjoy the latest addition to the ranch, the Colorado River Zip Line, which allows you to deeply breathe mountain air while crossing the river.

Special Programs for Children –You won’t have to worry about your kids feeling left out while you live your cowboy dream. Bar Lazy J provides a Fun Kid’s Program to keep children excited throughout. Offered between 9am – 12pm and 1:30 pm – 5pm, the program includes horseback riding, treasure hunts, fishing, archery, and educational nature walks. • Different Accommodation Options – If you want to come back to a luxurious room, you can book one at the original log Ranch House and enjoy a list of amenities such as a hot tub, swimming pool, petting corral, and massage room. However, if you want to rough it up all the way, you’re welcome at any of the 12 modernized cabins, which come with basic essentials like refrigerators, coffee makers, and soft linen.

Fresh Delicacies Three Times a Day – Chef Eddie Allen is famous for creating meals showcasing the western flavor. Enjoy hearty breakfasts of pancakes, eggs and sausage and expect a surprise for lunch and dinner. Maybe you’ll be treated to grilled salmon or prime rib. Who knows what Chef Eddie has on mind?

All-Inclusive Packages – For its season, which is between May and September, the dude ranch offers an all-inclusive package at $1,995 for adults, $1,495 for children between 7 and 12, and $1,195 for those between 3 and 6. If you’d rather come on your own or with your significant other, you need to book during the ‘Adults Only Dude Ranch Vacation Time’, which would cost $265 per day.

The Bottom Line

Lamb is probably one of the  favorite game meats. It’s lean, rich, and if cooked right, packed with so much earthy flavor. This braised lamb recipe from Lone Mountain Ranch showcases some one of  the favorite ways to bring a bit of elegance to a very rustic style of cooking. Dutch oven cooking is a good old fashioned cowboy style, and this recipe highlights that style. Try this braised lamb shank recipe with some oven roasted vegetables and mash to accompany. Lone Mountain Ranch is a historic summer and winter guest ranch in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem of Southwest Montana, we offer 4 to 7-night all inclusive luxury Dude Ranch vacations with a plethora of activities, cozy cabins, stunning scenery and incredible cuisine.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup of flour
2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp pepper
4 lamb shanks
½ pound pearl onions
1 large carrot half mooned
4 sprigs of rosemary
8 cups beef stock
4 cloves of garlic
2 cups red wine (cabernet preferred)
1 Dutch oven

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine salt, pepper, and flour. Dredge lamb shanks in flour and sear in a smoking hot Dutch oven with vegetables and oil.
2. Once they have browned remove them from the pan and add chopped vegetables to the pan. Sauté them till lightly colored.
3. Deglaze with red wine, place shanks back in the Dutch oven, cover with beef stock and keep at a slow simmer for 2 hours. Check every 30 minutes and add stock when necessary. The shanks are finished when the meat pulls apart with a fork.
4. Serve with your favorite mashed potatoes and big glass of red wine.

We are so happy the folks over at Free Rein Ranch shared their famous sticky ribs recipe with us. It's a favorite with the guests at the ranch and is frequently requested. These are classic get your fingers sticky and lick'em clean type of ribs. You will want to enjoy every drop of this incredible sauce. Try it at home and for any upcoming events. It's a great recipe for groups and parties.

Ingredients:

Ribs
1 cup honey
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup distilled white vinegar
5 cloves of minced garlic
4 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Boil the ribs and simmer for 1 hour to cook and tenderize the meat.
2. Preheat the oven to 300 F
3. Make the sauce by mixing the following ingredients in a bowl; 1 cup honey, ½ cup soy sauce, ½ cup distilled white vinegar, 5 cloves of minced garlic, 4 tablespoons brown sugar. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and then add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. The mixture will begin to foam.
4. Transfer the ribs to the bowl and turn to ensure fully coated.
5. Cover a tray with foil and arrange the ribs meat side up on the sheet. Pour excess oil over all the ribs and sprinkle with garlic salt.
6. Bake for ½ hour, turning and basting again with the sauce for the last 10 minutes.Sticky honey and garlic ribs at the ready!Enjoy!!