RanchSeeker Blog

It is uncommon to find the combination of a real working cattle ranch, great riding, world class fly fishing and old west hospitality. To make it simple, one need not look any farther than The Hideout. This lodge and guest ranch located in Shell, WY (east of Yellowstone National Park) is the perfect dude ranch experience if you are looking for upscale luxury, a culturally diverse atmosphere, personalized guest care and incredible natural surroundings.

With a 1:1 guest to staff ratio, each member of team at The Hideout is committed to ensuring the comfort, safety and enjoyment of visitors to the ranch. Most weeks, The Hideout hosts only up to 25 guests, thus ensuring each person staying can be assured a visit that exceeds their expectations. While families are invited to stay at The Hideout, they do not offer ‘children’s programs’. Rather, youth are cared for as junior riders and are treated to equestrian training geared towards young adults. Some riding experience and good physical conditioning are recommended for an optimized trail riding experience. Children, adults and solo travelers are all encouraged to participate in the numerous adventures available to choose from including fishing, hiking, biking, trapshooting, canoeing and other non-riding activities.

After soaking up the majestic beauty of the surrounding 650,000 acre area with rivers, open spaces, mountains and valleys - you will no doubt work up quite an appetite. The on-site culinary trained chef will impress you with meals prepared using fresh, local ingredients designed to satisfy even the most discerning palettes. Healthy and hearty, the fine dining at The Hideout is sure to be enjoyed.

Dining at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

Accommodations at The Hideout are available in three styles. Guests choose from cabins, casitas and homes that provide all the modern amenities needed, plus lots of pampering extras (not to mention extraordinary views) - ensuring a comfortable stay, with a good night’s rest to fuel up for the next day’s adventure.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch Accommodations

The Hideout offers multilingual staff so as to best care for guests from all over the world. This contributes to a culturally diverse staff, and a learning environment for guests as they become acquainted with other visitors traveling from afar. All guests are also encouraged to learn about the surrounding eco-systems, and how all can contribute to preservation and protection of the natural waters and lands around the ranch. A dude ranch vacation can undoubtedly be a memorable experience to share with family, friends or traveling solo. Getting aways from the stresses and cares of daily living, to relax, unwind and breathe fresh air is as easy as booking yourself some time at The Hideout. Authentic hospitality, combined with the expert training from the wranglers, fly fishing guides,  culinary staff and lodge staff that ‘know the ropes’ of the area make traveling to this Wyoming guest lodge an experience unlike any other. Limited guest reservations per week make it essential to contact The Hideout as early as possible to reserve your stay. Chances are good that if you do visit this beautiful lodge, you will return again and again!

Summer should be a time of relaxing, enjoying warm days and nights, spending time with family and friends, and taking a break from our regular routine. Unfortunately, the days left of the summer of 2014 are numbered, and Fall is just around the corner. If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit one of these incredible guest ranches in North America this summer season, these ‘end of summer’ promotions might sway you to make a call, and reserve your dude ranch vacation today!

The Bar W Ranch, located in Whitefish, Montana is a cozy ranch that is surrounded by the beautiful views of Spencer Mountain, and Spencer Lake. With plenty of activities for young and old, this ranch is a great place to end off the summer. At Bar W, they are offering 15% off a 3 or 6 night all inclusive package for the Labor Day week of August 31-Sept 6.

Bar W Ranch

Don’t let the name, the Lazy L&B Ranch fool you! The friendly folks at Lazy L&B Ranch will work hard to ensure you enjoy every aspect of your visit at this Wyoming ranch. Horse riding is the focal activity, however, many guests also enjoy fly-fishing, hiking and swimming while they stay. With an end of summer promotion of 2 for 1 during the week of August 24, the price is too good to pass up a visit to this award winning ranch. Mention that you read it in our blog and the owners will extend the date of the promotion!

Lazy L & B Ranch

Echo Valley Ranch is located in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Tucked away within the interior mountains, this luxurious spa / hotel / ranch is the ideal place to rest and relax, or enjoy summer fun with your family. With summer stay nightly rates, this ranch might just be the perfect place to plan a summer vacation for an overnight, weekend or full week with your family.

Echo Valley Ranch

National Forest, and the Trinity Alps wilderness area in Northern California, surround the 367 acres of the Coffee Creek Ranch. With horseback riding, fishing, hiking and more, this ranch offers adventure, and relaxation all rolled into one terrific vacation. A special Kids' week August 16 -22nd, with rates of 50% off for kids 3-17 of age, makes Coffee Creek Ranch a family, and budget friendly destination!

Coffee Creek Ranch

If you want to experience a step back in time, without letting go of today’s modern luxuries, visit Stagecoach Trails Ranch in Northwest Arizona. Set up to replicate an old western town, this guest ranch offers horse riding surrounded by western desert beauty, and the Mohave and Hualapai mountains. Discounts of 25% are in effect for the entire month of August!

Stagecoach Trails Ranch

Another Canadian ranch, the Tod Mountain Ranch is small, exclusive, and all about personal service for each guest. Perfectly blending exceptional horse riding experiences and spectacular views, with luxurious food and accommodations, this ranch is a wonderful place to spend family time together at the end of summer. Labour Day Weekend, they have a  “Fall Fair & Rodeo’ promotion at just $845 per person. Includes Friday arrival, Saturday visit to Barriere Fall Fair & Rodeo, a full day of riding on Sunday, as well as a morning ride Monday.Visit Tod Mountain Ranch August 29th through September 1st for a fabulous wrap up to summer.

Tod Mountain Ranch

Many of these specials have limited space and availability. Make your reservation today, so you don’t miss your chance to enjoy a visit to an incredible dude ranch this summer!   

There is no better way to explore, and enjoy, the picturesque beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, than on horseback. The Three Bars Ranch, located between Banff and Glacier National Park in British Columbia, boasts some of the finest horses and riding instructors, along with the best dude ranch facilities in all of Canada.

Some hesitate to plan a dude ranch vacation because they may have no previous riding experience. At Three Bars Ranch, their Dude Ranch Association certified wranglers invite anyone to come out, and give trail riding a try. Your safety is of primary concern, and they will accommodate all levels of experience. Their objective is to cater  to each guest, ensuring an enjoyable , safe experience, and memorable vacation.

Three Bars Riding Rings

Some hesitate to plan a dude ranch vacation because they may have no previous riding experience. At Three Bars Ranch, their Dude Ranch Association certified wranglers invite anyone to come out, and give trail riding a try. Your safety is of primary concern, and they will accommodate all levels of experience. Their objective is to cater  to each guest.

There are plenty of activity options to enjoy at Three Bars Ranch, if you can tear yourself away from riding. They also have incredible hiking trails, river rafting, fly fishing, mountain biking and on-site tennis. A refreshing visit to the indoor heated pool, or a soak in the hot tub might be just what’s needed after all the outdoor fun you’ll have during a day.oyable , safe experience, and memorable vacation.

Fun for all ages at Three Bars Ranch

It may be that a relaxed style vacation, with comfortable and cozy accommodations would ideally suit your traveling interests. If that is true, Three Bars Ranch can easily exceed your expectations for lodging in their spacious log cabins, perfect for singles, couples, families and friends.

Rustic accommodations at Three Bars Ranch

Whether you have spent the day outdoors working up an appetite, or have relaxed for most of the day and just want to enjoy some delicious home cooked food, the dining at Three Bars Ranch is always sure to please. Their in-house chef always impresses with not only the hearty, healthy buffet style meals, but with the unparalleled breads and baked goods. Capping off wonderful days at Three Bars Ranch is the social side of the evenings. Some like to visit the Saloon, watch the stars porch side, or sit around a campfire. There are also scheduled activities for guests inclined to meet and mingle.

While Three Bars makes almost everyone feel like a kid, they do have special programs and events designed to keep little ones active, and feeling at home on the ranch. Whether it is roasting marshmallows, catching frogs or learning to ride, the smiles on their faces show that there is no place else they would rather be than at Three Bars Ranch.

Come visit the Three Bars Ranch

With accolades and awards to prove that they are the choice of families from all over Northern America, such as Canada’s Best Dude Ranch 2010 - 11, and Best Family Dude Ranch 2011, they are an obvious choice for travelers seeking an exceptional dude ranch vacation. With western hospitality, and Northern breathtaking scenery, the combination is the perfect mix. Visitors to Three Bars Ranch have only one regret, and that is that they did not discover the ranch sooner. Often a vacation destination guests return to year after year, visitors are treated like family. For memories that will last a lifetime, Three Bars Ranch is the perfect destination for an incredible dude ranch vacation.      

Located just a few hours northeast of Vancouver,  British Columbia, is a very unique vacation destination.  Harmoniously blending adventure and exhilaration with relaxation and tranquility, Echo Valley Ranch is truly a magical place.

Echo Valley Ranch

The 160 acre, interior mountain ranch location provides the perfect surroundings for breathtaking outdoor exploration. Guests can choose from on site eco-friendly adventures, or off site touring with a host of local partners for trail riding, rafting, golf , fly fishing, gold panning and much more. Each outdoor excursion is designed to give visitors the opportunity to participate in the activity at their level (from beginner to advanced) ,and stay safe while discovering the beauty of the area.

Echo Valley has received numerous awards over the years. Most recently however, the team at Echo Valley Ranch is exceptionally proud to have been chosen Best Small Hotel and Best Service Hotel in TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice category for 2013. This honor is without question a result of not only the beauty of the facilities and incredible activity and spa options, but also the genuine friendliness and commitment of the team to making the experience of Echo Valley Ranch for each guest outstanding. For some, narrowing down the guest ranch vacation that is perfect for their style may be a challenge. However, as Echo Valley offers the perfect mix of rest and relaxation with thrilling adventure in an incredibly scenic setting, it is the ideal location for almost everyone. 

Offering a unique, authentic experience that will without a doubt refresh the body and mind, Echo Valley redefines luxury. With spectacular scenery in the Canadian wilderness, activities that focus on connecting with the natural balance of nature, and spa treatments that transport you to total relaxation, Echo Valley Ranch is an experience not to be missed. This Canadian oasis is awaiting your escape, and the team are ready to ensure your experience at Echo Valley Ranch is nothing short of magical.

The Red Reflet Guest Ranch in Ten Sleep, Wyoming offered a series of cooking classes during the winter of 2014.  The classes included instruction from Executive Chef Matthew Cariveau and Pastry Chef Stephanie Shaw.

Red Reflet Cooking School

Last week's class was "Southern Comfort Cooking" and featured Hickory Smoked Fried Chicken, Cornbread Waffles and Southern Greens to name a few.  One of the favorite recipes of the class was Red Reflet's Homemade Biscuits, and the chefs are happy to share the recipe.  Enjoy!

Red Reflet Homemade Biscuits

Ingredients
 2 Cups Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
4 oz. Cold Cubed Butter
¾ Cup Sour Cream
¼ Cup Heavy Cream
2 Teaspoons Sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until it resembles fine cornmeal.
3. Then Add the sour cream, heavy cream and sugar.
4. Mix until blended and add any extra special ingredients to the mix.  You can get creative here with flavors you enjoy.  We add a handful of sliced jalapenos and a handful of aged sharp cheddar.
5. Empty bowl onto floured table and and then flatten on table.
6. Cut into biscuits using cutter.
7. Brush liberally with cream.
8. Bake at 400 degrees until light brown and internally 170 degrees.

Enjoy!

For many couples, February 14th is a special day set aside to rekindle the spark of romance that flames a relationship. Whether a new couple, or long time soul mates, a romantic get away at a dude ranch can without a doubt be a memorable experience whereby you ignite not only campfire flames, but a passion for the life you share together. There are several things to consider when selecting which dude ranch would be your perfect, romantic winter destination. With an abundance of options for accommodation styles, activity levels and particular interests you may have as a couple, you will need to do some research when planning. Some Dude Ranch Valentine’s Specials For one example, at the Spring Lake Ranch couples can reserve a cozy log cabin from the variety of styles and sizes offered, available with picturesque views of the lake and ranch. There are plenty of outdoor activities - snowshoeing, tobogganing, cross country skiing and skidoo riding just to name a few.

Spring Lake Ranch

At Vista Verde luxury guest ranch, they offer exceptionally high standards of personal service, a spectacular lodge and diverse activities that showcase winter at its best. Appropriately called the “Winter Romance” package, couples can fall in love all over again with an incredible get away including breakfast in bed, a private sleigh ride while sipping hot toddies, a perfectly prepared dinner and a romantic evening to enjoy together in luxurious accommodations.

Vista Verde

At the Apache Spirit Ranch, the affordable “City Slicker Valentine’s” package invites couples to enjoy a bottle of champagne together under the stars in their heated outdoor patio. With breath taking views, and a feeling of walking (or riding) on the unspoiled land as it was as far back as 1881 - it stirs up an appreciation of where we come from, and where we are going, giving couples the chance to embrace past, present and future.

Burnt Well Guest Ranch in New Mexico is offering their “Art of Marriage” ranch experience between February 9-15, 2014. During this week couples will include an “Art of Marriage” session during the day accompanied by a fun outdoor experience. Grow your marriage to a new level in our therapeutic and relaxing environment.

Romance and More at a Dude Ranch

If as a couple you are looking to have a Valentine’s Day or winter break together that is full of adventure, then a dude ranch vacation may be a wonderful fit. If your ideal escape is a more laid back, relaxing and tranquil environment, it is easy to find a dude ranch offering serenity and beautiful surrounding. Some couples look to include in their dude ranch vacation special interests such as photography, food and wine tastings or specific types of horse riding experiences.

With a little advance planning, these can all be incorporated into a dude ranch vacation. Dude ranch vacations can be designed to fit almost anyone, or any couple. Getting away together to celebrate the love you share, while enjoying the incredible experience of a dude ranch is nothing short of fantastic. The romance you seek can all be found in the splendor of the mountains, the vastness of the wild west and the stars at night that will light up the night to make the moments yours to enjoy. Consider a dude ranch vacation with the one special to you, and you may find that by escaping it all - you find it is all yours with the one you love. Use Ranchseeker’s easy and free dude ranch search engine to find your perfect ranch vacation.

Are you looking for a small intimate guest ranch to visit that offers hands-on experience with horses and the outdoors? If so, Free Rein Guest Ranch is the ideal guest ranch vacation spot for you. Free Rein Guest Ranch, located in Bridge Lake, B.C., provides you with a home away from home during your Canadian adventure in Super Natural British Columbia. The 285 acre ranch property is found in the South Cariboo region, which is surrounded entirely by a boundless forest range and quite simply the perfect location for days of exploration and adventures in the saddle.

Stunning views await you at Free Rein Guest Ranch

At Free Rein Ranch you will find hearty home-cooked meals and lakeside log cabins or guest lodge accommodations all with spectacular Cariboo countryside views. With a maximum of just 12 guests you will soon feel like part of the ranch family. Winners of Trip Advisor’s 2012 and 2013 Certificate of Excellence you are sure to enjoy your guest ranch vacation here.

Campfires at twilight

Activities abound at Free Rein Guest Ranch. You can swim in the lake, kayak and canoe as well as take guided hikes through the surrounding countryside or take a mountain bike out for a spin. Learn how to horse whisper. Your horse will be your buddy for the duration of your stay and you can work with him/her as much as you want to. How about an overnight camp trip? Ride out and end your day in the saddle with a lazy saunter home at sundown. Dine around the campfire and sleep beneath star studded awe-inspiring skies on their weekly overnight camp out at Teepee village.

Horseback riding at Free Rein Guest Ranch

Be completely involved in the daily running of the ranch or simply kick back and relax. The choice is yours. At the Free Rein Guest Ranch you really do have free rein to decide how to spend your days with them.

Happy Trails! RanchSeeker

Crystal Waters Guest Ranch is located British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin region. Established at the turn of the century, the ranch sits in a scenic valley of lakes meadows, wetlands and forests on 640 acres of prime recreational property surrounded by 'crown lands'. It is home to some of the finest horseback riding and fishing in North America and is a year round horse and cattle ranch. It doesn't matter when you travel to the South Cariboo, every one of the four distinct seasons is great!    

Horseback riding at Crystal Waters Guest Ranch

You‘ll wake to the sound of loons calling across the lake, enjoy a western breakfast buffet, and then set out for a day of adventure. In the evening join the other guests and wranglers in the dining room. Have a glass of wine, share stories about the day’s activities; hear some cowboy country tales, and then sit down to a hearty ranch style buffet. Later, kick back by the campfire, throw some darts, play cards or watch a movie in the lodge with new friends made at Crystal Waters Guest Ranch.    

Crystal Waters Guest Ranch

Crystal Waters Guest Ranch specializes in horseback riding, ranching and fishing holidays but they also offer many other activities too.  With miles and miles of hiking, biking and horse trails, outdoor adventure enthusiasts will never exhaust the possibilities of the surrounding extensive forests, meadows, lakes, and wetlands. Come enjoy the crystal clear waters of Crystal Lake which is just a few steps away from your cabin and go swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

You can also explore the surrounding area and visit a Rodeo, Wells Gray Park, and the Williams Lake Stampede, the Kamloops Heritage events or Sun Peaks Ski Resort in the winter.  Whether you are young or old there are plenty of activities that will keep you busy or you can just kick back and relax in a deck chair overlooking Crystal Lake.

Make new friends at the ranch

So come and experience a few days or a week at Crystal Waters Guest Ranch and live your guest ranch vacation!

The immediately recognizable smell of horses blowing in the air. The creak of leather saddles, and the dust and dirt associated with ‘blazing the trail’. All true images of a dude ranch vacation. Majestic scenery, fine wine with gourmet food, extraordinary spa treatments - also images of a dude ranch vacation? Surprisingly, yes!

Depending on where you choose to go, what your budget is, and what type of a vacation you are looking for - you may experience all of the above mentioned and much more. The best ways to utilize dude ranches depends on your answers to some important questions about what type of experience you are looking to have from your vacation.

Your honest answer as to whether riding on a horse and sleeping under the stars is your idea of a good time - or if this will only give rise to needing a vacation from your vacation - should help in choosing the right dude ranch for you. A mixed balanced of enjoyable riding, with some of the comforts of a relaxing holiday is appealing to many.

Question #2: What About the Company that you Keep?

While cowboy steaks and campfires may be your dream come true, what about your co-travelers? If their distaste for the experience is what you hear about frequently (perhaps unendingly) during the experience - you may want to rethink the options of who you take along, or where you decide to go and the options for appealing to varying tastes.

Question #3: Is it a practical place to hold your wedding or corporate group gathering?

As romantic a place as it may seem as you picture yourself riding off into the sunset with your new spouse, or as enthused as you may be about ‘rounding up’ your employees into team building activities - there is still a need for practicality. Advance planning, budget analysis and a good talk with the ranch staff where you are considering making your arrangements can go a long way in ensuring a successful event.

Question #4: Can a campfire rekindle your love?

Spending quality time with the person you care about free from the distractions of hectic schedules and technology driven communication can be exactly what is needed to reconnect and relight those fires of appreciation for one another. However, as previously mentioned - consider the preferences for both persons, and arrange a holiday at a dude ranch that will appeal to the desires of both individuals to make it an enjoyable experience all around.

Whether you utilize a dude ranch to sooth your soul, strengthen yourself for challenges in your life, share a positive experience with someone you care about or host a fabulous wedding or corporate event - in any case, it will be something not soon forgotten. A little research and planning will help you best utilize a dude ranch vacation to meet your needs and budget and provide a positive experience.

When planning for your dude ranch vacation, your prep list should include making sure you pack appropriate, comfortable clothing along with the other essentials you’ll need to have an enjoyable stay, making arrangement for time off work…oh, and don’t forget this handy list of ‘come backs’ for the friends that might mock your zest for adventure. The following are 10 facts about dude ranches that will without fail impress your friends, and have them blazing the trail to www.ranchseeker.com to search out dude ranches for themselves!

1. A shower and comfortable bed are optional.

Yes, dude ranch vacations come in all different styles for all types of travelers. Some prefer an expedition style, multi-day trip with nights spent sleeping under the stars - while others want to feel the enjoyment of trail riding, with a rewarding spa treatment and comfortable bed to close out the day.

2. There is a dude ranch vacation to fit everyone!

Seniors, families, people traveling alone, corporate groups, couples reconnecting, weddings - and the list goes on! Dude ranches accommodate all types of travelers, and with a little research anyone can find the perfect ranch for their needs and interests.

Dude ranches at any age

3. Dude ranches offer more than horseback riding

The common connection that dude ranches have is a love of nature and riding horses out on the trail and it is a great way to enjoy the surrounding beauty of the land. However, most dude ranches offer other activities as well such as observing wildlife, outdoor bbq’s and campfire nights, swimming, tennis, spa treatments and much more.

Spa at Echo Valley Ranch

4. Wine and gourmet food is also available

Most think ‘cowboy food’ is synonymous with dude ranches. A very mistaken belief as we now see five star dining and extensive wine lists available at some of the dude ranches in North America.

Dining at Vista Verde Ranch

5.  Dude ranch vacations are not just for warm climate / summer holidays

Another myth, as more and more ranches are inviting travelers during off season to enjoy cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling and other wintertime activities

Winter at Lone Mountain Ranch

6. Dude ranches are in Texas – and a lot of other places too!

From Texas to Montana, across North America - and even as far as South Africa you’ll find dude ranches accommodating people with a love of horseback riding, and connecting with the natural environment.

7. Dude ranches host weddings and team building events

More than just a holiday destination, many couples have celebrated their wedding in the romantic setting of a dude ranch. It can also be a great place to host corporate functions and plan activities that strengthen team communication and employee relationships.

8. Kids are welcome

Most dude ranches have plenty of activities to offer kids. It’s a great place to spend time together as a family, and reconnect with each other.

Dude ranches are for kids

9. A dude ranch is a great place for beginners to learn to horseback ride.

Experience at horseback riding is not a prerequisite for all dude ranches. There are often beginner programs that safely introduce horses to riders, and give them the confidence to give longer rides a try.

Learn Horseback Riding

10. Dude ranch vacations can fit into any budget

While some dude ranches are designed to appeal to travelers seeking luxurious accommodations, which means you need a bigger budget – other ranches rely on the simplicity of their surroundings, and offer affordable vacations that fit into any well planned budget.

When you announce your holiday plans to your friends and co-workers, keep in mind that there are a lot of preconceived ideas about dude ranches. Have a few of these details mentioned in mind before you drive off into the sunset on your way to your fabulous dude ranch vacation.