Discover the Wild West on a Dude Ranch Vacation

For more than 100 years, city folk have enjoyed dude ranch vacations as a way to escape the confines of urban life.

If you've dreamed of riding across the open range on the back of a galloping stallion, a dude ranch vacation may help you fulfill your vacation wishes. Each year, thousands of visitors travel to dude ranches throughout the country to enjoy a bit of western fun and history.

Origins of the Dude Ranch Vacation
By the late nineteenth century, easterners were hearing a lot about the wonders of the West. Thanks to improved rail travel, these city dwellers were able to hop a train and travel to places like Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah to experience wide-open spaces and amazing scenery.

The influx of visitors caught westerners off-guard as there were few accommodations to house those who'd traveled to the West. Cattle and ranch owners began opening their homes to friends and family who couldn't find food and lodging elsewhere.

Later, these same ranch owners invited strangers to stay with them as well and starting charging a fee for their hospitality. Guests could now enjoy all aspects of ranch life as well as the natural beauty of the West.

Dude Ranch Activities
When you think about a dude ranch vacation, horses no doubt come to mind. Horseback riding is certainly the most popular activity at most ranches. Guests can enjoy a short ride around the ranch, a jaunt through a nearby national park, or even an overnight trip on horseback or an adventurous cattle drive.

If you're not a horse-lover, however, don't eliminate dude ranches from your list of vacation possibilities. There's lots more to do including hiking, canoeing, rafting, fishing, biking, and field trips to nearby historical or natural sights.

For those who'd prefer just to hang around the ranch, most offer pools and hot tubs. Or you can just sit on your porch and enjoy a good book.

Because dude ranch vacations are family-friendly, many also feature organized children's activities such as crafts, scavenger hunts, and picnics.

Visitors of all ages can participate in line or square dancing and everyone will enjoy a chuckwagon dinner or evening campfire sing-a-long.

Where to Go
Most dude ranches are located in the western portion of the United States and Canada, though there are several in upstate New York and a handful in the south. International travelers may want to check out the dude ranch vacations in Brazil and Argentina as well.

Accommodations
Dude ranch accommodations can be as different as night and day. Facilities vary from ranch to ranch and travelers can choose their destination based on both activities offered and the type of lodging they prefer.

Accommodations range from private cabins with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to lodges with shared facilities. Others are quite luxurious, boasting fine antiques, expensive Western art, and welcoming hot tubs - just right for the dude ranch guest who doesn't want to abandon all the luxuries of home.

Meals
Contrary to popular belief, you won't need to prepare your own dinner over the campfire on your dude ranch vacation. Meals are generally "down-home" and delicious, with plenty of hearty food to go around more than once.

Choosing a Dude Ranch
When deciding on a ranch for your vacation, consider location, amenities, and activities. You can schedule a dude ranch vacation for just about any season but most people prefer to visit in the warmer summer months. Some ranches, however, do offer snow-related activities.

Posted by Pat on Thursday, July 14, 2005