Dude Ranch Vacations

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Dude Ranch Vacations The Dude Ranchers'
Association was formed in 1926 to preserve this
special way of life and the wonderful environment
in which dude ranching takes place. When you
vacation at a Dude Ranchers' Association member
ranch, you can be sure of a quality vacation.
Membership is a rigorous two year inspection and
approval process that ensures guests are treated
to genuine western hospitality combined with the
lodging industrys highest standards.
Our dude ranches offer all-inclusive vacations
that are perfect for solo travelers,
multi-generational families and corporate events.
Horseback riding, hiking, fishing, swimming,
cycling, zip lining, white water rafting, rodeos,
camp fire sing-a-longs, western dancing, fine
dining and more await your discovery on your next
dude ranch vacation.
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Category of Ranches

1. Guest Ranches
2. Working Ranches
3. Resort Ranches
4. Luxury Ranches
5. Ultra Ranches

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Guest Ranches Guest ranches arose in response to
the romanticization of the American West that
began to occur in the late 19th century. In 1893,
historian Frederick Jackson Turner stated that
the United States frontier was demographically
"closed".
This in turn led many people to have feelings of
nostalgia for bygone days, but also, given that
the risks of a true frontier were gone, allowed
for nostalgia to be indulged in relative safety.
In the US, guest ranches are now a
long-established tradition and continue to be a
vacation destination. Depending on the climate,
some guest ranches are open only in the summer or
winter, while others offer year-round service.
Some of the activities offered at many guest
ranches include horseback riding, target
shooting, cattle sorting, hayrides, campfire
sing-along, hiking, camping, whitewater rafting,
zip-lining and fishing.
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Working Ranches
Working Ranches allow you to experience life as a
cowboy with cattle drives, round ups and ranch
work. Life on the ranch is dependent on the
season, and this may also decide whats on the
agenda for the week. We might need to move some
cattle to a different pasture, check the fences,
make sure the livestock have water, or help with
other ranch chores. We suggest that you ask your
hosts about the schedule for the week regarding
the work/riding agenda during your stay.
Riding is the main activity, and ranch horses are
used for moving the cattle out in the open
country through meadows, wooded canyons, and
mountain tops. You are encouraged to ride abreast
to enjoy the breathtaking country. Or maybe youd
rather pass on the work and just enjoy the
beautiful scenery or take a gentle lope through
the open meadows.
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Resort Ranches
Resort Ranches offer western activities with
higher end amenities and dining experiences.
Enjoy the softer side of the guest ranch stay.
The amenities may be a bit plusher, what we like
to call rustic elegance but these ranches still
compliment the western lifestyle. Resort ranches
may offer greater ability to accommodate larger
numbers of guests and conferences.
Its a given that our main activity is horseback
riding, but resort ranches also offer a variety
of other activities to share the great outdoors.
From guided hikes to world class fly-fishing,
playing tennis, or soaking in the pool or getting
a massage, there are activities for everyone.
Perhaps our chef will prepare gourmet delicacies
served on linens in our dining room, with a
special glass of wine.
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Ultra Ranches
The world's leading authority on ranch vacations
is exciting new Ultra Ranches category recognizes
and celebrates dedication and excellence, not
only to the ranch vacations phenomenon, but to
the travel industry worldwide. These elite
properties set the highest standards, are nestled
among the very best hotels in the world, and are
recognized by leading travel experts and travel
publications as being the crème de la crème.
Ultra ranch vacations go above and beyond luxury
ranch vacations, catering for the mega-wealthy,
and Ultra Ranch distinguishes the highest level
of hospitality and excellence in accommodations,
experiences, amenities, food/wine and service.
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Thank You