Let me say right up front that I am not the type who enjoys roughing it. No tent please. I prefer a bit of comfort, good meals, and good ( not necessarily expensive) hotel rooms. I am not a fussy person and I can adjust. Lately I have read and heard a bit about Dude Ranches and while I am a bit hesitant, I found the information interesting and want to pass a bit of it along.
Dude Ranches are an entirely different animal. You will exchange desk chairs for saddles and computer screens for open skies. Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado claim the most-but they can even be found in the East. In fact, both Virginia and North Carolina have a few. The properties range from rustic bunkhouses with real cattle-drives to luxury all-inclusives with full-service spas and farm-to-table dinners. In either,you are going to be on horseback, your meals will be communal and the pace slow.
The different types of these ranches include:
Luxury Dude Ranches: This is where the American West meets up with five-star hospitality. Some are adults-only retreats while others welcome families and have structured kids’programs
Approachable Dude Ranches: Rooted in ranch heritage, many are century-old operations with working cattle. The accommodations are comfortable, the dining is hearty and the activities are the reason you go.
Dude Ranch Light – They take the Western setting as a starting point and build out. While horses are still part of the picture, fly fishing, hiking and mountain biking are often there as well. You will be comfortable here even if you have never been near a horse.
Available activities include”.
Horseback riding is the centerpiece of ranch life- sometimes on a guided trail, sometimes in open meadows or mountains
Cattle Drives provide a great taste of ranch culture by allowing guests to herd cattle with experienced wranglers.
Fly Fishing Some of the bet trout water in the US runs through ranch country.
Archery – Spend an hour learning the skill- most ranches offer instruction and supply equipment
Shooting – Skeet shooting and target practice are ranch staples, typically with instructors on hand for those new to it.
Are Dude Ranches for you? Do some research and decide for yourself!
My go to spot- Definitely recommend.