If a great one-of-a-kind vacation with family or friends is on your checklist, then the great outdoors of a dude ranch is the perfect place for you. What will your vacation be if you don’t do something you have never done before? If a dude ranch is still unclear to you, picture this: beautiful landscapes, range horseback riding, cattle roping, sleeping rough, and Wild Wild West among others. It is totally different from your life in the city or suburbs.
States like Arizona, Colorado, and Montana are just some which have the typical dude ranch atmosphere. There are some who retains the simple life and classic ranch style and some aims to make it more appealing to everyone by creating a “ranch resort” with pools, hot tubs, spa services, and golf. Despite the luxury and comfort of these modern dude ranches, traditions like home-cooked meals and campfires are never forgotten.
“Sleeping rough” should not be taken in its literal sense. You can choose to “rough it” on rustic cabins, main ranch houses, and resort-style lodges. Do you wish to sleep on a rough bed? You can start the day by riding horseback then end it by sleeping outdoors. Your cabins will have those great fireplaces. Cooking under the moon and stars is also another fun activity when staying in a guest ranch. Another activity to look forward to is learning country western songs and family dances. Outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, hay riding, and white water rafting are also something to look forward to. You can also play tennis, volleyball, and mountain biking aside from roping and trick horseback riding. And of course, work and play with the livestock; you could help out in a working cattle ranch.
Dress up as a real Wild Wild West cowboy. Don a pair of cowboy boots or tattered heeled boots. Come to a party wearing a brimmed hat with straps. Jeans and long-sleeved shirts are a must when having a dude ranch vacation. A simple accessory like your scarf or bandana could really serve a lot of purpose in the outdoors. Protect your hands from the rough reins by bringing a pair of leather gloves.
A dude ranch may be open in the summer, winter, or all year. Make an advance booking because their peak months depend on the climate. Most dude ranches are proponents of agro-tourism; it was built for visitors, or “dudes” in Western-speak, for the purpose of tourism. And that is where dude ranch got its name from. Unleash the cowboy in you. Yee-ha!
So are you excited about classic dude ranches? I hope so, be sure to visit this place soon!