Dudes and wranglers herd cattle at the McGuinness Ranch

A nice vacation can thoroughly relax you—and be forgotten in a week. A really memorable vacation can actually transform you. That can happen on a dude ranch. Since the late 1800s, dude and guest ranches have taken city slickers, put them atop gentle horses and into the great outdoors, and, in the process, unlocked their inner cowpoke.

And some dude ranches give you the ultimate in involvement—the chance to be a real cowboy or cowgirl for a time. A number of ranches offer you the chance to saddle up and actually work with cattle—driving them across high pastures and helping out with all manner of cattle work. Finding a dude and guest ranch with the option of joining a cattle drive is easy on Ranchweb—just click the Selecting a Dude Ranch button and toggle over to Cattle Drives.

Below, we’ve listed six ranches from Colorado to Ecuador that offer cattle drives in fall or spring; some let you take a hand in all manner of ranch work throughout various seasons. It’s more than a good idea to be physically fit and able to ride fairly well in order to participate on most cattle drives. And just for fun, before you go, rent a DVD of the John Wayne classic film Red River. You’ll get a sense of what adventures the old time cowboys faced on their cattle drives (most of which, hopefully, you’ll avoid).

But then, after a week or so of playing cowboy, you’ll feel right at home on the range. And thoroughly transformed.

COLORADO
Chico Basin Ranch
This 87,000-acre ranch, near Colorado Springs, remains one of Colorado’s largest historical cattle ranches. It is said that famed cattleman Charles Goodnight grazed his cattle herds in the region of the Chico Basin Ranch in the late 1800’s. Today, the ranch offers ‘active participation for guests interested in hands-on’ experiences: cattle herding, natural horsemanship, cowboy traditions, land positive range management, and the chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat. WHEN: Fall and spring, plus other various times; call ahead.

Vista Verde Ranch
Don’t wait to sign up for their Fall Cattle Gather, one activity where luxury meets rustic. Guests enjoy all Vista Verde’s fabulous amenities, meals, and accommodations, but will be doing the hard work of cowhands during the day.  The week begins with a quick review of cattle work during clinics in the arena; the rest of the week is spent riding to find and gather the cows and calves on more than 16,000 acres of forest land.  WHEN: cattle gather weeks are September 12-19 and September 19-26.

IDAHO
McGarry Ranches

The McGarry Ranch is a working cattle outfit that’s really three ranches. They’re all in spectacular locations in southeastern Idaho, in the upper Snake River Valley and along the South Fork of the Snake River (some 90 miles west of Jackson Hole, Wyoming). Owner Theron McGarry is a fourth-generation rancher and the real deal: a lifelong cowboy.

And when you stay at the McGarry guest ranch, you can (at various times of the year) become cowboy or cowgirl for a spell, helping out with the cattle operations. Join the cowboy crew and help with whatever: branding, calving, doctoring, gathering the herd to move to the mountains or on the drive from the mountains back to the valley for the winter. Plus, there are always fences to mend, roping to do, and other jobs around the ranch. As the family says, “Thank you for your interest in our way of life. Come share a bit of the cowboy dream with us.” WHEN: Various times, call ahead.

MONTANA
McGinnis Meadows Cattle & Guest Ranch

Outside Libby, MT, you’ll get lots of riding in (not the boring head to tail chain of horses kind, but real riding). Cattle drives start during the third week of May; you can drive cattle all summer long throughout 75,000 acres of spectacular country surrounding Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge in Northwest Montana. You can help with moving cattle to new pastures, riding for strays, and pushing cattle up to the high country. The wranglers at McGinnis will teach you about the ways of cattle, and even add tips about proper land management. WHEN: The ‘Fall Gather’ runs through all of October and throughout the peak of fall color. You’re welcome to participate as much as you wish.

NEW MEXICO
Burntwell Guest Ranch

Near Roswell, you’ll find the real deal: at an authentic working ranch, join authentic week long cattle drives. You’ll sleeping, eating and living with the cattle—just like John Wayne in Red River. WHEN: Their fall drives will be October 3-9, 2010 (Bonney Canyon Ranch Drive) and October 24-30, 2010 (Kerr Ranch Cattle Drive).  They have no details yet (go to the webpage for more). Details and dates on the spring 2011 drives will be posted later on.

QUITO, ECUADOR
Hacienda La Alegria

Okay, Quito is a bit farther West than John Wayne ever got, but they know horses there. And this is a family-run organic farm in the heart of Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Join a South American-style cattle drive, true horseback riding adventures (even a volcano ride), delicious food, and a warm family environment. The Cattle Round-up Ride lasts 10 days and the riding difficulty is listed as: Moderate to Advanced (the itinerary can be customized for non-expert riders). WHEN: Call ahead for dates and details or write to info@alegriafarm.com.

Get a kick out of a great boot

A really great pair of cowboy boots, like a great vacation, can also be transformative. Just check out the Share Your Boot Stories archive on the Justin Boots site (http://www.justinboots.com/en/bootstories_archive.html) and you’ll see how people feel about their boots. (One writer even related how his boot saved his foot in an accident on the ranch!) The story of the Justin Boots company itself began in 1879, when founder H.J. Justin left Lafayette, Indiana to ‘start a new life’ in Spanish Fort, Texas. Today the brand is so well respected for quality and tradition that the firm was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway, managed by financial genius Warren Buffet. (According to the company, it takes more than 100 steps and over 16 square feet of leather to produce one pair of Justin Boots.) To see their new fall line, due soon, check www.justinboots.com.

Ask anyone who knows about footwear and chances are they’ll have heard of Lucchese boots—considered by many to be the Ferrari of cowboy boots. They’re sleek, stylish, distinctive—and they often have a price to match. It’s no accident that Lucchese  has a line of boots called Diva. Those are the kind of boots you might see on the red carpet at a film premier. They also have the rough, rugged, and ranch ready Resistol line of boot under the Lucchese umbrella. Sam Lucchese started the brand in 1883, and the company is still making hand-crafted quality boots to this day. The new Fall 2010 Lucchese Collection is coming soon; go to www.lucchese.com

Getting the right boot fit is about more than style. Hint: the boot should fit properly in the instep, ball, and heel of your foot. Here’s a complete explanation.

“I always just loved my work here at the ranch,” says Bill Rankin, of the Rankin Guest Ranch. “There was never any question that I would come back to the ranch after college.”

In today’s high tech, diverse, and unconnected world, it is becoming increasingly rare to encounter a family-run business, let alone one that has been in the same family for generations. But that’s what you’ll find at California’s Rankin Ranch. Not only that, you’ll probably get to meet most of the Rankins during your stay.

Owners Bill and Glenda Rankin, (at left) are the 4th generation of this ranching family and the first to tell you how pleased they are to have their children and grandchildren working along side them. It continues a family tradition started in 1863. Set in northeastern Kern County, at the end of California’s southern Sierras, you’ll find the mountain valley of Walker Basin. And that’s where you’ll meet three generations of Rankins, operating an historic 31,000- acre cattle and guest ranch.

“We’re lucky,” notes Rankin, “our kids made their own choices to return to the ranch. And it’s wonderful to have the grandkids around every day.” The oldest, at 16, is starting to learn the business. “He does a little bit of everything,” adds Rankin, “because if you do every job, from cowboying to kitchen chores to working with kids, you really understand what it takes to run a guest ranch.”

Begun as the Quarter Circle U Rankin Ranch, it was founded by Walker Rankin in 1863. Like many ranch families, the Rankins have survived heartbreak and tragedy; a 1929 auto accident killed the ranch founder’s son, Lee, and his wife Julia Rankin, themselves the parents of two young sons. But there was triumph, too. In 1948, Lavinia Rankin, the family matriarch, marked her 100th birthday with a big party. This remarkable woman had come to California before its statehood (in 1850), lived through the gold rush, and watched the era of covered wagons give way to the automobile and the airplane.

In 1954, at the sudden death of husband Leroy, Helen Rankin faced the classic decision: keep the ranch, or sell it. She hung on and learned the cattle business and by the 1960s, added a guest ranch. Her son Bill, after graduating from UC Davis, came back to the ranch and married Glenda Hill (who had worked summers at the ranch).

Bill and Glenda, to quote their family history, “raised their four children Jason, Rebecca, Sarah and Amanda to respect the land, and their family’s heritage.” In a twist on modern trends, all four graduated from college and came back to live on the ranch and work in agriculture. And there’s a sixth generation here: Walker, Cody and Wyatt Rankin, Zachary Been, and Emma Mae and Josephine Wilder. All the grandchildren live on the ranch, taking care of both the cattle and guest ranch businesses. “I’m lucky,” Rankin admits.

What keeps ‘em all down on the ranch? “You live with nature,” explains Rankin, “and you get that energy that comes out of the trees and plants, and lots of satisfaction from seeing your cattle grow and mature and seeing your family grow up with good morals and ethics.”

To remain viable the Rankins continue to diversify the ranch operations and aim high. In 2008, Glenda was recognized as the Kern County CattleWoman of the Year.

But don’t ask Bill Rankin how to stay on the ‘cutting edge’. There’s no sheepishness in Rankin’s voice when he says, “I don’t think we have a cutting edge; what’s important here is old- fashioned tradition. Hospitality, honesty, and genuine enjoyment of people.  That is timeless. That’s at the core of guest ranching, and that never goes out of style.” Amen, Bill.

Change you can believe in: that’s what you’ll find on the menu at today’s dude ranches. Dude and guest ranch resort dining is no longer solely the bastion of beef, beans, and BBQ, although you’ll  find that great beef and hearty meals never go out of style. Today’s most cutting-edge dude ranches boast trained chefs, gourmet meals, and wine lists.

“Dude ranches used to be the original farm-to-table dining experience,” says Stephanie Wilson of Colorado’s Vista Verde Ranch (seen above), “and these days were seeing a revitalization in the commitment to that school of thought.”

She continues, “There is more notice being paid to ranch gardens, local produce and livestock providers, and more interest in fresh and healthy foods for our guests.”  It used to be that ranch fare meant steak and potatoes, bacon and eggs across the board, Wilson adds, but as clientele adapt their tastes, ranches are providing more light fare. But not to worry, those heartier options are still there for those who want to ‘eat like a cowboy’.

At Vista Verde, Wilson notes, “Our wine tasting and cooking classes have been a favorite of our guests for a long time. During the wine tasting, the guests get to learn about and taste fabulous wines, but they also get to share stories and learn more about our chef’s background, experiences, and interests.  The cooking class, too, is a very hands-on, intimate experience.”

Click through from the Ranchweb home page to the Ranchweb Food & Wine pages; you’ll find sample wine lists and menus to give you a hint of the culinary experience awaiting you. And while menus do change frequently (check each ranch’s website directly for their latest food details) you’ll get an idea of the chef’s food style at each ranch.

CALIFORNIA
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

A native of France, Executive Chef Pascal Godé (Go-Day) has created Alisal’s signature culinary style—savory California fresh cuisine classics, often with a western flair. You’ll find breakfast buffets at Alisal are plentiful: fresh fruit, homemade cinnamon rolls, and popular morning entrees. Pause for lunch throughout the day at a either poolside snack bar or two golf course grills. Dinners are a main event, and an occasion for which to dress up. Dinner menus change daily and include at least 10 entrees nightly, from thick steaks, chicken, or ribs, grilled over Alisal oak to locally caught fish, pastas, and locally picked vegetables. more served with innovative sauces.

In the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country, Alisal brings together haute cuisine with French and Mediterranean accents and fresh local California ingredients, with a relaxed ranch atmosphere. Guests enjoy a Modified American plan (breakfast and dinner included in the room rate) dining in Alisal’s Ranch Room (exclusive to Alisal guests), try the River Grill, or have your meal brought to your room.

COLORADO
Elk Mountain Dude and Guest Ranch

Set in the heart of the Rockies near Buena Vista, Colorado, Elk Mountain Dude and Guest Ranch is in a remotely enclave of the secluded San Isabel National Forest. This family-run ranch is intimate (just 30 guests) and old fashioned. Meals are hearty, and barbecue is done Santa Maria-style: on a long, open grill or spit.
The food is plentiful, freshly prepared, and very much in the tradition of Old West dude ranch dining, from the barbecued brisket to the cowboy cookies. Old favorites include the trail ride cookout and the big steak fry, while new favorites run from the country candlelight supper to sumptuous desserts. The ranch owners we have kids, so they know to offer a kids’ menu with items the kids will enjoy. Special diets are happily accommodated. Want to play with (or photograph) the deer, elk, or antelope? This is your spot.

The Home Ranch

If words like “world class” and “gourmet cuisine” are a bit overworked in describing the Home Ranch, it’s totally understandable. This is the only Colorado dude ranch which has earned a membership in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux. On the ranch website they’re pretty direct, saying “We won’t pussyfoot around the subject: our food is amazing. For those that may not know, Relais & Chateaux is French for “this place has truly incredible food.”
Executive chef Clyde Nelson could be a star at a Manhattan hotspot if he weren’t admittedly “allergic to cities.” Nelson’s so-called ‘allergy’ is all to guests’ benefit, as he whips up everything from fresh Colorado game to grilled cherrystone clams, tender filet mignon, and fresh lobster tails. Dessert isn’t forgotten (phyllo apple rose w/ lime curd) nor are hors d’oeuvres (sample: duck nachos w/ mango salsa or spinach, artichoke & asiago dip w/ crostini). Although we can foresee one potential problem. After one of the Home Ranch’s breakfasts (shirred eggs baked in a skillet with oven-dried tomatoes, asparagus, gruyere & ganna padano cheeses, tarragon & chives & cream), you may want to wait a while before climbing on your horse.

Vista Verde Ranch

A luxury ranch that’s also laid back, that’s Vista Verde (shown above). Yes, there’s an executive chef (Matt Campbell) and a full staff of trained and experienced chefs. And many meals include formal plated entrees and wine service every evening.  But there are kids’ menus and casual cookouts, too—okay, gourmet cookouts, but cookouts nonetheless.

Breakfast is always a treat, often with a fancy twist, from honey wheat pancakes to eggs Benedict. Lunch might be grilled burgers and portabella mushrooms or steak and shrimp kabobs on the grill. Dinner is the main event here, less formal and family style during the week and more formal on weekends, but always multi-course and always a delight. More surprises: the chefs  offer cooking classes and wine tastings.  And wine and beer are included with meals and stocked in your cabin along with other beverages. It’s all part of Vista Verde’s all-inclusive resort rates. And of course, special dietary needs are easily accommodated.

WYOMING
R Lazy S Ranch

Get a table by the window: this 325-acre ranch bumps up against Grand Teton National Park and the shark-toothed Teton Mountains are in full view to the west of the ranch. To the east, the sinewy Snake River. “We know our cooks are the best,” they say at the R Lazy S Ranch, describing it as “gourmet home cooking, Western style”.

Good thing, because you’re bound to work up an appetite from hiking and riding the Teton trails or fishing in the sparkling alpine lakes. When you snag a glistening trout, bring it back to the ranch and they’ll grill it up for you. Western hospitality is served up at meal time, whether it’s a sit down dinner in the lodge, a buffet or a cookout. Children and teenagers get their own dining room to share with and make new friends, separate from the adult guests. If you like your vacation ranch low-key but high on spectacular settings, this is the spot for you. The R Lazy S is near the town of Jackson; 30 minutes from a major airport.

“In seventy years of riding I have been privileged to know some superb horses,” says Bayard Fox. “They are a glorious part of my life and have enriched my existence immeasurably.  If I ever get to heaven, it could hardly be that great a place unless horses are there too.”

You gotta love a guy that loves horses. That’s Fox riding through the picture at left (in front, in the dark blue shirt). And it’s not a terribly surprising sentiment, coming from a dude ranch owner like Bayard Fox, who has since 1971 operated the Bitterroot Ranch outside Dubois, Wyoming.

It’s the rest of the story that you almost can’t believe. Horses, career accomplishment, and a passion for adventure are woven through the fabric of Bayard Fox’ incredible life. Hollywood screenwriters could not have made this tale up—you’d never believe it. But it’s all in his bio. Read on…

Bayard Fox began life in 1929 on a farm in Chester Country, Pennsylvania; then in 1943, Fox headed west for a horse packing trip through Yellowstone Park and southern Montana.  Soon, Fox began a pattern of cramming several lives into one, working variously as a seaman, a forest fire fighter, and a longshoreman in Alaska before graduating from Yale in 1951.  He did some work as an advertising model (in a DeBeers ad, shown below), and learned to fly fish (bottom right). He also biked through Europe, lived and worked in Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland, Iran, Congo, the Central African Republic, Kenya and the Solomon Islands, becoming fluent in many languages along the way.

In Iran (while working as an agent for the CIA), Fox spent a couple of years riding and hunting with the local people.  It was while practicing lancing from horseback (for some pig sticking with the Bakhtiari) that Fox had a life-changing accident. His horse cartwheeled on him, smashing up his left hip and the lifelong horse-lover was left to move about on crutches for two years, unable to walk or ride.

For some that would mean tragedy. But for Fox, that was simply a motivation to work hard to recover. Along the way, he set up a langouste fishing business in the Solomon Islands. Of course—swimming was something he could still do.  Fox spent over two years roaming about the remote parts of the Solomons, diving for langoustes with the natives. Because he was swimming so much, and working in the water, he eventually began to recover. Tentatively at first, and then with greater strength, he began to walk and ride.

In 1971, Fox bought the Bitterroot Ranch. With his family, Fox runs Black Angus and Highland cows plus horses, including purebred Arabians which they raise and train.  In due course, Fox and his family began running it as a dude ranch catering to an international mix of guests. For 25 years, the Foxes also ran a wilderness hunting camp behind the ranch. Today, the Bitterroot is “more a destination for equestrian vacations than it is a typical dude or guest ranch,” says the ranch website. “We focus on providing our guests with quality riding and are especially proud of our Arabian horses, many of which have been raised and trained on the ranch.”

Soon, the Foxes found new projects. East Africa was a logical place to grow new aspects of the business, since Bayard’s wife, Mel, grew up on a farm near Mt. Kilimanjaro, worked in Kenya’s national parks, and speaks fluent Swahili. In 1980, Mel and Bayard embarked on a new horse-related venture, escorting a group of former ranch guests on a riding safari. Their venue: the spectacular Masai Mara in Kenya, Africa’s famed game country.  The excursion was a smashing success, heralding the creation of Equitours Worldwide Riding Holidays—now the largest riding tour company in America. Headquartered in Dubois, Wyoming, Equitours organizes and sells rides in 30 countries today.

Ask him how his international travel has influenced him and he’ll say it has, for one thing, helped him be a better dude ranch owner/host. It also inspired him to start Equitours. “One of the things I appreciate the most is travel on horseback,” notes Fox. “You see things from the back of a horse you can’t see any other way. Equitours fits in well with the dude ranch business,” he says, “because I often ride with folks I’ve met on my travels.” Fox, his wife Mel, son, and daughter-in-law have all traveled and experienced various riding techniques and riding gear from all over the world, so much so that it has expanded what they know about riding beyond what’s practiced in the American West. One thing he learned on his travels that has helped his dude ranch: “There’s more to riding than what most other classical Western dude ranches offer,” Fox says.

The international ride the he finds most inspiring? “The first ride, into Kenya’s Masai Mara (for advanced riders),” he answers, calling it the best not only for wildlife, but the ride itself, past the colorful Masai tribes and for the splendid polo ponies who at times race the wild zebra and wildebeest.

One of Fox’ main concerns now is with the future of dude ranching, especially in a society more involved with the virtual than with the real. “Video games, computers, TVs those don’t let you get connected to the land,” Fox contends. “A visit to a dude ranches requires real participation. I’d like to see more ranches go back to the old style horse and cattle ranch, and emphasize riding over heated swimming pools and TVs in every room.”

And for ranchers wanting to attract more of the international crowd, Fox suggests learning another language or two, educating themselves on foreign cultures, add website translators, and find good overseas tour operators.

Fox’ point of view about computers and gadgets on the ranch is understandable; he carved out a life that emphasizes the real over the virtual in every sense. Bayard Fox has lived a life of adventure, travel, and accomplishment. Through it all, he made sure he was never too long out of the saddle. In fact, the dude ranch owner estimates he has spent over 40,000 hours on horseback, riding enough miles to circle the globe six times or more. “People more likely to accept you when you ride up on a horse,” Fox contends.

With a life like that, the guy should write his autobiography. We hope he is. Thing is, it may be tough to find a title that adequately sums up Fox’ incredible life. The title would have to include words like “Joie de Vivre” to convey his zest for life,  “Quest” or  “Adventure” to convey the Indiana Jones nature of his roaming, and both “Fearless” and “Hospitable” to convey his personality. And then the title should somehow work the ideas of family, ranching, Wyoming, and world traveling into the title. Oh heck, maybe the Bayard Fox story should just be called The Man Who Loved Horses.

In the midst of summer’s heat, the picture of a handsome mountain lodge set beside a cold mountain stream is pretty inviting. Gaze at the image of Laramie River Dude Ranch, shown at left. Now picture yourself there, or at any of several amazing dude and guest ranch resorts that focus on fly fishing. Don’t you feel cooler already?

It’s not too late to make plans for a summer angling adventure at any of the eight ranches listed below. And if you don’t have a rod and reel, or can’t cast a line worth beans, don’t worry. All these ranches have you covered with gear, instructions, and whatever you need. And when you call, be sure and mention Ranchweb.

CALIFORNIA
Hunewill Guest Ranch

Combine a trip to nearby Yosemite with a visit to the Hunewill Guest Ranch, one of California’s oldest working cattle ranches. Horseback riding, through 26,000 acres of cool, lush meadows and heavily timbered peaks, is the main attraction here. As is cattle work, family fun, and just sitting back on the porch watching the sun set. But trout fishing on the nearby Walker River is world class. And don’t overlook the many lakes and streams in the adjacent Toiyabe National Forest and throughout the Eastern Sierra escarpment. Details: New for this year: The Week of the Buckaroo Moon: August 21-28, 2010 (and August 21-26 (5- Day Package). Take a moonlight ride and barbeque under a full Buckaroo Moon, enjoy campfire and singing by the pond, do a walking historical tour of the ranch, team penning and trailer loading on horseback and take  a rare chance to horseback ride and tour the ghost town of Bodie. The week winds up with a special cattle gather in the Sweetwater Mountains.

COLORADO

Coulter Lake Guest Ranch Inc.
The Rocky Mountains is your playground when you base at this dude ranch resort near Rifle, Colorado. Take a scenic horseback ride on miles of trails throughout the White River National Forest, or hike up a canyon trail or trek to Rifle Falls in Rifle Mountain Park. Whitewater rafting through beautiful Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River is another incredible experience nearby. Details: the guest ranch has its own beautiful, spring-fed lake, well-stocked with rainbow trout. There are small boats ready for you to use, or you can cast right from the banks. The ranch can provide basic fishing equipment (ideal for kids and beginners), or you can bring your own gear. Nearby Rifle Creek (license required) is the hotspot for stream fishing for rainbow and brook trout. Ask about their Fly Fishing Skills and River package (20% discount) including a seminar by a master fly fishing casting instructor and a float or wade trip on the Colorado or Roaring Fork rivers.

Laramie River Dude Ranch
Can you see yourself in the snowcapped Rocky Mountains, casting a line for wild brown trout? Horseback riding is their specialty, but this guest ranch near Glendevey, Colorado, also has a unique naturalist program, a full children’s program, very comfortable accommodations, excellent food, and exceptional fly fishing. The Laramie River Dude Ranch has fly fishing and spin-casting opportunities for anglers of all abilities. Ranch guests have private access to over two miles of the Big Laramie River and a mile of LaGarde Creek. Or choose to take advantage of the public fishing access to the nearby Hohnholz Lakes. And owner Bill Burleigh adds, “Fishermen love to talk with our guide about the hatches that are underway and strategies for catching the most fish – which fly, fishing on the surface or below the surface with a nymph, etc.  Those interactions are almost as much fun as talking about the day’s fishing in the evening. In addition, our “mature” fishermen and women sometimes need a hand accessing all the different parts of our river.  Our two miles doesn’t really tell the whole story with twists, turns, and oxbows winding their way through the property.  Some need a lift to the end of our property so they can fish back to the ranch compound which sits roughly in the middle.  We’re happy to provide that service.”

Burleigh notes that lake fishing enthusiasts enjoy Hohnholz Lakes but may want to bring along more of their equipment.  Boats are easily accommodated if the angler would like to bring their own.  “More often, we’ll see anglers bring their favorite belly boat for some lake floating.  Guests who fly in and don’t have a rental car are welcome to arrange travel to and from the lakes with your guest coordinator Kathy.” Details: Want to learn the ins and outs of rods, reels, and flies? Once a week, the ranch’s pro guides offer free fly fishing instruction.  Casting techniques are taught out on the front lawn and then everyone heads for the river to practice. And the ranch has equipment that guests can borrow free of charge. July Special: Take 30% off any three, four, or seven night stay starting during the week of July 18th-25th, 2010. You can ride the Rockies and then take in Cheyenne Frontier Days (which start Friday 7/23). And just for Ranchweb blog readers: They normally offer anglers who choose not to ride horses a 10% “Non Riding” discount.  Anyone who mentions this blog post could qualify for a 20% “Non Riding” discount for any member of their party who comes to fish and does not partake of the riding program (riding members of the angler’s party would pay normal rates).

North Fork Ranch

Commune with nature beside the clear mountain streams of the Colorado Rockies. If fly fishing is your passion, you’ll love North Fork Ranch’s pristine stretch of water— over two miles—and all located just one hour southwest of Denver. Their professional guides will make sure you have an angling experience to remember. A stone’s throw from their back porch, you  find the tranquil North Fork of the South Platte River teeming with Brown, Cutthroat Rainbow, and Steelhead trout. Details: Fishing is year round, guided only; choose a full or half day trip. Details: Guys, make it more than just a fishing trip: bring your gal for a Bed and Breakfast Fishing Package. Fish all day, then enjoy the two of you can a romantic evening, with a hayride, singing by the campfire, or square dancing.

IDAHO
Diamond D Ranch
Set in the lush Frank Church Wilderness and enveloped by the Salmon River mountains, the Diamond D guest ranch has a long menu of activities. In summer, take your pick from hiking, gold panning, swimming, horseback riding, and, of course, fly-fishing. You could title your summer adventure “A Creek Runs Through It”, because Loon Creek runs right through the ranch. That means fly fishing is huge here. Throw out a line for cutthroats, rainbows, and other native trout in streams just yards from your cabin. Or try your luck in the ranch’s own lake (rowboats available). Details: The guest ranch provides: rods, reels, all flies, lines, leaders, tippet, nets, and professional instruction. Fishing Licenses may be purchased through the ranch.

MONTANA
Lone Mountain Ranch
Long, sunny days, and angling on southwest Montana’s blue ribbon rivers and trout streams. What could be better? Lone Mountain is one of Montana’s premier dude ranches, with comfy cabins, gourmet food, and a gorgeous mountain setting. And for anglers, it’s ideally located. The ranch sits outside Big Sky, just a few miles from the Gallatin River and handy to the Madison or Yellowstone rivers; best of all, you can fish with their Orvis-Endorsed Fishing Guides. Details: Get an early start on the fishing season with their Fly Fishing Specials – 15% Discount (approx); join Lone Mountain Ranch for 6 nights/5 days of fly fishing or 4 nights/3 days of fly fishing on southwest Montana’s blue ribbon trout streams (other combinations available). The 6 night/5 days of fly fishing package costs $2850/person (based on double occupancy in a small cabin) and includes 6 nights lodging, 5 days guided fishing, 3 meals daily, fishing license, flies, and shuttle to and from the airport in Bozeman, Mt. The 4 night/3 days of fly fishing package costs $1850 per person ( based on double occupancy in a small cabin) and includes 4 nights lodging, 3 days guided fishing, 3 meals daily, fishing license, flies and shuttle to and from the airport in Bozeman, MT.
Triple Creek Ranch

A luxury resort high in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies, the Triple Creek Ranch is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux. And along with the world-class accommodations and food, you’ll find top-notch angling nearby. Let the experts at Triple Creek help plan an off-ranch special adventure of guided fly fishing or scenic river floating. At the ranch, you can learn the fundamentals of fly fishing and casting a fly rod. Beginner, intermediate, or expert anglers can also float with an experienced guide down the beautiful Bitterroot River, West Fork or East Fork of the Bitterroot River, for a memorable day of trout fishing. Details: It’s an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing lodge and they’ll set you up with local guide services; complimentary Orvis fishing gear is available from Triple Creek Ranch and your guide will furnish the rods, reels, flies and his or her expertise. Ask about the Selway/Bitterroot Fly-Fishing Package (a 10% discount on a five-night package, a 5% discount on a three-night package); guests fly from nearby Hamilton to the banks of the Selway River, where a guide awaits with horses to ride to the best fishing spots along this catch-and-release river, famous for its cutthroat, rainbow, bull and steelhead trout.

WYOMING
Flat Creek Ranch
At this Jackson Hole-area dude and guest ranch, they find that hiking and fly fishing is just as popular as horseback riding. And why not? This Wyoming dude ranch owns a 1.5-mile stretch of upper Flat Creek’s challenging waters and the 45-acre Flat Creek Lake. And anglers have access to another 5 miles of fast riffles and deep pools on public land just west of the ranch. Their rule is: fly fishing only, catch-and-release. Their favorite spot is the “Curt Gowdy hole,” a deep bend in Flat Creek where wily cutthroats and brook trout congregate. For dry fly purists, Flat Creek is blessed with prolific hatches of caddis flies, mayflies, and a host of others.  Details: The ranch can lend you fly rods, reels, nets and waders; they also provide a free fly-fishing clinic for those who want to learn or brush up on fishing techniques.

Ah, summer at the ranch. Horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, oh my! But how you pack may determine whether you’re prepared for all the kinds of fun stuff you can enjoy on the ranch. A little planning goes a long way.
Going to the mountains? Prepare for every kind of weather, from summer sun to sudden showers and mountain breezes. Out on the plains, its bright sun and hot weather most of the summer. And at a California coastal ranch, you’ll have to dress for the occasional fog bank that drifts in fro the ocean (yep, even in summer). So check with the ranch, and check the forecast before you go. But relax: ranch dressing always means comfy and casual.

The basics
Jeans: Well, duh. But here’s a tip from Gene Kilgore himself: before the trip, wash all the jeans with fabric softener so you can avoid saddle sores from the rubbing of that heavy, stiff denim inseam (ouch!). Most ranches have washing machine/dryers available but if you don’t want to spend vacation time doing laundry, bring extra jeans (at least 3 pairs), socks and tee-shirts for all.

Cowboy hat: You want to fit in, like the cute pair at left, don’t you? Splurge on a good triple X felt hat.

Boots: You gotta have riding boots for horseback riding. Ranchers advise against riding in sneakers or hiking boots—your foot could slip through the stirrup or get stuck in it. But if you don’t have any, check ahead: some ranches have spare pairs of kids and adults’ boots for you to borrow while at the ranch.

Riding helmets: It’s not the wild, wild, West anymore, and most ranches recommend wearing a helmet while riding, especially for kids. Most ranches have a supply of helmets available if you don’t own a riding helmet.

Everything else
Light waterproof jacket with hood
T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
Shorts and bathing suits
Hiking boots, sneakers
Socks (at least 3 pairs)
Fleece pullovers or sweaters
Tevas/water shoes/old shoes that can get wet
Sunglasses and a hat
Sunscreen and bug spray
Gloves for riding (for morning rides)
Backpack or fanny pack

What with all the economic uncertainty, we understand if you haven’t gotten around to planning your summer vacation yet. But you know what? There’s still time to book your best summer vacation ever—at a dude and guest ranch resort.  Even some of the smaller, more intimate ranches have availability for this summer. If you’re new to the idea of a dude ranch vacation, roam around this blog for tips on how to choose a ranch resort, what to bring, how to dress, and what to expect. But don’t wait too long to book, or your choices will narrow and you risk not getting the exact ranch on the exact dates you want.

Todd Mountain Guest Ranch, BC Canada

At the Tod Mountain ranch, you have room to roam— to be exact, 30,000 hectares (that’s the Canadian equivalent of tons of acres). Explore old logging and cattle trails in the Louis Creek Valley in British Columbia by mountain bike or horseback. The Tod Mountain Guest Ranch is surrounded by majestic mountains, but it’s not so remote that you can’t get Internet access. Cute cabins blend modern comforts (think pillow top mattresses and feather duvets) with traditional style. Ask about specials: the August holiday weekend deal and the Labour Day Weekend at the Rodeo offer.

Highland Ranch, CA

Ride horseback through old-growth redwoods? You can at California’s Highland Ranch. Above the Anderson Valley, just about a 3-hour drive north of San Francisco, Highland Ranch combines great riding and hiking programs with fishing, mountain biking, swimming and boating. Plus there are the extra special options, like skeet shooting, yoga classes, and massages. One nice extra: all the wine tasting you can do in the Anderson Valley on your way home from the ranch. Ask about their “7th night free” offer.
Bar H Bar Ranch, ID

Hike in the pines, fish in snow-fed streams, ride through glorious aspen. Idaho’s rustic and intimate Bar H Bar Ranch offers simple pleasures and plenty of natural beauty. It’s a working cattle and horse ranch and guests are invited to pitch right in with branding cattle or fixing fences. Or you can cast a line into the frothy Bear River and pretend you’re Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It. It’s your vacation to craft as you choose.

G-M Ranch Cattle and Guest Ranch, MT

Set outside Bozeman, the G-M is a working horse and cattle ranch run by one of Montana’s most respected ranching families, the Leffingwells (Mary Leffingwell’s father homesteaded the ranch at the turn of the century and Mary and her husband began taking guests in the 1930s). Tradition, hospitality, and good stewardship of the land are important here. And so is making sure guests have a good time, whether its from helping out with ranch work (from checking fences to moving cattle between pastures) or just plain relaxing. If it’s an authentic ranch experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it here, with some bookings still open into the summer.

Sweet Grass Ranch, MT
Near Big Timber in Montana’s Crazy Mountains, the Sweet Grass Ranch is one of the West’s oldest ranches, ranching since 1880 and hosting guests since 1930. This is the real deal, a working cattle ranch high in the cool mountains and rolling foothills. Riding is a big focus here. And guests can dive into the real life of a working rancher—from helping move cows and wrangling horses to feeding the pigs. Or they can just enjoy the old-fashioned fun: swimming in the creek, hiking and riding, playing horseshoes or singing around the campfire. Bookings are available for summer stays in their small, rustic log cabins, family cabins with more amenities, or the main ranch house.

Clear Creek R, NC

Cool off in Clear Creek, NC

Clear Creek Ranch, in Burnsville, is just 50 miles north of Asheville, North Carolina. Set in the cool, beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, this is a ranch you can reach easily by car and, if time is short, you can visit for less than a full week.  From swimming and volleyball to fishing in the private pond and nearby South Toe River, there’s plenty to keep your heart pumping. And in the evening, enjoy line dancing classes, cookouts, or horse drawn carriage rides. Nearby, you can visit the Roaring Fork Waterfall, play a round at the Mount Mitchell Golf Course, or join a local craft tour. Whether you want to stay in a cabin or the main lodge, it’s not too late to book for the summer.

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch, NM

In New Mexico’s Black Range Mountains, Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch offers all the color, magic, and mystery of the southwest. A day at the ranch may take you riding or hiking into the cool, scented forests of tall Ponderosa pine, following the outlaw trails of Billy the Kid, or roaming Native American ruins from 1150 AD. Adventures range from bird and wildlife watching (elk to coatis) New Mexico has a rich history of outlaws, gunfighters and cowboys, some of whom rode the same territory that you can at  Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch and there are several fine museums nearby where this history comes to life.

Some late-breaking news from our Ranchweb members:
Newsflash

MONTANA
Lone Mountain Ranch

Feb. 13-16: Mardi Gras Montana –style. In the Mardi Gras “Ski for Beads”  event, you show your Lone Mountain Ranch XC ski trail pass and receive festive Mardi Gras beads. Try a tasty New Orleans Fat Tuesday lunch in the dining lodge on Feb. 16 (from noon to 2) and you’ll find lots of Louisiana specials.

Sunday, March 7: Glide and Gorge. It’s an ideal event for skiers and foodies! Glide along the Ranch XC ski trails, and “gorge” along the way, stopping for gourmet salads/appetizers, like Jambalaya and cornbread, lamb brochettes, shrimp skewers, and delectable desserts. All will be paired with samples from local breweries and wine distributors. Details: $40 per person

Sleigh and Stay special. One night’s lodging in a cozy log Lone Mountain Ranch cabin, a sleigh ride dinner and breakfast the next morning in the Ranch Dining Lodge. Details: $195 per person (based on double occupancy).

Winter Getaways – One or two nights. One night Lone Mountain Ranch Getaway includes lodging in a cozy log cabin, dinner and breakfast in the Ranch Dining Lodge. Details: $195 per person (double occupancy). Two night getaways include two night’s lodging in a cabin, two dinners, one lunch and two breakfasts in the Ranch Dining Lodge; $195 per person/per night (based on double occupancy).

Triple Creek Ranch – Relais & Châteaux
Valentine’s Day Weekend – Feb 12 – 15, 2010. Triple Creek Ranch is always one really romantic hideaway, but on Valentine’s weekend the ranch takes it to a whole new level. Kick back during the day relaxing indoors or venturing outdoors amidst Montana’s stunning winter scenery, then while away evenings in front of a cozy fire in your luxury cabin. Chef Jake prepares  gourmet meals served in a rustic candlelit dining room. Executive Pastry Chef Christopher Whitten will present a selection of chocolate, while wine expert Jeremy White will suggest the correct wine to go with each taste treat. Details: From $650 per couple

Our report this month ranges from the snow covered valleys of British Columbia to the sunny mountains of Mexico, with news, programs, and great deals at dude and guest ranches everywhere in between. There’s still time for a late winter getaway, and it’s not too soon to start planning for a summer vacation.

Canada's Tod Mountain Ranch

Hot Deals

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Tod Mountain Ranch
“Tod Mountain Ranch is the perfect relaxing winter getaway,” enthuses owner Tracey O’Connell. Situated in the quiet beauty of Louis Creek Valley, it offers peace and tranquility backed by stunning views.  The lodge has a large but cozy living area with fireside lounge, TV lounge, recreation room and a dining room where they serve hearty, home-cooked meals. Accommodation in cabins provides a hint of luxury at the end of the day.

Take advantage of close proximity to Sun Peaks Ski Resort and vacation at Tod Mountain Ranch. Located only 15 minutes’ drive from the ski resort, a stay at the ranch means you can enjoy all the activities of Sun Peaks during the day, then relax in comfort at the ranch in the evening.
Details: All-inclusive rate of $110 per person per night includes accommodation, 3 meals daily and use of all ranch facilities.  Package available from Feb. 1—Mar 31, 2010.

MEXICO

Rancho Las Cascadas
Giddyup, amigo. Yep, you can combine a sunny, south-of-the-border getaway with traditional dude ranch fun and horseback riding. The authentic Mexican cuisine and massage/spa treatments are nice twists on the usual ranch vacation theme.

Located just 90 minutes from the Mexico City International Airport and tucked in the mountains overlooking waterfalls, Rancho Las Cascadas is something special. This month, they have some special offers coming up.
Details: Stays from Feb. 27—Mar 13, 2010 there is no single supplement on new bookings.  Visits Apr 24—May 1, 2010 include a shopping trip to famous San Miguel de Allende. And, notes Kristin, “We are also arranging Mexican Cooking Courses which will combine with a riding package. And in terms of news, we have 10 new arrivals at the ranch—boxer puppies—which will be on sale if anyone is interested!”

WYOMING
The Hideout Guest Ranch & Resort
From Shell, Wyoming, Natalie Longwell is calling me in the middle of a snowstorm.  “It’s snowing right now,” she says, “which is good because we’ve got a bunch of photographers here doing a photo shoot.” It’s part of a ‘winter photo safari’ trip, she explains. It’s not surprising that The Hideout Guest Ranch & Resort is popular with photographers: it’s right by the scenic Big Horn Mountains and home to ton of wildlife (including one of America’s largest wintering bighorn sheep herds).

“We’re looking forward to a busy spring and summer,” says Natalie. But before that, a host of special programs kick off. First comes the Natural Horsemanship Clinic “A new program, focuses on our fantastic horse trainers. Natural horsemanship is a quieter, more gentle approach rather than the old cowboy way of breaking the horse. You end up with calmer animals and better communication from the rider.” Then Branding Week. “Guests can ride in the spring roundup and help with the branding. It takes them back to a piece of the old West. It’s a lot of fun and they really help.” A typcial day starts with round up where all the cow/calf pairs are brought into pens and sorted. After a wonderful picnic lunch (or barbecue lunch), the roping and branding commences throughout the afternoon. Space is limited,so book soon.
Details: Natural Horsemanship Clinic (March 14-20, 2010) costs $1,633 per person/double occupancy $1,849 per person/single occupancy. Branding Week–April 11-17, 2010 costs Space is limited: $1,906 per person/double occupancy $2,029 per person/single occupancy For each, pricing is all-inclusive land only and excludes tax and gratuity. Air and transportation not included

NewsFlash

CALIFORNIA

Marble Mountain Guest Ranch
All the wet weather California has had this winter promises a fabulous rafting season this spring and summer. And there’s one dude ranch poised to take advantage of the news. Tucked into the forest at Somes Bar, California (north of Redding), Marble Mountain Guest Ranch offers mountain trails, great fishing streams, a range for sporting clays, and upscale cuisine. But whitewater rafting on the nearby Klamath River is one of their passions.

“It should be a spectacular rafting year, what with good snowpack and rainfall,” notes owner Doug Cole. And for him, rafting ranks high. “We came here as whitewater rafting outfitters, then we created this as a dude ranch to bring together the whole Western experience.” That’s the signature of the Marble Mountain Guest Ranch, adds Cole. “We don’t do horse rides all day–we bring in other experiences. We’re in the middle of a whitewater mecca, and we’re in the perfect spot to take advantage of it.”

With warm flows in the summer, great swimming, and beginner to intermediate level rapids (class II and III), the Klamath is perfect for the whole family. “The Klamath flows fairly steadily all summer long,” says Cole. Marble Mountain Guest Ranch schedules whitewater rafting and kayaking during the warmer afternoon hours (smart!) and they hit a different stretch of the river each day; shuttles take no more than 35 minutes to the launch site on any day. Talk about a cool summer escape.
Details: These guest ranch packages are all-inclusive and combine a horseback trail riding program with whitewater rafting, sporting clays, fly fishing, jet boat adventures on the Lower Klamath and other, more traditional ranch fun. Says ranch owner Doug Cole, “These unique combined activity days, our superb dining experience, and our youth buckaroo programs, create the best setting for an American dude ranch vacation that can meet the diverse interests and needs of your entire family. Our focus is not on cheap prices but on dollar value—what you can get here for an all inclusive week stay is our strength.”

Green Dudes

COLORADO

Zapata Ranch
Outside Mosca, Colorado, hard by the Great Sand Dunes National Park, sits the storied Zapata Ranch. Visitors here find a unique ranch experience. The ranch is owned by the Nature Conservancy, and managed by a third-generation ranch family (the Duke and Janet Phillips Family) with a unusual mission: to create a working ranching as an ecological resource base, supporting a mix of activities and always emphasizing sustainability, innovative management, and diversification. But it’s not a ‘pretend’ ranch; they work hard to maintain both economic and ecological viability.
They believe that ranchers provide an increasingly important role in the stewardship of our nation’s native rangelands.

Oh, and did we mention that they run bison as well as cattle on this 103,000-acre spread? Here in the high desert grasslands, the bison are managed as a ‘conservation herd’, meaning that they run as a wild herd. The Zapata Ranch does no branding, feeding, or weaning. Bison are gathered once a year (in November) and get sorted out to be sold for meat, tagged, vaccinated for bruccelosis, or sold to another rancher. And yes, you can buy Zapata Ranch grass fed/finished bison meat.

Nature is more than just a backdrop. The ranch borders the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the newest National Park in America. The ecosystem includes alpine forests, creeks and wetlands, grasslands, sand dunes, and lush meadows. The ranch and surrounding San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado is a wildlife mecca where you’ll find bison, coyote, deer, elk, and birds of many species (including thousands of migrating sandhill cranes).
Details: Vacations here revolve around learning through experience, as guests learn about real ranch life and about the great outdoors. You’ll choose from three primary programs: horsemanship experience, ranch experience, or  nature experience.

It’s no secret that 2009 was a challenging year for dude and guest ranches just about everywhere. The good news is that ranches have responded with enthusiasm, ramping up new programs, special deals, and energizing the industry with a new way of looking at and promoting their unique offerings. At the same time, ranches strive to maintain some of the best traditions that are so beloved by guests of many generations.

So what is new? More targeted events like the special Cowgirl weeks or weekends (like a slumber party with horses, one guest said). And how about spruced-up menus that lean more toward brioche than beans. The menu of activities is richer, as well, going beyond horseback riding and fly fishing to often include things like yoga, rock climbing, or spa treatments.

We hope you’ve had a happy holiday season and enjoy a warm and wonderful New Year. Here’s a quick roundup of news from the range:

Winter fun at Vista Verde Ranch, above

Hot Deals

COLORADO
VISTA VERDE RANCH
Winter specials at this luxe ranch outside Steamboat Springs include Share and Save, Work of Mouth Special, and Give Winter a Try. But do read the fine print:  Discounts can not be combined. They are also hosting two horsemanship clinics- Jan 3-6 and Mar 2-6.
Details: Share and Save- January-March. Prices are as stated for the first 2 people in a cabin, then bring along some friends or family and the extra guests are 50% off.  Word of Mouth Special- The ranch normally pays a finder’s fee in the form of Vista Bucks when you refer a friend.  But this winter they are upping the ante; send a new guest to the ranch for a winter stay and both you and your friends save 25% on your 2010 winter stay. Give Winter a Try- January-March. Pay for 3 nights and get the 4th night free.

MONTANA

320 GUEST RANCH
Check out the Winter Wonderland Special, where you can escape to the 320 Guest Ranch for a night of true Montana hospitality.  Whether it is a romantic getaway, a girls’ night out, or some family fun, the Winter Wonderland Special can do the trick. Set out under the stars for a sleigh ride pulled by Percheron draft horses; follow it with scrumptious cowboy cuisine at the 320 Steakhouse & Saloon and finish the evening with accommodations in a cozy cabin.
Details: Winter Wonderland Special costs $200 for two persons (alcohol, taxes and gratuity not included). Good/Valid for 2009-2010 Winter Season; can extend stay up to 7 nights at a discounted lodging rate. Reservations: 406/995-4283 or info@320ranch.com or click here.

NewsFlash

CALIFORNIA
ALISAL GUEST RANCH AND RESORT

From quiet luxury to exciting adventure, the Santa Ynez Valley’s Alisal Ranch and Resort is both rugged and refined. This 10,000-acre working cattle ranch and luxury resort has created the perfect getaway with the Wine & Roses Package. All the ingredients for a romantic retreat are here: a crackling fire, Champagne, even a bed of roses. Sign up and you’ll make sure everything is coming up roses this Valentine’s Day.
Details: The Wine & Roses package is available for $1,850 per couple. Suite rates are available upon request. It includes studio accommodation for three days/ two nights; sparkling wine and roses on arrival; welcome basket with fresh fruit, cheese and chocolate truffles; breakfast and dinner daily, including wine with dinner; a picnic basket for two with wine. In addition, it includes one hour couples massage; horseback riding on scheduled rides, golf green fees, tennis and fishing at Alisal Lake, as well as taxes and service charges. When: Available midweek September through May, or any two nights from November through March (excluding summer and holidays). For weekends during September, October, April and May, add $200 to the package price. To book, call 800.4.ALISAL or click here.

COLORADO

VISTA VERDE RANCH
They’re working on putting together some details for a  cooking school in March as well as a yoga retreat sometime in the future. Stay tuned.
Details: For more, click here.

Green Dudes

B.C. CANADA
SIWASH LAKE RANCH
One doesn’t don’t usually speak of cowboys and carbon footprints in the same sentence―but you can when talking about this remote off-the-grid dude ranch. The ranch is lightening its eco-footprint with innovative clean energy technologies. Rated by the Globe and Mail (a well-respected newspaper) as one of Canada’s top eco-friendly luxury destinations, Siwash Lake Ranch is overhauling its power system.

The Siwash Lake Ranch is eliminating over 90 percent of its fossil fuel energy production by installing a solar power plant as their primary source of clean, renewable, and reliable energy. It features a state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic system for electricity and also includes a retro-fit of the hot water heating system, along with new technology to capture excess energy from heated water.  The ranch is also switching from gas-powered to solar-powered pumps for irrigation and other water systems.

“This project will save $32,000 per year in fuel costs and reduce our annual carbon footprint by 123 tons of green house gases. This is the equivalent of taking 22 passenger vehicles of the road for one year,” says Allyson Rogers, owner and proprietor at Siwash Lake Ranch.  “Our guests are excited about all the work we do to make our operations as sustainable as possible,” she notes. “To stay in harmony with our environment by using renewable green energy to fuel our operations is incredibly important to us.”

Details: To learn more about their comprehensive sustainability program, and for a list of their land stewardship initiatives and their daily best practices, please visit www.siwashlakeranch.com/site/sustainability.html. To book, click here