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

Just as snow is beginning to dust the high country, (check out Wyoming’s Hideout Ranch, shown at right), we’re happy to announce some cool new improvements to the November Ranchweb blog, with the introduction of several new features: NewsFlashes, Tips from the Ranchers, Very Hot Deals, and others which we’ll roll out soon.

It’s a fresh way to get out the news about ranches and information about the latest deals. Newsflashes are: special programs, additions, or recent changes have happened, or are coming up at a ranch.  Very Hot Deals: are great bargains, or package add-ons for this month or coming soon. Tips: are the best advice ranchers can give travelers about coming to/planning ahead for a dude ranch trip. And there are more improvements on the way. That said, here’s the latest:

NEWSFLASHES

In Colorado
Vista Verde Ranch has just changed the way they help out those who recommend the ranch, called their Word of mouth special.  They normally pay a finder’s fee (paid in ‘Vista Bucks’) when guest 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.

In South America
Go south of the border to Estancia Los Potreros if you want a dude ranch experience with a little something extra—Argentine culture. Explore the real ‘estancia experience’ at  Estancia Los Potreros. Argentina’s Estancia Los Potreros dates from 1574 and lies in a beautiful reserve in the Cordoba Hills in the center of this lovely South American country. It’s a working farm, organic, breeding Aberdeen-Angus cattle and the lovely Paso Peruano horses. Known for its horses, riding and polo are big deals here, but there’s also trekking, birding, wine tasting, and golf. All sprinkled with a dash of Argentine culture. Keep up with The Estancia by checking out their blog, discussing everything from their latest polo matches to featured wines (last month: wines from the bodega Nieto Senetiner).
Very interesting. Or should we say Muy interesante?

VERY HOT DEALS

In Colorado,
Vista Verde Ranch is running several specials for this winter, but please read the fine print:  Discounts can not be combined. Packages include: Share and Save (January-March). Prices as stated for the first 2 people in a cabin.  Bring along some friends or family and the extra guests are 50% off.  Give winter a try (January-March).  Pay for 3 nights and get the 4th night free.  Pre-Christmas special. Sneak away for a 4-night stay to rest up before the holiday madness! Cost is $1,200/person for the 4 nights. Book quickly as they have only one cabin available for this special rate!

In Montana

Triple Creek Ranch is gearing up for their 2010 Spring Vintner Series & Spring Roundups. First, Vintner Weekends Each spring, Triple Creek offers 3-day weekend packages for wine lovers.  Each event features a winemaker from a different winery and we showcase wines from that vineyard.  The weekend begins with a wine seminar on Friday evening.  Guests enjoy a grand tasting dinner on Saturday night with wine pairings from the featured winery (variously this spring: Flora Springs Winery, Chappellet Winery, Koenig Vineyards, and Fidelitas Vineyards).

Then, Spring Roundup Weekend runs May 2-6, 2010 and May 9-13, 2010. The four-night Spring Roundup combines adventure and romance. By day, you either learn about horses, move and brand cattle, or experience a rodeo. Then you return to the privacy of your cabin to relax by the crackling fire, enjoy a couple’s massage and relax in a hot tub before dining in the candelit dining room of the Lodge at Triple Creek Ranch. The package (for two people), includes all meals, beverages, house wines and spirits and on-ranch activities.  (Taxes and gratuities not included.)

In Wyoming

The Hideout Guest Ranch & Resort is a year round, all inclusive, upscale guest ranch with a variety of winter activities, from cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on over 400 miles of groomed and natural trails, to horseback riding. Yes, you can still ride in winter (Shell Valley boasts generally mild winters) and so, weather permitting, scenic rides are available at lower elevations, including riding with wild mustangs. The Hideout will be running Winter Riding Adventure Packages in November, plus January and February, 2010.
In British Columbia, Canada
Tod Mountain Ranch

“Winter has now arrived up here.  It’s a beautiful sunny crisp day today but we already had our first snowfall last week,”owner Tracey O’Connell tells us, then adds, “Here’s our latest Hot Deal for your blog. Book your 2010 summer vacation before 31st December 2009 and pay the 2009 rates.  This represents a savings of up to CAD$150 per person, including taxes.  Offer is available on all dates from 1st May – 31st October 2010.”
Thanks, Tracey. Now those are great deals!

Just got a note from Mary Miller at Elkhorn Ranch in Arizona, who tells us  they’re getting ready to open the ranch for another lovely Arizona winter season. “We’ll be ready for guests in mid-November,” notes Mary. “We are quite full for the holidays, but still have scattered openings in mid-November and early December—quiet times with great riding weather! In the new year, January has openings every week.” Mary adds that February, March and April are filling fast, so guests hoping to stay then should call soon. Book: 520/822-1040 or check out their new web site at www.elkhornranch.com.

Russell True writes in from Arizona’s White Stallion Ranch to tell us that “business does seem to be definitely on the upswing for the Arizona ranches.” One reason? “They are offering more specials, not only in pricing but in terms of more ladies weeks, weeks built around rodeos, bridge (as in cards), Elderhostel programs, horsemanship, self-improvement using horses as a catalyst, family camps, and more,” he notes. And that’s not all that’s going on in Arizona. “The other story is that many of the ranches are allowing shorter stays in response to people having less time and money,” says True. Book: 888/ WSRANCH or 520/ 297-0252.

Meanwhile, don’t forget how lovely autumn is in the high country of the Rockies, where fall pack trips are just getting going. As Gene K. says, “Fresh mountain trout, horse bells, and the good old-fashioned wilderness make dude ranch pack trips one of the most exhilarating experiences on earth.” Here’s a list to get you started:

Coulter Lake Guest Ranch CO
Established in 1897 and operating as a guest ranch since 1934, this small, family-oriented outfit has made it’s name with it warm western hospitality, lovely lakeside setting, and unspoiled setting in the White River National Forest of northwestern Colorado. Here, the scenery and wildlife are a photographers delight and hunters can sign up for guided or unguided hunts for deer and elk. In the evening, gather in the lodge to play cards or perhaps sit around the campfire and discuss the day’s sightings with your new friends. Book: (800) 858-3046 or (970) 625-1473 or via www.ranchweb.com/coulter/index.html.

Turpin Meadow Ranch, WY

Autumn at the ranch is a time for relaxation and inspiration. It’s ideal for retreats, group activities, and peaceful family outings: enjoy a hike into forests filled with autumn colors, join a fishing expedition for beginners or experienced anglers; take day trips and tours of Yellowstone Park.
Set in Wyoming’s majestic Jackson Hole, Turpin Meadow Ranch offers a big game hunter’s dream trip—a six-day excursion, with one guide for every two hunters to lead you to the finest elk and mule deer. Or design your own pack trip of 3-10 days, riding with a string of pack mules into the wilderness, backcountry that has been little changed since the days of the mountain men. When you reach camp, you’ll find comfy tents and hearty meals, arranged by professional, personable wranglers and packers. It can be an unforgettable trek through the majestic setting of the Teton Wilderness Area/Bridger-Teton National Forest. Ask about Fall specials. Book: 800/743-2496 or 307/543-2000

Warner Guiding & Outfitting, Ltd. – Banff, Alberta, Canada
Wilderness tenting pack rides, rustic backcountry lodge rides, and learning enriched/interpretive pack rides—it’s all here. Join one of Warner’s unique ‘Holiday on Horseback’ pack trips (pictured above) and you’ll venture deep into the heart of Canada’s spectacular Banff National Park. Here, you can choose to stay in tents or enjoy a backcountry lodge stay at the historical Halfway Lodge or the beautiful Sundance Lodge. Enjoy the outdoors but don’t want the hassle of planning a camping trip? Then the wilderness tenting rides are perfect for you– meals are cooked for you, tents are set up, and you can just sit back and relax. Book: 800/661-8352, or local at 403/762-4551; e-mail to warner@horseback.com

The weather is glorious out in the Rockies, from Colorado north through Wyoming and on into British Columbia. And down in Texas, around the Big Bend area, the weather is perfection, too. Sunny days, gorgeous sunsets, and nights so starry you feel like you’re in a planetarium show. The best news is, there’s still time to jump in and snag a week (or a long weekend) at a fabulous Rockies or Texas dude ranch before the weather cools.

COLORADO

At Drowsy Water Ranch, a family-oriented ranch outside Granby, you’ll find hayrides, horseback riding, jeep trips, trout fishing, swimming, western dancing, gymkhana rodeos, raft trips, and special children’s programs. Nearby, there’s golfing, hunting, and much more. NEWS: New this year: Cowgirl Only Week September 6-12; enjoy riding, guided hikes, massages, yoga, a mountain supper cookout, plus a sunrise ride, and a trip to local hot springs. And be sure to check out the ranch’s own blog at www.drowsywater.com/blog/

Historic Pines Dude and Guest Ranch is a landmark in beautiful south central Colorado, and one of the state’s most revered ranches. There’s plenty to do here— even if you can’t stay overnight. The ranch offers hourly trail riding; sessions start at 9:30 and 1:30 daily Mon-Fri; and at 9:30 Saturday mornings. Call several days ahead to book your space. Trail riding is available May 1—October 3; call 800/446-9462. NEWS: The next Couples-Only week is September 13¬–19; the cost is a low all-inclusive rate of $1100 per person. The Parelli Natural Horsemanship Clinic runs September 19 & 20; bring your own horse (or not) to learn this method of natural horsemanship. A Parelli-trained coach will teach and demonstrate this new approach to understanding your horse; call for more at 800/446-9462.

Both a summer ranch and a winter cross country ski destination, Latigo Ranch (pictured, above) boasts some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery (stand on the front porch of their historic log lodge and you’re looking at 100 miles of the Continental Divide). NEWS: Some prefer to visit Latigo Ranch when there are no young children here, so the week of  September 13–19  is reserved only for adults (no guests under 18 years of  age for the adults’ week).  The ranch is becoming increasingly popular for family reunions. For the latest news and info about Latigo, check out their new blog (click on the word blog). There, you’ll learn how the ranch is going green, about all the latest programs, and get a taste of the season.

Set high in the Colorado Rockies, the Waunita Hot Springs Ranch has been hosting guests for over 40 years. But they’re hip to technology here; in fact, you’ll never have to wonder what the weather forecast for your visit will be: a handy link gives you a complete weather map for the area (http://www.waunita.com/ranchNews/weatherMap.html). NEWS: Green on the ranch: Waunita has a long ‘green’ history concerning heat and domestic hot water (the ranch uses no propane or fuel oil for heating buildings and homes, blessed with free hot water from the springs. They are now moving towards ‘greener’ practices with soda pop cans, plastic water bottles, milk jugs. Weddings: The front lawn of the ranch has been the site of two weddings, and is available for more. Staying in touch: the ranch has begun a “friends of Waunita” email list; if you’d like to stay up on the latest news and/or changes at the ranch, send an email to info@waunita.com.

WYOMING

The Red Rock Ranch is a classic, family-owned/operated dude ranch in a classic location: just outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You can easily explore Grand Teton National Park from here. Besides an outstanding horseback riding program, the kids program  keeps families coming back for years, the Western log cabins are  richly appointed yet authentic. Anglers will go for the 2 ½ miles of private blue ribbon fly fishing waters running through the ranch, 4 stocked trout ponds, and a weekly fly fishing clinic. Miles of scenic hiking trails beckon both the beginning hiker and the more advanced. The limit of 28 guests makes for an intimate, relaxed atmosphere; sip your coffee in front of a roaring fire in the lodge, or roam the extensive ranch library. Red Rock is a good choice for family reunions and small corporate groups, due to its wide range of activities, amenities, and its conference center .

You just can’t be bored at Spotted Horse Ranch. Summer fun ranges from trail rides to trout fishing (their an Orvis partner) and exciting float trips on the beautiful Snake River. The Spotted Horse Ranch is handy to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and if you’re looking for bright lights, there’s the quaint town of Jackson, with its stagecoach rides, weekly rodeos, and places to bend an elbow or listen to music. NEWS: Anglers here go for Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Brown Trout. These fish are fighters and they’re wily, so they offer flycasters a satisfying experience no matter your experience level. There’s a new spring-fed pond with its own Cutthroat population, a way to help anglers build confidence and improve casting skills. A free casting lesson is offered on Monday afternoons.

You want really close-up views of the Teton Range and Snake River Valley? Triangle X Ranch sits in the heart of Grand Teton National Park (the only operating guest ranch concession inside the park). This is a real working dude and horse ranch, so you’ll find a true western experience. And thre’s plenty of fun: riding, cookouts, square dancing, wildlife watching (and photography). You can also access a scenic rft trip, guided angling expeditions, and more. Sit back and relax or use Triangle X as your gateway to a wilderness adventure. In winter, the ranch becomes a hub for cross-country skiing.

TEXAS

A trip to Cibolo Creek Ranch is a journey back in time to the romantic old west. If you’re looking for rich history, boundless vistas, and timeless hospitality, this is the place for you. Cibolo Creek Ranch is ‘Texas big’, stretching over some 30,000 acres around the Big Bend area (and it has its own private airstrip!). It’s an oasis of luxury, adventure, and serenity. Set amidst the Chinati Mountains, the ranch sits in the cool, clean mountain air. Hop on your horse (or ATV) and explore, go fishing, hiking, swimming. Or not. Many guests enjoy simply relaxing by the pool, working out in the fitness center, or chilling out in the hot tub or sauna. But all enjoy the panoramas. There’s beauty all around, even in the ranch buildings themselves: stylish enough to have been featured in Architectural Digest Magazine.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

High in the Canadian Rockies, Three Bars Cattle and Guest Ranch combines the setting for real adventure and western hospitality. Activities range from fly fishing to mountain biking and horseback riding. Three Bars is a working ranch and if the ranch is moving cows when you are here, there will be opportunities to go along. NEWS: Run by The Beckley family, the ranch was recently voted Canada’s Best Dude Ranch for 2009. An Adults Only Week is set for September 6-12; call the ranch for details. And from October through mid-May, the ranch is available for conferences.

Sure, you did your homework when you picked your guest ranch and booked your vacation, and a lot of key information is available on the ranch website. But it never hurts to make a quick call to brush up on some ranch facts before you go. Here are some of the details you should ask about.

-Before you go, find out how many kids of your own children’s ages will be there at the same time; the answer may determine whether your child will need to bring that Gameboy or not.

-About check- out and check-in times—they’re different from most hotels. Often, you’re okay to check in at 2 PM and asked to check out by 10 AM (exceptions are made individually).

-What is included in the rate? Usually, rates are all-inclusive, covering meals, horseback riding, all facilities, children’s and teen supervision, special programming. But sometimes extra options—spa treatments, trap shooting or fly fishing school—is extra.

-What activities beside riding, hiking, and fishing will you need special clothes or shoes for? You may want to add a skirt or your dancin’ shoes for that square dancing evening.

-Find out if the ranch has a liquor license and, if not, what their policy is about guests bringing their own bottles. Some ranches will let you bring your own bottles but ask you not to consume it in the public areas, in order to preserve a family atmosphere. Check ahead.

-Medical needs are an issue for some guests. Ask if their staff is Red Cross First Aid certified and where the nearest hospital emergency room is located and how long it takes to reach. If your family members have serious medical issues, you may want to select a ranch that’s fairly handy to a major city.

-If you’re a smoker, be sure to ask about the ranch’s smoking policy. In Colorado, for example, a new law restricts smoking in public places so you’ll be asked to step outside before you light up. Many ranch cabins are non-smoking now, as well.

-Those who need to stay connected should ask about cell phone and internet service; both are possible at more and more ranches now, but be sure to confirm your ranch’s availability.

-Plan to bring a pet? Ask what the ranch policy is first. Many ranches prohibit pets, as their safety may be at risk (among the cattle, herd of horses, and ranch dogs).

We thank our friends at the Lost Valley Ranch for their help in compiling this list. And stay tuned for What to know before you go (part 2): what to wear!

Sometimes, in order to find a real escape, you just have to strike out into the wild and pit your skills against a wily fish or elusive game animal. It’s one way to really get away from it all, a sure effort to connect with your wilder side, and just the kind of wild adventure that many dude ranches specialize in.

Timeless adventures like these have also long been a popular means for anglers and hunting enthusiasts to reconnect with buddies, make new friends, or bond with brothers and sons. And who knows? You might find your hunting adventure of a life time here. You’ll find a range of hunting/fishing lodges at Ranchweb.com. Three featured lodges include:

The Lodge at Chama (open year-round) is a 36,000 acre retreat in the rugged San Juan Mountains of Northern New Mexico and owned by The Jicarilla Apache Nation. Over the past five decades, the lodge has developed a widely-acclaimed game management program that has helped establish thriving native populations of deer, elk, buffalo, bear, turkey and grouse. Elk hunting is a speciality at the Lodge, but you can also try fishing/ flyfishing, hiking, wildlife tours or photography, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and shooting the sporting clay.

In Texas, at the JB Hunting and Guest Ranch (near Palacios), the terrain varies from rolling grassland to thick woodlands and cactus-surrounded areas. They offer professional guided hunts with an authentic, down-to-earth enviroment. You can go for hogs, rams and many exotics, with a variety of different hunts such as rifle, bow, dog & knife, stand, safari and many more types.

Or go way outside the box, to La Pampa Argentina and the Poitahue Hunting Ranch. It’s a scenic ranch, where the terrain ranges from woods, to green plains, and rolling hills, all rich in various fauna. Its a mix that assures unique scenery and a truly wild hunting experience; go for red deer stags, boars, wild goats, blackbucks antelopes, pumas,  and  exotic species. Just remember: the season here is opposite of that in the northern hemisphere (their summer is December, January, February).

Editor’s note: this is the last in a 5-part series: Americans need a dude ranch vacation NOW.

“We believe more folks will be traveling within their respective states this year,” says Jody Dahl, at her family-run Runamuk Guest Ranch in Montana. “So we’re doing new, in-state promotions and offering stays of any length, which has really helped with our bookings.”

That kind of thinking may be a surprise to  most visitors, who expect a dude ranch to require a full week-long stay; after all, that has long been the tradition and is still the preferred way to go at most guest ranches.

But Dahl believes the shorter stays also really help guests, giving them as an easy, low-comittment introduction to the guest ranch experience, and more options. “They get the flavor of the experience, without having to take the full plunge,” Dahl notes.

“We allow guests to arrive and depart any day of the week, too,” Dahl adds. “We have to be flexible and organized,” she says with a laugh, “but guest really love that added option.” It helps that the ranch is in Roundup, just an hour from Billings, Montana, and its airport.

“A lot of international travelers can’t take a full week to stay at a dude ranch, so allowing the shorter stays let’s them get a taste of the ranch life, as well,” Dahl says.

They take a limited number of guests, to assure that their quality level stays high and each guest has a wonderful experience. When space is available, they also invite travel writers to stay, as one more way to get the word out about the fun and relaxation guests can have on a dude ranch vacation.

“Runamuk is about reconnecting,”Dahl contends. “Reconnecting with yourself, your family, friends, your children, reconnecting with nature, with God, reconnecting with balance in one’s life, reconnecting with the importance of life that is so often lost in today’s world.”

Another option Dahl is excited about: “We have offered a separate pricing structure for our in-state Montana guests,” Dahl explains, since she firmly believes more will be taking shorter vacations inside their respective states this year. “This is our attempt to say, ‘hey, we appreciate you! And we realize you may not have to opportunity to travel out-of-state this year and we want you to know there’s something here for your entire family’, ” notes Dahl. “And we wanted something that would say: ‘we know your pocket books are tighter and we’re willing to help out with that by offering a “Thank you Montanans” promotion.”

It’s an exciting set of ideas, and Dahl’s enthusiasm is contagious. “We just want to tell everyone, hey, ‘Let’s Stick Together’ to weather this storm.”

We like your thinking, Jody Dahl!

More ranches: These are just a few that offer stays of less than a week (usually 2-3 nights). But be sure to ask other ranches what their stay length policies are, or do a search on the Ranchweb site.  In Colorado, just west of Gunnison, the scenic Powderhorn Guest Ranch offers 3-night minimum stays throughout the season. Just outside the city limits of Tucson, the classic (and classy) Tanque Verde Ranch offers stays of 3 nights (or fewer, sometimes) as space is available. And in Idaho, adjacent to the wild Snake River, the Indian Creek Guest Ranch offers 5-night minimum stay during peak season and a 3-night stay during off season.

You hear a lot of talk these days about special, eco-friendly trips, but that’s nothing new at a guest ranch. They’ve been ‘eco-friendly’ since before ‘eco’ was cool. Many ranchers have been wise stewards of their land for many generations, and so they have become experts on being environmentally conscious.

This year, the idea of getting ‘back to nature’ holds more appeal than ever. Who doesn’t want to flee the noise, traffic, and (dare we say) germs of the crowded cityscape and escape back to nature? Someplace clean, quite, healthful and restorative…like a guest ranch.

You can practically pick your own favorite slice of nature and find a ranch that goes with it. Want the Cariboo region of Canada’s British Columbia? Then Echo Valley Ranch and Spa is one to consider.
Perhaps you’re dreaming of a Southwest landscape where you can soak up the warm desert days and cool nights, tucked in a grove of Arizona oak trees in the Chiricahua Mountains; then Grapevine Canyon Ranch (near Pearce, AZ) is your spot.

Or maybe the mighty Rockies call to you, beckoning with their pristine air, sunny days, and pine-scented forests; then your choices range widely, from spots like the Teton Ridge Ranch (in Tetonia, Idaho), to Averill’s Ranch/Flathead Lake Lodge (Bigfork, Montana; shown above), to the historic Eaton’s Ranch in Wyoming.

At all of these ranches, you’re guaranteed to get in touch with the land, as the wranglers do on a daily basis. Many guest ranches have staff naturalists on hand to guide you on nature walks, where you (and the kids) will more on a short walk than they could all day in a classroom. Wildlife watching (or learning about animal tracks) can be a daily activity on a ranch vacation, along with hiking, fishing wild streams and rivers, and even nature photography.

Ranches in the Southwest and Southeast have different weather, landscapes, and animals than those in the Far West and Northwest; and that goes double for ranches in Canada and South America. So, depending on where you’re from, there’s probably going to be many different aspects of nature to explore at a ranch versus what you’d find in your backyard. But one thing remains constant at every guest ranch: the caring for and knowledge about nature the ranch owners and their staff want to share with you.

Editor’s note: this is part of a continuing series, Americans need a dude ranch vacation NOW.

Family time.

It sounds so simple to find, yet it can be more elusive than you think—even on some vacations. Well, quality time with the kids is all about balance. You want to be together—except when you want alone time, adult time, or just-kids time. It’s hard to find a vacation that makes all of that possible, until you think about a dude ranch.

How do you make sure you choose a ranch that will foster family time? Pick a ranch that caters to families with kids, and with select “youth activity leaders” designed to guide children into fun activities; then, you don’t even have to think twice about what the kids are up to all day. Or you can be with ‘em every minute: it’s up to you how you schedule things.

Either way, the end result is a happy child, relaxed parents, and good times spent together.

But first, take time to research your ranch destination. Not all ranches focus on families and children. Research, read, and talk to the ranch owners or past guests. At Colorado’s  Lost Valley Ranch, owner Bob Foster says, “The number one thing we spend time on is finding young “supes” or supervisors who really enjoy being around kids and teens.” He adds, “Trying to find young people as supervisors who have a passion—that’s the key.”

Foster, with years in the business, has learned that kids don’t want to be pushed into ‘programs’, they want freedom. “But we guide them into fun things to do,” Foster notes. “It takes more time and staff to do it that way, but returning guests come back to Lost Valley Ranch because of our kids and teen programs.”

At California’s Rankin Ranch, the counselors prepare activities daily, ranging from riding and nature walks, to treasure hunts, talent shows, and toy boat building   to learning about the area’s Piute Indians (and making Indian crafts). In any spare time, most kids enjoy feeding the calves and chickens skittering about on Sarah’s Farm area.

Don’t forget to think outside the box—or even outside the West. At New York’s Rocking Horse Dude Ranch Resort, there’s an outstanding children’s program and day camp (optional babysitting nursery available), plus a giant Fort Wilderness playground and pony rides.

So look for a ranch where they hand pick all their potential staffers, as Foster does, and then ask detailed questions about the kids’ programs. And don’t forget to ask your own children what they want in a ranch vacation. Oh, and, it’s okay to tell the kids what you’re looking for out of this vacation. After all, it’s okay for “the ‘rents” to have fun, too.

Seeing your children react to a new setting—with animals, in the outdoors— is bound to bring out a whole different side to them. And letting them see you —relaxed, happy, away from daily routines, and not in ‘parent mode” for a change—can only help your relationship.

Sitting next to your kids by a campfire at night singing songs, riding with them on the trail, or just gathering over chow at the end of a happy day; now that’s quality family time.

Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a 5-part series running on consecutive Mondays: Americans need a dude ranch vacation NOW!