Families yearning for the traditional ambiance of the Old West this Christmas will find a ranch vacation to suit them on Gene Kilgore’s Ranchweb.com. Add holiday traditions like a sleigh ride through the snow, a visit from Santa, Christmas trees decked out in their finery, and celebratory meals, for a family holiday experience to remember.

When it comes to ranch stays, Gene Kilgore, author of Ranchweb.com, the leading guide to ranches worldwide, has been a reliable source of ranch vacations for 30 years. “Ranch vacations are a perfect way for families to spend quality time together,” says Gene Kilgore. “What better place to celebrate the magic of the holidays than at a guest ranch, where traditional values, a warm welcome and healthy outdoor activities await.”

With a vacation for everyone, Ranchweb invites guests to pack their saddlebags and celebrate the holidays Ranch-style:

* At Triple Creek Ranch , a luxury resort high in the pristine Bitterroot Mountains of the Montana Rockies, clean mountain air and freshly fallen snow create the perfect backdrop for A Christmas to Remember. Guests take a brisk horseback ride or an invigorating snowmobile expedition through the powder, and then enjoy the festive Christmas splendor back at the ranch. Cabin rates start at $750 US per couple per night, inclusive of accommodations, three gourmet meals, house wines and spirits, as well as featured on-ranch activities. (Three-night minimum stay required.) www.triplecreekranch.com

* A stay at historical 320 Guest Ranch in Big Sky, Montana, features all the traditions of ranch hospitality with the romance of winter activities. Book the Sleigh and Stay package and cozy up in the star-lit sleigh ride pulled by majestic Percheron draft horses, enjoy cowboy cuisine at the Steakhouse & Saloon, and settle into one of the log cabins. Rates begin at $220 US per night for two people, from December 10, 2011 – March 31, 2012. Tip: you can even request the historical McGill Cabin. www.320ranch.com

* Staying in the land of blue skies and big mountains, for a more active winter vacation 320 Guest Ranch has also created the 2012 Celebrating Snow Special, including dog sledding, a snow coach tour of Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful, an evening sleigh ride and hearty ranch meals. Discounted tickets to Moonlight Basin are also slipped into the package, which runs at $465 US per adult and is valid January 2 – March 15, 2012. Rates are based on double occupancy. Taxes, park passes and gratuities are excluded. www.320ranch.com

* And if you prefer your Christmas a few degrees warmer, then Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort offers all the trimmings and traditions of the holiday season, in Santa Barbara County wine country, the heart of California’s central coast. The Holiday Package features plenty of Christmas spirit, along with unlimited horseback riding, golf green fees, tennis and fishing, complete with a studio accommodation for two nights. As well as 50 miles of riding trails and a ride in a carriage drawn by Belgian horses, families will enjoy building a gingerbread house, a visit by Santa, and nightly carols and hot chocolate. The package costs $550 US for two people, and runs from December 1 – January 25, 2012. (See the website for children’s discounts as well as blackout dates for the Christmas season.) www.alisal.com

* Located on 60,000 acres of Tucson’s desert landscape, Tanque Verde Ranch is a working ranch, situated beside the Rincon Mountains in Arizona. Families love Tanque Verde Ranch for its range of activities: fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horse back riding lessons and rides, kids programming, and evening cook-outs. The New Year, New You all-inclusive package runs from January 3 – 20, 2012, and starts at $230 US per person, per night, with activities and three daily meals included. Guests booking a three-night stay will receive the fourth night free. www.tanqueverderanch.com

* Rancho de los Caballeros, named for the horsemen who first settled in the southwest, is a historic ranch resort on 20,000 acres in the Sonoran desert near Wickenburg, Arizona. Each Christmas, Rancho de los Caballeros turns into a western holiday hideaway as flickering luminaries line the paths throughout the Ranch. Guests return year after year to take part in special traditions like decorating the tree, and leaving their boot “stockings” by the fire on Christmas Eve, hoping for a gift from Santa when he arrives on horseback. To enjoy the setting of crisp, starry nights and warm crackling fires book the Ranch Getaway Package at $335 US per night, double occupancy, featuring three meals per day and unlimited scheduled horseback rides. www.ranchodeloscaballeros.com

A note about Ranchweb

Ranchweb, founded in 1995 by Gene Kilgore, has become the ultimate ranch finder for ranch vacations in North America. More than a directory, Ranchweb is a resource for anyone considering a ranch vacation. Kilgore has travelled the world for 30 years to bring the best ranches to his readers. The guide features over 100 of the best, from dude ranches to working cattle ranches, horseback-riding vacations to fly fishing ranches, each offering a different experience. Kilgore also publishes Ranch Vacations, just out in its eighth edition, a full-color handy guide to all the ranches, including tips on how to select the perfect one for your family.

We love bloggers who love horses, so we were delighted to chat recently with the author of Writinghorseback.com. As a child, Nancy D. Brown was like so many young girls, dreaming of owning a horse. “ I cleaned out many a horse stall to earn my riding lessons as a child,” Brown admits. “But when my parents saw how serious I was about it, I got my first horse.” That Quarter Horse—Cricket—fired a lifelong passion in Brown. Now, she has combined her passion for horses with her love of travel and created a career.

With her blog Writing Horseback, professional travel writer Nancy D. Brown (at right) guides her readers to the best equestrian-based lodging properties and resorts all over the world. For Ranchweb blog readers, it’s a good additional resource for travelers who love horses. And she notes that she’s enjoying Ranchweb’s redesigned website and its blog. “Horse lovers will find ranch recommendations, and those looking for ranch jobs will find resources, as well,” Brown comments. “Like a good team roping pair, I think Ranchweb/Ranchweb blog and Writinghorseback.com make a great duo.” (We couldn’t agree more!)

Take a look at her blog’s home page and you’ll see a black and white picture of Brown aboard Cricket (look to the upper left). Admittedly horse-crazy in her youth (Brown says she missed out on many high school dances in favor of showing her Quarter Horse in as many shows as her budget would allow), she never stopped loving all things equestrian. So now, Brown travels world-wide in search of the best resorts offering quality riding opportunities. Does that include dude and guest ranches? “I do cover dude ranches!” Brown says. (The photo of her on the fjord horse below is from Big Bar Ranch, a dude ranch in Clinton, BC, Canada.)

She’s clear about one goal: no ‘nose to tail’ riding trips for her. The destinational rides she writes about are always adventurous and cover the globe, from the Argentinean Andes to Perthshire, Scotland and lots of U.S. destinations in between. Her favorite trips so far: riding fjord horses in Norway (see a fjord horse, below) and a trip up to a butterfly-filled valley in Puerto Vallarta, ending the trip with a swim beneath waterfalls.

Nancy Brown on a fjord horse.

Next, Brown heads for Darby, Montana and the Triple Creek Ranch for ‘Clicks for Chicks”. It’s a 4-day endurance ride that she says she’s really up for. And if she gets sore, Brown notes, “I’ll just have to soak my aches away in the Triple Creek Ranch hot tub.” Oh, tough.

What’s on her bucket list? “I’d like to ride in an African safari” Brown says. Another dream trip: “Someday I hope to ride to the Blue Lagoon on an Icelandic horse.” Sounds fab.

Details: When she’s not traveling, she makes her home in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two teenagers. Brown writes the “What a Trip” travel blog and authors a column by the same name for the Contra Costa Times Lamorinda Sun, a publication of Media News Group. She is the Lodging Editor for Uptake.com. She writes an on-line travel column for Diablo magazine and the “Traveler Making a Difference” column for Escapes magazine.

She is a BootsnAll Insider for California and has contributed to InsideBayArea, Uptake.com and Write to Travel blogs. She is a member of Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW), BlogHer, Matador and Travelwriters.com. She also owns a public relations consulting business.

HOT DEALS

Artistry in Arizona

ELKHORN RANCH

ARIZONA

Open Mid November through end of April, Elkhorn Ranch offers desert and mountain riding insouthern Arizona. Here, the Sonoran desert country has unique and abundant birds and wildlife. Which is why its fitting for them to offer a Photography, Art & Natural History Workshop, Jan. 22-29, 2012. Learn the secrets of digital photograph from equipment to composition and cataloging. Photographer and naturalist Stewart Aitchison, plus artist Ann Kramer, are your instructors. In this, the fourth workshop offered, you’ll enjoy workshop activities along with all the rest of the Elkhorn fun, from riding to hiking and relaxing.
Details: Cost: $1398 per person per week (plus tax and gratuities). Accommodates 32 – 40 people, 20 cabins. Comfortable for singles, couples and families. For the workshop, bring your laptop and camera gear.

Smart Ranch Traveler

Moms are often the ones who end up doing the background research for any vacation. That’s especially true when they’re hunting for a dude or guest ranch vacation for the family. Any mom would agree: it’s always good to start your selection process early. But even August isn’t too late-ask about cancellations. (In fact, you can find some great last-minute bargains even in dude ranching’s high season– see item below).

Begin asking friends and family if they’ve been to a good dude ranch (posting a query on Facebook is guarenteed to garner some good ideas). Then, on the Internet, start with sites that narrow the search (like Ranchweb, the Dude Ranchers Association, and state tourism sites). Query ‘last minute deals’ or click over to thhe site’s deals section (like http://www.ranchweb.com/special.htm).

Then work the phones. When you’ve selected your top choice ranches, ask each for a list of past guests that wouldn’t mind a call from you (that is, guests who came with kids). Then call and ask if they have time for a few questions about their ranch stay: how child-oriented they felt the ranch was; what kinds of kid-programs they participated in and what ages the programs worked best for; what their kids really loved (or not) about the ranch.

Finally, ask if you can get a short taste of ranch life for you and your family. Most ranches request that you stay at least a week, but some kid-friendly ranches, like California’s Rankin Ranch, allow stays as short as one night.

See if there’s anything out-of-the-ordinary the parents suggest you should bring for the kids when they visit a ranch. You might get some surprising answers. And if your “little dudes” have any special considerations, mention them; if their children share those considerations, you’ll find out how the ranch accommodated them. You’re sure to get some great ideas from the vast—and helpful—network of parents out there. And you might even make a new phone friend.

Details: great ranches for kids are easy to find on the Ranchweb site. Go to the category ’selecting a ranch’, then click on ‘for kids’.

Newsflash

Canada’s Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is calling you, girlfriend

In beautiful British Columbia, Echo Valley Ranch and Spa is calling all ‘wannabe’ cowgirls. If you’ve ever wanted to ride the range and throw a lasso, yet still like a little luxury at the end of the day, then the Echo Valley Ranch girls getaway is a vacation to think about.

Start your day with an early morning Thai yoga class, then saddle up and ride the golden hills of British Columbia’s eastern side, taking a break to enjoy one of chef’s gourmet picnic lunches. At the end of the day, you can restore your mind and body with an Asian or European spa treatment, then watch the sun go down.

Priced per night from $605, this vacation isn’t for budget-minded gals, but it can include: One half day horseback ride and wilderness picnic; One signature Western or Asian spa treatment during the stay; Group manicure/pedicure; Lasso throwing lessons from the local cowboys; Self guided hiking program; Daily Thai yoga (Ruesri dat ton ) stretching classes, and more.

Details: To book the Girlfriends Getaway Package please contact Echo Valley at 800/253-8831 or email info@evranch.com

Hot Deals

Summer/Fall Dude Ranch Deals

Right now is the right time to find great bargains in dude and guest ranch vacation. Take California’s Rankin Ranch, offering a 50% Discount: Rest and Relaxation Week October 2nd-5th. Or Colorado’s Laramie River Ranch: : 30% Discount for Adults Only Special in September! The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch has Home on The Range Summer Package. Colorado’s Elk Ranch has ‘the more the merrier’ 15% discount (check details); Wyoming’s 7D Ranch has 10 % discount weeks in September (adults only).

Details: Find these deals and more at http://www.ranchweb.com/special.htm

Newsflash

Can you think of a more All-American activity to attend this July 4th weekend than a true Western rodeo? We can’t. Going to a Western rodeo is like taking a mini-vacation to another country. Heck, it’s like another world, where iPods and Blackberries haven’t been invented yet and the only communication skills that matter are how a rider communicates with his horse.

But if you think a rodeo is totally about buckin’ broncs, you are wrongamundo. There are activities for moms and kids, too, often including stylish horse shows, parades, children’s petting zoo areas, and places where city kids can learn about real farm animals and see pretty ponies. And of course, you’re likely to see some pretty cowboys and cowgirls, too, all decked out in their fanciest duds, widest-brimmed hats, and belt buckles the size of dinner plates.

Luckily, the Ranchweb.com home page has a button to click to help you find a rodeo near  you. They are everywhere. There are some 100  events listed in July alone. You’ll find biggies like the Cheyenne, Wyoming’s, Frontier Days and Salt Lake City’s Days of 47, to smaller events like Jacksonville, Texas’ Tops in Texas event.

This month, stampedes are big. Nampa, Idaho has the Snake River Stampede; Elgin Oregon has the Elgin Stampede; Nevada has the Silver State Stampede in Elko; and Mitchell, South Dakota, has the Corn Palace Stampede (I’ve been to the Corn Palace and its exterior is all covered in murals created out of corn–amazing!).

One of the oldest is Cheyenne’s Frontier Days.  Frontier Days is a world-famous annual celebration of the American West featuring the ‘Daddy of ‘em All,’ the largest outdoor rodeo in America. I covered the rodeo a few years back and was amused to find that even the media is required to ‘dress the part’ when covering the rodeo. My photographer and I were required to wear western shirts and western hats, boots, and jeans. I loved it (and I still wear that hat).

Details: This year, the 114th edition of the “Daddy of ‘em All” returns on Friday, July 23 and all the rodeo action begins the next day. There’s a host of satellite events from downtown parades to “Frontier Nights” evening concerts to free pancake breakfasts.  – The action draws cowboys and rodeo and music fans from throughout the country for a spirited, ten-day celebration of Western heritage.

Nine days of rodeos sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) will run from Saturday, July 24, through CFD’s conclusion on Sunday, August 1.  Pre-show events begin at 12 noon; rodeos begin at 12:45 p.m.  Nearly 1,500 contestants will be vying for a share of the more than $1 million in money and prizes, plus the prestige that comes from winning America’s best known rodeo.

Like so many rodeos, Frontier Days unites the community and serves as an important boost to Cheyenne’s economy. Across the rural West, smaller rodeos play their own part in boosting their local economies. And just as important, rodeos play a role in keeping a part of our Western culture alive.

So relive a little bit of our Western heritage this July, and go out to a rodeo near you. And if you can’t make one this month, not to worry, they spread across the calendar, and across the map. You’ll find them in cities like San Francisco (the Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show and Junior Grand National Stock Show to be held October 14-23, 2011) and Denver’s National Western Stock Show.

Newsflash

Eastern dude and guest ranch news

You may not think about taking a dude and guest ranch vacation in the states east of the Mississippi, but there are several terrific guest ranches there, especially in New York and North Carolina. This month, we’re putting the spotlight on ranches with an eastern twist. Now’s the time to start planning your summer dude and guest ranch vacation way down east.

NORTH CAROLINA

Clear Creek Ranch (near Burnsville)

With 68 horses on the ranch, every guest at Clear Creek Ranch is sure to have a horse suitable to their taste. Riding is big here. Just ask owners Rex and Aileen Frederick. “Riding is definitely a top priority,” says Aileen. “We offer an 1-1/2 ride in the morning, and either a 1-1/2 or 2-1/2 hour jaunt in the afternoon.” And don’t forget their lunch ride on Wednesday, and rodeo on Saturday.  “We also have what we call The Junior Wrangler Ride for kids on Friday,” Aileen adds, explaining that the Junior Wrangler Ride is a lunch horseback ride with tubing on the river after the ride. Cool!

But there’s so much more, including line dancing, carriage rides, swimming and volleyball, cookouts, and plenty of quiet spots for just relaxing. Nearby outings range from exploring the Roaring Fork waterfall, to tubing or whitewater rafting on the South Toe River, dropping a line for some fantastic trout fishing (brook or wild mountain trout), or challenging a championship golf course. For a change of pace, you can fit in visits to local craft studios.

They’re not in the West, but Clear Creek takes full advantage of their position. “We are quite unique because we are the only “true” dude ranch in North Carolina, and in fact, most of the East Coast,” remarks Aileen. She notes that, while there are some other establishments with horses, “they charge extra for riding, and are more of a resort type environment.”

This year, Clear Creek is planning to offer team penning as a new activity, and they are also adding square dancing to the program, joining their popular line dancing program.

Details: Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day and October. Some specials: in spring and fall, they are offering 25% discount off the posted price.

NEW YORK
Pinegrove Ranch and Family Resort
Ranchweb has a cool a new member: the Pinegrove Ranch and Family Resort. Set on 600 acres in the serenely lovely Catskill Mountains of New York, the Pinegrove Ranch is accessible by bus from New York or flights into nearby Newburgh. It’s open year- round, located in Kerhonkson, New York.

Family run and dedicated to family fun: that’s the motto of 126-room Pinegrove. And boy, do these easterners know how to entertain their ranch resort guests. The ranch boasts dozens of activities, from horseback riding to a workout in the fitness center, fishing, paddle boating on their private lake, or chilling out in the spa.

And for the kids, it’s a slice of Heaven. Sure, beside horseback riding and hiking, there is traditional outdoor fun from archery, basketball, miniature golf, and volleyball. But there’s plenty of indoor fun like laser tag, karaoke and a heated pool with a new double flume water slide, plus coin operated air hockey and arcade games. And parents needn’t worry: the kids are all right, well taken care of in the new ‘Barn Brats” program or the “Junior Wrangler” program.

Of course, while the kids are off romping around, some parents want to just relax by the pool in a classic Adirondack chair. For the rest, there’s plenty of activity in the fresh air. The resort offers three full meals a day (including special kids menus) and an all day snack bar (and in the evening, there are cocktail parties for the grownups.)

Details: Pinegrove Ranch and Family Resort offers lots of specials, from midweek summer vacation packages to family group discounts. Call 800/ 346-4626 and tell ‘em Ranchweb sent you. look for them on our website soon or click here.

Hot Deals

Spring dude ranch specials

MONTANA

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch

Look for exquisite service, a terrific children’s program, fine dining, and riding and hiking on more that 6,000 scenic acres. Special: Spring into paradise, May 26 – 31, 2010. Cool crisp mornings; bright, brilliant sunrises; and roaring fireplaces to curl up to in the evening. Join us in beautiful Paradise Valley, just south of Livingston, Montana, for a getaway you’ll always remember.

Details: $ 325.00 per night; includes accommodation, meals, all on-ranch activities and gratuities.
Daily Activities: 
7 a.m. Sunrise Hike; 
9 a.m. Ride or Hike; 
2 p.m. Ride or Hike.
Fly fishing instruction, Yoga classes, and an all-day ride or hike are also available.
In addition to on-ranch activities, you may want to tour Yellowstone National Park (extended stays available during our Visions of Yellowstone Package, June 1 – 7).

The Ranch at Rock Creek

Bring together Montana’s Big Sky and the Ranch at Rock Creek’s super luxury and you have a spectacular marriage. You’ll always be comfy at this amazing and beautiful ranch, where accommodations range from the Granite Lodge, the Luxury Tent Cabins, and the Log Homes. It’s near Philipsburg, MT, and is open year-round.

Amanda at the Ranch at Rock Creek dropped me a note the other day. “Just wanted to be sure you have our two latest Spring Packages!”

Memorial Day Weekend – Stay 4, get 1 free.

Validity Dates: May 20 – June 5, 2011 – This offer is not valid for groups of 10 rooms or more.  Kick off summer at The Ranch at Rock Creek.  The ranch is all about having family fun–parents and children will enjoy creating memories that will last a lifetime.  For those visiting for Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery, guided hikes and mountain bike treks, paint ball, photo safaris, fly-fishing Rock Creek and more. Applicable Room Categories: All Accommodation Categories Rates: Enjoy Four (4) nights for the price of three (3) Minimum Night Stay: Four (4) nights Additional Fees: Spa Treatments, reserve wine & spirits and off ranch fishing are not included. Plus note details/restrictions below.

Wildflowers and Wildlife Spring Package

Validity Dates: May 15 – June 15, 2011.  This offer is not valid for groups of 10 rooms or more. Ride through spring wildflowers and newly greened pastures looking for shooting stars, fairybells, lilies of the valley and more. Or dive into any of a number of world-class usual activities such as archery,  clay pigeon shooting,  fly-fishing Rock Creek, guided hikes and mountain bike treks, horseback riding, paint ball, photo safaris,  and more!

Uou’ll get four all-inclusive* nights in luxurious accommodations  and all Spring activities listed above, a daily children’s program, and more. The package represents a 20% Rate Discount. Applicable Room Categories: All Accommodation Categories. Rates: From $720.00 per person, per night (Minimum Night Stay: 4 nights . No Blackout Dates. Additional Fees: Spa Treatments, reserve wine & spirits and off ranch fishing are not included.

For both packages, Amanda spells out the details: “Our Rates Include: Luxury accommodations, all gourmet dining options, top shelf bar, wine and non- alcoholic beverages, horseback riding, private water fly fishing on over 4 miles of Rock Creek and several private trout ponds, hiking, archery, paintball, mountain biking sporting clays, hiking, daily children’s activities, excursions to the 19th century town of Philipsburg, Gem Mountain Sapphire mining, Silver Dollar Saloon activities including movies and television programs on our 14-foot HD screen, billiards, darts, ping pong, shuffleboard, karaoke and bowling.  Long-distance phone calls, internet access, taxes are included.  Not included: Airport transfers, reserve wines & liquor, spa treatments, and off-ranch guided fly fishing excursions. The packages are valid for new bookings only.

Contact: Reservations 406/859-6027 or by email reservations@theranchatrockcreek.com.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Tod Mountain Guest Ranch

Spring is a great time to visit the ranch. Everything is lush and green and the wildlife return to the valley after the long winter. They’ve got some great deals for guests throughout May and June.

3 Night All-Inclusive Ranch Stay – $695 per person. “Available on all dates throughout May & June, including weekends, this package is great value for those looking for a short break. This rate includes 3 nights accommodation and 2 days horseback riding.”

5 Night All-Inclusive Ranch Stay – $1,135 per person. “This package includes 5 nights accommodation and 4 days horseback riding. A great value package that is available at this rate on all dates throughout May & June.”

Mother’s Day Celebration.  May 6 – May 8; $545 per person. “This is a special time of year to celebrate Mothers and show our appreciation for all that they do. Arrive in time for dinner on Friday, and spend the weekend riding and relaxing, leaving the ranch after a special Mother’s Day lunch on Sunday. Rate includes 2 nights accommodation, horseback riding on Saturday (morning & afternoon) and Sunday morning, all meals snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, wine & beer with dinner each evening, use of all ranch facilities during your stay.”

May Long Weekend:  May 20-May 23; $745 per person. “It’s Victoria Day in BC on Monday 23rd, so that means a long weekend off work for Canadians. Arrive in time for dinner on Friday, and spend the weekend riding and relaxing, leaving the ranch after lunch on Monday. Rate includes 3 nights accommodation, horseback riding on Saturday, Sunday (morning & afternoon) and Monday morning, all meals snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, wine & beer with dinner each evening, use of all ranch facilities during your stay.”

Set in south central Wyoming’s wild and beautiful North Platte River Valley, Brush Creek Ranch has been a homestead and ranch since the 1880s. Now, its long and storied history bears a new coda: The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch. Ah, but that’s not how the last chapter of the tale of Brush Creek Ranch was initially supposed to be written.

In late 2008, the Chairman and CEO of premium hotel brand White Lodging, Bruce White, bought Brush Creek Ranch, outside of Saratoga. His intent was to create a family sanctuary and perhaps even a place to hold charity functions for the Bruce and Beth White Family Foundation. “The White family has had a passion for service and hospitality for more a quarter of a century and as our next venture, we wanted to create a Western getaway that utilized our vast experience in the industry while striking a perfect balance between wholesome recreation, economic sustainability, environmental stewardship and preservation of the culture of the West,” said Bruce White. “The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is the fulfillment of this vision and exemplifies the true spirit of the West.”

End of story? Not exactly. Eventually, the Whites realized they wanted to share this truly luxurious setting in the heart of the American West. So they’ve opened it to guests who are looking to ‘experience authentic outdoor adventures along with a spirit of genuine hospitality’. Set for a spring 2011 Grand Opening, the Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek is now accepting some ‘pre-opening reservations for weddings, corporate retreats, individual guests, and group events in an all-inclusive format that includes accommodations, food and beverage and activities’.

But it is all done in the spirit of responsible conservation. So a big chunk of the ranch is preserved in a conservation easement, and White and the staff are committed to ‘harmoniously balancing the needs of wildlife, livestock, the land and watershed through an ongoing land, stream, pond and forestry restoration and management plan, ensuring that Brush Creek Ranch will flourish for generations to come’.

Casual sophistication best describes the facilities. And while it is still a real working ranch, there’s plenty to do besides ride and rope; in fact, there’s a long list of activities in all seasons. The ranch sits on 13,000 acres of private land and borders the vast Medicine Bow National Forest, so the fund can include riding, hiking, hunting mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more.

But perhaps the most amazing experience here is for anglers. In the Orvis- endorsed fly fishing program, guests can cast a line into six miles of sparkling private waters on the ranch (including 3.5 miles on Brush Creek, known for its incredible wade fishing), plus there’s pond fishing (great for beginners) and float fishing.

The Lodge’s facilities offer yet more: a spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Cattle Baron’s library, a covered U-line equestrian center, a mustang arena, and a sports and recreation center that features a large indoor center court and cross court for basketball, volleyball, broomball. Want more? Then choose indoor simulated golf and shooting, shuffleboard, air hockey or foosball.

Lodging options in 37 spaces accommodate 150 guests and range from Log Cabin Residences, to Trailhead Lodge Rooms and Cabin Rooms & Suites; all are complete with luxury amenities.

Details: Lodge Rooms start at $720 per night (off-peak) to $1,300 per night (peak).  Cabin Rooms & Suites start at $720 per night (off peak) to $1,600 per night (peak). Log Cabin Residences start at $1,800 per night (off peak) to $6,600 (peak).     Pricing is per unit, per night (not per person, not based on double occupancy). For more, click here.

Seasonal special

Ah, springtime in the desert. The desert wildflower season in Southern Arizona and the Tucson area (where so many dude ranch resorts are located) is a bit unpredictable. A good flower season requires early winter rains, and then a warm and unusually wet spring. So far, things are looking promising for a great wildflower display in the desert. But no matter what, there is sure to be something great blooming from February through May, from brittlebush to giant saguaros.

Imagine saddling up at your guest ranch resort and riding through a spectacular show of brittlebush (already blooming now) and magenta hedgehog cactus. The spindly ocotillo—with its fire engine red blossoms— is blooming along with the low-growing fairy duster with its misty pink flowers.

Slow Old Paint down to a walk, look down from the saddle and you may see splashes of yellow from gold poppy, bahia, fiddleneck, paperflower, desert hibiscus;  pink from Parry penstemon, and blue from lupine, and blue dicks)

Now’s the time to go out in the desert and nip away for a warm, sunny dude ranch resort vacation. But which ranch to choose? Since Arizona ranches have so much to offer, it can be a challenge. If its an upscale hideaway you want, try Hidden Meadow Ranch (near Greer), with its elegent log main house and 12 luxury log cabins; or the Rancho de los Caballeros (which has an Old West lodge, and championship golf) in Wickenburg, with its 79 charmingly elegant casitas.

If you’re looking for casual and family-friendly, consider the Bar 10 Ranch near the Grand Canyon, with its big, country-style meals and genuine western hospitality (the Bar 10 sits at almost 4,200 feet in elevation, so March is still the off-season here, which means rates are lower). And near Wickenburg, the Flying E Ranch is loaded with family-friendly fun, wide-open spaces, and bountiful meals served family style.

Both White Stallion Ranch and Tanque Verde Ranch outside Tucson offer a ton of fun things to do, from nature walks to swimming and gourmet cuisine, along with the kind of classic southwestern design and décor that many clients come for. Tanque Verde even has tennis courts and a swanky little spa out by the swimming pool. This is living!

If you need help planning side trips while you’re in Arizona, don’t forget Arizona Country Excursions, which can take you on guided horseback or ATV trips through the Arizona desert.

But if you need more help with your selection, turn to Ranchweb for help. To begin, click on Selecting A Ranch and you’ll see groupings of ranches by lists of all the options that various ranches have to offer, from riding, fishing, and cattle drives to spas and luxury options. If you’re looking for deals, click on Travel Bargains on the Ranchweb.com home page. It’s another handy sorting tool.

Details: For a wildflower update, go to
www.desertusa.com/wildflo/wildupdates.html

Hot Deals

What’s a Valentine ranch? Well, perhaps it’s the most unusual gift you can give your sweetie this year. What do you look for in a romantic escape? Surely the must have list includes a destination that’s unique,  somewhat quieter and more secluded, in a spectacularly lovely setting (such as California’s Highland Ranch, at left). We found some dude and guest ranch resorts that fill the bill perfectly. All of these are open in February and offer specialized romance programs, packages, or rooms.

ARIZONA
Rancho de los Caballeros

Wickenburg (50 miles northwest of Phoenix).
Isn’t it romantic: It’s the perfect getaway to a slice of the Old Southwest. Rancho de los Caballeros is true resort, with full resort amenities (everything from golf to horseback riding and a spa). Still, if offers up the feel of a cozy bed and breakfast. Retreat for a weekend or longer. Ride or stroll among 20,000 acres of open range in the spectacular Sonoran desert. You’ll feel at ‘home on the range’, as they say at Rancho de los Caballeros.
Romantic escape: You may never want to leave the tastefully furnished room, with its handcrafted items, fabrics, and artifacts. Original Ranch rooms capture the flavor of the southwest, while the Maricopa suites are luxurious, each casita featuring a private patio that serves up the tranquility of the outdoors. There’s also a private bath, air conditioning, TV, and telephone with dataport. Package: The Ranch Experience: for those who want to experience all the Ranch has to offer, but still want to have time to savor the peace and quiet of the desert, this four-day/three-night-minimum package includes some time on a horse, at the Spa and on the links. Call the reservations desk for details.Rates starting at $329 Single and $524 Double    * Extra Person in Room – Adult $175 / Child (13 or younger) $145. Rates subject to change. Not included: 8% sales tax and 15% gratuity charge in lieu of tipping. Single occupancy rates available.

CALIFORNIA
Circle Bar B Guest Ranch

Goleta, California (30 minutes north of Santa Barbara).
Isn’t it romantic: Couples might enjoy a local wine from the full bar, taking a dip in the pool, and cozying up in front of the lodge’s stone fireplace. The gals can settle in with a romance novel in a private library, while the guys blow off steam over a pool table, Foosball, satellite TV, or ping-pong. Then get together on a romantic stroll or horseback ride on easily accessible trails on Circle Bar B’s 1100 acres, take a short drive on California’s Coastal Highway 101 to access the Refugio Beach, visit Santa Ynez Valley wineries, or Santa Barbara’s world-class shopping and golf.
Romantic Escape: One amazing room features a king bed, Roman tub, hardwood floors, air conditioning, wet bar with coffee maker and fridge, a secluded porch, as well as a welcome basket with chilled champagne and fresh flowers upon arrival. This room sleeps 2 adults only. There are also private cabins, creekside cottages, and deluxe ranch rooms.

Highland Ranch
Above the Anderson Valley, about 2 ½ hours north of San Francisco.
Isn’t it romantic: Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway? Highland Ranch is the ideal place to enjoy an unforgettable weekend full of relaxation and romance, including the featured Winery: Scharffenberger Cellars. Go for a romantic horseback ride through the redwoods to a beautiful vista and then cozy up together next to the fireplace in your cabin.
Romantic Escape: Individual cabins are cozy and comfy, with fireplaces and covered porch with rocking chairs. The main ranch house is 110 years old and overlooks an orchard. Valentine’s weekend special: Come stay at the ranch Friday night and get 3 nights for the price of 2. Enjoy a menu of romantic meals fresh flowers and complimentary Scharffenberger chocolate and champagne. Plus, enjoy one FREE massage per couple. Reserve today at stay@highlandranch.com or call (707)895-3600.

ARGENTINA

Estancia los Potreros
Argentina (1 hour by plane from Buenos Aires).
Isn’t it romantic: Some may look for the stereotypical hot Latin here, but others will search for the romance of history and beauty in an exotic local. The estancia dates from 1574 (in it’s early days, the ranch bred mules for the silver mines in Peru). Today, it is an idyllic retreat for both horse lovers and nature lovers, an organic working farm that breeds Paso Peruano horses and Aberdeen-Angus cattle. Horseback ride with the gauchos, taste wine, watch polo or wildlife, or trek across the Cordoba Hills.
Once here, you’re on a farm, where all the accommodations are simple yet comfortable; each room is decorated individually (antiques abound) and each has a private bathroom. On those cooler winter nights, you’re warmed by log fires and wood-burning stoves. What could be more romantic?

Hot Deals

In rugged Montana ranchland southeast of Missoula, lies The Ranch at Rock Creek—a guest ranch where wide open spaces and upscale amenities have been brought together. The Ranch at Rock Creek is a place that offers the feel of the ‘true West’ without sacrificing true comfort.

Visit in winter and you’ll find a balance between invigorating exercise and relaxing tranquility. Strap on your skis or snowboard and head for the downhill runs at Discovery Ski Area, just a short drive from the ranch.  You can make it into a workout in the deep snow, or just go for a leisurely stroll on one of their snowshoe specific trails.  Enjoy a sleigh tour of the ranch, or bound through fresh powder as you explore the ranch on horseback.  There are sledding hills, snowmen to build, hockey or ice skating on one of the frozen ponds. And always, the state-of-the-art Rock Creek spa awaits with a soothing hot stone massage or body wrap.

Winter Rates include: • All meals – festive menus and memorable cuisine • House wines and cocktails  • Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding at Discovery Basin with 60+ runs for all ski levels • Transportation to the Ski Area • Lift tickets • Equipment Rental  • Cross-country skiing • Snow-shoeing • Hockey • Ice Skating  • Hiking • Horseback Riding • Sleigh or Carriage Rides with hot buttered rum  • Sledding • Children’s Activities • Sporting Clay Shooting • Bowling • Billiards & Shuffle Board • Karaoke • Movies in the theatre
The Deal: Pay for three, stay four nights (when you book this special offer, you will also receive 2010 accommodation pricing). Offer valid now through April 3, 2011.

When you’re talking about a relaxing, rejuvenating winter vacation, the words “spa” and “ranch” don’t often come in the same sentence. Yet there are dozens of dude and guest ranch resorts that combine those two fabulous ideas. Imagine taking a dashing horseback ride through the snow, or showshoeing up hill and dale, and then coming back to steamy soaking tub and a massage. Or on a warmer note, heading for a sun-drenched Southwest ranch for a day of riding hrough the saguaros, followed by a facial or a mani-pedi? A real  ranch spa-cation. Now that’s what I’m talking about.

After a tough 2010, you deserve all the pampering you can get; these ranches are sure to help you unwind and rejuvenate. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Snowy ranches

MONTANA
Resort at Paws Up

Look for first-class service, luxury accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and amazing adventures on Paws Up’s 37,000 acres nfear Greenough, MT. Winter spa-cation: If that’s not enough, how about taking a canter in the 74,000 square-foot equestrian center with indoor arena. But perhaps the most popular spot in January is Spa town® at Paws Up, set on the edge of a silent, snow covered meadow. You’ll find eleven large, well stocked tents, in one of the most unique spas you’ve ever seen. Stroll through the snowy woods along a wooden boardwalk that brings you to a little tent town where relaxation lives. Enter the massage tent and you’ll find relaxation for your body and mind.  It’s a great way to end a winter’s day at the ranch.
Fun and fit/winter activities: skiing and snowshoeing, snowmobiling, winter atv, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, winter horseback riding.

The Ranch at Rock Creek

Montana’s Big Sky, and the Ranch at Rock Creek’s Big Luxury. What a combo; accommodations range from the Granite Lodge, the Luxury Tent Cabins, and the Log Homes. It’s near Philipsburg, MT, open year-round. Winter spa-cation: professional massage therapy treatments available in a dedicated five-room spa inside the stone-and-timber Granite Lodge. Swedish deep tissue massage, warm mountain rock treatments, high-tech or all-natural facials, and the signature ‘Rock Creek Ritual’ are always welcome after a vigorous day outdoors. Hair and nail styling is also available. Peruse the inviting options on a daily spa menu, tell them what time is best for you, and their staff will take care of the rest.
Fun and fit/winter activities: Horseback riding, downhill skiing at Discovery Basin with 60+ runs of all skill levels, fly fishing, sleigh rides, sporting clay shooting, ice skating, gourmet ranch cuisine, a spa and luxury amenities.

Sunny ranches

ARIZONA
Tanque Verde Ranch

Just east of Tucson and next door to the fabulous Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest, Tanque Verde is one of the most loveliest Arizona ranch resorts. And now it boasts new, lower rates and a January 2011special: Buy 6 nights…Stay 7 nights. Winter spa-cation: Looking for a special spa getaway, girls spa retreat, or romantic spa escape to soothe the muscles and refresh the spirit? At their La Sonora Spa, you’ll find it all, from spa massages and Arizona body treatments to nail treatments and hair salon services. Ask about their spa packages.
Fun and fit/winter activities: Horseback riding, dancing, desert hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, tennis, watercolor painting, and learning in the desert nature center.

Rancho de los Caballeros

An historic guest ranch and golf club with true Southwest flare, Rancho de los Caballeros is a warm winter wonderland. Set near Wickenburg, AZ, the ranch boasts 20,000 acres of rugged trails for horseback riding, championship golf, fine dining, and spa treatments. Winter spa-cation: Take a desert bath, in a soothing herbal bath or an actual milk bath (hey, it worked for Cleopatra). Get a wrap, a scrub, or just chill out with a mani-pedi. A facial or a massage.     Fun and fit/winter activities: tennis, swimming, trap and skeet, Los Caballeros golf club, nature program and birdwatching, exploring historic Wickenburg, evening entertainment. You’ll love taking long rides through the Sonoran desert landscape, or just breathing the warm scented air undisturbed by anything except, perhaps, the call of a cactus wren.

CALIFORNIA

Alisal Guest Ranch

Just north of Santa Barbara, this  famed resort ranch offers golf and horseback riding on 10,000 acres. (it’s also great for families, thanks to its extensive children’s programs).
Winter spa-cation: You should be calmed and invigorated just by experiencing the fresh air, open spaces, and natural beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley. But it that’s not enough, head for the fitness center and spa, where you can work on weights and cardio equipment or join a fitness class (yoga, Pilates, Zumba and ab sculpting). Next step: the spa for soothing Swedish and deep tissue massages, gentle cleansing facials, or a therapeutic mud and herb wraps (great for the skin, some say). Fun and fit winter activities: Horseback riding is big here, but so is golf and tennis. You’ll also find a private lake and some of the best bass fishing in the state (fishing on Alisal Lake is reserved for guests of the Ranch exclusively. All bass are natural spawn wild fish and fishing is catch and release.) Want more? Try bird and nature walks, archery and air rifle range, and a gourmet restaurant.