When it comes to deciding when to go on a dude ranch vacation, it pays to find the discount pricing and added value of going during the shoulder season. For these ranches in Wyoming and Montana the next shoulder season will be this fall, starting in September. There are typically less people on the ranch, more flexibility in your schedule and a relaxed environment when prices drop. What more could you ask for when planning your trip? Well, take a look at the “extras” you can add to your trip this fall.    Customize Your Experience Do you have a special group of like-minded people to travel with? The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming has the resources to customize your own experience while you are at the ranch. Whether it’s a group of friends, countrymen who speak the same language, colleagues, photographers or any other group the Hideout staff will... Read More

A dude ranch is one of the best options for your next family vacation. With programs centered around horseback riding and western lifestyle activities, you’ll have more fun with your family than you ever thought possible! Parents and children will get to relax and enjoy their vacation in a way that, even though your day is full of activities and outdoor adventures, the mental exhaustion of traveling is not there. Best of all, parents are free from planning entertaining activities for the kids, the only decision making you’ll have to do will be whether to lounge by the pool, go for a horseback ride or hike up to a scenic vista for the afternoon. All the details are taken care of by your ranch hosts, such as meals, activities and housekeeping. With ranches offering family centered activities or an all-day supervised kids program, you’ll be able to find the ranch... Read More

Here is the ultimate guide for Idaho dude ranch, guest ranch and working cattle ranch vacations. These Idaho dude ranches offer all-inclusive vacation packages for families with activities centered around horseback riding and adventure outdoor experiences like whitewater rafting, hiking and fishing. Some offer a full program of kid-centric activities and others offer adult-oriented immersive cowboy & cattle ranch activities. And what’s more, you’ll be extremely satisfied with the quality of the food and the accommodations at an Idaho dude ranch. The living history of the Old West is infused and celebrated in every facet on these Dude Ranchers’ Association member dude ranches. With a culture that dates back to the pioneer days of the United States, Idaho is much more than just potatoes. If you are looking for big valleys, big views and spectacular rivers than this is the state for you. And, although the Grand Tetons are actually in... Read More

The mission of the Dude Ranch Foundation is: To protect and preserve the history of dude ranching by maintaining a museum (heritage center) and archives for educating the public on the historical nature of the dude ranching industry. Additionally, our mission is to financially assist in the educations of persons wishing to pursue employment or careers in the dude ranch industry and supporting industries. The Foundation began in 1988 by Mark Grubbs. Mark and his wife, Amy, were co-executive directors and former dude ranch owners. Mark’s dream was to establish a fund to give scholarships to young people who wanted to be in the dude ranch industry. Funding was to be obtained from an annual auction held during the Dude Ranchers' Association Convention. His vision was to retain a fund large enough that the interest would be used for scholarships. The scholarship fund has been administered by our Executive Director (s)... Read More

What is a dude ranch? A dude ranch is a vacation destination that hosts guests to share in their Western lifestyle activities. For dude ranches who are members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association this is an all-inclusive immersive vacation that includes lodging, meals, horseback riding, fishing, hiking and more. With more than 100 members in the Association the experience is unique at every ranch with a specialty in horseback riding over unique terrain, cattle work and/or luxury amenities. From small, intimate ranches to large resort style ranches there is a ranch to fit every budget and dream vacation.  Take a look at the sampling of ranches below to get a better understanding of what is a dude ranch.  Allen’s Diamond Four Ranch, Wyoming Snapshot: Allen's Diamond 4 Ranch is located in the rugged Wind River Mountain Range and is Wyoming's highest wilderness guest ranch offering log cabins, mountain trail riding, fly fishing, wilderness... Read More

If you are looking for a dude ranch vacation with affordable discounts for this June look at these specials from the member ranches of the Dude Ranchers’ Association. With all inclusive rates that include lodging, horseback riding, fishing, kids programs and three meals a day you’re getting a deal on an adventure vacation. On top of being a budget and cost effective vacation, the dude ranches listed here are offering special discounts for June. Don’t forget to ask about additional savings for large groups and military families. And tell them the Dude Ranchers' Association sent ya!       10% off a Saddle and Paddle Vacation the week of June 18, 2018  MARBLE MOUNTAIN RANCH Somes Bar, CA guestranch@marblemountainranch.com The Marble Mountain Ranch in Northwestern California offers an exclusive dude ranch program called the "Saddle and Paddle" theme. They combine horseback mountain trail riding vacations and thrilling white water rafting and kayaking with other outdoor activities. Give Doug a... Read More

'Made in America' continues to surge in popularity for not only domestic-minded shoppers in the U.S., but also for travelers. For those searching for an authentic getaway that stays true to your roots, consider exploring the Wild West. It doesn’t get any more authentic than the original all-inclusive, All-American experience: a dude ranch vacation – think cattle drives, hiking, rodeos, campfires and fishing. A dude ranch vacation allows people of all ages to spend quality time in some of the country’s most beautiful, awe-inspiring settings. They are rooted in American tradition and principles – horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart – and that’s just the beginning. Below are 8 All-American Dude Ranch Experiences:   1. Saddle Up, Like a Cowboy: Overseer Theron McGarry, a lifelong cowboy and fourth generation rancher, sees to it that guests at McGarry Ranches get the complete Western experience on these fully operational cattle ranches in Rexburg, Idaho. Guests... Read More

The coffee is hot and breakfast is served—the perfect wake up call. You pull up your boots and meet your guide for the day. As you make your way outside, the air is crisp and cool. You slip a saddle on your horse, and head out onto the trail. Your guide points out mountain ranges in the distance and identifies bird species in nearby trees. As lunch approaches, you pull off at a spectacular viewpoint, then enjoy your packed lunch. The ride back to the ranch is effortless and relaxing. When you return, you kick back on your front porch and read the next chapter of your gripping novel. A group of kids are having their first experience on horseback in the distance, giggling as they trot along. You have the option of activities for the afternoon including tennis, pickleball, swimming, mountain biking, or rafting. As the sun begins to set,... Read More

Make your Wedding day truly extraordinary. Dude ranch weddings are the perfect setting for your ceremony. With their spectacular scenery and private settings you’ll create a lifetime of memories. Dude Ranch Weddings  The options are endless; a magical hand built chapel at Diamond D Ranch, the remarkable back drop of the Wyoming Tetons at Moose Head Ranch or under the glorious Colorado skies at C Lazy U Ranch.      Extraordinary gourmet cuisine is what Red Reflet Ranch and Tanque Verde Ranch do best, while at Sundance Trail Ranch it is not unusual to see the bride and groom ride off into the sunset.      Celebrate your first kiss as husband wife at Greenhorn Creek Ranch during the running of the horses, take a wagon ride under the stars at the Bar W Ranch or let Sylvan Dale Ranch help customize your dream wedding.      With our Western Hospitality you can be assured your wedding day will be perfect!     Read... Read More