For the 24 million golf enthusiasts in the US, a holiday without golf could be likened to a golf ball without dimples – seriously below par. Dude Ranch vacations are a great way to combine a unique and unforgettable holiday with a spot of your favorite sport and with many properties boasting premium standard courses on site, there’s no need to worry about traveling to hit the fairways either. Our top tips will ensure your golfing ranch holiday is guaranteed to hit the ‘sweet spot’. Choose Your Location Wisely Why travel to an off-site course when you can have a full 18-hole course within putting distance of your ranch.  Pick a ranch with a golf course on property to ensure you pack as much golf into your stay as possible. Rancho de los Caballeros in Arizona, is a great example, where you can tee off at one of Golf Digest’s top 100 US... Read More

Arizona is a wonderful place to vacation, especially to beat the winter blues. With a consistently warm and predictable climate, it’s no wonder people flock to Arizona during the winter months to enjoy the outdoors. On a ranch vacation you’ll enjoy horseback riding, fine western dining, perfectly appointed accommodations and many other western lifestyle activities. Here are four reasons Arizona winters are great for ranch vacations.  1. Beautiful Weather  Obviously, the weather is one of the most popular reasons you might want to go to Arizona during the winter. The sun shines most every day (300+ days a year) and temperatures average about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though you can find snow-covered mountains, the central to southern parts of the state often enjoy mild weather in shorts or t-shirts. At the Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch, you’ll get to enjoy spectacular sunsets late into the evening comfortably around a camp fire.  Sunset at the Stagecoach... Read More

Ideal vacations allow for a perfect blend of adventure, recreation, and rejuvenation, at the same time maintaining a level of affordability that allows you to depart without spending more than you planned. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a family man, or a friend vacationing with friends, you aren’t alone in your search for the optimal vacation experience. With respect to your many options, there’s an often-unsung choice that exists as one of America’s premiere vacation options. High-class hotels, destination outings, and stay-in vacations all have their place, but if you haven’t yet discovered the unique relaxation style and way of life that is a traditional ranch vacation, you’re selling yourself short. Stay tuned to discover the reasons why you deserve an authentic ranch vacation, the perfect destination vacation.  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rancher_and_son.jpg 1. Immersion into Local Wildlife Sure, it’s great when your hotel or vacation rental features a panoramic view of the surrounding nature. The only... Read More

Discover the culture and beauty of the southwest at the best dude ranches in New Mexico. The area is rich in history to explore while you ride out on horseback on the outlaw trails of Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and the Apache warrior Geronimo. With this strong background of cowboy culture it only make sense that New Mexico is one of the most unique destinations for both working cattle ranch vacations and traditional dude ranches. You can participate in rugged cattle drives with campouts under the stars and then enjoy a nice long soak in a hot tub once you're back at the ranch.  Or spend as much time as you want in the saddle each day exploring the New Mexican desert, mountains and deep canyons with the exclusive perspective of your own personal guide. And, with a touch of luxury the best dude ranches in... Read More

History of the Dude Ranch Foundation The Dude Ranch Foundation began in 1988 by Mark Grubbs. Mark and his wife, Amy, had a rich background in dude ranching and were determined to keep the industry and heritage alive. 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 (DRA) Convention. In 2016 The Educational Trust Board of Directors voted to expand their mission and change the name to the Dude Ranch Foundation.  Dude Ranch Foundation Mission - Keeping the Real West Alive. To protect and preserve the history of Dude Ranching by maintaining a museum 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... Read More

Venturing to a new place and experiencing the culture of its food is one of the great pleasures of traveling. But if you’re a vegan, vegetarian or have any dietary limitations, you know it can also be a challenge if you don't select the right location. At these Dude Ranchers’ Association member dude ranches the chefs delight in providing ranch cuisine for your whole family - regardless of any special dietary needs. With enough notice the ranches creatively and effectively cater for meatless diets, gluten free, dairy free and most food allergies. Foodies will even enjoy the culinary adventures on dude ranches where family style meals can be not only enjoyed by the whole family but also savored until the last bite. And what’s even more special than this? Some ranches are able to offer farm to table cuisine straight from ranch gardens.  Here are some great dude ranch vacations for... Read More

With great weather, longer days and the kids out of school it's time to pack up and go on vacation. An extended, relaxed trip with the kids to a dude ranch is a great way to experience something unique and authentic. This summer you can bond with your family while riding horses, fishing, hiking and water sports at one of the best dude ranches in the country as a Dude Ranchers' Association member. Here are 6 places you should put at the top of your list for this summer.    6 Dude Ranch Vacations to Take this Summer   WIND RIVER RANCH Airport: Denver Are you tired of being tired after your summer vacation?  Where to eat, what to do, how do we get there, the decisions are endless and exhausting!  At Wind River Ranch they take care of all the details for you.  The executive chef will prepare your meals, the wranglers will guide you... Read More

The National Dude Ranch Association (DRA) has over 10,000 trail rides throughout the Western United States and Canada. Travel across National Forest, BLM, private acreage and hundreds of miles of waterways that traverse high and low altitude, valley and mountain, desert and coast, with the wranglers of the DRA. However, of all these options, which is truly the wildest in 2018? Border Ride—THE WILDEST TRAIL RIDE Rancho de la Osa, Sasbe, Arizona It’s both scenery and the current political state of the country that makes this trail ride at the remarkable ranch, quite possibly, the wildest ride in the West! Rancho de la Osa houses Arizona’s oldest continually used building, constructed in an Indian village around 1720 by Jesuit missionaries. In 1812, the ranch was part of the Ortiz Brothers Spanish land grant and with Mexican independence from Spain, the ranch became part of Mexico. In 1916, Pancho Villa raided and attempted to take... Read More

With dude ranches located in some of the most unique and private locations in the West, it’s no wonder they continue to be ever popular destinations for groups and corporate meetings. Dude ranches are perfect for conference planners who are looking for a location to appreciate the great outdoors via horseback riding, fishing, hiking and other adventures while meeting in high-tech spaces with Wi-Fi and all the technology standard to modern meeting facilities. Some ranches can accommodate large groups of more than 100 people, while others offer a more intimate environment to enjoy with your group. All ranches offer the highest standards of the hospitality industry with lodges and cabins and luxury amenities. And fine dining? These ranches will cook up some of the best meals you've had with professionally trained chefs, fine wine lists and farm to table cuisine. So why not head up into the mountains, forests or wide-open... Read More