Seasons of a Dude Ranch
Dude and guest ranches are ever popular as family vacation destinations, but members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association recognize that adults also value time to themselves. When the kids get back on the bus, it’s time for parents to get back in the saddle for a classic Western fall getaway. From the latter part of August through October, dude ranches are a couple’s best bet to rekindle the romance and replenish the spirit. And the price is right too!
Paradise Guest Ranch – Buffalo, WY
The height of summer finds most ranches filled to capacity with families. In the fall, couples have their pick of dude ranches with September traditionally reserved as a time for adults only. No need to break the bank for airfare, car rentals, or a dozen tanks of gas, since for many Americans and Canadians a ranch is found within less than a day’s drive. And with rates including meals, riding, other activities and accommodations, it becomes an even more attractive getaway.
Spectacular dude ranch scenery is at an all-time high in autumn when aspens sport yellow cloaks and icy mountain streams swirl with fat trout. These are the conditions found at Northern California’s Hunewill Ranch located just East of Yosemite National Park. Enjoy cool August nights and sunny Sierra days on a spectacular horseback riding getaway at the Hunewill Ranch. The amazing package includes a stay and the opportunity to ride in our big open meadows, move cattle, practice your target shooting with a competitive marksman on our staff and more!
Hunewill Ranch – Bridgeport, CA
Situated in seclusion in the breathtaking 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest, Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch offers you the perfect spot to slow down, relax and reconnect with nature and each other. It is a small ranch with only four cabins and a maximum of 16 guests. The ranch is just the right size to receive personalized attention during your stay. If you are looking for all adult times, we recommend the months of May, September, October or November when the kids are likely to be in school. Solo travelers will feel very comfortable here and will find much in common with other guests, starting with a love of horses and nature!
Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch – Winston, NM
“An outpost of unpretentious comfort” is how folks describe the Spotted Horse Ranch in NW Wyoming. An Orvis affiliate and host to a trout fishing school, the Spotted Horse draws riders and anglers from all over the world. Located just 16 miles from the Western resort town of Jackson Hole, allows guests to be far enough away from the action where they can enjoy solitude but get a taste of city amenities like art galleries, fine shopping and sizzling nightlife.
Spotted Horse Ranch – Jackson, WY
Fall is a wonderful time of the year at Latigo Ranch. The aspen trees grow more golden each passing day. Come and enjoy a great week with other adults. Those under 18 need not apply and some summer programs may no longer be available. For example, the river rafting companies shut down after Labor Day, the evening ride may be curtailed because of how early dusk falls, and with the much cooler weather, the swimming pool may be closed down. Not to worry, there are many other activities to enjoy, the week will be memorable for the fellowship around the dinner table and out on the trail.
Latigo Ranch – Kremmling, CO
A few weeks each season are set aside for creative workshops or adults-only weeks at the 4UR Ranch. The workshops include activities such as art and photography. If you prefer a more low-key experience, you can enjoy a week of adult-only time at the ranch. Here is what one guest had to say “My partner and I spent a week at the 4UR Ranch. Both keen horse riders we booked primarily for the riding but ended up enjoying all the activities they offer. The staff was friendly and helpful and food was of high quality. The standard of the horses was the best we have experienced and a special mention to the wranglers who chose the horse before we arrived on the information given.” You are sure to enjoy the quietness and peacefulness during your vacation at 4UR Ranch.
4UR Ranch – Creede, CO
At Western Pleasure Guest Ranch they have a fantastic adult-only horsemanship week. Their unique program combines small personalized instruction by Vickie Fuller with the opportunity to put your newly acquired skills to use navigating obstacle courses, on-mountain trail rides, barrel racing, pole bending and cattle sorting. All of this combined with great ranch dining, beautiful scenery, campfires and good old-fashioned camaraderie with other horse-minded people makes for an amazing week filled with memories.
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch – Sandpoint, ID
As you can see from above, a dude ranch vacation has something for all your adulting needs. So, grab that special someone and hit the road to make some memories that will last a lifetime!
Dude Ranchers’ Association
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