Category: Adult Oriented

As your kids grow into adulthood (17 to early 20s) their individual interests begin to branch off into new and different directions.  As parents you long to plan trips that will fully engage them and create long-lasting memories.  But how?  How do parents get their burgeoning young adults to fully abandon their pocket technology and other distractions and simply hang out as a family…and love it? These questions popped up regularly in our house as my husband and I considered where to spend our family vacations.  We wondered if a dude ranch might hold some answers but, as a family of four from Ohio with mixed horse experience and knowledge, we had some reservations.  Our family: Brian (20), Emily (18), Bill, and Kristin. We were concerned that our 20-yr-old son, and complete non-horseman, would not enjoy it. We didn’t worry about our daughter (18); she is our resident equestrian, riding... Read More

Three Bars Ranch is home to over 100 head of horses, 1000 acres of land and an incredible backdrop with the Rocky Mountain Range to our East and Purcell Mountain range to the West, making the ranch the most incredible equine photographer's paradise. Last Spring we hosted a group of photographers for a week long seminar on Equine Photography and it was such a success, that we are offering another week of fun, excitement and learning. This year’s instructor is Professional Equine Photographer, Ryan Courson (Horse and Hound Photography https://www.facebook.com/ryancoursonphotography/ ) An award winning Canadian equine photographer, Ryan’s images grace the walls of homes and businesses throughout the world. In addition, his work has been featured on the National Geographic website, and has also been used by The Wall Street Journal, Microsoft, and various horse publications throughout Canada. Ryan’s passion for teaching has led him to present the... Read More

Piecing together inspiration and friendship at the Montana Cowgirl Quilt Retreat Quilting was both an essential skill and form of art on the frontier. That’s why, starting more than 20 years ago, the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch  celebrates with the annual Montana Cowgirl Quilt Retreat.  For a week each fall, the ranch is open to quilters to join international artists who teach techniques while sharing new patterns and ideas. Each year the instructors design a pattern associated with the ranch and its surrounding beauty.You can quilt to your heart’s content, drawing inspiration from the retreat classes as well as from the magnificent mountain surroundings. Wednesdays are reserved for a field trip into Bozeman for a “quilt crawl,” the fiber-fabric-antique equivalent of a pub crawl. The “cowgirl” element of this retreat is that you’ll have plenty of time to ride horses, hike, fish, explore, relax on the porch or whatever you wish. If you... Read More

“I expected to do some yoga and horseback riding. What I did not expect was the opportunity to connect with other women, with the horses, the physical place and with my self. All this has been a wonderful surprise..."~  Paula N., Austin, TX Like many other individuals, Paula experienced something special on her ranch vacation that involved more than just a class. Being submerged in Western ranch culture for a week will take you on a journey of geographically beauty and connection with yourself and other guests.  Some of this will start in an instructor lead yoga class and continue on horseback, hiking, or wonderful wilderness silence. You may be an experienced yogi or just like to wear yoga pants, either way take a look at the ranches below to find the right amount of yoga on a dude ranch vacation. You may only want a couple of classes during your... Read More

Millennials are the world traveling generation; they crave excitement and unique experiences that cannot be satisfied with just any vacation. According to a recent study done by MMGY Global, millennials travel more often than any other generational group. With an influence forecasted to grow even more over the coming decades, millennials are looking for destinations that provide them with one-of-a-kind, authentic activities along with “green” and sustainable travel experiences. With the DRA representing more than 100 dude and guest ranches that offer an abundance of unique activities to satisfy any millennial’s adventurous spirit, we think we are the perfect fit for them. From sunup to sundown, millennials can go horseback riding, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, cattle roping, ATV riding and much more. A dude ranch is an all-inclusive, one-stop shop with a variety of offerings that cater to the millennial set, from accommodations and scenery to lessons and excursions. Additionally, DRA-accredited... Read More

'A feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.' - definition of romance Riding horses with your partner is, surely, full of excitement and mystery. Consider a ranch stay to put some extra special romance into your relationship. It is as easy as picking out your geographic setting(mountain range of choice) and paring your personalities with a ranch. Then, hop on a plane and arrive at your secluded cabin for an 'all-inclusive' destination experience. Don't worry, there are plenty of activities to inspire other than saddling up and riding into the sunset at a dude ranch; morning fishing trips, spa afternoons, hot tub evenings and nights full of fine dining pared with excellent wine. Valentine's day is a great motivator to book you and your partner a vacation full of romance and connection - away from the monotonous crowd of chocolates and teddy bears. Experiences turn into memories, and those... Read More

Enjoy a taste of the authentic American West where horses, hats, history and hospitality abound. With over 100 carefully chosen member ranches, the Dude Ranchers' Association (DRA) has one to match your dream vacation – perfectly, all while protecting lands, parks, forests and wildlife. Our Dude, Resort and Working Ranches are in the most picturesque regions of the USA and Canada near historic sites and national parks for a photographer’s heyday! Each has its own unique history, incredible horseback riding tailored to the rider’s age and ability, and exciting outdoor adventures like white water rafting, paradise fishing on scenic rivers, fun hay rides, hikes, golfing. Blue skies, starry nights and the sounds of silence are also included in your dude ranch vacation. Lounge in a hammock until the dinner bell rings and then breathe pure clean air as you rediscover the brightest shining stars peeking out from Heaven. Want to... Read More

Are you planning a dude ranch vacation for the first time? When it comes to vacation options, there are lots of questions to ask yourself and those traveling with you. One of the ones you might not have considered before is, “What type of dude ranch fits me?” The Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) represents more than 100 guest ranches in North America (two in Canada), ranging from rustic, no-frills working ranches to luxury resort-style ranches. From valleys complete with untouched Rocky Mountain backdrops to desert sunsets across the Southwest, you can find DRA-accredited ranches throughout the Western U.S., as well as in California, Arkansas and Canada.   What Type of Dude Ranch Fits You?   1) How often do you pull out your Wranglers and Justin's? a) Every chance I get b) Mainly when country concerts and the rodeo comes to town c) What are Wranglers and Justin's?   2) How adventurous are you? a) I’m up for just about... Read More

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 getaway. From the latter part of August through October, dude ranches are a couples’ best bet to rekindle romance and replenish the spirit. And the price is right too! The height of summer finds most ranches filled to capacity with families. In fall couples have their pick of dude ranches with September being traditionally a time for adults only. No need to break the bank for airfare, car rentals or a dozen tanks of gas, since for many American’s and Canadians, a ranch is found within less than a day’s drive. And with rates including meals, riding, activities, and accommodations, it... Read More

While traveling alone may sound like a scary proposition, I’d like to share with you an all-inclusive destination perfect for solo travel: dude ranches. Dude ranches are the ideal vacation for those looking for much needed time alone, a new and exciting adventure, or even for those in search of making new friends. Guest ranches offer numerous advantages over other vacation options for those going solo, including:  Intimate and Friendly Environment When at a dude ranch, you instantly feel like a part of the family as there is great camaraderie amongst guests and staff. It instantly becomes your home away from home. Many guest ranches only accommodate up to 40 or 50 guests per week, which not only allows the staff to know your name but also results in you getting to know most of the other guests. Meals are often served family style so there are always guests to chat with... Read More

 Whether it’s mother-daughter time, a sisters’ get-together, or just friends catching up, Cowgirl Getaway Weeks are one of the best ways to escape while grabbing that much needed "girlfriend" time.  Kick your boots off and let your daily worries and stress fade away in the comfort of good company, generous hospitality, great horseback riding and much, much more. Listed below are just a few of the great ranches that offer weeks where you can focus on "girl time".   Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Emigrant, Montana Phone: +1 800-548-3392 Just 30 miles from Yellowstone National Park, we have spent over 80 years perfecting our rustic elegance on nearly 9,000 acres of beautiful rugged countryside in the heart of Montana's Paradise Valley. We invite you to explore the vacation of a lifetime here at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch.   Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish, Montana Phone: +1 866-828-2900 The Bar W is... Read More

August 13, 2012 Loveland, Colorado This fall, cowgirls will reunite at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch to enjoy a weekend of horseback riding adventure, good food and fun. “Cowgirl Round-up” is a unique “ladies only” package, providing a weekend of horseback adventure and pampering, to refresh, renew and rejuvenate the body and spirit.  It’s perfect for moms and daughters, sisters, college roommates, single travelers and best friends seeking a respite from their busy lives. Riding Adventures Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced Cowgirl, the handsome ranch-raised and trained quarter horses are friendly and reliable, and always eager to please. Horseback riding activities include scenic trail rides, cattle work, team penning and gymkhana games on horseback. Pampering The weekend of outdoor activities, crisp mountain air and brilliant sunshine serve to re-energize the mind, body and spirit.   Guests can partake in a variety of activities, including Yoga Classes, Campfires & S’mores and a... Read More