Family and Kids
While traveling alone may sound like a scary or uninviting idea, don’t completely rule it out yet. There are some pretty incredible destinations for solo travelers, like a dude ranch. Dude ranches are the ideal all-inclusive vacation for those looking for some much-needed alone time, a new and exciting adventure, or even for those who may be searching for new friends. There are many advantages to dude ranch destinations for solo travelers. Keep reading to learn about why a ranch vacation surpasses the rest.
Fun and Friendly Environment
You will instantly feel like 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 30 or 40 guests per week, which not only allows the staff to get to know you by 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 throughout the day, making sure you never feel like you are on the “outskirts” if traveling alone. Horseback riding will bring you closer to other guests, too; getting to visit with people on your rides and sharing beautiful landscapes and memories will be something you will cherish forever.
Group-Oriented Activities
There is never a dull moment at a dude ranch. There are activities to keep you busy from sunup to sundown, such as horseback riding, fly fishing, white water rafting, rock climbing, cattle roping, ATV-riding, and much more. Plus, these activities are usually done in groups, so you won’t encounter any “couples only” activities or events if you don’t want to. If you are looking for a little time by yourself, though, relaxing in your cabin or room and reading a good book is also an option. The beauty of a dude ranch is that you get to choose your own schedule, and your vacation can be as active or as quiet as you like!
Connect with Yourself
Dude ranches are a great place to spend time alone to revive your body, spirit, and mind in some of the most spectacular areas in the country, from valleys complete with untouched Rocky Mountain backdrops to desert sunsets across the Southwest. Whether it’s a rejuvenating day at the spa, an adventurous hike, or a relaxing day reading a book under the sun, you are sure to have plenty of quality alone time. Many ranches will even allow you to completely “unplug” by being out of cell phone and internet service. You may be surprised at how good this could be for you once you get the chance to do so, especially in today’s world.
How to Find a Ranch for Solo Travelers
Finding the right ranch for a solo traveler might be a little overwhelming because there really is a lot to choose from. Let the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) help you plan the perfect solo vacation. Whether you are looking for an authentic cowboy experience or a luxury resort, the DRA can customize the trip of your dreams. There are currently 90+ DRA-accredited guest ranches in the Western United States and Canada, all of which uphold the highest quality of services within the industry. Take a look below at some fantastic DRA ranches suited for solo travelers, and to find more, you can visit duderanch.org.
Bar W Guest Ranch – Whitefish, Montana
Bar W Guest Ranch – Montana
Enjoy a ride with other adults and solo travelers in Montana, no kids allowed. The goal at Bar W is to create an environment that allows solo travelers to connect on a deeper level with themselves, friends, or with other guests, your horse, and nature. You have three different riding packages to choose from during adult-only weeks: Swisher Package, Spencer Package, and Ranch Package. Swisher and Spencer packages are for riding guests, either off-site rides, cattle drives, or on-site trail rides. The Ranch Package is for non-riding guests. Either way, you’ll enjoy the solo time on the ranch and, in the evenings, enjoy more with evening activities like wine tasting, campfires, and more!
Black Mountain Ranch – McCoy, Colorado
Black Mountain Ranch – Colorado
Black Mountain Ranch has multiple adult-only weeks throughout the summer season. You’ll have a full week’s worth of activities planned to entertain you during your stay. Enjoy horseback riding, skeet shooting, whitewater rafting, and more! Come visit us at the ranch with an all-inclusive stay.
Elkhorn Ranch – Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Elkhorn Ranch – Montana
Elkhorn Ranch is located just outside of Yellowstone, where you can escape for a 5-night stay with your friends, couples, or even as a solo traveler. Share your love for the great outdoors and participate in the ranch activities: horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, and more! Head on over to the Elkhorn Ranch and take in the beautiful fall colors.
Paradise Guest Ranch – Buffalo, Wyoming
Paradise Guest Ranch – Wyoming
Paradise Guest Ranch is located in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, just West of Buffalo, Wyoming. All the kids are back at school, and it’s time for you to take a trip on your own, kid-free. With fewer guests at the ranch during the adult-only weeks, you’ll have more flexibility with the ranch’s riding program. Come enjoy the Wyoming fall colors and take a trail ride for a few hours or all day, your choice.
Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch – Yucca, Arizona
Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch – Arizona
Ride in the beautiful Arizona desert with friendly wranglers who have made this dude ranch their home for years. Slow scenic rides amongst the cactus landscape, as well as trotting and loping rides in the desert washes, are offered so every riding level can be accommodated. This guest ranch borders over 360,000 acres of natural western desert beauty at the foot of the Mohave and Hualapai mountains. You can be assured of breathtaking views and constant sunny days.
Rawah Ranch – Glendevey, Colorado
Rawah Ranch – Colorado
This fall, escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the adults-only week at Rawah Ranch. You’ll explore the scenic trails through hikes or riding through the stunning fall beauty of Colorado’s mountains and valleys. Just for some added fun for adults/solo travelers, the ranch offers a Casino Night Grand Prize giveaway. Take a trip to Colorado this fall.
Have Questions?
Contact Dude Ranchers’ Association by phone or email to get all of your questions answered. Don’t forget to browse our member ranches and book your trip today!
