The DRA
When the stress and strain of modern life frays your nerves too thin, it’s time to start dreaming up your next vacation. It’s time to dream big – as big as the spacious skies, wide-open plains, and mountain spires of the rural West. Leave it all behind – traffic snarls, cell phones, laptops – and come live a big dream way out in the heart of nature in the welcoming comfort of an authentic Western dude ranch.
Ever since the late 1800s, real working ranches have been opening their doors to friends and families and showing them what Western hospitality is all about. These ranches originated the concept of the dude ranch with lodging, dining, and guided trips into the surrounding countryside, all rolled into one vacation package. Modern dude ranches range from historic working ranches to upscale resort ranches affording hot tubs on private decks, gourmet dining by candlelight, and cozy rooms with moss rock fireplaces and contemporary Western decor. What all these guest ranches have in common is that they handle everything – from big hearty breakfasts in the morning to entertainment in the evening for friends and family gathered in the lodge.
Dating from 1926, The Dude Ranchers’ Association has overseen quality control for its industry and provided invaluable assistance in pointing guests toward a ranch with activities and amenities that suit their needs and interests. The screening process to become a DRA member is rigorous and demanding, including references from guests, on-site inspections, and a probationary period for new members of at least a year. Each of the association’s 100 member ranches across the western United States and Canada have passed their tests for safety, proper care of horses and equipment, clean rooms in good repair, and dedication to the preservation of the traditional dude ranch experience. This stamp of authenticity is your assurance that you’ll get the real thing.
The Dude Ranchers’ Association publishes a yearly brochure and trip planning information is available online with easy ways to narrow down your search. Telephone inquiries are always encouraged! For more information, visit duderanch.org, email us or call us.
Three Bars Guest Ranch
Cranbrook, British Columbia
Phone: +1 877-426-5230
Three Bars GuestRanch, The Adventure Ranch of the Canadian Rockies, invites you to experience the ultimate horseback riding vacation. Located just south of Banff National Park, Three Bars Ranch offers the most diverse activities program available anywhere. Voted Canada’s #1 Dude Ranch 2011.
Elkhorn Ranch
Tucson, Arizona
Phone: +1 520-822-1040
Sunny winter season Sonoran Desert guest ranch in scenic Baboquivari Mountains southwest of Tucson, Arizona. Family-owned and operated since 1946. Comfortable living and excellent horseback riding for singles, couples, and families of all ages and abilities. Adventure, relaxation, and friendship.
Circle Z Ranch
Patagonia, Arizona
Phone: +1 888-854-2525
Join us at Circle Z Ranch for an old-time ranch adventure! From the moment you arrive, you feel a sense of stepping back in time.
Colorado Trails Ranch
Durango, Colorado
Phone: +1 800-323-3833
Fun and adventure in the San Juan Mountains near historic Durango include horseback riding, fly-fishing, rafting and shooting sports. Special programs for children, evening and other activities, friendly staff, excellent food, cozy cabins and spectacular location make this a vacation of a lifetime.
Drowsy Water Ranch
Granby, Colorado
Phone: +1 800-845-2292
Winner Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards #1 All Inclusive Vacation. For over 90 years Drowsy Water Ranch has been providing folks from around the world with Western vacations. Under the same owner/management for 35 years, we promise nothing less than real down-home hospitality and memories.
Red Horse Mountain Ranch
Harrison, Idaho
Phone: +1 888-689-9680
Located on 300,000 acres, the ranch is 1.5 hour drive from the Spokane International Airport, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Full service, all-inclusive vacation is available from June through October.
63 Ranch
Livingston, Montana
Phone: +1 888-395-5151
“Montana’s Magic” happens to you on your 63 Ranch Vacation. A mountain ranch located 50 miles north of Yellowstone National Park at the foot of the magnificent Absaroka Mountain Range. Unmatched scenic grandeur. Owned and operated by the original founding family since 1929.
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.
Lost Creek Ranch
Moose, Wyoming
Phone: +1 307-733-3435
Nestled between towering mountains just north of Jackson, Wyoming, the Lost Creek Ranch & Spa is a family-owned Western-style guest ranch that belies all expectations with world-class luxuries, gourmet meals and a state-of-the-art spa facility. The service is exceptional.
Vee Bar Guest Ranch
Laramie, Wyoming
Phone: +1 800-483-3227
The Vee Bar, located near Laramie Wyoming, is a family-friendly vacation destination that is sure to please the horse-loving cowboy or cowgirl in you. A variety of activities, ranging from horseback riding to river tubing, will suit each member of your group. Experience true western hospitality!
