A Ranch to Match Your Dreams - The Dude’s Guide to Picking the Perfect Ranch

He narrowed his eyes against the scorching noon day sun as he topped the hill and, looking off across the endless sea of sage, caught the movement of the ornery stray he’d been pursuing since dawn. Spurring his bay, the catclaw scratching hungrily against his chaps, he galloped down ...

Any vacation begins with a fantasy and a ranch vacation is no exception. It surely follows that the closer you can come to fulfilling your fantasy, the more satisfying the vacation will be. One way to start a successful search for your dream ranch is by understanding what’s included in your delightful vision. To do this, simply answer the questions that follow. Make a list of your answers and use it as you talk with the ranches that seem to interest you.

Questions to ask yourself.

1. What time of year do you want to go?
This will be determined by which ranches are operating and open to guests. Due to snow conditions, the northern ranches of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and those at higher elevations, often open later in the spring than more southern ranches in Colorado or those at lower elevations. On the other hand, many Arizona ranches are open through the winter months but less active during the summer. Some ranches are open all year but have different activities to fit the season.

2. Do you have a specific geographic region, location, or type of terrain in mind?
The background for your fantasy may be the wide-open sagebrush country, the hills and cactus of the Southwest, or the lodgepole pine forests of the Rocky Mountains. It may also include a side trip to visit Aunt Marie or one of the marvelous national parks that are sprinkled throughout dude ranching country.

3. Who is included in your fantasy trip?
Are you a couple, single parent, or a single? Do you have small children or teenagers? While anyone can fit in at almost all ranches, you may have particular preferences. For example, if you have children or teens, you may want to select a ranch with organized activities for the kids. If you are single, you may wish to locate a ranch that is more adult oriented.

4. Do you prefer a program that is more or less structured?
Larger ranches are usually able to offer more organized options and scheduled entertainment programs, while smaller ranches often can offer more personalized riding activities but fewer non-riding programs. Are you more comfortable in small groups or when blending in with the crowd?

5. What type of riding experience are you looking for?
All ranches focus on horseback riding as the main activity, but the programs differ. Some ranches are working cattle ranches that also accept guests. Many of these allow the guests to assist with the ranch chores. Others offer actual cattle drives during specific periods. Of course, you are on vacation and are never obligated to do any work!! Some ranches offer only walking rides while others allow trotting and loping as well. Most ranches offer instructions for beginners through experienced riders. Many ranches offer overnight pack trips, often at an extra charge, while others may focus on pleasure riding in breath-taking country. Whether you are a beginning rider wanting lots of support or an old hand looking for a challenge, there are ranches that can meet your needs.

6. What activities besides horseback riding are you looking for?
Is one of you an avid fisherman or just dying to experience the thrill of white water rafting? Do you need a ranch with a children’s program, a hot tub, swimming pool, or one that has evening programs? There are ranches that can meet your specific needs.

7. What type of accommodations and meals are necessary in your fantasy?
While the fantasies of many include a rustic cabin or historic mountain lodge, some may prefer the adobe of the southwest or the smell of a canvas tepee on a cattle drive. Ranch accommodations range from a simple room in the main ranch house to elegantly appointed cabins with moss rock fireplaces. Regardless of your preference, most ranches offer comfortable beds, private baths, and daily maid service. Specifying what you expect will help you find and get what you really want in accommodations. The same is true of meals. Almost all ranches offer hearty ranch breakfasts of eggs, pancakes or waffles, bacon, ham or sausage, coffee and juice. Some will have homemade granola, fruit platters, Eggs Benedict or similar fare. Most offer late risers fruit, cold cereal or muffins. Lunch and dinners range from basic meat and potatoes to gourmet candlelight dinners.

8. Does anyone in your party have any special needs?
Do you require a special diet or an extra firm mattress for a back problem? Do you need any help or assistance in getting around? Do you have a little one that may require baby-sitting services? If you have a special need, be sure to ask if the ranch can accommodate it.

9. Call or write the ranches for their brochures.
After contacting the ranches that seem right for you, review the material they send you. Narrow it down to the three or four most likely candidates. Next, call these ranches and use your answers to quiz each ranch about their location, programs, accommodations, and meals. Be specific about what you want. The ranchers won’t be insulted -- they know from experience that repeat visitors tend to be those who have found just the right match to their fantasy. They would rather deliver more than you expect, than to have you leave feeling your vacation didn’t meet your expectations.

10. If all else fails!
... and you just can’t seem to decide, ask the last candidates for references (former guests) you may contact.

Once you’ve found your perfect ranch, don’t delay in making your reservations. Ranches have a limited number of guests they can host at any one time, so, if your vacation time is limited, plan ahead. Many ranches begin booking a year in advance. Following these simple steps should help you find the perfect ranch for you. Good Riding!