RANCH HOLIDAYS IN THE USA

If our article on the Tucson Rodeo caught your imagination, why not join the other “wannabee” cowgirls and boys on a Ranch Holiday.

You have a choice of different types of ranches depending on how much of a true western experience you fancy. There are basically four types to choose from. 

Working Ranches are the real thing and are a part of the historic west. They are exactly what the name suggests, still leading a real cowboy life. These are normally family-run, deriving their main income from the traditional activities such as raising livestock and growing crops. Guests are welcomed in order to supplement the main ranch income. Depending on the size of the ranch you may get to participate in their daily routines of checking and moving cattle, branding and fence maintenance. If that sounds just a little too strenuous then you can simply ride along and watch! This will be the nearest thing to being a real cowboy or cowgirl .

Guest Ranches are those whose main aim is to provide a western experience and may or not have livestock. These are usually larger ranches specially developed with holidays in mind. They tend to offer more activities and have better facilities although riding is still the prime activity. Guest Ranches are particularly suitable for families as they cater for all riders from beginners upwards.  

Guest/Working Ranches, as the name suggests, these offer the amenities of a guest ranch and still earn part of their income from horses and cattle. Visitors can help with the various working activities while still enjoying the extra luxuries of the guest ranch .

Resort Ranches, these are the 5-star ranch holidays. They are the de-luxe version and offer a wide range of activities apart from riding. Accommodation tends to be luxurious with gourmet food. Many provide tennis, sailing, health spa and jeep safaris.  The categories listed are broad in nature and some ranches are a combination of the above.There are literally hundreds of locations in many US States.

We have selected a few to provide a flavour of what is on offer:

South Dakota. Home of the great Sioux nation, Wild Bill Hickock, the Black Hills with the Mount Rushmore National Memorial as part of  its scenery. Here is a Working Ranch set in 10,000 acres of The Badlands which specializes in rearing Black Angus cattle.  This particular ranch does not have a structured program and allows all guests to get involved with ranch work.  It caters for all levels of riders with Spring and Autumn the best times for the experienced ones.

Montana, with its Glacier National Park has been described as one huge nature reserve. This Resort Ranch is situated at the base of the Bitterroot Mountains in a veritable wilderness. The ranch is furnished to the quality of a 5-star hotel with spacious log cabins with every modern amenity. There are plenty of activities apart from fantastic horse riding on miles of wilderness trails. Other activities include, fly fishing, golf, off-road exploring in 4×4’s, winter skiing and hiking. Facilities include a heated swimming pool, tennis court and croquet lawn.

Colorado,  this is the home of the old Santa Fe Trail, the Pony Express and the birthplace of the Stetson. The highest of all Colorado’s Guest Ranches is in the San Isabel National Park at an elevation of 9,600 feet. Ride options for the more adventurous include an overnight pack trip. The ranch offers a full children’s programme with arena riding, fishing, arts and crafts and caring for zoo animals. White water rafting through Brown’s Canyon on the Arkansas River can also be arranged. If you still have energy to burn, then try trap shooting, archery, badminton or mountain biking.