Dude Ranch

Dude ranches do all differ slightly but, for the most part, they are operating working ranches or converted cattle ranches that welcome guests to stay and enjoy an authentic ranch experience. During a stay on a dude ranch, guests will be invited to join in as many rides as they wish with the remainder of the time incorporating a range of fun and varied activities including rodeo visits, fishing, biking, swimming and the obligatory campfire entertainment. Usually on the day of arrival guests will arrange a programme for the week with the ranch wranglers. Dude ranches house horses and cattle on-site, so it is also possible to enjoy additional horseback activities such as team penning, cattle drives or round-ups. As guest numbers tend to be higher than at other ranches, meals are usually taken family style – all together. Families and children are well catered for at most dude ranches with many offering comprehensive riding programmes suitable for different age groups. In addition, many ranches organise special rides such as breakfast rides, sunset rides or even camp-out rides which include a night under canvas in the wilderness within the ranch boundaries.