Comments on: Mondays are for dreaming of… a dude ranch

By: Lora

Lora — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:57:43 +0000

Thanks for the info on Colorado dude ranche. I’m sure the scenery would be incredible as well!

By: Lady H

Lady H — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:37:28 +0000

There are a ton of great dude and guest ranches out there, and they run the gamut from “sleeping on the ground” to full-on glamorous luxury, like you’re staying with Ted Turner or Robert Redford! Don’t think you have to rough it to enjoy the wild west. My favorite one has four-course gourmet meals, feather beds, a fancy arena and certified lesson instructors (AND challenging mountain trail rides) plus more activities than you could dream up, and only 25 people! It’s in Colorado, though- a shout out to Smith Fork Ranch!

By: Sol Grisso

Sol Grisso — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:02:07 +0000

Thank You for sharing this one!

By: Lora

Lora — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:00:22 +0000

@ Lorrain and Amy: Please let me know what your experiences are. I’d love to hear more!

By: Amy at Never-True Tales

Amy at Never-True Tales — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:36:33 +0000

I grew up right near the ranch you list in Quincy, CA, so that made me smile! We’ll be vacationing a few days in that area this summer (although not at a dude ranch) and I’ll be sure to post some reviews!

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:22:26 +0000

I was intrigued also by Dude Ranches earlier this year when I saw the “Dude Ranchers Association” on twitter! I wrote them for a recommendation in Northern California, and they gave me the Coffee Creek Ranch. We are talking to them now about dates & activities. Will report back if we get anything planned. Thanks for the additional locations.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:02:03 +0000

Oh ya! Ever since seeing the movie “City Slickers” I thought it would be a gas to visit a Dude Ranch. And now that I follow The Pioneer Woman food blog, she has me sold. What’s funny is, I’m not into sleeping on the ground and I’m scared to ride a horse. Hmm.

By: Lora

Lora — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:58:38 +0000

@Debi: I can definately see separating the dude ranch experience from a spa retreat. There’s also something to be said for a little luxury after working so hard on vacation.

@Mara: Sometimes I wish I could take separate vacations with family members, especially when they are really into something. My niece is SO into horses. She’d love this!

By: Mara

Mara — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:01:03 +0000

You know, I’ve never thought of doing a vacation like this – although my youngest loves horses. I think he may be the only one though.

I could definitely see why these places would struggle against the nice-ification of everything!

By: Debi

Debi — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:54:38 +0000

Thanks for the roundup of dude ranches (ha!). I’ve wanted to take a girlfriend’s trip to one for quite a while. With or without kids, I think we’d opt for the intimate cowboy experience & leave the spa trip for another time.