Dude Ranch Vacations

Almost half the states in America offer dude ranch vacations. From Washington to the unlikely New York, you can visit a dude ranch and try your hand at becoming a real ranch hand. Dude ranch vacations can be fun for couples, single, or the entire family.

The Heart Six Ranch is located in Moran, Wyoming and is a classic example of a dude ranch. Founded in the late 1800’s, you can enjoy a hearty ranch hand breakfast each morning. As you step outside your cabin, you cannot help but enjoy the fresh, crisp mountain air. You can see the Buffalo Fork River or the Grand Teton among other wonderful views. Your days will be filled with activities such as hiking, biking, taking tours of Yellowstone or even Snake River floats. You will learn how to fish and care for horses, even learning one of the most important ranch hand duties, riding horses. As the sun sets, you can relax by sitting around a campfire watching to sunset on another wonderful day.

Bandera Texas is called the Cowboy Capital of the World, so it only stands to reason it would be the home of a dude ranch. The Dixie Dude Ranch is not for people looking to relax. Located on 725 acres, this ranch offers modern comforts in its cabins and delicious home cooked meals for hungry ranch hands at the end of a busy day. Among the activities available are swimming, fossil hunting, hiking, hayrides and of course, horseback riding.

In Kerhonkson, New York, you will find the Pinegrove Dude Ranch. It is located in the Shawangunk Mountains and has plenty of wildlife including turkeys, coyotes, geese, raccoons, and quail. You get three all-you-can-eat meals with your visit, but the Chuck Wagon Snack bar is open later at night to serve snacks to the extra hungry wranglers. You can also enjoy cocktail hour each day in the beautiful lobby. Differing slightly from other dude ranches, Pinegrove offers 11 indoor sports facilities including an indoor pool. But if you really want to learn to be a ranch hand, go on the Pinegrove cattledrive.

Dude ranch vacations are so much fun, chances are it will be a vacation you will remember for a lifetime.