Published: 10/29/2014 4:00:36 PM
Discover Western Hospitality at the Grand Canyon
If you want to wake up to the delicious smells of an authentic cowboy breakfast, explore on horseback the marvels of the Grand Canyon, and go boot stompin’ in the evening,
Bar 10 Ranch is where you should be. The working cattle ranch is just nine miles from the Grand Canyon in one of the remotest areas in the west, allowing you to truly leave behind the city life and enjoy the simple life the Wild West became famous for.
History of Bar 10 Ranch
Bar 10 Ranch has been the home of five generations of the Heaton family, starting from Tony Heaton and his wife Ruby. The founding couple expanded their little home by purchasing nearby small ranches over the years. Today, Bar 10 is stretched over 10,000 deeded acres and continues being built by Tony and Ruby’s six children and their own little cowboys and cowgirls.
However, it was Tony himself who turned the ranch house into a travel destination. Realizing that most river rafters traveling down the Colorado River would have had their fill of the cold water and sun, he offered rafting companies and their clients the chance to stop by his ranch. There, they could include a visit to the Grand Canyon to their vacation itinerary and later use his ranch’s airstrip (nicknames as Whitmore International Airport) to travel back to Las Vegas.
Why 13,000 Visitors Drop by the Bar 10 Ranch
From 125 visitors in the 1980s to over 13,000 in the 2000s, Bar 10 Ranch has become a popular destination on the Arizona Strip. In addition to authentic western hospitality, the following factors make it one of the excellent dude ranches to stay at:
Two Accommodation Options for Varying Tastes
You can choose between staying at the Lodge or in one of the ranch’s 13 Conestoga Wagons. Built in 1983, the Lodge boasts an Old West theme through small details such as wagon wheel chandeliers and wood beams. The building overlooks the Grand Canyon and offers you a full view of lush surrounding lawns. On the other hand, the covered wagons come with double mattresses, electric lanterns, and a bench seat. These promise visitors a peek into the lifestyles of cowboys and early settlers.
Conestoga Wagon Accommodations
Lodge Accommodations
Authentic Western Meals for Hearty Appetites
Mealtimes are special at Bar 10 Ranch. Not only do you get to swap stories and meet new friends around the table, but you get to taste western dishes cooked in Dutch oven pots for authentic flavors. As the ranch takes pride in being self-sufficient, the cowgirls in charge of the kitchen prepare homemade rolls and deserts which complement delicious, slow cooked roasts. However, what truly makes mealtime stand out is that meals are served buffet style. So you can go for seconds or even thirds if you want to without paying extra.
Bar 10 Ranch Dining
Variety of Activities, Especially Near the Grand Canyon
Whether you’re staying overnight at the dude ranch or simply dropping by for the day, be prepared to enjoy fun-filled activities at the Grand Canyon. You can take part in an ATV adventure that can take anywhere between 1.5 hours to a full day. On the other hand, if you prefer exploring scenic areas cowboy-style, you’re welcome to go horseback riding on short trails near the lodge or opt for longer rides to secluded areas. Other activities you can enjoy at Bar 10 Ranch are hiking into the Canyon, river rafting in the Colorado River, skeet shooting, and helicopter tours. You can also get up, close and personal with the area’s flora and fauna at the Nature Center or end your day around a campfire or singing and dancing with the cowboys and gals of Bar 10.
ATV Tours in the Grand Canyon
Tempting Packages with Equally Attractive Prices
The Basic Overnight package, which is designed for ATV and short-term visitors, offers dinner, lodging and breakfast for as low as $115 per person per night. The dude ranch also offers exciting packages for vacationers, such as the Grand Canyon-Colorado River Rifting Trips package. Offered between May and September, this package allows you to explore the vistas and canyons of the Colorado River before touring Arizona’s geological marvel. However, if you don’t like any of the packages available, you can easily get Bar 10 to customize one according to your requirements.
The Bottom Line
Despite being a functioning cattle farm, Bar 10 Ranch is fully dedicated to making its visitors’ experience a unique one, be it through the authentic accommodations and food or variety of activities offered. So make sure to check this ranch out for your next vacation.
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