Horses have played an important role in human history. They are magnificent creatures that have served dutifully alongside humans in times of war, farming and hunting as well. In addition, people have always relied on equines for transportation during ancient times. Horses were the first “engines” and were originally used to pull chariots and wagons until the invention of the automobile.
Horses have been admired through the ages for their beauty, speed and strength. They also have many other characteristics and abilities that may not be as well- known but are still fascinating. There are plenty of horse facts and horse trivia to learn. Horses are a fun and clever animal. Here are some horse facts and trivia for you to enjoy. Amazing horse facts and horse Trivia:
Horseback riding can be both a thrilling and challenging experience since interacting with such a large animal requires a specific level of expertise and patience. When done properly, horseback riding can be exciting, therapeutic and relaxing all at the same time. There are studies that show that horseback riding is beneficial for intellectual and emotional processes. Also, you’ll gain an appreciation of the symbiotic relationship created between you and your horse.
Horseback riding is one of the main activities you can enjoy while on a dude ranch vacation. If you have never ridden a horse before, you can prepare yourself in advance before your trip. Horseback riding for newbies can seem a little bit daunting at first but once you get going you’ll catch on quickly. Here are some tips to help beginners get started:
1. Get a head start.
Find an equestrian center or horse ranch in your area and get some practice time in the saddle or lessons before your trip. Most dude ranches will give beginners some instruction but if you want to arrive ready to hop on a horse and ride, taking some lessons beforehand will allow you to get ahead of the game.
Boots needs to be flat-soled, pointed, and they should have a short heel, all to aid the simple removal of the boot from the stirrup in case anything goes wrong.
4. Prepare yourself mentally.
It is very important that you are able to control your feelings while riding a horse. A relaxed and calm demeanor is best as your horse can sense the way you feel. If you lack confidence your horse will sense this and will be harder to control. Remember, your horse doesn’t know that you are a beginner so act confident and trust yourself and each other.
5.Prepare yourself physically. Strength and balance work together to help you relax and communicate with your horse so you can have the best ride possible. There are various exercises available that can help strengthen a rider and make them feel more secure in the saddle. Many of these can be found here
5. Start with an experienced horse.
Once you start riding, it is very important that you begin with a very experienced horse so at least one of you understands the routine. As you become more comfortable in the saddle you will have the opportunity to ride horses more suited for experienced riders. As you do, you’ll soon realize they're all different, just like people.
Horseback riding for beginners is very exciting and with the proper training you will be able to enjoy all that this fun activity can offer you.
Веtwееn wоrk, kids, house chores, a social calendar аnd еvеrуthіng еlsе in between lіfе саn сеrtаіnlу bе quite hесtіс. Аftеr а whіlе, уоu can stаrt tо fееl lіkе а rоbоt running on auto-pilot. Іt саn bе ехhаustіng and mаkе уоu fееl оvеrwhеlmеd аnd rundоwn.
Еvеrуоnе nееds а lіttlе rеst аnd rеlахаtіоn frоm tіmе-tо-tіmе. Ѕоmеtіmеs, уоu јust nееd tо tаkе а brеаk frоm thе rеgulаr rоutіnе аnd focus on your happiness and wellness. Аftеr аll, уоu саn’t ехресt tо bе hарру whеn уоu аrе fееlіng run-dоwn аnd оvеrwоrkеd.
Ѕо, whаt’s thе bеst wау tо еаsе thе strеssеs аnd tеnsіоns thаt hаvе mаdе уоu fееl sо оvеrwhеlmеd? Тhе bеst wау tо dо thіs іs tо tаkе а vасаtіоn.
Неrе’s а lооk аt sоmе оf thе surе-fіrе sіgns thаt уоu shоuldn’t іgnоrе thаt dеfіnіtеlу іndісаtе thаt уоu nееd tо tаkе а vасаtіоn.
8 Signs Іt’s Тіmе tо Рlаn а Vасаtіоn
1.) Do you feel more irritable, impatient and on edge that even thе smаllеst lіttlе thіng (lіkе а sрооn fаllіng оn thе flооr) becomes a huge issue and mаkеs уоu snар at others? If so, you may be overstressed and headed for burnout
2.) Аrе уоu аlwауs feeling tіrеd аnd rundоwn? Are you wаkіng uр mоrе ехhаustеd thаn уоu wеrе whеn уоu wеnt tо bеd even though уоu gоt рlеntу оf slеер? Do уоu fееl lіkе уоu аrе drаggіng уоursеlf аrоund every day and fееl lіkе уоu саn’t snар оut оf іt? Sounds like you have already burned out and need a recharge
3.) Are you making more mistakes at work? Chronic stress often leads to increased errors in the workplace and counterproductive work practices. Try to finish up any open projects while double and triple checking your work and then plan a vacation.
4.) Dо уоu fееl lіkе уоu јust аrеn’t hарру? Еvеn during tіmеs whеn уоu shоuld bе very hарру, уоu саn’t seem to fіnd thе јоy іn аnуthіng? Dо hоlіdауs, bіrthdауs, sреndіng tіmе wіth уоur lоvеd оnеs, оr еvеn јust sіttіng dоwn аnd trуіng tо rеlах sееm lіkе mоrе оf а chore thаn sоmеthіng enjoyable? Іf sо, thеn іt’s рrоbаblу а рrеttу sаfе bеt thаt уоu nееd tо hаvе sоmе tіmе аwау.
5.) Do you constantly have aches and pains in your body? Headaches? Back problems? Tightness in the shoulders. When people are in stressful situations their bodies release chemicals that trigger inflammation and increase their sensitivity to pain. It’s time to take a well deserved break.
6.) Do you have trouble sleeping? Stressed or overworked people tend to have trouble winding down and falling sleep and also feeling rested. This could lead to daytime sleepiness as well from the lack of sleep.
7.) Do you rеmеmbеr thе lаst tіmе уоu sаt dоwn аnd hаd а соnvеrsаtіоn wіth уоur sіgnіfісаnt оthеr оr уоur fаmіlу thаt dіdn’t hаvе tо dо wіth wоrk or chores, thеn іt іs аbsоlutеlу tіmе tо рlаn а vасаtіоn to spend lots of quality time with your loved ones.
8.) Are you overindulging in food or alcohol? Many who are stressed will reach for their favourite comfort foods or drinks as a coping mechanism to get them through their days. This could lead to unhealthy addictions. It’s best to address the problem and take some time off.
Іf аnу оf thе аbоvе dеsсrіbеs уоu аnd hоw уоu аrе fееlіng, thеn іt іs сеrtаіnlу tіmе thаt уоu stаrt thіnkіng аbоut рlаnnіng а vасаtіоn. Whеrе shоuld уоu gо аnd whаt shоuld уоu dо? Wеll, оnе аwеsоmе орtіоn іs tо go оn а dudе rаnсh vасаtіоn. Νоt оnlу wіll уоu hаvе thе орроrtunіtу tо hаvе а grеаt tіmе with your loved ones in the great outdoors and not have to worry about meals (they are included and many have gourmet chefs), You can also enjoy many different types of vacations from relaxing and pampering to adventurous and active! Search our database of dude ranches and start planning that well deserved break!
For your next vacation why not consider a working ranch. A working ranch differs from your typical guest ranch in that guests can choose to take part in a hands-on ranching experience as well as other fun activities. If you have ever dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl then this is the ideal vacation choice for you. So grab a pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat and take a look at these two working ranches and book your vacation today!
Burnt Well Guest Ranch, Roswell, New Mexico
Burnt Well Guest Ranch is an authentic working cattle and sheep ranch. They take on a few guests per year on the side to help supplement their ranching income. Because they can only accept small numbers this means that your vacation will be tailored to your needs. Whether you are an avid rider who would like to participate in actual ranch work or whether you are just a beginner who wants to work on your riding skills Burnt Well can accommodate you. If you are looking to take part in a cattle drive be sure to contact the ranch in advance to see which dates are programmed for these events. They offer two types of working ranch vacations: Dude Ranch Style and Authentic “Old West” Style On the Dude Ranch style cattle drive any number of cattle are driven from point A to point B. This drive could be from one to ten miles. You will typically sleep and eat most, if not all, meals at the ranch house. You may have the occasional sack lunch in the saddle bags. Since they are a working cattle ranch on 15,000 acres there is always plenty of cattle work to be done. The need to round up cattle and drive them various distances to pastures or pens could have you in the saddle from many miles and/or hours a day. The ranch can take about any age and any level of riding experience. This type of cattle drive is very common, if not the norm, at Burnt Well with most regular ranch stays.
Burnt Well Guest Ranch
The Authentic “Old West” Style drives are a little more active for guests as you will camp out on the trail for at least three nights; however it can be four or five nights depending on the drive. You are usually in the saddle between five to ten hours a day. They start early, driving cattle by sun up and will try to be at camp by early afternoon. This drive can be between ten and fifteen miles a day depending on the location. Burnt Well provide a “cowboy” bedroll very similar to the ones cowboys had to use on cattle drives. The bedroll is a three inch mattress made up with sheets and blankets and rolled in a tarp. (Those cowboys probably didn’t use sheets, but they did have a padded bedroll with blankets which was rolled up in a tarp to keep out the dust and rain). They also provide cots for those who are a little squeamish about being right on the ground. Burnt Well has plenty of “cowboy” teepees in case of inclement weather and an outdoor privy. Your comfort is in their best interest.
Burnt Well Guest Ranch
Hot meals are cooked in a Dutch oven and over a campfire for breakfast and dinners. You pack your own lunch right after breakfast from the wide variety of choices laid out for .Nightly campfires, a blanket of twinkling stars on a New Mexico black velvet sky and sweet fiddle music are some of the things to be enjoyed on these drives. The Authentic “Old West” Style cattle drives are adult drive only and for those who are in fairly good shape since you will be out on the range land for the duration of the drive. You will be actually driving cattle for miles and living out under the stars just as the cowboys did before trains and trucks came to being. At times the weather can be trying and unpleasant. This drive is for adventurous adults with plenty of stick-to-itiveness! The stuff memories, stories and bucket lists are made of.
Laughing Water Ranch, Fortine, Montana
During selected weeks in May and September adults can sign up for a cattle drive at Laughing Water Ranch. For the first few days you will only be trail riding so that you can get acquainted with your horse and make any needed adjustments. There will also be a “Cattle Clinic” to prepare you for what to expect once you join the herd. This is a great opportunity to see some breathtaking Montana scenery. Then it’s time to get to work. Depending on the week you come out to the ranch, you will be rounding up, sorting, branding and moving cattle from their winter pasture to summer range in May or from summer range to the home ranch in September. The horses really love it and you'll love it too. It gets you off the beaten path - chasing cows and calves that have their own ideas of when to stop, and where to go.
Laughing Water Ranch
You will be working approximately 170 head of cattle. The cattle belong to their local Judge and rancher, Terry Utter. Terry will be joining everyone on the drives and he is as helpful as he is entertaining. After a day of working cows your appetite will be hearty and the camp cook will put out a spread like you can only get out west. When the workday is done you will gather round the campfire for some entertaining story- telling and lots of laughter while you discus the day’s events. Guests will have the choice of either staying at night at cow camp, or returning each evening to the comforts of The Ranch. Cow Camp will be set up with spacious wall tents with comfortable cots. Remember to bring your sleeping bags, slickers, and sense of adventure!!!
Laughing Water Ranch
So make sure to head to a dude ranch before its upcoming cattle drive. Search our extensive list of ranches by defining the ‘cattle drive’ criteria and book your spot before someone else nabs it.
Happy Trails!
A dude ranch, or a guest ranch, is a ranch that opens it’s doors to people for tourism purposes. Especially for first time visitors, many people have a little dilemma of what to pack. Well, here is a generalized list of items you should bring on your dude ranch vacation.
Shoes
Riding boots are an absolute must They should have a short heel which makes it comfortable for you to walk on uneven and rough terrain. They can be cowboy boots or another low heeled boot. Some dude ranches sell them or offer a selection on site so ask beforehand. Some dude ranches have a formal dinner setting where you may need dressy shoes so confirm before you head out. Sneakers or runners are also recommended for other activities such as hiking or trail jogging. Some dude ranches have a pool or in the Summer months so flip-flops might be needed.
Clothing
Casual attire is widely accepted and encouraged at most dude ranches. Jeans are a necessity for many dude ranch vacation activities so be sure to pack a few pairs. Padded pants, like cycling shorts, for riding are also advisable, especially for beginner riders. The other clothing you may pack will mostly depend on the weather and the season. If it’s Summer and the weather is bound to be hot and sunny, pack breathable light clothing. It will help to keep you cool but still protect you from the sun’s rays. Include light shirts, vests, shorts, jeans and light jackets. For protection from the hot elements bring a hat with a brim and sunglasses. If it is Fall or Winter and predicted to be cool, pack some heavier clothing for warmth and layering. Include wool or fleece jackets, long sleeve shirts, long pants, scarves, gloves, hats and socks. If you plan to be outdoors riding or on an excursion, bring a something to cover and protect your ears. Rain coats should be packed if it is going to be rainy at the ranch. Hats are essential to protect you against the heat from the sun. They should fit well to avoid being carried off in the wind, especially when riding. They don't necessarily have to be cowboy or cowgirl hats, baseball hats can also work. Most dude ranches sell hats as well so it's not necessary for you to carry one from home.
Gloves will be necessary if you plan to do a lot of riding or if you are attending a working ranch or cattle drive. Pick a pair that are made of flexible, but strong, leather. If you are planning to do any swimming or working out at the dude ranch, make sure you bring the proper attire for those activities as well.
Personal Items
Seeing as it is a dude ranch vacation, a camera/video camera should tag along with you. Make sure it isn't bulky because you may be carrying it with you on horseback and other excursions. Don’t forget to also bring the camera charger. If you are planning on doing any bird watching or wildlife viewing a pair of binoculars will come in handy. Other essentials include phone chargers, hair dryers. Some ranches supply hair dryers so ask first because If they do, that's one less bulky item to carry.
Toiletries
Sunscreen and insect repellent are absolute musts for a dude ranch vacation. After being out in the sun or cold, keep your skin smooth with some moisturizer and chapstick. Depending on the dude ranch, you may need to bring your own shower items. You should always try to stay hydrated at the ranch so also bring a water bottle that's suitable for carrying around. Lastly bring and open mind and your sense of adventure. You may be exposed to new things out of your comfort zone. Throw caution to the wind and try something new!
Heck ya you should book a guest ranch vacation for your next holiday! Guest ranches are a great choice for families, couples and solo travelers alike. With so many different destinations to choose from in the United States, Canada and Mexico how could you possibly go wrong? Here are just a few reasons why you should forgo the typical beach vacation in favour of a fun, western themed getaway. HORSEBACK RIDING This is probably the #1 reason to go to a guest ranch. Who doesn’t love the idea of saddling-up and exploring scenic vistas from atop a horse? It doesn’t matter whether you are a first time rider because qualified wranglers will teach you the basics so that you feel comfortable out on the trails. If you are an advanced rider many guest ranches will tailor exciting rides to match your experience level. Some guest ranches even offer overnight pack trips.
Horseback riding
Multiple Activities to Choose From
Aside from horseback riding the majority of guest ranches offer a plethora of activities to choose from. You can hike or mountain bike on scenic trails, kayak or canoe on beautiful lakes, rent an ATV, try your hand at fly-fishing, learn a new skill like archery or rifle shooting, or zoom along a zip-line or participate in a cattle drive. These are just a few of the exciting activities that guest ranches offer. The possibilities are endless. Be sure to ask each guest ranch what activities they include.
Hiking
The All-Inclusive Package
The majority of guest ranches utilize the “all-inclusive” vacation concept. This means that you pay upfront for your accommodations, meals and in many cases most of your activities are included too. There may be some additional costs but in general your vacation can be budgeted for in advance. You can also customize your vacation to suit your specific needs. Another added benefit is if you are a solo traveler many guest ranches don’t add an extra premium for single vacationers.
Spa-aaah Time
Just because you are staying at a guest ranch it doesn’t mean that you can’t indulge in some quality me-time as well. Many guest ranches are considered spa destinations as well with qualified spa technicians available to cater to your every wish. After a day of riding there is nothing better than a relaxing massage to soothe sore muscles. When booking your guest ranch vacation be sure to ask whether they offer spa services if that is on your vacation wish-list.
Spa Time
The Dining Experience
Meals can break or make a vacation! Guest ranches take pride in the food that they serve their guests. This can mean gourmet meals prepared by a culinary chef or simple hearty home-cooked meals that rely on old family favourite recipes. Whichever the case may be you will be treated to satisfying meals that will leave you asking for seconds. If you have special dietary concerns be sure to let your guest ranch know in advance so that they can accommodate your needs.
Hospitality at its Finest
A guest ranch isn’t part of a hotel chain. More often than not the guest ranch that you choose for your next vacation has a long, interesting, family history. You will be welcomed into their home as a guest but once you leave you will feel like family. Guest ranches are famous for their down home hospitality and in many cases they boast a high rate of returning guests.
Disconnect and Re-connect
A vacation at a guest ranch gives you the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world since many guest ranches are off the beaten path cell service isn’t always readily available; although, you can usually find somewhere on-site to access WiFi if need be. Disconnecting from the digital world allows you and your loved ones to re-connect with each other and your surroundings and isn’t that what a vacation should be all about?
Re-connect with nature
Kid-friendly Programs
Many guest ranches have special programs tailored specifically for your kids. Aside from being fun they are often educational as well. This gives parents a chance to participate in more adult orientated activities or perhaps indulge in a relaxing spa treatment or simple enjoy some time together as a couple. Parents can feel comfortable knowing that their children are being taken care of by responsible staff members and most importantly that their little-ones or not so little-ones are meeting new friends and having a blast.
Specialty Weeks
Throughout the year guest ranches usually offer specialty weeks. Depending on the ranch this could include girls’ only weeks, cattle drives, horsemanship clinics, artistic events, culinary events, adults’ only weeks and of course special holiday celebration weeks. Be sure to ask what events and specials are offered during the year at the guest ranch that you are interested in for your next vacation. These are just a few of the reasons that when you next decide to pack your bags you should consider choosing a guest ranch as your vacation destination.
RanchSeeker can help you find the perfect guest ranch for you! Happy Trails!
Earth’s Gateway to Heaven Colorado has always been a popular vacation destination due to its majestic mountains, natural beauty, fly fishing spots, active lifestyle, and strong western heritage roots. Luckily, you can experience all of these at one spot – Colorado Trails Ranch. Combining casual luxury with the beauty of its surroundings, this dude ranch is quickly becoming a popular choice. And if you have a family, this is definitely the right dude ranch vacation for you. To find out more, giddy up through the following lines.
The History of Colorado Trails Ranch
Unlike other ranches across North America, Colorado Trails Ranch was originally established as a dude ranch back in 1960. At the time, the property had two buildings: an old barn and an anteroom which was the Coney Cove dance hall in 1912. The log structure is still withstanding time till this day, but is used as wrangler staff housing. Over the span of half a decade, the ranch has grown beyond its ‘new’ lodge and six Alpine cabins. It had to also leave behind its tradition of allowing guests to make their own brands and burning them into the lodge’s timber posts. However, this was necessary to protect the building from burning down. Luckily, some traditions continue to this day. In addition to the arrival of staff every May over the past fifty years, Colorado Trails continues hosting the Equine Investigator’s Academy, an event that aims at teaching animal control officers and animal professionals how to identify and investigate horse abuse.
Why Colorado Trails Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
So, what makes Colorado Trails Ranch one of the best Colorado vacations destinations? Of the many reasons that come to mind, the following stand out the most.
Excellent Location
The dude ranch is only 12 miles away from the historic mining town of Durango, a hot spot for scenic beauty and a historic landmark since the days of silver mines. The 450-acre property also shares a property line with the two million acre San Juan National Forest, allowing guests to view its natural marvels as well. Moreover, visitors get to enjoy panoramic views of the undeveloped country, which is one of the reasons city slickers visited the area since the 1800s.
Comfortable Accommodations
The dude ranch’s cabins are very comfortable and beautifully decorated with casual luxury in mind. You can choose from the following cabins available according to your family’s size:
Great Western Foods
At Colorado Trails Ranch, you can indulge your senses in scrumptious, wholesome edibles that are fulfilling and satisfying to all guests regardless of age. For instance, breakfast comprises of cold food selections such as bagels, yogurt and cereal, hot food selections like waffles and sausage. If you’re looking for something unique, you’re also welcome at the ranch’s cookout breakfasts.
Exciting On-Site Amenities
Even if you decide to stay at the ranch, you won’t be too bored. While the Lodge is the heart of the ranch community, you can enjoy the heated swimming pool, gym, archery and rifle ranges, and basketball court. You’ll also enjoy dancing at The Opera House, playing games at The Ruckus Room, indulging in milkshakes or ice cream at Soda Fountain, or getting fly fishing supplies from the Fly Fishing Center.
A Variety of Dude Ranch Activities
There’s so much to do and see while staying at Colorado Trails Ranch, including the following:
Special Activities for Children and Teens
As a family retreat, Colorado Trails Ranch offers kids from 5-17 years a range of activities that are suitable and safe for their age. For instance 5-8 year olds can go on a picnic lunch horseback ride, while 9-12 year olds can enjoy half-day river rafting trips. As for your teens, they can be part of the action during overnight wilderness camping or archery. The best part is that you’ll get to relax with your significant other while the ranch’s skilled staff helps them enjoy the vacation of a lifetime.
Affordable Packages
The ranch understands how important affordable vacations are for families, which is why it offers a range of packages that can help them slash costs. For starters, you have discount weeks, which offer up to 20% discounts on weekly rates between set dates. You also get special packages, which maximize your savings and fun. However, you’ll need to click these links to find out about the 2016 specials before the season starts in June.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a place you and your children will never be bored to be at, Colorado Trails Ranch is what you seek. Just remember to reserve in advance to book your spot. Moreover, send through any dietary requirements you and your family members have in order for the chef to avoid ingredients that could bring on an allergic reaction. If you’d rather not avail these special packages, you can expect to pay at least $2,600 per adult in a two-room cabin. Children will be charged at $2,250 at the very least if between 5 and 12 years, whereas younger children will be charged $950. If you have a third child, they can stay with you free. You can also plan your vacation with another family and get a 15% discount. However, you’ll get more value for money with one of the ranch’s packages. Find out about those at Ranchseeker next year! Happy Trails!
Do you like adventure, scenic landscapes and pristine wilderness? If so, then Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch is the ideal vacation destination for you. Located at the foot of the Sierra Madre (the Mexican Rockies) in northeast Sonora, Mexico, which is just 55miles south of the southeast Arizona town of Douglas you will find this privately owned 30,000 acre guest ranch and cattle ranch. Rancho Los Baños, or Ranch of the Springs in English, is in a safe and secure area centered at the crossroads of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.
Enveloped by some of the most unique, inspiring and diverse desert landscapes this protected wilderness preserve is remote, serene and promises otherworldly landscapes to its visitors. Here you will enjoy world-class backcountry horseback riding that will take you through several different habitats that encompass lake, river, mountain, high desert, box canyon and riparian ecosystems. Besides the many scenic nature trails, you can also ride to numerous historical attractions like a 17th century abandoned Jesuit gold mine or visit the remains of a 19th century bandit hiding camp where both American and Mexican outlaws went to lay low. You can also ride to 2,000 year old pre-Colombian dwellings full of pictographs, deep inside El Cajon Canyon, or visit a 20 mile long lake, and its dam, built during the Great Depression by the architects and engineers that also built Hoover Dam (the dam is a smaller replica of Hoover). This is just a small sampling of what you will see and learn about while staying at the ranch. From atop your horse you will be breathing and living the history of days gone by while taking in spectacular scenery.
Aside from horseback riding there is canyon hiking, jeep eco-tours, river and lake kayaking, fishing, wildlife spotting and birding. Nighttime at Rancho Los Baños you will experience star-gazing at its finest! You will be awed by the tens of thousands of stars visible to the naked eye since there isn’t any interference of unnatural light. Avid nature lovers and thrill seekers will revel in all that there is to see and do at this guest ranch.
Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch
Modern, homey, B&B-style ranch lodge and cabins featuring all the creature comforts of home provide comfortable and relaxing accommodations white staying at your home-away-from-home. Gourmet, International and Mexican home-cooked cuisine is served family-style in either the dining room or outside on the balcony overlooking breathtaking scenery. Meal times are a wonderful opportunity to swap stories about your day with other guests and to make new friends.
Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch caters to a new generation of adventure travellers who are seeking a thrilling, challenging, educational, fun-filled vacation in a unique setting.
Happy Trails!
*Shuttle service is provided from Tucson to the ranch and back*
Thanksgiving is one of the traditions that bring families together around a festive table filled with delicious edibles that everyone loves. But why stick to your dinner table when you can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal within the mountains, surrounded by the beautiful scenery you should be thankful for? And why curl in front of the TV later when you can go on a horseback ride, hike through beautiful valleys, or lounge with others in a lodge to exchange stories? If this sounds tempting, then it’s high time that you head on to a dude ranch Thanksgiving holiday.
To help you get the best of the season without stretching your budget, take a look at the following three Thanksgiving 2015 vacation specials available.
Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch
A 30,000 acre adventure guest ranch, Rancho Los Baños is an authentic cattle ranch at the foothills of the Sierra Madres in Sonora, Mexico. What makes it special is its original, exotic flavor which you won’t find in nearby ranches. As an adventure guest ranch, you can also expect thrilling, challenging, educational, and, of course, fun-filled activities that would keep you and your loved ones coming back for more. The dude ranch is also enshrouded by wilderness, adding to its seclusion and separating it from the hubbub of Douglas, Arizona almost 55 miles away.
For Thanksgiving 2015, Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch is offering a six night, seven day package that starts from Sunday November 22 through Saturday November 28. The package costs $1,200 per guest per stay (single occupancy is $1,320 per stay), but children aged 10 and under are welcome to stay there for free. In addition to a round-trip shuttle, this deal includes a Latin American Wine Tasting session that stretches all week long. Get ready to tantalize your palate with complimentary wines from Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru and other great wineries in the region. And to top it all, you’ll enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey dinner served in a unique, cultural setting.
Coffee Creek Ranch
Known for being Northern California’s Finest Guest Ranch, Coffee Creek Ranch is also one of the oldest ranches in the area. Surrounded by the National Forest and the Trinity Alps, the 367-acre ranch offers vacationers the chance to reconnect with nature and experience firsthand the world-famous southern hospitality. Families are most welcome at the ranch, a fact proven by its range of Ranch Youth Activities which offer age-appropriate activities to children aged 3-17, such as horse/pony rides, crafts, and roping lessons. Adults, on the other hand, can pick from horseback riding activities, pack trips, fishing trips, or hunting sessions.
For Thanksgiving 2015 on November 29, Coffee Creek Ranch invites you to unwind, unplug and relax at the ranch. The Thanksgiving package includes all meals, lodging, horseback riding, and all the ranch’s activities. However, if you live within 150 miles of the ranch you can stay there for $150 per night per person to have the best time of your life. Better yet, if your family consists of four members, you can save and enjoy Thanksgiving at the ranch for $400 a night. Children under three years can stay for free. So, book quickly to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner by the ranch’s pool this year
White Stallion Ranch
A member of the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame after winning the #1 Property in Tucson for five years in a row, White Stallion Ranch has been welcoming visitors for over seven decades. It’s well maintained facilities and wonderful scenery contributed to making it one of the top settings for many Hollywood movies over the years. In addition to comfortable, luxurious rooms, the ranch amenities flaunts sports courts, a fitness center, a bar, a recreation room, a movie theater, and a petting zoo which your kids will love. You can also take part in a range of activities such as riding, rodeo, and hiking. Even if you’re not the adventurous type, your stay will be fun thanks to the ranch’s evening entertainment which includes moonlight bonfires, an astronomy show, line dancing lessons, whip cracking lessons and lastly gun spinning lessons.
If White Stallion Ranch is your destination this Thanksgiving 2015, you can ride your heart out or relax by the pool while a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is being cooked outside. However, you’ll need to book your spot quickly since Thanksgiving Week is very popular and space is limited. Make sure to inquire at 520-297-0252 or email at info@whitestallion.com. These are just some of the Thanksgiving 2015 vacation specials our dude ranches have available this year. Make sure to book the package you like the most right away or else you and your family won’t be able to experience a Western Thanksgiving before next year.