Ranches Rule!

Ranch wranglers preparing to saddle up a tour group

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The dude ranching phenomenon began in the late 1800s, when ten dollars would get you a room, meals, and a horse for the week. Prices have risen substantially since then, but so have the amenities and activities offered, such as hiking, fishing, swimming, rafting, sightseeing excursions, biking and tennis.

Various ranches have distinct personalities, just as families have different expectations for their vacations. How can you sort through all of these details to find the right ranch for your family?

Here are some important questions to consider:

What travel dates do you have in mind?

Do you have a specific place you'd like to visit, or a type of terrain you'd like to explore? Mountain versus desert, for instance?

Do you want organized activities for your children? What ages are they? Note that programs have various age restrictions. (Also note that most ranches also have weight limits. Some will not allow anyone weighing more than 200 or 250 pounds to ride their horses.)

How experienced are the horse riders in your family? What type of riding does each member envision?

What other activities do you hope to enjoy?

What type of accommodations and meals do you prefer? Fancy or more home-style?

Our partner AdventureFinder can help you find the ranch of your dreams! Visit their Dude Ranch Page and search through their dude ranch listings for the perfect ranch.