Guest Ranches in Arizona
This type of lodging is also now known as “Guest Ranches where you can enjoy horseback activities on miles of open country, excellent food, fantastic scenery all in an informal atmosphere.
Many ranches offer activities that include roping, riding instruction, hayrides, cookouts, square dancing, and even a chance to drive cattle like a real cowpoke! Areas such as Tucson and Wickenburg offer the most guest ranch opportunities in the state, however, these dude ranches are found throughout Arizona (mostly the southern half of the state) and some of the most scenics can be found in the remotest of areas.
Rates per day usually include all activities and meals and your best bet is to reserve your vacation in advance as the wintertime for this type of lodging is the best in the southwestern desert region. Guest ranches often close in the summer as the weather becomes less desirable to work the cattle and participate in the other activities.
One of the Oldest Traditions of the West; The Dude Ranch
Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large part due to the writings of Teddy Roosevelt. Working as a ranchman himself, Roosevelt not only spent time herding cattle but also urged Americans to explore for themselves. The popularity of dude ranch increased after WWII and soon became the main tourist attraction in the Rocky Mountain area around the ’20s and ’30s.
Nowadays Dude Ranches have become a staple of American culture, right alongside baseball and apple pie.
Many tourists are drawn to Dude Ranches for the same reasons they were at the beginning of the 20th century: a sense of adventure, a desire to experience another way of life, and the chance for a wholesome and healthy good time. If you’re looking to truly get away from it all, and make memories to last a lifetime, look no further than a Dude Ranch vacation.
Dude Ranches are as varied as the people seeking out the vacation. Accommodations can range from rustic to luxurious, depending on the experience you’re looking for. www.E-DudeRanch.com explains that at a Dude Ranch, you can enjoy home-cooked meals, cookouts, wagon rides, fishing, and square dances. If you’re looking for something a little more modern, many ranches provide amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and game rooms.
Natural Luxury of an Arizona Dude Ranch Vacation
Beautiful weather and sunny days are a year-round natural luxury in Arizona. One can easily argue that the weather and the scenic beauty of the state are best enjoyed in the saddle of a horse. Arizona dude ranches offer the opportunity to do precisely that, and much more.
Horseback riding is the main event at dude ranches, but it definitely isn’t all a visitor will find. Swimming pools and tennis courts can be found at many ranches, and some even offer health spas and massages.
Activities often include cattle roundups, hayrides, and cookouts. There is always something to do, or not do, depending on the pace the guest prefers.
Some Arizona dude ranches are operating working dude ranches. Guests may enjoy working alongside the ranch hands, roping, and feeding cattle. Of course, no one is ever required to work, but the opportunity is there for those desiring to take an active role, and those willing to get dirty.
Other ranches in Arizona are known as “guest ranches”. They’re not currently operating cattle ranches, and instead, the primary focus is on the comfort and enjoyment of their guests. Guest ranches offer the usual dude ranch activities and provide a wide range of modern amenities. The type of dude ranch to visit depends entirely on the experience the traveler is looking for.
Fittingly, the Spanish influence is clearly seen in many Arizona dude ranches. The American cowboy has roots that directly trace back to the Mexican vaqueros, and Arizona itself has very strong Spanish ties. The western hospitality you will find at Arizona’s dude ranches can be easily summed up: “mi casa es su casa“.
Dude Ranch Family Vacation: Old-West Fun!
A Dude Ranch family vacation may just well be the perfect vacation idea for you. Horseback riding, swimming pools, and multiple other activities make these resorts excellent places for you to take your kids on your next adventure. Here’s everything you need to know:
All You Need in One Location
Nearly every dude ranch will offer everything you need for your vacation: lodging, food, and plenty of entertainment for people of all ages. This eliminates the need for things like hotels and other accommodations. Additionally, these resorts will typically give you a taste for what it was like living in the old-west; something theme parks cannot do.
Here are some tips for making this vacation as good as it can be.
If you want to go to one of these relatively inexpensive resorts, you should decide if you are going by plane or car. My suggestion would be to take a car, as driving will likely be a more low-cost travel solution than flying.
On your way there, pick up some travel games for the kids to play to keep them entertained, so you can focus all of your attention on getting your family to your destination quickly and safely. Additionally, because vacations of this nature have so much to offer, try to spend as little money on your way there as possible.
All You Need in One Location
Nearly every dude ranch will offer everything you need for your vacation: lodging, food, and plenty of entertainment for people of all ages. This eliminates the need for things like hotels and other accommodations. Additionally, these resorts will typically give you a taste for what it was like living in the old-west; something theme parks cannot do.
Here are some tips for making this vacation as good as it can be.
If you want to go to one of these relatively inexpensive resorts, you should decide if you are going by plane or car. My suggestion would be to take a car, as driving will likely be a more low-cost travel solution than flying.
On your way there, pick up some travel games for the kids to play to keep them entertained, so you can focus all of your attention on getting your family to your destination quickly and safely. Additionally, because vacations of this nature have so much to offer, try to spend as little money on your way there as possible.
When to Go
Dude ranches are excellent places to go, any time of year, even on the holidays. A holiday vacation may be a great thing to help you relax and avoid the hustle and bustle of daily life. Summer months are probably the best time to go, though, as it is the tourist season in most locations meaning there will be more to do during these months. Additionally, the summer months are the most promising for plenty of outdoor activities, especially swimming.
Consider This
When trying to think of affordable family vacation ideas, and although other vacation ideas may be cheaper, a dude ranch offers so much to do that children and adults alike will have an amazing time. Think of it this way: the true value of a vacation is in the strength of the memories it offers. Because a vacation typically lasts only a week or two, you’ll want this period to be one that you can talk about for years to come.
Keep in mind that a vacation at a resort such as a dude ranch may not be for everyone. After all, not everyone is fond of horseback riding, the primary appeal of these resorts. However, if this vacation sounds like an experience you want to have, I suggest contacting a travel agent right away to get started.
Check out these AZ Dude Ranches for a start…
- Rancho De La Osa Guest Ranch – Sasabe, Arizona
- Grapevine Canyon Ranch – Pearce, Arizona
- Saguaro Lake Ranch – Mesa, Arizona
- Stagecoach Trails Ranch – Yucca, Arizona
- Circle Z Ranch – Patagonia, Arizona
- Elkhorn Ranch – Tucson, Arizona
- Flying E Ranch – Wickenburg, Arizona
- Kay El Bar Ranch – Wickenburg, Arizona
- Price Canyon Ranch – Douglas, Arizona
- Rancho de los Caballeros – Wickenburg, Arizona
- Sprucedale Guest Ranch – White Mountains, Arizona
- Tanque Verde Ranch – Tucson, Arizona
- White Stallion Ranch – Tucson, Arizona