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If you have ever thought about a family dude ranch vacation, this episode will give you everything you need to know. Colleen Hodson from the National Dude Ranchers Association gives us the scoop on different types of ranches, how to pick a dude ranch that is best for your family, and some of her favorite ranches for families. We also cover how much a dude ranch trip costs and what to pack.
ON THE PODCAST
:37 Tamara is just back from Beacon, New York and Western Massachusetts
1:26 Kim recently visited Lake Chelan, Washington
4:02 Tamara is headed to Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana this summer
5:25 How technology can be addicting
7:35 Kim is going to Southwest Montana this summer
9:13 Colleen Hodson, National Dude Ranchers Association
10:39 Mission of the Dude Ranchers Association
12:35 Three types of dude ranches
15:01 How much experience do you need?
15:56 Horse safety program and wrangler training
16:16 Amenities on resort ranches
17:33 How to choose the best ranch
18:44 Consider location and closest airports
19:30 Cost of a dude ranch vacation
20:30 Length of a dude ranch vacation
21:45 What to pack for a ranch
24:15 Favorite ranches for families
25:33 When to book
26:45 Typical lodging options
27:27 What else should families think about when planning a dude ranch vacation
28:31 Colleen’s favorite ranch gear
30:51 Tip of the week
32:40 Shout out to listener Martha!
33:30 How to leave a review
34:30 Tune in next week to get the inside scoop on Universal Orlando
ABOUT COLLEEN HODSON, NATIONAL DUDE RANCHERS ASSOCIATION
Colleen is the Executive Director of the National Dude Ranchers Association and a true horse lover at heart. You can learn more about the association’s dude ranch members on its website, or follow the association on Facebook and Twitter.
TIPS FOR PLANNING A DUDE RANCH VACATION
- There are three types of dude ranches: resort ranches, traditional ranches, and working ranches
- Traditional ranches focus primarily on riding, working ranches are small and you are more involved in the operations of the ranch, and resort ranches offer other amenities like spas and gourmet dining
- Working ranches are best for kids 12 and up
- Traditional ranches and resort ranches typically have children’s programs
- You don’t need experience horseback riding to enjoy a dude ranch, lessons are provided
- Most ranches offer nighttime activities like line dancing, cookouts, etc.
- Use the Dude Ranch Association website to research ranch options, starting with location and type of ranch
- You can call the ranch you are considering to see if they know the ages of other kids coming that week to try to find a good match for your family
- Think about the closest airport and research the flight availability and costs
- Dude ranch vacations are all-inclusive of food and activities and range from $1400-1800 per person per week during peak season and child rates are available
- The typical dude ranch vacation is a week, but all have a minimum of a three-night stay
- What to pack: boots with a heel, a brimmed hat, jeans, sweatshirts, sunscreen, bug spray, casual clothes and shoes (hiking boots, sneakers)
- The ranch will provide water bottles
- Wrangler jeans are best because the seams are on the outside of the leg
- Repeat business is 60 percent and many families book when they leave so plan a family dude ranch vacation at least six months in advance if you are going during peak season
- Some ranches offer different lodging options from a lodge hotel-like stay to cabins or larger houses for big groups
DUDE RANCHES
There are over 100 dude ranches in the Dude Ranchers Association, all west of the Mississippi, largely in Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. This summer, Tamara will be visiting the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana. She was also considering Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana, which is a resort ranch that is now officially a part of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World. When you reserve a stay through National Geographic you receive exclusive offers including a private tour with a lodge naturalist of the Gallatin River followed by a picnic by the riverbank. During the chillier months, a lodge historian will provide a comprehensive history of the property with a private Chef’s dinner featuring creative and local Western Cuisine.
Colleen also recommends Paradise Ranch in Wyoming and Lost Valley in Colorado.
FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR
When visiting ranches, Colleen likes to wear her Wrangler jeans, Stetson straw cowboy hat, Justin or Ariat boots and a long-sleeved shirt. Just make sure you don’t have any bling on your jeans pockets!
TIP OF THE WEEK
If you are researching a vacation and trying to figure out what to do in an area or where to stay, check out the local Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Just make sure you find the official site, such as Visit Rhode Island, Visit Florida, etc.
MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST
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This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Feature photo courtesy of Lone Mountain Ranch.
Dude ranches are best family friendly trips, you could give a taste of the wild life to your family. Dude ranches have multigenerational activities like horseback riding, swimming pool plays,spa,rafting, cattle work, fly fishing and many more rich range of activities that all age group of your family will love the activities.