Dude Ranchers Association
North American
(866) 399-2339
www.duderanch.org
More and more people are seeking to use their vacation time to explore new, unique hobbies and sports that can’t be found in their own backyards. A guest ranch is the perfect destination for visitors to discover new pastimes like horseback riding, a popular activity among guests at the more than 100 dude ranches that make up the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA).

Saddling up can be intimidating to first-time riders. Just like shoes, it’s important for guests to find the horse and riding style that is their “perfect fit.” The DRA is an expert when it comes to matching dude ranch guests with the right ranch that fits their riding goals. Upon arrival to individual ranches, experienced wranglers match each guest with a horse based on rider experience level, horse personality and size, and more. The result is an incredible riding experience – for both guest and horse! Regardless of one’s desired terrain type or excursion plan, horseback riding allows visitors to explore their surroundings from a different vantage point with the opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife and the natural elements.  So, what are you waiting for? Come make some family memories on your next vacation at a Dude Ranch!

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch
Winston, New Mexico
(575) 722-5157
www.GeronimoRanch.com
Serenity and solitude are concepts not often discussed, much less experienced, amid the turmoil of life in these early years of the 21st century. You’ll find them at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch! Here, beneath the tall Ponderosa pines, in the cool higher elevations of the Black Range Mountains of southwest New Mexico, the quiet is such that you can hear the approach of an eagle from the beat of the air beneath his wings. Large herds of elk frequent the meadows, streams and lakes nearby. 85 miles from the nearest stoplight, evidence of the intrusion of modern man is virtually absent. Yet the mountains and canyons evoke the heritage of the American cowboy, and abound with relics of Native American societies who have gone before us.

After a few days at the ranch, guests lose track of the date, and find they don’t care anymore. As has often been observed, it is hard to have a bad day on the back of a good horse. By horseback you will explore the pristine, 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest with its landscape of spectacular deep canyons, crystal clear spring fed streams, high mountain overlooks, open meadows and sweet smelling Ponderosa forests. This is a special place in America, an adventure offering a unique perspective on our past and encouraging some thoughtful reflection on the future. Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is open March through mid-November. Visit www.geronimoranch.com or contact us at (575) 772-5157 or info@geronimoranch.com.

Rancho Oso Resort
Santa Barbara, California
(805) 683-5687
www.RanchoOso.net
Rancho Oso Guest Ranch, a perfect vacation destination, is located in the beautiful backcountry hills of the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley wine country. Spectacular forest and mountain scenery combined with the rich history of Rancho Oso provide one of the most memorable riding and recreational experiences found anywhere in California. Big corrals, arena, round pen, heated pool and spa, delicious weekend meals, and camp store provide overnight guests with all the comforts of home. With unlimited access to national forest trails and upgraded cottages and cabins, as well as full hookup RV sites, Rancho Oso is the ideal place to board or vacation with horses.

Rock Creek Pack Station
Bishop, California
(760) 872-8331
www.RockCreekPackStation.com
Get ready for a season of packing! Plan a trip for the kids that lets them experience wilderness and learn how to ride. Experience all the beauty in the Eastern Sierra that naturally comes with Rock Creek Pack Station’s many rides, excursions and packing schools. Since 1947, Rock Creek Pack Station has been offering wilderness and outdoor vacations in the Eastern Sierra, under the ownership of the London family. Rock Creek’s crew is dedicated to serving the public, taking care of the land, and making sure the horses and mules of the operation have happy and meaningful lives. Spend a few days tracking wild Mustangs, riding and fishing on a wilderness trail ride or helping drive the horses to the mountains on the Owens Valley Horse Drive.  Plan your private all-expense trip or join an open ride.   The schedule for the 2017 season is online now, so book your trip today!