Ranches

Luxury ranch resorts are designed for the well-heeled cowboy, bringing together luxury and adventure seamlessly. Varied in emphasis on their horse-riding programme, they offer luxurious log cabins and tented cabins, exceptional dining and flawless service. Horse-riding is available for all levels, while other adventures with top-notch guides include down-hill mountain biking, shooting ranges, fly-fishing, rafting, archery, high-ropes, zipling and more. While they may seem costly, everything is included from accommodation, meals, drinks and most of your activities you do there. Many have exceptional children’s camps from four-years upwards, ideal for family groups of all ages. Stay for a week, or incorporate a shorter stay into a Rocky Mountain road trip.

Our luxury ranch resorts: Brush Creek Ranch, Ranch at Rock Creek, Siwash Lake Ranch, Smith Fork Ranch, The Home Ranch and Resort at Paws Up

The name 'dude ranch' was coined from city slickers or dudes escaping the big smoke for ranch vacations, historically helping with ranch activities to pay their way and experience the great American West. Dude ranches have evolved as fully-inclusive holidays, where guests experience the best of the west, with rodeo nights, barn dances, barbecues and stories around the camp fire. Expect a schedule of activities including horse-riding, fishing, biking, and shooting to name a few. Horse-riding is often suitable for complete beginners, through to more experienced riders. Some require a week long stay in the summer months, allowing riders to bond with other guests and their equine steed, and time to try all the activities on offer. Everything is generally included in your stay, including cosy cabins and hearty-wholesome food; they generally offer excellent value for money. With many families returning year-after-year for their annual holiday, early booking is recommended. A dude ranch provides a laid-back and activity packed family holiday where the kids will never be bored, and adults can switch off and get back to nature.

Our dude ranches: Goosewing Ranch, C Lazy U and Tanque Verde Ranch

The working ranch primarily operates livestock, and guests are invited to live the cowboy lifestyle, taking part in cattle-drives, branding and roping and eating around the campfire. The working ranch suits novices with a true sense of adventure or the accomplished rider looking to spend some serious time in the saddle. The focus will be riding, although other add on activities might be available such as fishing, conservation projects and hiking. The cowboy is a major figure in American culture, and the rewards of getting down ‘n’ dirty at an authentic ranch can be great. Best suited to couples or families with teenage children upwards.

Our working ranches: Zapata Ranch

Guest ranches predominantly operate to take care of guests and horses, rather than operate guiding and activities. They work well as a taster of the ranch experience, with warm and friendly service, and cosy cabins. A night or two at a guest ranch can work brilliantly as part of a fly-drive itinerary.

Our guest ranches: Turpin Meadow Ranch

Perhaps everything about a ranch holiday sounds appealing, but you're not interested in getting in the saddle, then our handpicked mountain retreats could be the answer. Oozing western-charm, and nestled in idyllic, serene Rocky Mountain locations, they offer a range of guided activities that can include fishing, rafting, kayaking, guided hiking, shooting and access to National Parks. Horse-riding is often available on request. Some activities are often included in your stay, or they are available to add a la carte. Dining and beverages tend to be of a high standard, service impeccable and indulgent spa treatments are all part of the pampering experience.

Mountain retreats in the Rockies: Dunton Hot Springs, Emerald Valley Ranch and Taylor River Lodge