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Horse riding on a ranch holiday in the USA

Live like a cowboy at a North American Dude Ranch!

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By Beth Ellison


Early Yellowstone Park rangers created the word ‘dude’ in the 1870’s to refer to visitors from the east. When big-shot city slickers from the East Coast discovered that working ranches in the wide open west made for great vacations, ranches started hosting them. Over time, these ranches eventually started charging guests and opened up to the tourism business as ‘dude ranches’ offering authentic old Wild West experiences.

Why stay at a Dude Ranch?

Head to the hills, park up your car and saddle up! A stay at a dude ranch can be easily slotted into a fly drive itinerary and you will appreciate a break from the road.

From horseback riding to hayrides, fishing to campfire sing-a-longs, there are plenty of activities for a whole family to enjoy.

Live like a cowboy! Ranches are usually fully inclusive meaning you don’t have to pay for any meals or ranch activities.

Most dude ranches are family run so pride themselves on their fantastic reputations and warm hospitality. Enjoy authentic ranch experiences, hearty home cooked meals and friendly staff who’ll go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. You’ll never want to leave!

What Dude Ranches do we offer? Read on to find out...

Wildcatter Ranch 4★ - Graham, Texas

Set within 1,500 acres, this unique ranch enjoys breathtaking views across the hills of north Texas to the Brazos River. Start your day with a traditional wagon ride, down to the herd of aptly names Texas longhorns and help a cowboy feed them for breakfast. Later, join the cowboys out at the clay pigeon range, or saddle-up and follow along on a trail ride. Experience true Texan hospitality in an idyllic and remote location of Wildcatter Ranch.


 

Horse riding on a ranch in the USA

Dixie Dude Ranch 3★ - Bandera, Texas

Dixie Dude Ranch is a family run property is a traditional working ranch and is nestled within 725 acres of picturesque hill country. Enjoy horseback riding, fishing, hayrides and hiking followed by a relaxing soak in the hot tub. In the evening, indulge in home-cooked Texas-sized meals, outdoor barbeques and a good old campfire sing-along – an authentic cowboy experience awaits!


 

Around a campfire on a ranch in the USA

Stagecoach Trails Ranch 3★ - Yucca, Arizona

The intimate, family run Stagecoach Trails Ranch combines glimpse of the Old West with modern comforts and a scenic location. After a peaceful trail ride through desert scenery enjoy a relaxed dip on the pool. 


This dude ranch features in our Cowboys and and the Grand Canyon fly drive in our USA brochure.


 

Stagecoach Ranch in Arizona, USA

White Stallion Ranch 3★ - Tucson, Arizona

The family-owned White Stallion Ranch blends the traditions of a dude ranch with comfortable accommodation. Enjoy hiking in Saguaro National Park or take a ride into the desert on the ranches’ horse drawn hay wagon. On Wednesdays, enjoy the weekly Rodeo and learn about the history of the sport.


 

Horseriding on a ranch in the USA

Echo Valley Ranch 4★ - Clinton, British Columbia

Located in the heart of British Columbia’s picturesque Cariboo region, the lovely Echo Valley Ranch & Spa gracefully combines cowboy life with elegant accommodation which has a unique infusion of Asian culture. As well as ranch activities, there are a plethora of fantastic outdoor experiences available and superb facilities on site including a wonderful spa and delicious dining.


This dude ranch features in our Beautiful British Columbia fly drive in our Canada brochure.


Please note that children 12 & under are not allowed at this ranch.


 

A cowboy lazing on the grass on a ranch in Canada

For more inspiration, take a look at our USA Holidays pages and our Canada Holidays pages.

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Written by Beth Ellison

Beth is a Procurement Manager for South East Asia in our Product Department in Kensington. Beth has worked at Trailfinders since 2016 and has travelled to 31 countries. Her favourite destinations include Namibia, the Galapagos Islands and Thailand.

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