Cody, Wyoming - Guest ranches are ever popular as family vacation destinations, but members of the Dude Ranchers' Association recognize that adults also value time to themselves.
As a result, more and more guest ranches are offering special adult-only programs, says Colleen Hodson, executive director of the Dude Ranchers' Association in Cody, Wyoming.
"At least forty percent of our member ranches set aside time for adults," Hodson says. "It's definitely a growing trend in ranch vacations."
Some ranches set aside a month, others a week and most all are held in the spring or fall. "Fall is an ideal time to visit," Hodson says. "Not only to take in the season's colors, but because the summer crowds are gone."
Powderhorn Guest Ranch in Colorado hosts Gourmet Week every September. Celebrity chefs from around the country converge on the ranch and spend a week treating guests to the finest in cuisine and wine pairings amidst the color of changing Aspens. When not divulging, guests will enjoy hiking, world-class fishing, jeep tours, nightly western entertainment, horseback riding and more in the 1.4 million acres of national forest and federal land surrounding the ranch. The seventh annual Gourmet Week is Sept. 10-16 this year. Visit www.powderhornguestranch.com/gourmet for rate information, or call 800-786-1220.
Western Pleasure Ranch in Sandpoint, Idaho sets aside a week every fall for those who have dreamed of experiencing first-hand the beauty and power of draft horses. Tribute to the Gentle Giants Week Sept. 17-24, teaches guests how to harness and drive one of the ranch's teams and includes passes to the North Idaho Draft Horse Show. The ranch also offers a five-day Adult Horsemanship Week Sept. 24-28. Here adults develop solid, fundamental skills that focus on both the rider and the horse. Both specialty weeks include three chef-prepared meals daily, cozy accommodations in the ranch lodge and all ranch activities including trail rides through the fall foliage visit www.westernpleasureranch.comor call 208-263-9066.
Windwalker Ranch in Utah's vast and beautiful Sanpete Valley gives ladies their own getaway with its Pack and Pamper Package. Women will participate in a two-day horseback pack trip, where they will experience breathtaking views of the wondrous mountains that surround Wind Walker, and then return to the ranch for two days of pampering in the form of massages, relaxation classes and guided meditation. The package includes lodging, three delicious meals a day, a two-day pack trip, one massage, one facial and multiple classes. (Airport shuttle form Salt Lake International Airport available for an additional fee.) 888-606-9463, www.windwalker.org.
Wyoming's diverse terrain is the focus during the month of September at Wyoming's Lazy L & B Ranch in Wind River country. The entire month is set aside for adults who are looking for a true western experience in the land of Jim Bridger and the mountain men, the Arapahoe and Shoshone Indians, Lewis and Clark, Sacajawea, Chief Washakie, and Buffalo Bill. Guests can ride for miles through some of the most varied terrain imaginable: cottonwood river bottoms, tall rangeland grasses, colorful bad-land country, mountain meadows or alpine country where herds of elk, deer or moose may be seen. Other activities include excellent fishing, hiking, swimming in the solar heated ranch pool, riflery, and more. The weeklong ranch stay includes all meals, accommodations and activities. Call 800-453-9488, or visit www.lazylb.com.
For a complete listing of ranches that offer adult-only programs or to request a free catalog, call 866-399-2339, e-mail info@duderanch.org or visit www.duderanch.org.
