Dude ranches, or guest ranches, have been a mainstay of southwest tourism for many years. Dude ranches of today offer service and accommodations a cut above the drafty bunk houses of yesteryear, yet guests will experience the feel of a working ranch, learn about horses and sample cowboy cuisine. Here's our list of dude ranches in the Southwest.
©Elizabeth R. RoseThis beautiful ranch, under the brand, Sun C, is a gem with roots in the best of the past with an eye on the future, slowly and cautiously adding amenities such as the beautiful Ranch House Spa. We highly recommend Rancho de los Caballeros for the warm western hospitality, quality recreational opportunities and beautiful location.
Hidden Meadow Ranch is a luxury all-inclusive hideaway replete with 12 rustically-elegant log cabins (each accommodating up to five guests). Normal room rates are $585 per night and include accommodations for two guests in a lavish private cabin, as well as three gourmet meals each day and ranch-sponsored activities, including cross country skiing on the area’s groomed trails, hiking, sledding, fishing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, horseback riding, snowshoeing, arts and crafts, leather- and woodworking, and excursions on “Miss Piggy,” the world’s largest Sno Cat.
The White Stallion Ranch is a family-owned working ranch. With Longhorn cattle coming in for water every day and outdoor bar-b-que's, the White Stallion Ranch has plenty of Western atmosphere. Settle in and enjoy the mountain and desert views. Once you get there, you won't want to leave.
Aptly named, Texas Ranch Life will give you just that… a taste of what Texas life is all about. John and Taunia Elick, native Texans, will share with you their love of the land and Texas ranch lore. They have been cattle ranching the entire 32 years of their marriage on the Prairie Place Ranch, which has been in John’s family for over 50 years. Taunia has the unique hobby of collecting and restoring old country homes. Dotted throughout the ranch are lovely old homes, carefully restored and furnished for guests.
Dixie Dude Ranch is a working stock ranch founded in 1901 on 725 acres in Bandera, TX - just 55 miles northwest of San Antonio.
Vista Verde is a dude ranch near Steamboat Springs that welcomes families in winter as well as summer, and especially puts out the welcome mat during the holidays. Accommodation includes lodge rooms with private balcony, and luxury log cabins with woodstove and hot tub.
The Tanque Verde Ranch is located at the foothills of the Rincon Mountains between Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest just east of Tucson, Arizona. The rooms and casitas and dotted throughout the guest ranch property, making each short walk from room to activities and dining, an opportunity to explore the beauty of the desert.
