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GET ON THAT HORSE AND RIDE
SALLY RIDE |
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Its summer time and you figured that you have covered
every type of vacation possibility imaginable. The islands, the big cities, Europe, Africa, a cruise,
camping, nudist colony -- okay maybe not that. But when was the last
time you headed for the last round up on a dude ranch? Never? |
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African Americans have a long history as some of the best
cowboys in history. From Bill
Pickett to Nat Love to the everyday cow poke -- African Americans were
there. In fact, it was former slaves that showed the white ranchers how to
round up and manage their herds with only a handful of personnel. Its seems
the previous method required dozens of herders running around like idiots
trying to keep the herds in line.
Several slaves took note (no doubt laughing at the folly) and showed
how herding was done in Africa -- ON FOOT! With, only one person! Of course a horse helped out a lot! |
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Dude ranches are as uniquely American as the Diamondback
rattle snake. Pretty much a
western B&B some are working cattle ranches
with "dude seasons"--;when guests pay to play cowboy—while others
are full-time tourist operations.
The main attraction is of course horses. Of the years many offer other
amenities such as whirlpool baths, spas, nature hikes etc. |
Lonesome Geoff on the trail |
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But the best ones keep it real with horses,
chuck wagons, hay rides, round ups, roping and everything in an old west
movie. |
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The prices can range from a per diem of only $60 a night
to a weekly of $3000. But the
average is about $900 per person per week. They are almost always all inclusive. The best ones--for purest--are in
cowboy country. Wyoming,
Colorado, Texas, Montana, and Arizona.
There are a few choice ones in California and Nevada and a smattering
of decent ones in the Midwest. |
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Generally, to prepare you need only pack a few pairs of
jeans, some boots (or tough shoes) a flannel shirt and butt softener. Most
ranches will even pick you up at the local, or not so local airport. |
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Below is a list of Afrotrek recommended ranches, but you
can check with the Dude
Ranchers Association or several state rancher associations for referrals. |
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ARIZONA Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, 14301 E. Speedway - Tucson, AZ 85748
Phone: (800) 234-3833. This Arizona dude ranch, founded in 1868 in the Verdant Sonoran desert, offers the very
best of a southwestern resort along with a historic Arizona dude ranch experience in a secluded natural setting. Operated by The Bob Cote Family and
located on 640 acres in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains east of Tucson, Arizona, offers Arizona horseback riding, tennis, guided hiking, mountain
biking, nature walks and much more, all included in your nightly rate. Price Range: $1801 and above
Open From: January 1 - December 31 Bar 10 Ranch, Whitmore Canyon, AZ,
no mail service, 800/582-4139. Budget rates of $129 per night for adults,
same for children, available May-September only, including all meals, use of
a horse, skeet shooting, horseshoes, and volleyball. Riding is often within
sight of the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Whitewater rafting and guided ATV
tours are also available. Kay El Guest Ranch, P O Box 2480 - Wickenburg, AZ 85358 Phone: (800) 684-7583.
The Kay El Bar Guest Ranch, on the National Register of Historic Places, surrounds guests with thick-walled adobe dwellings, each
room a cowboy postcard of charm, character and comfort. A dude ranch since 1926, the ranch creates a warm, intimate environment for
24 guests. Extraordinary horseback rides in the mid-Sonoran desert are geared to all skill levels. Taste tempting home-cooked meals,
swimming, hot tub, hiking, and just plain relaxing await each guest. Five minutes from tennis and golf. Surrounded by the wonders of the
southwest, the ranch is sixty miles northwest of Phoenix, and four hours from the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. Price Range: $1,100 - $1,500 Open From: October 12 - May 1 COLORADO Elkhead Ranch, 8102 RCR 56, Hayden,
CO 81639, 970/276-3920. Budget rates of $140 per adult per night, available
May-October only, including all meals, use of a horse, fishing, horseshoes
and pool table. A historic cattle ranch in the Rockies of northwest Colorado. La Garita Creek Ranch, E39, Del Norte, CO
81132, 888/838-3833. Budget rates of $990-$1,250 per adult per six-night
week, $550-$1,050 per child, available May-September only, including all
meals, use of a horse, swimming and hot tub. Guests, if they wish, can take
care of their own horse for the week, including saddling. MONTANA CB Cattle and Guest Ranch, P.O. Box 146,
Cameron, MT 59720, 760/723-1932 or 406/682-4954. Budget rates apply
June-August: $850 per person for seven nights, including all meals and
riding. Horseshoes, volleyball, and fly-fishing near Yellowstone Park. NEBRASKA JX Ranch, P.O. Box 484,
Crawford, NE 69339, 308/665-158. Budget rates from May 15-September 30: $910
for seven nights for adults, $455 for children, including all meals and
riding. This is a working cattle ranch on the Pine Ridge overlooking Fort
Robinson where Crazy Horse was killed. NEW MEXICO Hartley Guest Ranch, 50 Guest Ranch Lane,
Roy, NM 87743, 800/687-3833. A small working cattle ranch on 25,000 acres,
from April-September it charges a budget rate of $950 ($100 less for kids)
for five nights of room, board, riding, and amenities/activities such as hot
tub, volleyball, fishing, and zooming around on all-terrain vehicles. NEVADA Soldier Meadows Guest Ranch, PO Box 310, Gerlach,
NV 89412, 530/233-4881, Ride among wild mustangs and bathe in natural hot
springs. From April through October, its seven-night budget rate is $875 per
person, whether adult or child. OKLAHOMA Rebel Hill Guest Ranch, HC 70, Box 848, Antlers, OK 74523,
580/298-2851. Open all year; besides riding among bountiful wild deer,
turkeys, and other game, it has a petting zoo, and kids can sleep in covered
wagons. The charge for seven nights of lodging and all meals is $625-$800 per
cabin (up to four people); riding is $15 per person per hour. SOUTH DAKOTA Badlands Ranch and Resort, HCR Box 53, Interior, SD 57750,
877/433-5599. Open year-round overlooking the White River and the Badlands,
it charges $315 (except June September) for seven nights with meals, and fun
activities like swimming, fishing, paddleboating, and nightly bonfires. Kids
stay free, but riding costs extra. TEXAS Flying L Guest Ranch, P.O. Box 1959,
Bandera, TX 78003, 800/292-5134. Year round, enjoy trail riding through Texas
hill country, lodging, breakfast and dinner, and golf and tennis facilities,
all at a seven-night cost of $560 for adults and $280 for kids. Primitive Acres Guest Ranch, Route 1, Box P11, Mt.
Enterprise, TX 75681, 800/248-1541. The year-round per-person rate is $700
for seven nights of room, board, riding, swimming, fishing, and hot tub
soaking, all on a small ranch that touts its personal service. |
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