Dude ranches are, essentially, all-inclusive resorts. If you're on a budget, you need to decide what's important.

Unwind in style

Not that these amenities are bad—especially if you have non-riders with you. But which will you remember—swimming in a concrete, chlorinated pool or dropping from a rope swing into a river swimming hole while your horse grazes nearby?

Food is always important. No matter how much you want to be a cowboy, anything called "grub" is suspect. Ranches pride themselves on healthy, hearty meals, but you should request a sample menu.

After a day of riding and good meals, you want a comfortable bed, private bath, and maid service. Lodging can range from a log cabin with a fireplace and porch to a room in the main lodge or a converted bunkhouse. Some ranches are more than 100 years old, so expect them to be rustic.

Ranches for Comfort:
Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch
Wilderness Trails Guest Ranch
Twin Peaks Ranch
Laughing Water Ranch
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch

Ranches for Luxury:
Lone Mountain Ranch
Rock Springs Guest Ranch
Red Horse Mountain Ranch
Tumbling River Ranch
Vista Verde Ranch

	A Family Affair You may want a ranch with no kids, or (if you have some of your own) a place where kids have their own wrangler and schedule. Most ranches are very kid-savvy. If you have teenagers, look for a ranch with separate programs for them and younger ones. And once you arrive, don't expect to see your children until they fall in bed at night. Their schedule can include lunch rides, overnights, swimming trips, and a variety of evening activities. Great Family Ranches: Colorado Trails Ranch Wind Walker Guest Ranch Elk Mountain Ranch Aspen Canyon Ranch Great Adult-Only Ranches: Grapevine Canyon Ranch Bucking S Ranch Flying A Ranch Rancho De La Osa Echo Valley Ranch

Move on to What to Expect

GORPtravel - Dude Ranches
Find a Dude Ranch Trip Destinations Arizona Arkansas British Columbia Colorado Idaho Montana New Mexico Oregon Texas Wyoming__________________		Top Spots Arizona New Mexico Colorado Montana Wyoming
Editor's Choice GORPtravel Experts have been there . . . check this link for the cream of the crop.