October at a dude ranch

By Steph This year we tried something new for the ranch.  With so much demand for the fall ranch stays in September, we decided to extend our season a couple weeks into October.  It was an experiment to see if we could get guests to come visit us in October– a time when the chance…

Baylee had a little lamb

By Steph Often times we see wildlife around the ranch or out on the trails.  You may have seen the crazy moose photo on Facebook last week.  If not, check it out.  This one was a little too close for comfort, but luckily everyone minded their p’s and q’s and Mr. Moose left without any…

Life as a Ranch Dog

  Meet Oliver.  He is one of our “behind the scenes” ranch dogs at Vista Verde.  Unlike Rosie, who likes to join hikes and ski trips,  and Trooper, who takes part in horsemanship clinics and trail rides, Oliver lays pretty low.  Although behind the scenes, he still has benefited from the great natural dog food…

That’s one fit horse!

By Steph We know our horses are tough and will go for miles and miles.  Although we all work hard at the ranch, there is no doubt the our equine staff members work the hardest.  They carry our guests with a willing attitude and caring demeanor through the woods and over mountains.  The horses that…

Romance at a dude ranch

By Steph You may not think of dude ranch and romance in the same thought.  But, besides the fact that I could go on and on about how a dude ranch vacation can be a really romantic vacation option, this post is not about guests enjoying a romantic getaway.  It’s about the staff.  Yes, those…

Fall is coming to the ranch

By Steph One of the many joys of being at Vista Verde year-round is watching the seasons change each year.  Every year the timing is a bit different due to the weather we have had and are having at that time.  I find myself remembering differences in the various years based on how it ties…

Did you know?

By Steph Recently it struck me that we aren’t very good at letting our guests know about the healthy and/or local products that we mix into our offerings at the ranch.  We do make an effort to support local businesses as much as possible, and we do continuously look at what we are serving our…

The wonderful world of housekeeping

By Steph Ahhh, the housekeepers.  The unsung heroes at a dude ranch.  They clean, they deliver special goodies, they launder, they iron, they take out trash…..and they do it all with a smile on their face and laughter in their voices.  How many times do they joke among each other about how their parents might…

Moving on

By Steph I don’t think it’s bragging too much to say we have amazing people come through the gates of Vista Verde to work at the ranch.  It’s just true.  Each season brings fresh new faces alongside the veterans of Vista Verde.  It’s always so much fun to watch our staff grow and develop in…