I was at a Colorado Dude Ranch Association meeting yesterday and we were discussing how some ranches use the term Best Dude Ranch to describe themselves. It was a hot topic, as many dude ranchers are quite offended by others using that term. It got me thinking though. What makes a dude ranch the best dude ranch? Is there such a thing?
In my mind, no one can claim to be the best dude ranch, but we all want to be it anyway. Most ranches in the Association are great, and provide an amazing all inclusive Colorado vacation. And most of them are dude ranches for families, only a few are just for adults. Many of the ranches do have adult only times, like we do at Vista Verde. These are great opportunities for romantic mountain getaways for for those looking for a Colorado honeymoon.
Some of the ranches are more rustic, some mid-range, and some are luxury ranches like Vista Verde. We all have our "thing", but that doesn’t necessarily make one ranch better than the other. Luxury doesn’t make Vista Verde the best dude ranch, it just differentiates us.
So, as you plan your horse riding vacation, keep in mind what matters to you the most. If you are looking for a real working ranch experience, then the most luxurious horse ranch vacation wont be the best ranch for you. There are so many great options in the Colorado Dude Ranch Association that I’m sure there is a ranch that becomes the best dude ranch for everyone out there. And if you are looking for a luxury ranch experience with a diverse selection of activities, a great setting and fabulous people, hopefully Vista Verde will be the best dude ranch for you!