By Steph
How to choose the right dude ranch
So, you’re trying to decide if a dude ranch vacation is right for your family? But if you haven’t been to one before, how do you know if you’ll like it, and how do you know which dude ranch is the right one?
Dude Ranch People
Unfortunately dude ranches are not a great money making business prospect, so most people who get into the business do it out of a labor of love. Therefore, at most dude ranches, you will find hosts who are friendly and engaging and who really do want to share their backyard with you. And, because things trickle down, the staff are usually the same. In fact, one of the things that surprise most first time guests is the staff. Most of them are working at a dude ranch for a season or two during college or just after graduation. They have chosen to come to that dude ranch for the job, and they not just looking for a way to make money but looking for a unique experience, much like you! And most ranches incorporate their staff in a way that makes them less like the “help” and more like friends taking care of friends. Now, we happen to think our staff are particularly special, and spend a lot of time each year picking out the best of the best to join our crew.
The Dude Ranch Experience
In addition to the unique relationships formed with staff at a dude ranch, most guests are surprised to find that they become fast friends with the other guests. Many dude ranch guests keep in touch in ensuing years, and even plan to return to the same dude ranch or a different one next year.
You may be picking up on a theme….relationships. That’s really what a dude ranch is all about. The beautiful backdrop, great activities, and service are all wonderful. But the relationships formed at a dude ranch are what make it really special.
Having said that, you do want to know that the backbone of a great dude ranch vacation is there. Some dude ranches offer just riding, some have various other activities. Some are a great place for families with little kids, and some are better for when the kids are older. Some have specialty times like adult only weeks or women only weeks. Most dude ranch stays are week-long stays during the main season, but some offer shorter stays during other times of the year.
Picking the Right Dude Ranch
It can be a bit overwhelming, trying to find the right dude ranch for your vacation. First, you need to identify what level of quality you desire. Some are very rustic, some more luxurious. And what kind of activities are important to you? Is location important, and how easy is it to get to the ranch? Because the relationships are such an integral part of the experience, we do recommend you get on the phone with the ranches you are considering. You will either feel really good about the person you spoke with, or you will know it’s not for you. That gut feeling is important, as the person answering your questions is usually a good representation of the kind of people you’ll find at that dude ranch. Lastly, look for reviews on places like Tripadvisor as those can be very telling.
Questions to ask
Here are some questions that might help you plan your dude ranch vacation:
1) What is included in the rate? What is extra? Taxes, gratuities? Beverages? Extra charges for optional activities?
2) How are activities organized? Can families participate in activities and meals together?
3) What’s the best way to get to the dude ranch?
4) What is the staff to guest ratio?
5) What are the accommodations like? Do they have pictures?
6) What is the riding program like? How many people per ride? How are rides split up? What is the terrain like?
7) If someone doesn’t want to ride, what else is there to do?
8) Describe a typical breakfast, lunch and dinner.
9) Describe the setting of the dude ranch.
10) What makes that dude ranch special?
Hopefully this helps you pick the right dude ranch. Just as much as you want to make sure we’re the right dude ranch for you, we want to make sure you are going to be happy here. You can read more about Why Vista Verde to get a quick hitter on our dude ranch. The right match is paramount to creating those memories and relationships that will lead to making it the best vacation ever!