How to Choose a Vacation Ranch

Vacation ranches range from working cattle ranches where visitors can participate in the daily chores to dude, guest and resort ranches that specialize in entertaining visitors. Do your homework when planning your ranch vacation. If you've chosen the right ranch with the right types of activities and the right environment for you, you're almost guaranteed to have a great time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Luggage Sets
• Maps
• Travel Guides
• Airline Tickets
• Personal Organizers
• Maps

1. Decide what kind of adventures you'd like to experience. What is your dream vacation? Do you want to spend a lot of time on horseback, are you a fan of whitewater rafting, or would you prefer to relax in a hammock? You'll want to pick a ranch that specializes in the activities important to you.

2. Figure out how much money you can spend on your vacation. Prices vary widely - from less than $700 per person per week to more than $2,500 per person per week. Rates typically include lodging, meals and most activities.

3. Determine which region of the country you'd like to visit. Do you prefer the dramatic terrain of the Rockies or the endless vistas of the Great Plains? Do you like a dry, winter-desert climate or the ocean breeze?

4. Decide what time of year you'd like to travel: spring, summer, fall or winter. Many ranches at higher elevations are most pleasant in summer, while ranches in desert locations at lower elevations are more comfortable in spring or fall. Some ranches feature activities that are only available at certain times of year, such as cross-country skiing or whitewater rafting.

5. Pick up a book such as "Gene Kilgore's Ranch Vacations," which lists several hundred different ranches and the features of each. Use it to match your interests, price range and geographical preferences with the appropriate ranches.

6. Narrow down your options to about half a dozen or so properties whose features appeal to you and visit their Web sites, if they have them.

7. Call them. How is the chemistry between you and the person on the other end of the phone? Ask for a brochure and references from former guests.

8. Plan to stay at the ranch for at least six or seven days. You want to have enough time to get into a relaxed mood and allow the trip to unfold.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that many ranches offer off-season discounts.
• Ranches are a great place not just for families but also for single travelers, especially single women travelers who want to enjoy camaraderie and nature in a safe, wholesome environment. When you call to inquire about a ranch, let them know if you're traveling alone. Ask about any special concerns you might have.
• For further references, you can look at the leading ranch Web site (see Related sites), which has a bulletin board where former ranch guests can share their experiences.

on 11/22/2005 If you love horseback riding I suggest you locate near Capitol Reef. The ride takes you up into mountains along precipitous cliffs (not for the faint hearted) and the views are just awesome. If you like to "run", forget about it.