Want to Experience the Old West? Visit a Dude Ranch

Even with all the great things about modernspread to other countries, especially Canada,
American life, there is something sad about theAustralia, and New Zealand.
fact that the Old West is gone and never comingTypes of dude ranches
back. All those wide-open spaces have now beenThere are three main types of dude ranches:
bought up and fenced in-and most property1. Working ranch: These are ranches where
owners don't take too kindly to outsiderspeople actually do cattle operations. In many
venturing onto their property-so it's no longercases, they are simply real working ranches that
possible to ride freely across the great Americanhappen to allow a few guests to come and stay
landscape. If you want to experience the Oldduring certain times of the year. If you want to
West, you pretty much have to own a hugestay at one of these ranches, it's best if you
chunk of land, and not many people get to doknow how to ride, and it's great if you have
that.some ranch know-how. In short, these ranches
That's why dude ranches were created. Theare for people who find a little bit of ranch work
frontier may be long gone, but there are manyto be pleasurable, so be prepared to get dirty and
business-savvy ranchers who realize thatfeel tired at the end of the day.
Americans' adventurous spirit is alive and well.2. Basic dude ranch: At a basic dude ranch, the
Today, visiting a dude ranch is the perfect way toemphasis tends to be on teaching ordinary people
get away from it all while enriching your body andthe basics of ranch life. For example, you'll learn
mind, participating in ranch activities, and learninghow to ride a horse, and you may even learn
about the great American West.basic tasks like lassoing and cattle herding. The
History of dude ranchesexperience at these dude ranches is less intensive
The first dude ranches were established in thethat at a working ranch, and guests generally are
late 1800s as places for rich city people to escapefree to participate only to the extent that they
from everyday life while hunting, fishing, riding, andwish.
enjoying the wilderness. In the early days, guests3. Resort dude ranches: A resort dude ranch is
on a dude ranch got meals and a place to stay,exactly what it sounds like-a basic dude ranch
but they were generally left to do as theyexperience combined with luxury accommodations.
pleased during the day.You get top-notch food, huge gourmet meals, and
As the 20th century progressed, dude rancheseven things like massages, spas, and other
started to gain popularity, eventually becominghigh-class amenities. And of course, in between
major sources of cash for ranchers throughoutthese luxury things, you can learn and take part in
the west. Today, there are all kinds of duderanch activities.
ranches in the U.S. and the phenomenon has