Best Ranch Destinations for Your Winter Vacation

Best Ranch Destinations for Your Winter Vacation

With the travel industry still on shaky ground, people want to know where they can travel that is both safe and within US borders, especially this winter! The Dude Ranchers’ Association has the answer: a winter vacation at a dude ranch. Step out of your comfort zone and head to a guest ranch for new and exciting winter activities that you may have never imagined. The Dude Ranchers’ Association offers a variety of the best dude ranches to choose from for your next winter adventure. Whether you are looking for a sunny desert destination or a beautiful snowy mountain range, there is a dude ranch for you this season.

If you are looking for a warm, sunny getaway, look no further than Arizona or California! With 8 DRA member dude ranches open and ready for your arrival you can embark to the land of the cowboys and go back in time to the Old West. Dude ranches provide a safe and clean environment for all travelers, not just now but always. These ranches take great pride in their efforts to keep their guests healthy and safe during their stays.

Winter ranch vacation

Elkhorn Ranch, Tucson, AZ

The outdoor activities are endless at Elkhorn Ranch! Explore the beauty of the Sabino Canyon, Baboquivari Mountains, and the Sonoran Desert by horseback or your own two feet. Horseback riding and hiking opportunities are abundant here and there is much more to enjoy. Only 51 miles from Tucson International Airport makes for a quick trip to the ranch where you can relax and truly reconnect with nature. Elkhorn Ranch is open from November 15- April 25 and welcomes all travelers for their winter vacation.

Winter ranch vacation

Kay El Bar Guest Ranch, Wickenburg, AZ

Registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 goes to prove Kay El Bar Guest Ranch is the real Western experience. Ride through the desert, stay in private accommodations, and enjoy delicious meals. 72 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport makes for an easy drive to the ranch where unplugging from “real life” begins. Kay El Bar Guest Ranch is open year-round and welcomes all travelers.

Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg, AZ

Rancho de los Caballeros combines luxury and Western life in the most perfect way. Ride the trails, enjoy a round of golf, or escape to the on-property spa for divine relaxation while on your dude ranch vacation. 74 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport makes for a nice drive to the ranch where you will be immersed into a beautiful Western luxury setting. Rancho de los Caballeros is open from October 1- May 15 and welcomes all travelers.

Winter ranch vacation

Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, AZ

Escape to a desert oasis at Tanque Verde Ranch. Ride through Saguaro National Park and experience 5-star luxury accommodations back at the ranch. Located just 23 miles from Tucson International Airport makes for a quick drive to the ranch where your next exciting adventure begins! Tanque Verde Ranch is open from January 1-December 31 and welcomes all travelers.

Winter ranch vacation

Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch, Yucca, AZ

Go for a real stagecoach ride and enjoy life out in the desert at Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch. 144 miles from McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas makes for a beautiful, leisurely drive to the ranch where you will begin your authentic Western journey. Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch is open all year long and welcomes all travelers during their winter vacation.

White Stallion Ranch, Tucson, AZ

There really is something for everyone to do at White Stallion Ranch! Adventures are plentiful and rest is well earned after a full day enjoying the ranch. 25 miles from Tucson International Airport makes for a short commute to your soon to be a favorite desert adventure. White Stallion Ranch is open year-round and welcomes all travelers.

Winter ranch vacation

Tombstone Monument Ranch and Cattle Company, Tombstone, AZ

Step back in time to the old West at Tombstone Monument Ranch and Cattle Company. Explore the ranch and all it has to offer. 68 miles from Tucson International Airport makes for a swift trip to the ranch where you will step into an old Western town...no really, the ranch is set up like a scene out of a John Wayne movie! Tombstone Monument Ranch and Cattle Company is open all year and welcomes all travelers.

Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, Solvang, CA

Adventure to the far West coast and experience a true Western experience just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean. Ride horses, enjoy incredible food and relax in beautiful rooms at Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort. 131 miles from Los Angeles International Airport makes for a beautiful drive along the Pacific Ocean to the ranch where you will be enchanted by 10,000+ acres and fantastic hospitality. Alisal Guest Ranch welcomes all travelers year-round.

Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, Red Feather Lakes, CO

A quiet, peaceful destination awaits you at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch in the wintertime. Things are a bit slower around the ranch in the winter, but it makes for the perfect getaway. 108 miles from Denver International Airport provides an easy trip to the ranch through a fascinating part of Colorado. Sundance Trail Guest Ranch is open all year long from January 1-December 31 and welcomes all travelers.

Winter ranch vacation

Latigo Ranch, Kremmling, CO

Ski some incredible trails and stay with even more incredible hosts at Latigo Ranch. The George’s will make you feel like you are part of their family as they welcome you into the ranch family. 143 miles from Denver International Airport allows you to really leave your troubles behind and clear your head on your way to the ranch. Latigo Ranch is open from December 19-March 7 and welcomes all travelers. If you prefer to visit during the summer, Latigo Ranch is also open in the summer from June 2- September 21.

Winter ranch vacation

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Sandpoint, ID

Dash through the snow on a two-horse open sleigh or try out the groomed ski trails at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch in the wintertime! This ranch offers outdoor activities both in winter and summer for all ages. 93 miles from Spokane International Airport makes a quick trip to a beautiful Idaho getaway.  Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is open all year long from January 1-December 31 and welcomes all types of travelers.

Red Reflet Guest Ranch, Ten Sleep, WY

The Red Reflet Guest Ranch is the definition of a luxury Wyoming guest ranch! Individual chalets (cabins), gourmet food, and activities that are never-ending not matter the time of year is what you will find at this ranch. 189 miles from Billings International Airport allows for a short trip to the ranch. If you want an even shorter trip, this ranch does have its own private airstrip for those traveling by private plane. Red Reflet Guest Ranch is open all year long from January 1-December 31 and welcomes all travelers.

Winter ranch vacation

Rocking Z Guest Ranch, Wolf Creek, MT

Learn true horsemanship skills on talented horses and with great guides at Rocking Z Ranch. The Wirth family welcomes all ages to indulge in Western culture and dude ranch life at their family ranch. This Montana guest ranch is just 64 miles from Great Falls International Airport and is open year-round from January 1- December 31.

Bar W Guest Ranch, Whitefish, MT

Snuggling up by the fireplace after a day full of winter activities, like sleigh rides and skiing, is a fan favorite at the Bar W Guest Ranch. Only 15 miles from Glacier International Airport allows for a quick trip to the ranch to get settled so you can dive right into the adventures that await. Bar W Guest Ranch is open all year long from January 1-December 31 and welcomes all travelers.

Winter ranch vacation

Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky, MT

Lone Mountain Ranch is a truly peaceful getaway in the mountains of Montana with activities for anyone any time of the year. 47 miles from Bozeman International Airport takes you on a breathtaking drive down the Gallatin River Canyon and up the mountain to the ranch. Lone Mountain Ranch is open from December 7-April 14 to host winter vacations and in the summer from June 3-October 14.

Winter ranch vacation

Vista Verde Ranch, Steamboat Springs, CO

A secluded luxury ranch surrounded by beauty, grace, and many winter (and summer) adventures is how Vista Verde Ranch is defined. 203 miles from Denver International Airport provides time to decompress from your flights and transition to vacation mode. Vista Verde Ranch is open from December 13- March 31 in the winter and welcomes all travelers. Vista Verde Ranch is also open in the summer from June 2-October 17.

These dude ranches are the best winter vacation in the USA! If a winter adventure is not what you are looking for right now, dude ranches double as the perfect summer vacation destination too! Contact the Dude Ranchers’ Association today to talk to an expert who can help find the perfect dude ranch for your next winter vacation.

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