14 Top Guest Ranches for 2021 Travel
Challenging times call for creative solutions. Looking to expand its award-winning portfolio of naturally self-distancing, nature-based, small group vacations for adults and families, Austin Adventures only needed to look to its own backyard for the perfect solution – the Western guest ranch vacation.
In partnership with Best Ranches in the West, Austin Adventures has added 14 first- class guest ranches to their lineup of offerings. Founder and President Dan Austin and his Montana-based team drew from their personal knowledge and regional experience having hosted and operated adventures throughout the West for the past 40 years. With careful vetting and personal experience, they have bestowed their highest mark of approval on each property in this exclusive group of all-inclusive guest ranches situated in some of the most spectacular settings in the West.
In 2020, many North American guest ranches saw a surge of bookings from families needing to come up with safe alternatives to their cancelled cruise and international vacation plans. Austin recognized this trend early and in January began the steps to include ranch vacations in its 2021 line-up. It was, “a long overdue addition” in Austin’s words.
Knowing safety will be top priority to today’s traveler, Austin emphasizes the natural and healthy style of this type of vacation alternative that also embraces carefully planned and recently enacted COVID-19 mitigation protocols:
- All are in wilderness-adjacent locations that are isolated and remote
- Chef-prepared, fresh and locally sourced foods and wines of the region
- Opportunities to indulge in a variety of outdoor recreational activities
- The natural social-distancing that horseback riding provides
- Adhering to the highest standards of housekeeping, service and maintenance
- A rare feeling of exclusivity with VIP pampering, service and experiences
- The ability to combine a ranch stay with a road-trip to avoid flying
Austin Adventures’ Guest Ranch Collection for 2021 will include these highly coveted ranch properties across the West:
TANQUE VERDE RANCH, Tucson, AZ
www.TanqueVerdeRanch.com
One of the most distinctive resorts in Tucson, Tanque Verde Ranch offers a variety of lodging options that provide guests with spectacular scenic views of the desert and mountains. Kick back and relax in the luxury of your room, tastefully decorated in rich southwestern style. Offering an abundance of activities for all ages, there is never a dull moment at Tanque Verde Ranch. Whether you’re seeking to explore the desert and mountains, relax and reconnect with yourself, satisfy a creative craving, or burn up some energy with a challenging game, the Ranch offers a variety of activities to help you make the most of your dude ranch vacation!
WHITE STALLION RANCH, Tucson, AZ
www.WhiteStallion.com
Reconnect with nature, family, friends and serenity. Surround yourself with unspoiled desert, rugged mountains and the cactus that have brought Hollywood filmmakers to the ranch for over 70 years.
The views are always best from the saddle, and with one of the largest privately owned herds in Arizona, we have the right horse for every guest; from first -time riders to life-long riders. Comfort is never appreciated more than after an active day. A glass of wine on the patio, a relaxing soak in the hot-tub, terrific meals, an invigorating massage and a pillow-top bed make the day complete.
Tombstone Monument Ranch, Tombstone, AZ
www.TombstoneMonumentRanch.com
Join us at Tombstone Monument Ranch for a trip back to the “Old West.”
Our guest ranch is situated amidst ancient bolder formations and the Dragoon Mountains and looks like an 1880’s Western frontier town. We are 3 miles outside of Tombstone located in the heart of Cochise County, Arizona. Here you can step back in time to the era of the cowboy in our individually designed rooms; each with a unique historical Western theme.
Experience the adventure of the historic Wild West with spectacular sunsets, sweeping views of sun-drenched terrain, dry creek beds, panoramic scenery and wildlife. Treat yourself to an historic Wild West adventure while enjoying all of the comforts and conveniences of the modern world.
Rancho de la Osa, Sasabe, AZ
www.RanchoDeLaOsa.com
Rancho De La Osa: Experience one of the most historic properties in the west. Enjoy a scenic horseback ride on trails frequented by US Presidents and legendary figures like Father Kino and Pancho Villa. Relax in the room where “Gone with the Wind” was written and the Marshall Plan was drafted. Enjoy a cool drink in the oldest continually occupied building in Arizona. Witness an unprecedented amount of stars with unmatched clarity from a coal black sky. Hike and climb to 7730 feet in the majestic Baboquivari Mountain range.
Kay El Bar Ranch, Wickenburg, AZ
www.kayelbar.com
Kay El Bar Ranch, an intimate, historic guest ranch in the heart of the Wild West. Kay El Bar Guest Ranch offers an all-inclusive vacation experience to individuals or families – meals, lodging and riding in one great price – and the best horseback riding anywhere.
The charming adobe ranch was built in the early 1900s, and is listed on the Arizona and National Historic Registers. While providing modern conveniences, lodging are in buildings made of adobe brick hand-made by the Maricopa Indians who lived on the nearby reservation. Go back in time, experience the splendor of the Sonoran Desert on horseback, enjoy unhurried time with family and friends, and make some unforgettable memories.
LATIGO GUEST RANCH, Kremmling, CO
latigotrails.com
Latigo Guest Ranch, where you enjoy fine food, a National Forest, spectacular views & unlimited activities to experience.
This is an all-Inclusive vacation featuring the hospitality of a family owned & operated ranch. Situated under 3 hours from Denver on a mountainside with views reaching 75 miles to the Continental Divide, Latigo Ranch offers over 200 miles of horseback riding trails throughout 40,000 acres of National Forest. If eating is your forte, we deliver. All-inclusive gourmet contemporary cuisine will delight your taste buds throughout the week.
Whether you’re venturing to Latigo for the outdoor experiences or just looking for a technology detox getaway, summertime at the ranch is full of a wide-range of activities to suit your desires. You can choose to fill your day with horseback riding, fly fishing, mountain biking, hikes, shooting, rafting, and more.
If you’re just looking to unwind and soak in the views, you can relax by the pool, catch up on some beauty sleep, dine on our gourmet cuisine, and top if off with some good old fashion country dancing.
SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH, Loveland CO
www.sylvandale.com
Located just west of Loveland, Colorado, Sylvan Dale offers horseback rides through gentle terrain to extended climbing rides with ridge-top views. Our 3,200 acres offer a “don’t fence me in” riding experience for all ages and abilities. Lots to do, no pressure to do it: head up Sulzer Gulch shaded by cottonwoods; explore the old wagon trails on Alexander Mountain; climb the rocky slopes of Eagle Ridge; ride across the meadows on Green Ridge; or catch the breathtaking view from the Rim Ride.
Discover your Inner Cowboy at Sylvan Dale Ranch — the New West — a lot like the Old West, but a whole lot more comfortable! Our historic working horse and cattle ranch has been in operation since the 1920’s. A little piece of Heaven tucked on the quiet side of Eagle Ridge, on the banks of the Big Thompson River
WESTERN PLEASURE GUEST RANCH, Sandpoint, ID
www.WesternPleasureRanch.com
Western Pleasure Guest ranch is located on 1100 acres and adjacent to thousands of acres of land with breathtaking views of the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains. We are a fifth generation cattle ranch that has been operating on the same land since 1940. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is located in Idaho’s scenic Panhandle, about 16 miles northeast of Sandpoint, Idaho, recently voted the Most Beautiful Town in America by Rand McNally. The ranch is conveniently just 60 miles from the Canadian border and 35 miles from Montana. Roley and Janice Schoonover, and her parents, ranchers Jim and Virginia Wood, have transformed this historic ranch into one of Idaho’s quality guest ranches. Your hosts will share their love for their family ranch along with the rich history, beauty and traditions of the area. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is for folks who appreciate sincere country hospitality and real western adventure.
RUNNING Y RANCH RESORT, Klamath Falls, OR
www.runningy.com
Running Y Ranch is a full-service Southern Oregon resort situated in the heart of the breathtaking Cascade Mountain range, just across the California border near Klamath Falls Oregon Breathtaking. Majestic. Scenic wonder. These are just some of the words used to describe Crater Lake, Oregon’s only National Park, located just 59 miles from Running Y Ranch.
The majestic lake, formed as a result of the eruption of 12,000 foot Mount Mazama thousands of years ago, is known for its clear blue color, depth, steep sides, and the dramatic island that sits in its center, Wizard Island. Crater Lake National Park draws thousands of visitors from all over the world every year for recreation and admiration of the beauty of this incredible 249 square mile natural area.
On your way to or from Crater Lake, be sure to take in the incredible views along the beautiful Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
ZION MOUNTAIN RANCH, Zion National Park, UT
www.ZMR.com
In the mountains of Zion National Park, sits Southern Utah’s authentic western destination that features not only premier Zion National Park lodging, but is the unique home of a roaming herd of buffalo. Our cabins, cabin suites and lodges enjoy high mountain views of the beautiful Zion National Park Canyons from the comfort of a quite mountain meadow. The Ranch makes the perfect retreat after a day exploring Zion Park. Enjoy fine dining with views of the park and buffalo meadows from our restaurant, Chez Bison. Relax under the stars and the clear night skies on your cabin’s private porch, or curl up in front of your private your fireplace for a romantic evening.
This is a resort unique in its passion and dedication to preserving the pristine natural wonder of the high mountain meadows and forests that border Zion Park. Our mission is to provide a permanent home for the majestic herd of buffalo that roam the meadows of our resort. These magnificent creatures set the tone for tranquility and a deep natural connection at the ranch. It is our honor to protect them and their home.
Spring Creek Ranch, Jackson, WY
www.SpringCreekRanch.com
Spring Creek Ranch, a year-round luxury resort, is located on a wildlife sanctuary, almost 1,000 feet above the town of Jackson, with spectacular views of the Teton Mountain Range, including the world famous 13,700 foot Grand Teton. Our resort gives guests the choice of hotel rooms, condominiums, or homes to provide the right accommodations to suit their needs. Spend your mornings riding the Snake River or discovering Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks, while afternoons can be devoted to wandering downtown and delighting in the diversity of galleries and boutiques that line Town Square.
End your evening with a sampling of the area’s world class cuisine and marvel at the number of activities you managed to fit into a single day. ,Spring Creek is the perfect location to experience the paradise in Jackson Hole.
Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection, Saratoga, WY
www.BrushCreekRanch.com
Experience the award-winning Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection, an authentic western resort destination. This truly magnificent getaway is home to the Travel + Leisure #2 Best Resort in the US, The Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice #3 Resort Hotel in the U.S., a Relais & Chateaux endorsed property, the highly-touted Forbes Travel 5 Star Hotel award, and duel Orvis endorsed fly fishing and wingshooting programs.
Discover The Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection, over 30,000 acres of refined, Western landscape to call your own in south central Wyoming. Endless activities reawaken you. Luxury accommodations rejuvenate you. Outstanding meals revitalize you. It’s a place where dreams are as grand as the Western sky and adventures abound in every season that create the adventure of a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the storied Great American West at one of our three unique luxury ranches located in stunning Saratoga, Wyoming.
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, Shell, WY
www.TheHideout.com
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is an all-inclusive upscale working cattle, riding, fly-fishing and adventure guest ranch in Shell, WY (east of Cody and Yellowstone National Park). In addition to riding, working cattle and fly-fishing, we offer an array of non-riding activities and adventures such as trapshooting, archery, canoeing, hiking, biking, 4×4 tours, etc.
Limited to approximately 25 guests per week from all over the world and with access to 85 horses, a 1:1 staff / guest ratio and the owners and management actively involved with the well-being of our guests, we are committed to the highest standards of culinary experience, lodging, staff (we speak 4 languages), horses and personal, almost customized attention. We are very multi-cultural and diverse.
Every year The Hideout books long before the start of the season, mostly because of word of mouth and returning guests. As we do not plan to increase the number of guests per week please book your vacation long ahead of the season.
We are not your typical guest ranch. We are a small guest ranch with approximately 25 guests per week, to keep our guests’ experience personal. Our guests leave The Hideout feeling as though they are not guests, but family. Elevations in this area range from 4,200 to 13,200 feet and offer because of the many exposed formations a unique variety of terrain and scenery resulting in a broad range of climates and biodiversity. With close to 650,000 acres to explore you will seldom ride the same trail twice or feel crowded.
Paradise Guest Ranch, Buffalo, WY
www.ParadiseRanch.com
Folks have been coming to Paradise Guest Ranch for 100 different reasons—for some, it’s the horseback riding across sage meadows, fishing for native cutthroat trout, or hiking among wildflowers and meadowlarks. For others, it’s the family time, the fun, and campfire stories beneath a snowstorm of stars. Maybe it’s realizing just how much all that’s worth, which keeps folks coming back to our guest ranch year after year.
Folks just like you have been making choosing the Paradise Guest Ranch as a vacation spot for more than 100 years. Surrounded by nature’s majesty and filled with exciting activities, our Wyoming dude ranch is a one of a kind experience. When you want to make memories that will last a lifetime and spend quality time with your loved ones, this is the place to do it. With our fun-filled dude ranch vacations, you’ll find something for everyone.
“We look forward in the months ahead to welcoming to our portfolio other outstanding properties that meet our criteria,” Austin adds. The Guest Ranch Collection is expected to grow with the addition of one or two new offerings a year.
Guest ranch vacation packages will be available for booking through the adventure specialists at Austin Adventures. See: https://www.austinadventures.
About Austin Adventures
Based in Billings, Montana, Austin Adventures has spent 40 years building an international reputation as a top provider of luxury, small group, multisport tours for adults and families to the world’s most captivating destinations. With cruises and accommodations on seven continents, they have been acknowledged twice by Travel + Leisure Magazine with the prestigious World’s Best Awards along with other national media accolades and distinctions. Austin Adventures has perfected the art of creating itineraries featuring exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations, incredible guides and exhilarating activities, all while keeping all-inclusive rates and services the norm. In addition to scheduled group departures on all seven continents, Austin Adventures has developed a reputation as the leader in customized trip planning and execution, all backed by the industry’s best money-back satisfaction guarantee. Austin Adventures is a Virtuoso Preferred Tour Operator.
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