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Great American Experiences: Ranch Vacations

Not everybody realizes that the team at Q doesn’t just plan cruise vacations or international travels.  In a year when our clients like to stay closer to home, but still want an experience that is out of this world, we’ve been planning more ranch vacations and trips to national parks. We have a wide access to a range of ranches (hah!): historic, luxurious, all about horses, or the perfect “dude ranch”.

Dude Ranch Vacations: Activities

What can you expect from Ranch Vacations? Of course activities vary by ranch.  That variety makes ranch vacations popular with families with children, or adults traveling by themselves or in a couple or group. Here are some ideas:

• Indulge your inner cowboy; enjoy the sport of horseback riding; meet a wrangler
• Explore stunning scenery and beautiful surroundings.  Many ranches, like Paws Up (see video below) are in domains so large that they might as well be a national park
• Dozens of activities: hiking; mountain biking; climbing; fly fishing; cooking classes; archery; rock climbing; canoeing; rafting; shooting; UTVs; ATVs; cattle drives
• Children tend to love a ranch stay too: which kid doesn’t want to be a cowboy or cowgirl?  Activities may include pony rides; horse riding; building forts; gold panning; go-kart driving; nature hikes; horse arena lessons; geocaching and much, much more.
• Or relaxing: wellness and spa treatments are available at many ranches, as our dozens of scenic spots where you can just relax
• Fine dining: if you associate ranch food with mystery meat grilled over a log with some baked beans, think again! Many ranches offer exceptional cuisine, indoor and outdoor, wonderful picnics, and plenty to enjoy.
• Traveling in the winter? A whole range of extra things to do: mountain tubing; ice skating; cross-country skiing; dogsledding; curling; fat tire electric bike tours; sleigh rides; snowmobiling; and winter horseback riding.

Ranch Vacations: Locations

You’ll find ranches spread out all over the United States.  Some of our favorites are located in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico. Of course that means you can enjoy diverse landscapes: mountains, deserts, or wide open spaces.  And the climate will vary too: hot and sunny, cool and comfortable – and even a winter paradise.

(By the way, want a ranch experience overseas, in for example the Australian Outback or on a gaucho ranch in Argentina? Call your Q travel advisor to get started.)

Ranch Styles and Accommodations

Like any vacation we plan at Q, we will try to understand what is important to you on this vacation, so we can match you with the best available option.  Here are some “Wild West” style ranch vacation options:

• All about horses: while there are many different activities, some ranches are particularly dedicated to wildlife, and especially horses.  These are the perfect locations to learn or indulge your love of horses.
• Luxury ranch lodging: fulfill your “modern cowboy” dream at a ranch where luxury comes first. A wide range of activities, typically very high levels of service and cuisine, these ranches are perfect for those who want to see whether they are cut out for the ranch lifestyle – but on their own terms.
• Amazing playgrounds: beautiful scenic ranches, with activities that go well beyond the expected. Tend to be face paced, lots of action and activities in a stunning setting so you feel like you’re “off the grid”.
• Historic ranches: some ranches are centuries old, or transport you back into history (don’t worry, they still offer the convenience you’d expect on vacation).  Perfect if you’d like the true Western experience.
• Private ranch estates: while most ranches will accommodate multiple parties (couples, families and many even have single travelers who enjoy meeting others during their Western adventure), we also have access to some private estates.  For example, if you’d like to go with a small group of friends or family, let us tell you about the private ranch home of Ted Turner and Jane Fonda.
• An entire private Western town in Colorado to top it all off.  Take over an entire traditional western town, with everything you’d expect: homes, saloons, shops, activities, a spa and of course excellent cuisine. Fly there by private helicopter and keep your environment and experience controlled. Exclusivity at its best. There is no website, no access and nobody else but you and up to 70 or so of your closest family and friends.

The Resort at Paws Up: a National Park in Every Way. Except, it’s private.

You’ll find one of Virtuoso’s favorite ranch experiences at The Resort at Paws Up. The Resort at Paws Up is a luxury Montana mountain resort on a sprawling 37,000-acre authentic working cattle ranch. It really is like being in your own National Park.  Except, the accommodations are quite a bit more comfortable: either a spacious private home for you and your family, or a sophisticated safari-style tent.  And soon, Paws Up will open the Green O; an adults-only hidden gem with 12 secluded Haus accommodations.

Click on the image below to see what a ranch vacation experience can look like:

Q clients will often get extras during their ranch vacations: a credit towards spa treatments, activities or merchandise, or other benefits. Call your Q Travel Advisor for details.