Guest ranch vacations, also known as dude ranch vacations, are popular in Arizona. The expanses of land in Arizona make the state an ideal place to experience the Western culture and lifestyle. For families, guest ranch vacations offer an educational and fun escape from suburbia. Enjoy rural air, beautiful scenery and explore your inner cowboy or cowgirl.
Most guest ranches, particularly the more traditional ranches, are hands-on experiences of the rural, cattle-ranching West. Expect to be outside and get dirty. These are not vacations for idle relaxation, extensive service or fine dining. To get the most out of your experience, you need to dive in and actively participate. The fun won't come to you. All the activities are safe and supervised.
Traditional guest ranches offer a more rugged, outdoors experience than the resort-style. Common activities include horseback riding, hiking, cattle work, cookouts and cattle roundups. Some offer overnight camps for free, like at Sprucedale Ranch, or for an extra fee at places like Grapevine Canyon Ranch. These traditional ranches try to remain true to the Western culture and offer fewer modern amenities.
Resort-style guest ranches offer more a relaxed atmosphere. Amenities among these ranches include swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts or golf courses. For those not interested in outdoors exercise, Flying E Ranch and Rancho de la Caballeros offer exercise rooms. These types of guest ranch vacations may be more suited to those unaccustomed to rural lifestyles or for families with very young children.
Weather is important to consider. Arizona can become extremely hot and dry, so pack accordingly. Many Arizona guest ranches operate year-round, so you can pick your ideal time. Also, these ranches are rural enterprises by definition. You must arrange transport from the major centers, although some ranches offer pick-up and drop-off services for a fee.
