It may also include a side trip to visit Aunt Marie or one of the marvelous national parks that are sprinkled throughout dude ranching country. While anyone can fit in at almost all ranches, you may have particular preferences. For example, if you have children or teens, you may want to select a ranch with organized activities for the kids. If you are a single, you may wish to locate a ranch that is more adult oriented. Larger ranches are usually able to offer more organized options and scheduled entertainment programs while smaller ranches often can offer more personalized riding activities but fewer non-riding programs.
All ranches focus on horseback riding as the main activity but the programs differ.
Some ranches are working cattle ranches that also accept guests. Many of these allow the guests to assist with the ranch chores. Others offer actual cattle drives during specific periods. Some ranches offer only walking rides while others allow trotting and loping as well. Most ranches offer instructions for beginners through experienced riders.