Dude Ranches: Getting Back to the Great Outdoors
by Rita Cook



What do Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and Texas all have in common? Well, besides the fact that they're all known for the great outdoors, they all have a number of Dude Ranches, just perfect for the traveler who enjoys nature. Dude Ranches are a vestige to the days when cowboys roamed the mountains and valleys and horses were the normal mode of transportation.

From the big 'ol state of Texas to the more northern state of Wyoming, dude ranches have begun to spring up everywhere to reflect a simpler more spontaneous time. And these days, travelers are looking for a way to get back to that simpler time more often.

Let's Start in Texas
Texans proudly declare their state the "Cowboy Capital of the Country" so there's no way a dude ranch won't be first-class Texas style. The Bald Eagle Ranch in Bandera, Texas is a ranch that breeds and shows Texas longhorns. The main activity at The Bald Eagle Ranch is horseback riding and, unlike at some ranches, there are no set hours or number of rides permitted per day.

Nope! Just saddle up and take a ride, and if a four-legged ride isn't what you want then take to the endless trails with a mountain bike or on foot. At the end of the day guests can enjoy a hot tub or a swim before indulging in a Texas-sized buffet. Then it's off to bed to get ready for another day at the Bald Eagle Ranch.

Contact: American Wilderness Experience, Inc./P.O. Box 1486 Boulder, Colorado 80306/303-444-2622

Next Stop - Arizona
If Texas seems a little too big, then Arizona might be just the place to visit. The White Stallion Ranch in Tucson has been around for more than 30 years. There's 3,000 acres of wide-open ranch located at the foot of the Tucson Mountains bordering Saguaro National Park.

What you'll find at the White Stallion Ranch is western-style horseback riding with wranglers, and lots of scenic trails for either riding or hiking. The ranch is also a working cattle ranch and guests can watch as the longhorns are herded. The more modern amenities at White Stallion Ranch include tennis, horseshoes, billiards, swimming and a hot tub. A traditional Indian oven-cooked feast ends the day for the hungry cowboy. Contact: Russell and Gail True/9251 W. Twin Peaks Rd. Tuscon, Arizona 85743/888-977-2624

There's Much to Choose From in Colorado
There are scores of dude ranches to choose from in Colorado. However, Peaceful Valley Ranch in Allenspark is just, well, downright peaceful. Its rugged Western charm is eminent in each spacious cabin, each equipped with a fireplace and hot tub. And that's not all. The rooms are restful and perched next to a river.

Home-cooked meals are the norm. And, being next to the Rocky Mountain National Park, the ranch offers some great scenic opportunities. Guests can take horses to the Great Divide on a day trip, and in some cases overnight cookouts are a part of the program. Dancing, hayrides and lots of fishing give guests a unique taste of the great outdoors. Contact: American Wilderness Experience, Inc./P.O. Box 1486 Boulder, Colorado 80306/303-444-2622

Ever Been to Wyoming?
The Lazy L& B Ranch in Dubois sits at a 7,200-foot elevation along the East Fork of the Wind River. At this location, guests can enjoy awe-inspiring terrain that takes you North, South, East or West without ever covering the same trail twice.

There's red rock, sand canyon, high plateaus, beautiful badlands, cottonwood covered river bottoms and meadows lined with wildflowers. Just about anywhere you ride at the Lazy L & B Ranch, you'll find something new and beautiful.

Keeping to its genuine western flare of the sheep and cattle ranches from bygone eras, this ranch was originally settled by Scottish homesteaders in what is now known as Scotch Valley. Guests will also enjoy log cabins with private baths and porches that offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Contact: Lazy L & B Ranch/1072 East Fork Road Dubois, Wyoming 82513/800-453-9488