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You'll find dude ranches all over Arizona. From the cool pines of northeastern Arizona to the saguaro forests of southern Arizona, dude ranches sprawl among thousands of acres in every corner of the state.
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In the late 19th century, the transcontinental railroad expanded and brought people westward
in search of an authentic taste of the Wild West. At that time, ranchers were struggling due to a
sluggish cattle industry and looking for ways to increase their income. Enter dude ranches.
Family-operated working ranches opened up to the public and invited guests to eat, sleep, learn
and play on their properties. This gave owners a chance to share their uniquely Western way of
life-and their uniquely welcoming spirit. Today's dude ranch experience typically includes an
all-inclusive rate which covers lodging, meals and some activities. It is a family-friendly vacation
packed with as much activity, or solitude, as you desire.
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Learning the Ropes - No Experience Needed!
Many first-timers worry that dude ranches require prior experience in order to participate.
Never ridden a horse before? No problem. The trained cowboys and cowgirls will teach you
everything.
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In fact, Circle Z Ranch in Patagonia takes great pride in selecting horses that match each guest
perfectly, no matter their skill level. Have no idea what team penning is? You'll find out at
Tucson's Tanque Verde Ranch where you can join in or sit back and watch.
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The beauty of a dude ranch vacation is that it doubles as an immersive learning experience
everyone can enjoy. For a serious immersion, head to Cowboy College in Scottsdale where
private and group lessons range from riding basics and equine safety to roping, branding,
penning and ranch operations.
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Dude Ranch Experiences
Dude ranches offer different experiences and activities. For example, the Flying E Ranch in
Wickenburg, just 55 miles northwest of Phoenix, is still a working ranch so you can participate
or sit back and watch the real cowboys in action. Also in Wickenburg is the historic Rancho de
los Caballeros dude ranch resort where one can enjoy authentic western activities along with
resort amenities. The Circle Z Ranch has bird watching, campfires, horseback riding and solitude
with no TV, telephones or Wi-Fi (available in the lodge, if you really have to get connected).
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Tanque Verde Ranch has a spa where you can get your sore muscles massaged after a day of
nonstop activity. In Benson is the Double R Ranch, which specializes in horseback riding. They
offer riding lessons for all ages and levels and have received Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice
Award two years in a row. In Sasabe, close to the border with Mexico, is Rancho de la Osa, a
historic ranch that was frequented by U.S. Presidents, movie stars and legendary figures like
Pancho Villa. Explore Native American ruins or the neighboring 120,000 acres of Buenos Aires
Wildlife Refuge by off-road vehicle.
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In eastern Arizona's Alpine is Sprucedale Guest Ranch. Get up early to milk the cows, followed
by rodeo practice and an evening with western dance and cowboy poetry. In western Arizona,
Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch offers family-owned hospitality and comfort. This dude ranch is
100 percent handicapped accessible with no barriers anywhere on the ranch.
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Themed Escapes!
Themed dude ranch escapes are gaining popularity. The "Cactus Cowgirls" package at the White
Stallion Ranch (ladies only!) includes a welcoming margarita party, daily riding lessons, country
western dance lessons and a wine tasting ride. Tombstone Monument Ranch offers a multi
generational option that includes a free stay for kids and activities for the whole family.
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Eating Well
Meals are something to look forward to at any dude ranch. At Stagecoach Guest Ranch in
Yucca, about 24 miles south of Kingman, a bell rings to signal mealtime. And when it chimes,
guests stop whatever they're doing and stream into the sunlit dining room for tasty food.
Dinner at White Stallion Ranch features quality meats grilled over an open flame, usually
accompanied by live western music. And, gourmet fare awaits at Wickenburg's Rancho de Los
Caballeros-from extravagant brunch buffets to formal dinners complete with a sophisticated
wine list. Only 35 minutes from Sedona, M Diamond Ranch, a working cattle ranch, treats
guests to its Ranch Rendezvous, a steak dinner under the stars. Your adventure begins with an
optional one-hour horseback ride or take a horse-drawn wagon to the cookout site.
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Many ranches still feature the cowboy staples and include an evening cookout, where guests
can gather over an open fire and swap stories under the stars, or enjoy a morning chuckwagon
breakfast complete with pancakes on the grill and piping hot coffee.
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Sleeping Well
Accommodations range from hotel-style guest rooms to hacienda-like lodging. Most include a
patio or front porch for taking in the stellar scenery with your family. Enjoy the extra amenities
including fireplaces, reading nooks, cozy throws and fine linens.
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No matter what your family enjoys, a dude ranch getaway is sure to please everyone!
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