"Yee Haw!"
by Tom Wharton
Reprinted from Salt Lake Tribune Travel Section
June 4, 2006
The modern world of travel destinations contains all sorts of "inclusive" packages for cruise ships, beach resorts or spas. Clients pay one price, put their wallets away and enjoy their vacation.
None of this is new for Western dude ranches, which came up with the concept in the 1880's and continue to cater to mostly city dwellers looking for a chance to ride horses and relax in the great outdoors.
The concept coincided with the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, according to the Dude Ranchers' Association, an industry group based in Cody, Wyo., that represents more than 100 member ranches in 13 Western states, including Utah, and two Canadian provinces.
"They came out from back East all duded up in Western clothing," explained Nancy Harrison, a publicist for a variety of adventure-travel firms, including The Dude Ranchers' Association. That, she said, is how the term "dude ranch" was coined.
Western ranchers, never averse to increasing the bottom line, helped meet the needs of these travelers who were looking for a place to stay and eat and a chance to ride horses. Part of the appeal involved sharing outdoor experiences, such as campfire stories, fishing, hiking and ranch chores, with the ranchers and their families and staffs.
These days, dude ranches go by many names and offer different experiences. The common denominator remains horseback riding. Some continue the idea of a working ranch, where visitors participate in roundups and chores. Others take a guest-ranch approach.
"We wanted to go somewhere where our family could do something together, relax and see part of-the country," said Camille Crump of Herriman, who spent a recent stay at Wind Walker Ranch in Spring City with her children, 9 and 4. "We've gone skeet shooting, horseback riding and roasted marshmallows."
Dude Ranchers' Association executive director Colleen Hodson said that "people want to be pampered. They go and do rugged cowboy things for a couple of hours and then want a posh setting when they get back. They want to soak in a hot tub or get a massage."
A look at activities at the Wind Walker Ranch, Utah's only Dude Ranchers' Association-certified facility, shows the variety. In addition to horseback riding, the ranch features tai chi, an American Indian sweat lodge, massages, mountain hiking, fly-fishing, wine tasting, nightly entertainment, spa robes, signature toiletries, an outdoor pool and hot tub, volleyball court, table tennis, horseshoe pit, riding lessons and lasso instruction. Other ranches offer women-only weeks, adults-only weeks, yoga classes or romantic getaways.
"The beauty of a dude ranch is there is something for everybody all the time," said Hodson.
AN AUTHENTIC REVITALIZED YOU!
“We experienced a sensation of deep relaxation,
the excitement of an invigorating dude ranch with spa offerings, the aha
of looking through a renewed spirit, and the feeling of being welcomed
home. Thank you.”
– Julie & Scott Newlands, NC
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