The Dude Ranchers’ Association represents the finest dude and guest ranches which provide the perfect setting for your next reunion.
Formed in 1926, the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) represents the best dude and guest ranches in the West who preserve, protect and promote the unique vacation experience, identity, way of life and the wonderful environment in which dude ranching takes place.
Groups booking getaways at member ranches are sure to enjoy an exceptional stay thanks to the DRA’s rigorous inspection and approval process that ensures that guests are treated to genuine Western hospitality along with the lodging industry’s highest standards.
Dude ranches are a unique and excellent option for reunions. Guests enjoy peace and quiet, the beauty of nature, an authentic Western experience, and adventures that are perfect for bringing people together to reconnect during remarkable and memorable reunions.
Dude ranches are one of the few destinations that allow you to completely escape all of life’s stresses.
Far away from the crowds of more traditional tourist spots, you will be surrounded by wilderness instead of people while silence supplants noise, empty trails replace traffic jams, and majestic natural views delight over everyday places.
Once on the ranch, worries such as meal planning, transportation, meeting deadlines, and staying connected to the world disappear. Unplugging and disconnecting will never be easier as you indulge in the freedom and hospitality that are staples of DRA ranches.
While there are countless activities in which to partake at a dude ranch, relaxation is one of the most important ones to indulge in. Marvel at a sunrise or sunset, watch cattle and livestock roam freely, walk through wild flowers, nap in a hammock, or just sit and soak in the fresh air and silence.
This level of peace and contentment is perfect for family and friends looking to reconnect. Surrounded by nature and the people who mean the most to you, cherish this special time spent together.
Dude ranches offer a reunion getaway unlike any other destination.
This uniqueness is rooted in part by their history as early ranchers graciously introduced the unique beauty of the American West to guests from all over by horseback. Preserving this heritage and providing genuine Western hospitality are integral parts of the core principles of DRA ranches.
The foundations of every DRA ranch are horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty, and heart.
This code ultimately ensures that all visitors enjoy an authentic Western experience that is graciously hosted by passionate ranchers who truly care for, and develop friendships with, their guests.
Of course, no dude ranch visit would be complete without horses, and there are plenty of opportunities for activities with horses for everyone in your group. Horseback riding, riding lessons, trail rides, nature rides, mountain rides, carriage or sleigh rides, team penning, guest rodeos, gymkhana, and more are all popular draws.
There are plenty of other activities in which to partake at dude ranches. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, shooting sports, whitewater rafting, campfire sing-a-longs, western dancing, golfing, boating, ATVs, zip lining, and interacting with animals are just a few of the options available to your group.
While many of these adventures can be enjoyable for children, kids can also participate in special programs and classes available on the ranch. You can also create unique experiences for the young ones including camp outs, nature walks, and more.
The activities offered at DRA ranches will help your reunion-goers reconnect while retaining the essence and spirit of the ranching experience. Guests will enjoy an outstanding and memorable stay while strengthening bonds with each other.
Rest assured, there are dude ranches for every group, no matter how much, or how little, they view themselves as cowboys and cowgirls.
Some groups may prefer basic accommodations, staying in cabins and eating traditional ranch meals without the desire for additional amenities. Other parties may be looking for a five-star, all-inclusive resort-like experience complete with gourmet food, spas and massages, fitness centers, and 24/7 access to Wi-Fi.
Additionally, groups will vary in terms of size, interests, riding experience, and other areas. Fortunately, the DRA member ranches are just as diverse and can meet the requirements of any group.
With more than 95 DRA member ranches to explore, reunion planners have a wide variety of options from which to choose the ranch that best meets their needs and interests.
Tucson, AZ
Individually tailored horseback riding and guided hiking for all levels of experience in beautiful mountain and desert country. Enjoy Arizona sunshine at a ranch that embraces families and is the perfect destination for a reunion big or small! Plan your winter getaway; grandparents to young children are welcome and there is something for everyone!
Durango, CO
A reunion at Colorado Trails Ranch, in the San Juan Mountains near Durango is perfect. Enjoy horseback riding, fly-fishing, rafting, hiking, rifle/trap shooting and more. Special programs for children/teens. Home-cooked meals, evening entertainment, comfortable cabins, swimming pool, hot tub, beautiful scenery, friendly staff. We plan it, those paying for it are the heroes!
Quincy, CA
At Greenhorn Ranch, our gatherings are truly one-of- a-kind with plenty of adventure to refresh and build relationships. Spend your days riding horses, fishing, skeet shooting, hiking and biking and your nights kicking up your heels in our Saloon or relaxing with s’mores by the campfire. Cultivate your cowboy within.
Sandpoint, ID
Experience the spirit of the west on an adventure vacation with your family. The western hospitality, country gourmet dining, and beauty of Idaho will make your stay an authentic western experience with memories that last a lifetime. We specialize in personalizing your dude ranch stay to fit you. Relaxing or riveting… it’s all up to you.
Winston, NM
Escape, unwind and reconnect. Your family reunion of 10-16 people will have our small ranch to yourselves! Explore deep canyons with crystal clear streams and mountain overlooks. Experience 1,000-year-old archaeological sites with pictographs and pottery shards! Enjoy well cared for horses and comfortable tack. Make memories together that will last a lifetime!
Shell, WY
Upscale riding, horsemanship and working cattle ranch East of Yellowstone Park. 650,000 acres to ride from and exceptional diversity of scenery. Limited to 27 guests weekly. We welcome travelers from around the world! For non-riding activities, we offer shooting sports, fly-fishing, hiking, Cody Nite Rodeo and more. Our food is healthy and prepared from scratch.
Tucson, AZ
Family Reunions are rare opportunities to leave the demands of everyday life at home, relax and thoroughly enjoy each other. Spacious rooms, delicious meals, riding, hiking, rock climbing, shooting, e-biking, swimming, tennis and lots of time for conversations, games and special moments make the entire family happy.
Yucca, AZ
All-inclusive reunion vacations where you can rent a whole ranch to yourself. Located in the heart of cowboy country! Enjoy campfires at night, gorgeous hikes into the desert mountains, family fun for all ages and of course horseback riding in the beautiful Arizona desert. Only 2 hours from Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
Red Feather Lakes, CO
We have the cure for early-onset digital addiction; replace screen time with trail time! Nestled in the Northern Colorado Rockies, our relaxed atmosphere makes every reunion a delight for all ages. Ride, climb, raft, hike, and fish. We’re your pet-friendly escape from the city crowds to tons of family fun!
Granby, CO
Colorado’s premier guest ranch, featuring luxury accommodations, fine dining, world-class trail riding, Orvis Fly Fishing, an award-winning Spa and more. The ranch is ideal for family reunions of all sizes. With an array of activity offerings, each family member can choose their own schedule knowing the kids are having the time of their life in our supervised children’s program. There is truly something for everyone!
Whitefish, MT
Visit the Bar W Guest Ranch for your family reunion and enjoy an authentic Western vacation for all ages. Enjoy Montana at its finest with friendly staff, scrumptious food, horseback riding, roping, skeet shooting, archery, swimming, outdoor barbecues, evening campfires and rustic luxury accommodations. The vacation of a lifetime awaits!
Loveland, CO
Sylvan Dale Ranch is the perfect family reunions destination! On the edge of the wild, with protected lands, our historic horse and cattle ranch has been in operation since the 1920’s. With 3,000 acres of riding country, comfy cabins, great food, and a ranch raised horse for your mount, you can’t go wrong!
Laramie, WY
Each summer, we host several family reunions ranging in size. At the Vee Bar everyone can truly be on vacation. Activities are abundant at the ranch and we will be sure to keep everyone entertained. Leave all of the planning up to us, you can just come and relax and enjoy your vacation!
Somes Bar, CA
Marble Mountain Ranch keeps the whole family engaged with California’s signature “saddle and paddle” vacation. Join us for trail rides, arena riding lessons, rafting, kayaking, shooting sports, ATV trails, fly fishing and more. Our diverse activity profile, authentic cuisine, and legend hospitality enable family bonding and cement ties across generations.
Kremmling, CO
Latigo is all about shutting down the chaos of everyday life, unplugging from the drama, and reconnecting with what matters most. Family bonds are strengthened, and memories are made with every ranch adventure. Kids relish the freedom at Latigo, and parents are amazed at the confidence that freedom produces.
Gallatin Gateway, MT
Nearby Yellowstone National Park, our family owned and operated Nine Quarter Circle Ranch offers families a true western horseback riding experience, excellent fly fishing, cozy cabins, delicious food, and childcare. Perfect for multi-generational families, and large groups, as there is a little something for everyone to enjoy!
Buffalo, WY
We invite you to take part in our way of life and experience the thrill of a Wyoming working cattle ranch nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. Our guests become a part of our family and we ensure you are comfortable, well fed, and get as much riding in as you can handle.
Grant, CO
Tumbling River Ranch is a truly special place for families to enjoy a one of a kind family vacation. Enjoy beautiful horseback riding for all ages, excellent dining, fun family activities and outstanding kids’ programs. Tumbling River offers the best in multigenerational travel paired with the highest level of service, hospitality and comfort.
Solvang, CA
Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, located in the heart of Santa Barbara County Wine Country is a getaway that offers two 18-hole golf courses and the natural wonders of a historic 10,000-acre working cattle ranch. Guests also enjoy horseback rides, spa, fishing, fine dining and tennis. Contact us today!
Gallatin Gateway, MT
The Elkhorn has been a family-oriented ranch since 1922. Log cabins, great meals and the children’s program make this a vacation for everyone. Our unique location at the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, makes the ranch an ideal destination for family reunions for anyone wanting to experience nature in an unspoiled setting.