Live on a dude ranch for a week

“After settling into our spacious and comfortable cabin, we quickly fell into the routine of ranch life. We started our day with a hearty breakfast while the staff confirmed the day’s horse riding and activity schedule. On the first day all the guests are tested in the rodeo ring for horse-riding ability and instructions about how to properly handle a horse. Thereafter we were assigned a horse to ride for the week. My horse was Montana and Skye’s horse was Hoosier. Every morning when we arrived at the stable our horses were saddled and waiting for us. The wranglers took great care to help us mount and made sure that we were in control of our horse before they left us to help someone else. Every day we rode horses, sometimes for a few hours, sometimes for half the day. There is even an option to ride for a whole day. We rode on flat trails and we rode on steep narrow paths up tall mountains (and then, more harrowing, back down again). It was challenging at times and I just had to trust that my horse knew how to safely navigate a tricky pass. Sometimes if we were in a large clearing we were allowed to canter.”

“Our week at Vista Verde was fabulous. Our wonderful cabin had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and living room and kitchenette. The mini-refrigerator is stocked with complimentary drinks for guests, and on the kitchen table sits a basket with home made granola and packets of Ghiradelli hot chocolate. In mid-late August, daytime temperatures were in the 70's and 80's, but cooled off enough at night so that we had to close our windows to stay warm. The ranch is all-inclusive, meaning that all meals, drinks and activities (with a few exceptions) are included in the price. Spa services cost extra. Each evening, Beka will find you at "Happy Half-Hour" or to ask you what you would like to do the next day. You can choose any activity you want, and do it for as short or long as you would like. You can join a group of others, or go it alone with a guide. You can change your mind the next morning and switch activities. The staff is completely accommodating in a way I've never experienced, anywhere. And the guides are truly outstanding.”