SMART RANCH TRAVELER

Imagine holding your company’s yearly planning meeting in the morning, then joining your colleagues in the afternoon for a spirited ride across a high mountain meadow. Then later, imagine ending up at a square dance with the CEO, or sitting by a campfire enjoying plenty of old-fashioned western hospitality with your co-workers.

If you want to hold a conference or company meeting employees will never forget, consider hosting it a guest ranch. The morale-boosting and team-building benefits will last long after the event is over.

Ranchweb.com has found a good number of ranches are well set up to host small professional meetings, and a number of the larger ranches have thoughtfully designed conferences facilities that can handle large groups. Below are a few of the ranches able to hold larger events. For a complete list, check Ranchweb.com.

ARIZONA
Rancho de los Caballeros

With 9,000 square feet of combined meeting space, adventurous team-building activities, and miles of surrounding solitude, Rancho de los Caballeros is an invigorating atmosphere that may allow your group meeting to have a real focus.

Conference planners can take advantage of the secluded setting for board meetings, large gatherings, incentive trips, or corporate retreats. And with just 79 distinctive casitas, it’s easy for attendees to have the entire ranch to themselves.

Your group event planner might be pleasantly surprised by the scope and diversity of what this ranch has to offer, as well as unique team challenge and morale boosting activities. From the separate 4,500 square-foot conference center to the distinctive Old West atmosphere, guests will never forget their meeting experience at Rancho de los Caballeros.

Tanque Verde Ranch

Among Tucson resorts, Tanque Verde stands out as a unique setting for a conference or event.  Set against the natural beauty of the Rincon Mountains, between the Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest, the ranch offers awe-inspiring scenic views. The Tucson location means its easy to reach by air, and the Arizona dude ranch setting is sure to make a lasting impression.

With a variety of meeting venues, exceptional catering, an array of teambuilding activities, and deluxe, southwestern- style accommodations, your group is sure to have a good meeting experience.  Tanque Verde has the ability to handle small and large groups and an experienced conference staff to help you personalize every detail of your conference or event. Activities may vary from tennis to nature walks, pancake breakfast rides to square dancing, gourmet dining, and lounging at the spa.

CALIFORNIA
Alisal Guest Ranch Resort
Alisal’s secluded locale and excellent facilities can make a meeting here both a relaxing and a productive experience. Event planners find a wide variety of unique meeting, recreation, and dining locations. This allows Alisal to cater many types of indoor functions, from board meetings to gala social events and lavish theme dinners.

A spacious Sycamore Room, with a high-beamed ceiling, expansive windows, and majestic stone fireplace is ideal for large functions up to 200 people. The western-themed Cottonwood Room with hardwood floors, a Navajo-themed painted ceiling, and large brick fireplace is perfect for groups up to 90 people.

And the breadth of unique outdoor locales is great for groups of all sizes. Alisal’s banquet and culinary staff is able to create memorable dining experiences at numerous outdoor venues. For Team Building, their Challenge Courses are situated in one of the most beautiful and remote parts of the ranch.

Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch

Meetings and retreats at Greenhorn Ranch feature a cool  mountain setting, rustic accommodations,  and an optimal space to conduct effective meetings and meaningful retreats. You may be far from the office, but you’ll have the conveniences of home, with room to breathe.

Greenhorn Ranch is set on 640 acres of wooded forest and the ranch can sleep up to 100 guests.  At 4400’ in elevation, this location enjoys a moderate climate with highs in July averaging 90 degrees and average lows in the spring and fall around 70 degrees.  You can fly in to the Reno/Tahoe Airport some 70 miles away or to Ganser Field in Quincy.  Greenhorn is 12 miles from Quincy.

Greenhorn Ranch facilities are suited to meetings of up to 80 people (though the ranch itself can accommodate larger groups of a couple hundred people) with break out rooms and other areas, team building and leadership development exercises. There is wireless internet access ranch-wide.

WYOMING
The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch

The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is an ultra-private guest ranch, set on a 15,000 acre working cattle ranch in south Central Wyoming and is an Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing lodge. Since it was created specifically for exclusive private events, The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch boasts a refined, Western allure for corporate luxury corporate retreats and other special group events. If you’re looking for an exclusive, adventure-driven Wyoming destination where impeccable service and understated luxury come together, this is the place for your event. The Lodge’s goal is to provide guests with an authentic, unforgettable Wyoming experience for corporate groups and meetings.

You can create tailored, customizable and all-inclusive escapes at Brush Creek Ranch, so the ranch can meets the needs of the most discerning group planners. Guests may embrace nature and the ranch’s inspirational backdrop in a way that fosters growth and productivity during luxury corporate retreats.

The ranch features 9,000 square feet of distinct, one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor meeting spaces for up to 150 people, as well as a collection of lodging options, a full-service spa, and a diverse array of outdoor adventures, all in a private setting available for complete ranch buyout.

HOT DEALS

Horsemanship is at the crux of the C Lazy U experience, and as such, C Lazy U is offering a very unique yoga and riding program for the second year — The Julie Goodnight riding and yoga retreat for women.

Located at the headwaters of the Colorado River and in the shadow of Rocky Mountain National Park (just two hours from Denver International Airport), C Lazy U is a REAL retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

C Lazy U offers a selection of 38 rustically-elegant cabin accommodations (see below). All guest rooms boast beautifully-crafted western and southwestern style furnishings, and most feature stone fireplaces, refrigerators, sitting rooms, balconies, and some boast a jetted tub.

Julie Goodnight is an internationally-respected trainer and clinician who teaches riders how to be their horse’s leader and master their equestrian skills through understanding horse behavior. C Lazy U’s clinic is developed for riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. In tandem with the riding program, attendees will also enjoy yoga from instructor Ellen Mesaros, teaching Anusara yoga. In their free time, participants are encouraged to indulge at the “Lazy U” spa for world-class massages, facials and more. We can’t think of a better way (or place) to relax.

Here’s a sample of the itinerary for a day of the yoga and riding clinic:

• 7:30-8:30 Breakfast, open seating
• 9:00 Group One: riding lesson/Group Two: yoga
• 10:00 Break
• 10:30 Group One: Yoga / Group Two: riding lesson
• 12:00 Lunch
• 1:30 Group One: riding lesson/Group Two: trail ride or free time
• 3:00 Group One: trail ride or free time/Group Two: riding lesson
• 5:00 Yoga stretch for everyone
• 6:30 Cocktails
• 7:00 Dinner
• 8:00 Campfire and conversation

DETAILS: In cooperation with Julie Goodnight, the riding and yoga clinics take place May 18-21 and October 19-22, 2012. The ranch will also offer a ranch riding adventure for adult riders of all levels September 21-24, 2012, also in cooperation with Julie. All three weekends feature discounted rates for world-class accommodations with programming, riding, and yoga (during the yoga weekends) included. Some participants will bring their own horses and others will work with one of the Ranch’s 175 horses.

HOT DEALS

SPRING BREAK: SUN-DRENCHED OR SNOW-CLAD?
GUEST RANCHES ROUND UP FUN FOR FAMILIES

Whether your idea of a family getaway is outdoor adventures under a warm sun, or cozy digs in a snowy landscape, guest ranches from Arizona to Colorado are inviting families to pack up and head for the corral this spring break. Gene Kilgore has used his expertise on guest ranches to compile a list of spring break vacations that cater to every taste. From horse-drawn sleigh rides in the Rocky Mountains, to cow penning contests in the desert, families can select their desired adventure and climate.

ARIZONA
• Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, Tuscon, AZ: The full-day camp, designed for
children aged 4-12, has kids trail riding, mountain biking, and fishing,
while Mom and Dad can saddle up for a trail ride, play tennis, or visit the
spa. Come dinnertime, families come together for fireside cookouts to
recount their adventures. And best of all, with the ranch’s all-inclusive
program, from $225 US per person per night, these activities are all
included.

• White Stallion Ranch, Tuscon, AZ : Kids five years old and over can join a
trail ride without an accompanying parent, before hitting the swimming
pool, sports courts or petting zoo – the freedom goes on and on. Families
return to White Stallion generation after generation as everyone find
something they love – even teens can be found socializing at the
recreation centre or shooting baskets on the sport court. Spring rates
from $211 US per person per night, inclusive of all activities and meals.
CALIFORNIA

• The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, Solvang, CA: Round’em up, move
‘em out!   The Round Up Vacation package wraps a horseback ride, golf,
fishing and tennis into the daily room rate of  $515 US and up. Valid
September to May.
COLORADO

• Coulter Lake Guest Ranch, Rifle, CO: At 8,100’ above sea level, Coulter
Lake is a winter playground – a shuttle gets you to this rustic ranch by
snowmobile, so arriving is part of the adventure. Other off-piste activities
include sledding, snowshoeing, ice-skating, and cross-country skiing.
With no cell-phone or email contact, Coulter Ranch enables guests to
disconnect for $50 US per person per night.

• Vista Verde Guest Ranch, Steamboat Springs, CO: As they say on the
ranch, the fun doesn’t stop when the aspens lose their leaves. Indeed,
trail riding through the snow, riding on a one-horse sleigh, as well as
back-country skiing, are why families keep coming back to the ranch.
From mid-December to mid-March, parents and children ages six and up
stay for $1,005 US per person (for three nights).

MONTANA

• 320 Guest Ranch, Gallatin Gateway, MT: At this year-round guest ranch,
a stone’s throw from Yellowstone National Park,  families will love the
sleigh ride under the stars pulled by Percheron draft horses, and
authentic western dining at the 320 Steakhouse and Saloon. The Sleigh
& Stay Package runs throughout the winter season for $220 US per night
for two people, $90 US for each child 12 and under.

DETAILS: With over 30 years’ experience, Gene Kilgore knows that ranch vacations go
hand in hand with family values: “Ranches are the quintessential family
vacation: a safe and welcoming environment, plenty for every family member to
do, healthy activities, great food and an enhanced appreciation of nature.”

Ranchweb is an easy to navigate travel guide (also available in print) that helps
families to choose the ranch that’s right for them. Choose by location, activity,
and type – there are working ranches, cattle ranches or ranch resorts. Scour
the guide for handy tips on what to bring, what to wear and other essential lists
and, whether your preference is sun or snow, be sure to arrive prepared.

To find the perfect ranch for your family visit ranchweb.com or lasso a copy of
Ranch Vacations Travel Guide.

DUDE RANCH DEALS
The Hideout Guest Ranch & Resort
Wyoming’s Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is an unusual combination: an upscale 100-year old, 300,000 acre working cattle, horsemanship and riding guest ranch. It’s located in Shell, Wyoming, some 50 miles from Cody (Yellowstone National Park). This ranch offers the unique combination of large operational cattle ranch with an upscale hospitality experience and a selection of non-riding activities. You won’t find crowds here: it’s limited to around 25 guests weekly.

Last year, Natalie Longwell from the Wyoming ranch called me in the middle of a snowstorm.  “It’s snowing right now,” she said, “which is good because we’ve got a bunch of photographers here doing a photo shoot.” It was all part of a ‘winter photo safari’ trip, she explained.

It’s not surprising that The Hideout Guest Ranch & Resort is popular with photographers: it’s right by the scenic Big Horn Mountains and home to ton of wildlife (including one of America’s largest wintering bighorn sheep herds).

A herd of special programs are hosted here, from the Natural Horsemanship Clinic (a quieter, more gentle approach rather than the old cowboy way of breaking the horse. You end up with calmer animals and better communication from the rider).

Then comes Branding Week, where guests can ride in the spring roundup and help with the branding. A typical day starts with a round up where all the cow/calf pairs are brought into pens and sorted. After a wonderful picnic lunch (or barbecue lunch), the roping and branding commences throughout the afternoon. Space is limited,so book soon.

Details: April 22nd to April 28th 2012: a 1- week long “Authentic Horsemanship” Training Clinic. You will have hands-on lessons in colt starting techniques, Natural Horsemanship training, desensitizing clinic, leadership and horses, working horses with cattle, equine massage, team penning and of course we will go out riding to practice the new lessons.
The Hideout at Flitner Ranch Branding Week – April 15th to April 21st 2012. “We still rope our calves, drag them to the fire and brand them the old-fashioned way. During this week we ride our 100,000 acre winter pasture in the Big Horn Basin to gather, sort, separate, mother up and brand our 2012 born calves. Don’t miss the action and this unique disappearing experience.”

Joseph Van Os Photography Clinic – September 30th to October 6th. Horses & Icons of the West in Fall! This is a 6 night stay, with 5 full days of shooting, focus on herds of stampeding horses charging through water and billowing dust clouds. For more information visit: western-photography.html or www.photosafaris.com

For each, pricing is all-inclusive land only and excludes tax and gratuity. Air and transportation not included. Space is limited, book early.

HOT DEALS

ARIZONA

Tanque Verde Guest Ranch

Mother & Daughter’s Love |
The package has a sweet title: Mother and Daughter’s Love. And what you get is truly sweet. Tanque Verde Ranch is an Arizona institution, a symbol of the spirit of the Old West. Yet this Old West ranch has truly New West luxury, from accommodations, to its gourmet dining, and unparalleled amenities. There’s so much to do here, from hiking to birding to swimming, tennis, Internet, games, and a spa, that your daughter will never get the chance to say “Mom, I’m bored!”, and an abundance of activities.

Tucked between the Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest against a stunningly lovely desert landscape, Tanque Verde Ranch is the jewel of the Rincon Mountains.

Details: What’s included:Deluxe lodging with 3 hearty meals daily; Supervised children’s program (ages 4-11); All horseback trail riding and lessons; Fishing, guided hikes and nature programs; Mountain biking, bingo and many other family activities. Available between January 1 – March 10. Rates starting at $255/person*
Child (under 12) receives 15% off when booked with parent (Valid only on full rate and cannot be used with any other package or offer.)

CALIFORNIA

Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

Mother-Daughter Cowgirl Bootcamp: March 29-April 1, 2012 (or select your own dates with minimum ten).

Alisal calls its Mother-Daughter Cowgirl Bootcamp “an adventurous three-night, four-day all-inclusive retreat”. It sounds to us like a perfect way to strengthen bonds and build fond memories that will last a lifetime. First off, you get a bit of friendly instruction from Alisal’s women wranglers, then experienced and novice riders alike will hit the trails daily of Alisal’s 10,500 acre cattle ranch. Mom and daughter will tackle an invigorating breakfast ride to the Old Adobe. Later on, wranglin’ cowgirls will also learn the fundamentals of barrel racing and roping at the Alisal’s authentic western rodeo arena.
What is Included:
Studio accommodation for four days and three nights
Cowgirl western amenity basket upon arrival
Receptions each evening
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, including wine with dinner
Gourmet picnic lunch, hat shaping and archery lesson at Alisal lake
Line dancing instruction
Daily horseback rides, roping, and barrel racing lessons and a mini cattle round-up

Details: Package price: $2,395 based on double occupancy, includes taxes and service charges. Additional per person and suite rates available upon request.
Dates: March 29-April 1, 2012
Or Select your dates and invite your family & friends to join you in your own Mother-Daughter Bootcamp. Each Bootcamp requires a minimum of TEN (10) rooms.  Itinerary may vary due to weather or other circumstances. Prices good through 12/31/12

IDAHO

Red Horse Mountain Ranch
Set in north Idaho, Red Horse Mountain considers itself a family adventure/ vacation guest ranch. Here families, couples, singles, and corporate groups discover a natural setting in which to relax and play. It’s a perfect spot to take time away from the daily grind and make time for those you love, while relaxing in one of Idaho’s great dude ranches.

Whether it’s a mother daughter vacation, a sisters’ get-together, or just friends catching up, Girlfriend Getaway Week at Red Horse Mountain Ranch is sure to be an unforgettable trip.

Details: For 2012, the newest dates offered for Girlfriend Getaway Week are September 23 through September 29. The package is All-Inclusive and Includes 1 hour of massage, daily wine tastings, accommodations, meals, horseback riding, all guided adventures on ranch, and drinks! Rustic luxury accommodations, chef prepared meals, horseback riding, a wealth of other outdoor guided adventures, a long list of other amenities including evening entertainment, cocktail hour, non-guided adventures, long distance phone calls, and wireless internet in the main lodge!  The next available Girlfriend Getaway Week (September 30th through October 6th 2012) so far is COMPLETELY BOOKED, but call to see if there are cancellations.

TIPS FROM THE RANCHERS

Ranch etiquette: how to tip at a guest ranch

Whether you’re at a restaurant, on a cruise ship, or visiting a guest ranch, knowing just how to tip can make you look like a sophisiticated world traveler…or a rube just off the boat. First, policies vary depending on the ranch, so you won’t be out of line by asking about tipping policies when you book your reservations. At one time, rates usually didn’t include gratuities, but that is changing. Some ranches now add on a gratuity of about 16 percent (of your total bill)  ‘for your convenience’ and are up front about it when you book. But do ask: an intimate, family-run ranch might have very different attitudes about tipping than a large, complex ranch.

Also, when you book outside excursions, you’re often expected to tip the outside guides (such as raft operators, fishing guides) directly (but ask ahead). Same goes for special services at the ranch, like a spa treatment; in that case, figure 15 percent as a base.

On March 8, Gene Kilgore and Ranchweb members will join thousands worldwide to celebrate women’s achievements and leadership on International Women’s Day. Whether running ranches, teaching fly-fishing, or wrangling cattle, the female factor is strong within the Ranchweb family. Recognizing that women are blazing trails across North and South America, Kilgore encourages those in the ranching community to tip their cowboy hats to the personal and professional strides and successes of women ranchers.

“Whether it’s keeping things running smoothly on the operations side, creating women-centric specials and packages, or rounding up the herd for branding week, women certainly wear the chaps at our ranches,” said Gene Kilgore, dude ranch guru and author of the eighth Ranch Vacations Travel Guide.
Here is what women ranchers are up to:

• Heidi Cole at Marble Mountain Guest Ranch, CA, is a dynamo: ranch owner, executive chef, cookbook author, landscaper and “defender of the cause.”
• Zapata Ranch, CO, is “overflowing with lady power,” from the horse trainer to the manager and everyone in between, Zapata is run by strong women. A working ranch with 1500 head of bison, Zapata is big on conservation and eco-tourism.
• Wilderness warrior, Allyson Rogers owns and manages “off-the-grid” luxury boutique wilderness resort, Siwash Lake Ranch, BC, where she stewards the land with passion.
• Tracy O’Connell designed and built Tod Mountain Ranch, BC: chef, host, chief wrangler and manager, Tracy is an over-achiever in anyone’s vocabulary.

These are some of the women’s camps and retreats across North America and Mexico this year:

• Cowgirl Bootcamp at Alisal Guest Ranch, CA – from high-octane barrel racing to more laid-back hat shaping, this women’s retreat teaches riding, archery, fishing and line dancing in the relaxed atmosphere of the Old Adobe region.
• Yoga and horseback riding at Rancho Las Cascadas, Mexico – new for this year, monthly yoga weeks where yoga classes get you limbered up for horseback riding, and in tune for cultural tours to sacred places.
• Reel Women’s Retreat (fly fishing), at Smith Fork Ranch, CO – fish for eager trout on willow-lined ponds or the waters of Smith Fork, with fly casting and fly tying clinics.
• Women’s Week & Horsemanship Clinic at Zapata Ranch, CO – ride through 1,500 head of bison and cattle; learn about astronomy and soak in the hot springs pools.

For more information or to reserve a ranch stay visit www.ranchweb.com, the comprehensive travel guide to the top guest ranches in North and South America.

SMART RANCH TRAVELER

Two world-class adventure destinations, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (at left) and Siwash Lake Ranch, (below), have joined to offer the ultimate luxury wilderness vacation to the most discerning travelers and their families. This is a dream holiday, combining fantastic and even
transformational experiences designed to satisfy the soft adventurer and the extremist and  to delight both children and adults alike.

Start your action-packed adventure in the remote and rugged heartland of British Columbia, where wildlife thrives amidst the Cariboo’s golden grasslands, old growth forests, river canyons, and secluded lakes.

At Siwash Lake Ranch, embrace genuine cowboy culture and an alluring blend of nature, horses and luxury, with a journey beyond the ordinary.  Siwash is a magical hideaway that’s both intimate and inspiring. Discover the natural bond between horses and humans in a supportive setting that’s certain to evoke emotion and re-kindle the senses.  Feel the powerful surge of a strong, willing horse beneath you and the freedom of wide, open range.  Along with riding, cast for trout on sparkling waters, hike a
canyon to nearby waterfalls, mountain bike the backcountry, or paddle a canoe across shimmering Siwash Lake. Hone your skills in wilderness survival and skeet shooting, or luxuriate in a tented spa. Guests are immersed in the wilds, with nature all around.

Following four fabulous days and nights at the ranch, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort will beckon—remote, refined and remarkable. Fly to the wild, western side of BC’s stunning coast, to the temperate rain forest of the Clayoquot Sound World Biosphere. Here you’ll snuggle in opulent safari tents and experience an exotic paradox of indulgent luxury and untamed wilderness. This unique enclave of white canvas-clad suites, dining, lounge, and spa tents, offers exquisite cuisine and breathtaking adventures, giving visitors an exclusive taste of how the fortunate spent their summers ‘roughing it’ some 100 years ago. Watch whales and black bears in their natural habitat, learn to surf on a pristine and secluded beach, or follow a First Nations guide to the “Wild Side” interpretive trail. Then conquer a rushing river by kayak, or choose a gentler ocean cruise to private inlets and hidden coves.

Three nights and days of pure bliss at Clayoquot will compliment those at Siwash, for a rare and amazing week of adventure. Artfully combined, these award-winning resorts promise the trip of a lifetime!
Details: Combination packages are customized with 4 nights at Siwash Lake Ranch, followed by 3 nights at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort to make a perfect one week getaway. Exclusive for this offer is a private champagne picnic in each resort’s most favoured setting. Prices start at $8,900 CAD per person, plus taxes and fees based on double occupancy.  Contact: Allyson Rogers; 250-395-6541; allyson@siwashlakeranch.com

Running-R Guest Ranch
DUDE RANCH DEALS
Established on an old cattle ranch in Bandera, Texas , the Running-R Guest Ranch
is small–by design. The idea: you come as a guest and leave as a friend. “If you come here with your family, look forward to watching your children enjoy real freedom, to run and play and truly use their imaginations.”

You’re sure to find the setting soothing, because the Running R is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. You can’t see the roads or hear any traffic, just the sounds of nature combined with views so amazing and changeable they’ll take your breath away.  And one more plus: all the homestyle cooked meals are made from scratch.

Here, the focus is on horseback riding, with daily rides into the adjacent 5,500-acre‘Hill Country State Natural Area’. Now a state park, this Natural Area boasts more than 40 miles of trails to ride and views that stretch for miles. All of which makes this the perfect place to get in touch with your inner cowboy.

Details: Open year-round; right now is low season, so this is the time to save. High season runs from March-September. Located 56 miles northwest of San Antonio and 10 miles west of Bandera, Texas.

SMART RANCH TRAVELER

We just heard from Mary Miller of Elkhorn Ranch, who reminds us that the big spring break holiday is just around the corner and we’d better have a plan. Fact is, Miller has just the ticket if you’re ready for some rest and relaxation, or just a little sunshine.  Simply head for  Elkhorn Ranch in sunny Arizona.

The ranch’s Sonoran Desert setting is at its most lush and beautiful in springtime.  Families, singles and couples are all special at Elkhorn, where you’ll enjoy your own horse for a week or more, a cozy cabin, beautiful country, and the joy of new friendships.

Adventure on sure-footed horses into the Baboquivari Mountains and the open country of the Altar Valley, on enjoy small rides tailored to your interests and experience.  Dive into a heated swimming pool, go birding, or play tennis, games, ping pong, or horse-shoes. Nature lovers can go hiking. And everyone can enjoy hearty meals with fresh baked goods daily.

Elkhorn Ranch is a special place for families and multi-generational gatherings, where each person may enjoy their own brand of riding and fun– where children enjoy outdoor freedom and independence, and parents can revisit their youth.

Details: Elkhorn Ranch is a traditional guest ranch located about 50 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona. It has been owned and operated by the Miller family since 1946.  One or more cabins are available each week between February 26 – April 29, 2012 — call soon (520-822-1040) or go to Ranchweb.com to reserve a spot!

GREEN DUDE

Kelly Williams of Colorado writes to tell us about a great accomplishment that the Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch (a member of RanchWeb) recently announced. Brush Creek Ranch recently received the highly sought after designation as an Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge. “I’m sure you are familiar with this prestigious recognition that only 50 lodges in the US have received,” writes Kelly. We sure are!

The Orvis Standard represents the hallmark of excellence in the fly fishing world and is based on strict criteria that evaluates “the level of overall hospitality at the lodge, the education provided by the fishing guides, emphasis on conservation within the organization, the quality of the fishery recognized and the overall guest experience”. Brush Creek Ranch now sits among the pantheon of sporting lodges in the world which have received this honor.

As Kelly says, “An alternate to the traditional dude ranch, this 13,000-acre luxury guest ranch touts its unparalleled fly fishing program as one of the cornerstones of the resort.”  Hard by the million-acre Medicine Bow National Forest, The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch offers a diversity of angling venues with both wading and float fishing options for wild rainbow, brown, brook and cut throat trout, including ten miles of exclusive access via Brush Creek, North Brush Creek, and the Encampment and North Platte, both internationally-recognized freestone rivers.

“Obtaining this designation is highly competitive and can range from months to years,” said Tom Evenson, Director of Western Endorsement Programs for Orvis. “We do not endorse any operation without a site visit and as an Orvis Endorsed operation, the Lodge must provide all guests with a survey emphasizing the “Orvis” experience and ensuring our standards continue to be met. We also return to each of our endorsed operations on a ongoing bases to ensure the level of experience is maintained.”

We tip our hats (and our creels) to The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch!

Details: The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is set outside of Saratoga in South Central Wyoming’s North Platte River Valley. This is the time to book a spring fishing trip. For more information or to inquire about rates call (307) 327-5284, or visit them at Ranchweb.