Although a dude ranch is not typically associated with singles activities, a healthy, invigorating outing somewhere in the big-sky country of the American west can bring people together just like any other shared interest. Dude ranches also foster social activity with amenities such as trail rides, a hot tub, sauna or community-style meals. Although most dude ranches cater to families, there are a number that reserve special weeks for adults only or singles.
Laughing Water and Rocking Z in Montana
Laughing Water Ranch, in Fortine, Montana, offers two singles-only weeks each year--in May and September. A typical group numbers about 25 to 30 singles. Activities include a cattle drive and overnight pack trip, as well as roping, branding and hayrides. Amenities include a hot tub and a recreation room with pool and poker tables.
Laughing Water Ranch
926 Curtiss Rd.
Fortine, MT 59918
800-847-5095
lwranch.com
About one-fourth of the guests at Rocking Z Guest Ranch, in Wolf Creek, Montana, are singles, according to owner Patty Wirth---even though she offers no specific programs or activities for singles. Opened in 2000, Rocking Z's amenities encourage socialization on trail rides, in the hot tub and at community-style meals. Wirth also teaches guests horsemanship.
Rocking Z Guest Ranch
2020 Chevallier Dr.
Wolf Creek, MT 59648
406-458-3890
rockingz.com
Rancho De La Osa in Arizona
Rancho De La Osa Guest Ranch, located 65 miles from Tucson in Sasabe, Arizona, also features a singles week each year--the first week of May. Typical group size is 12 to 14 singles, according to owner Veronica Schultz. Established as a guest ranch in 1923 in the rolling hills of the Sonoran Desert, the 300-year-old property features "one of the last great haciendas in the country," says Schultz. Amenities include a hot tub, sauna and massage.
Rancho De La Osa Guest Ranch
1 La Osa Rd.
Sasabe, AZ 85633
800-872-6240
ranchodelaosa.com
Heart Six in Wyoming
Heart Six Ranch, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, features adults-only weeks in June and August that attract singles, according to reservations specialist Joy Miller. A typical group includes 12 to 15 singles, says Miller. Heart Six offers views of the spectacular Grand Tetons. Its reputation has been built on "comfortable lodging, hearty meals and plenty of western hospitality," its website says. Activities include horseback riding, guided tours of Yellowstone National Park, white-water rafting and fishing. Amenities include a hot tub, sauna and massage.
Heart Six Ranch
PO Box 70
Jackson Hole, WY 83013
888-543-2477
heartsix.com
Tumbling River in Colorado
Although its offers no singles week, Tumbling River Ranch, 62 miles southwest of Denver in Grant, Colorado, features an adults-only week that attract singles, according to co-owner Megan Dugan. Adults-only week is either the last week in August or one of the first two weeks of September. Opened in 1940 and owned by the Dugan family since 1975, Tumbling River features accommodations with fireplaces, private bathrooms and outdoor balconies. Activities include horseback riding, pack trips and white-water rafting. Amenities include a hot tub and sauna.
Tumbling River Ranch
PO Box 30
Grant, CO 80448
800-654-8770
tumblingriver.com
The Dude Ranchers' Association
The Dude Ranchers' Association provides free services to anyone looking for a ranch that matches their tastes and preferences. "Quite a few dude ranches do singles weeks, but it varies from year to year," says Dude Ranchers' Association spokesperson Katie Krasselt. "By our estimate, there are about 80 ranches that host adults-only weeks, which attract a lot of singles. My guess is that there are about 18 to 20 that are currently doing real singles weeks." If you're interested in their help, contact them via their website.
Dude Ranchers' Association
PO Box 2307
Cody, WY 82414
duderanch.org
Tags: Amenities include, Dude Ranchers, Dude Ranchers Association, Ranchers Association, singles according, Tumbling River, Activities include
