Choosing a Ranch

Since every ranch is a direct reflection of the staff and owners, no two ranches are alike. We encourage you to visit the comprehensive Ranch Directory found on the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) website and visit other ranch websites. For past guest reviews, try find the ranch on tripadvisor.com or a similar travel site. Call or email the ranches you are interested in and ask for help. If they don’t offer everything you’re looking for, they will likely recommend a ranch that does. DRA ranches work together in a spirit of cooperation to ensure your next vacation is your best vacation!

The Dude Ranchers’ Association is the leading authority of western dude ranch vacations. The DRA represents over 100 members in 14 Western States and 2 Canadian Provinces.  Membership in the Association is not automatic. Dude ranches applying for membership go through a rigorous inspection and approval process that includes a detailed application, references from former guests, an appearance before the DRA board of directors and on-site inspections during operations. Ranch inspections focus on evaluation of safety, livestock management and hospitality industry standards in all aspects of the ranch.

Once accepted, ranches have a one year probationary membership, during which they undergo a second on-site inspection. Only after a satisfactory second inspection are they admitted to full membership. Once a full DRA member, all ranches are re-accredited every five years.

When you vacation at a Dude Ranchers’ Association dude ranch, you can be assured of genuine, western hospitality combined with the lodging industry’s highest standards.  

To learn more about the six “H’s” that summarize the core principles of DRA ranches click the logo below.

Red Horse Mountain Ranch embraced the mission of the Dude Ranchers’ Association shortly after its first years in operation to provide returning guests and new guests with a guarantee of quality, safety, professionalism, and responsibility.All members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association must maintain a high quality of accommodations and services in a clean, friendly, safe, professional manner. Members must practice open and honest marketing and advertising when interacting with potential clientele. Members must adhere to all regulations, and provide information to clientele, concerning the responsible and sustainable use of resources. Members and the Association will work in cooperation with Federal and State land agencies to ensure the preservation of resources and habitat. Members must work together in an ethical manner in an effort to promote professional growth within the dude ranching industry.
Top 50 Ranches 2023