Wanted: A Unique Family Vacation

Summer is fast approaching, and now is a great time to make plans for your family vacation. You know about theme parks, cruises and guided tours. These are all wonderful options, but what if you are looking for something different, that provides something for everyone, through a uniquely American experience? C.P. Trips has one suggestion you may not have thought of before, but that is guaranteed to create a lifetime of memories for the entire family. There is a type of resort that is unlike any other, where you can get a taste of the Wild West and what it’s like to live the life of a cowboy or ranch hand, and still have the amenities you want with a relaxing hotel stay. We are talking about vacation Dude Ranches.

There are a wide variety of vacation Dude Ranches in the western parts of the United States, from Wyoming, to Colorado, Texas and Utah, on down to Arizona and California; and even in our back yard in Oregon. What these ranches offer is truly unique when it comes to resort vacations. The Dude Ranch Association of America was founded in 1926 as a way to preserve a specific way of American Life. The result of the association and its members are family owned ranches which open their land and homes to vacationers who want to discover the American wilderness and get back in touch with our natural wonders in a truly hands on and unique way. Most Dude Ranches are all inclusive, providing all your meals, a comfortable cabin or room and all the activities available for one price.

Today offer many resort amenities including pools, spas, fine dining and incredible entertainment. Activities abound at a Vacation Dude Ranch, there is something for everyone of all ages. Horseback riding is one of the main attractions, and not to worry if you have never gone before, the ranch hands and guides will help you along the way. Taking trails on horseback will give you the chance to see the scenic wonders of the west in a way that will not only take your breath away, but which will help create lasting memories. You can take the kids on a hike, go fishing, or spend a lazy day at a local swimming hole. Many Dude Ranches have petting zoos for the young ones, and put on rodeos for your entertainment. For more outdoor fun, many places offer skeet shooting and archery. On the “quieter” side, often art and cooking classes are also made available.


Vacation Dude Ranches are more than just a comfortably rustic place to stay. They are more than horses, hay rides and barbeques. Dude Ranches offer you and your family the chance to connect to a way of life that is closer to nature than most. These places share their spirit of the West and the beauty of wild nature. You will find not only good riding, food and amenities; you will find new friends, and nourishment for your heart and spirit. The moment you find yourself with your kids, under a canopy of stars brighter than you ever thought possible, you will know this vacation will be one to be remembered.

If you want proof of this, just ask Lana, Cindy Passannante’s daughter. The family went to a vacation dude ranch almost 40 years ago, and the memories of that time are still strong, “I remember the fun we had, and it was the first time I rode a horse. I was 4 years old when we went, and I still remember the horse I rode was named Powder River, she was a slow and gentle creature, just right for a little girl to ride. The smell of hay to this day takes me back to the nightly hay rides we went on around the ranch. We were lucky kids to travel with our parents around the world, and the Dude Ranch for me was the start of loving to travel. Recalling the canyon trails, farm animals and other kids to play with, having fun every day and night, these memories will be with me always.” So if you are ready for an exciting and different way to explore America and enjoy a family vacation, call us at 503-658-5646 or email cptrips@aol.com today and we can find the perfect Vacation Dude Ranch for you.