Some significant differences exist among dude ranches, which are generally divvied up into three types: working ranches, dude or guest ranches and resort ranches (which may also be called resort dude ranches).
"Some dude ranches have swimming pools and other amenities, like golf courses and hot tubs," says Karen Ballard, director of the Idaho Division of Tourism Development. "Sometimes the lines are blurred. Some ranches call themselves both guest and working ranches."
Working ranches generally allow groups to experience life as cowboys, with cattle drives and various ranch work. But it’s not all work and no play at these ranches. Ranches offer a gamut of activities such as fly-fishing, hiking and hayrides. These ranches may also be called working dude ranches or working guest ranches. The key word to look for is "working."
Dude or guest ranches offer a mix of a laid-back way of life with a bit of adventure. These ranches may offer unlimited horseback riding with instruction, trout fishing, hiking, barbeques, wilderness pack trips and other activities. Some of the ranches may have golf courses and pools.
Resort ranches provide Western activities alongside higher-end amenities. The Lodge at Sun Ranch in Cameron, Mont., offers guests massages in their rooms or cabins, gourmet dining and trips to nearby Yellowstone National Park. A tagline for the resort ranch reads, "Our guests are spoiled—the landscape is not."
