RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

May is the ideal time to head West

11th April 2014 Print
Moore Ranch, Kansas

May is one of the busiest months on the western ranch calendar, which makes this time of year an exciting time to travel. Ranch Rider covers 13 US states and three Canadian provinces, the tour operator offering stays at historic cattle ranches through to luxury properties where guests can still drive the herd to new pastures.

Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider comments, “Throughout May working ranches will be engaged in branding, sorting and doctoring. At this time of year cattle drives are also commonplace, the cowhands pushing the herd to grazing areas located at the furthest point from the ranch. While week long cattle drives are suited to those with more experience a ranch adventure gives greenhorns the chance to be a real cowboy.”

A fifth generation working ranch, Montana’s Lonesome Spur offers a taster of the true cowboy lifestyle. During May guests play a hands on role in branding, the team working the cows and calves in the Pryor Mountains. With cattle included from neighbouring ranches, there is plenty of diverse terrain to cover, around 3,000 branded in batches of 50-300 over the month of May and in early June. Authentic to the last, alternative activities include learning to rope a steer with a legendary rodeo star. The once champion bull rider is always willing to share stories from his professional days in the arena, and evening campfires and the chance to visit a cowboy bar in nearby Bridger are included in the stay. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from £1,089pp (no single supplement) including, accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities. Return flight from £859pp.

Covering 4,000 acres, South Dakota’s Crow Creek Working Ranch overlooks the scenic Black Hills and straddles two states, giving guests the opportunity to ride across the border into Wyoming. May activities include branding, cattle drives and fun games of team penning. With historic Belle Forche only a short drive from the property there is also the option of visiting a real country and western town. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from £975pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities and taxes. Excludes transfers of £150 (per group), gratuities and return flight from £879pp. .

Idaho’s 4D Longhorn Working Ranch is surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful Boise Cascade and National Forest property. Here guests can experience the old west on a well-trained cow horse or take a break from the trail and go fishing, mountain biking or hiking. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from £1,059pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, ranch activities, use of ranch facilities and taxes. Excludes transfers from £70pp, gratuities and return flight from £869pp.

With 300 had of cattle and 50 horses, the Moore Working Ranch in Kansas is the perfect place to go cowboy up. Additional team penning and barrel racing are on offer. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from £995pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from £35pp and return flight from £809pp.

For more information, visit ranchrider.com.

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

Moore Ranch, Kansas