| type="text/javascript"> | | | | and wide opens spaces. Forget about the TV and |
| Dude ranches, as they are known today, first gained | | | | the Internet, and turn that cell phone off. Once on |
| marked popularity in the 1920s, in large part due to | | | | the ranch, these distractions will happily be put aside. |
| the writings of Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt spent | | | | Some working ranches allow visitors to get a true |
| some time working as a ranchman, and herding | | | | taste of the cowboy life, with the opportunity to |
| cattle, and he urged Americans to explore for | | | | help with the chores required for the daily operation |
| themselves. | | | | of the ranch. Dude ranches have also evolved with |
| As more and more tourists started arriving from the | | | | the times, and many boast every modern amenity |
| east, and overseas, many cattle ranches opened | | | | one can imagine. Horseback riding is offered for all skill |
| themselves up to accommodate the visitors. Dude | | | | levels, and lessons are almost always available. |
| ranches have since become a fixture in the U.S., as | | | | Although it varies from ranch to ranch, numerous |
| American as apple pie and baseball. The dude ranch | | | | other activities, such as swimming, fishing, hiking, |
| embodies the ideas of self-reliance, living off the land, | | | | square dances and campfires are usually offered. |