Many questions about the ranch, its history, and programs are answered in the regular pages of our website. In an effort to not be redundant, we have focused this section on the type of questions asked by travel writers.
What makes Rock Springs different from other dude ranches?
A couple of things. First, we are smaller than most ranches that offer the same types of amenities, service, and programs. Although we only accommodate up to about 50 people, we have the tennis courts, swimming pool, youth program, and such that you typically find at the larger ranches. To offer the quality of program we want to give our guests, we also have as many staff as a larger property. This makes our staff to guest ratio almost one to one.
Second is our outstanding youth program. The experience of our younger guests is of paramount importance to us. We have a full youth program which runs from after breakfast into the evening. We have had long conversations with our guests who have experienced programs elsewhere. Although many children's programs are good, there are at least as many that are obviously not a major focus for the property offering them. We have included a section in our youth program section under dude ranch to help families compare programs.
Tell me about your youth program, specifically how it is different?
Our counselors' only responsibility is to provide a quality experience for the children. They are not “kiddie wranglers” who put together children’s activities after they end their shift at the barn. Our program has its own building, so there is never a conflict when the space might be needed for another program. Also, because we are fairly small, our program has a great deal of flexibility. It changes from week to week, depending on the interests of the children who are participating.
What sets your riding program apart from other dude ranches?
Riding programs vary a great deal from ranch to ranch. We ride in small groups of about 6 guests and a wrangler. Rides are according to ability, and range from beginner to advanced. We allow cantering, which many ranches do not. Our terrain offers many open, flat trails, which are well suited to faster gaits. By contrast, ranches that are right in the mountains may have a great deal of elevation loss and gain on their trails. Steeper trails limit rides to walking only, and may limit the amount of area available for trotting and cantering or loping.
Where do your guests come from?
Typically, our largest market is California, because of the huge population so close to us. More or less tied for the next three places are Oregon, Florida, The United Kingdom. These numbers fluxuate from year to year, because we are small just a couple of families can change our dempgraphics quite a bit.
Who are your typical guests?
Most of our guests are very well traveled, upper income families looking for a special experience to share. In many of the families, both parents work and time is limited. They are looking for a vacation that everyone in the family can relax and enjoy.
