North Fork Colorado Dude Ranch

Colorado dude ranch Nork Fork Ranch is owned and run by Dean and Karen May and their family, who have been welcoming guests through their doors for dude ranch vacations for more than 25 years. Top50 spoke to Dean about what really goes on behind the scenes at North Fork – discover why every guest on their dude ranch vacations is treated like a celebrity, and why running a slick dude ranch operation isn’t for the faint-hearted…

So Dean, what’s an average day for you at North Fork Ranch?
The alarm goes off at 5am and I’m out the door by 6am. First task of the day: coffee! I’ll start the coffee and then grab one to go. Every morning I walk around the ranch and do a ‘visual’ to make sure everything’s as it should be. Then it’s back for staff breakfast at 7am to organize the day and I delegate duties to the team, which all depends on the day’s activities. Then I’ll make sure the evening activities are in order before spending the rest of the day in the office, usually until 9 or 10pm.

Well your kids are pretty important in the grand scheme of things! How did you find it raising them on a guest ranch?
It had its challenges – in fact many! – what with raising them in the public eye. That said, I am extremely proud of both our kids – they’ve developed great social skills (especially in this texting world..), they’re very confident and I do believe this business has provided well enough that we have been able to expose them to a lot of exciting adventures.

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For more information on dude ranch vacations at North Fork Ranch, visit Top50Ranches.com

Clayoquot’s Ranch recipe of the month

Ranch recipes of winter comfort food are making way for lighter, fresher dishes as the days get warmer and spring well and truly sets in – like those served up by Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia, Canada. This luxury dude ranch’s seafront location offers an abundance of fresh fish, which is regularly serves up in freshly prepared gourmet meals. The Canada dude ranch has even revealed one of its secret recipes – this sumptuous halibut dish perfect for a light lunch or supper. We think it’s so good, we’ve named it Top50 Ranch vacation Recipe of the Month for February 2012. Try it yourself and see why… more info>>

Siwash Lake Ranch

Siwash Lake Guest Ranch in BC, Canada, is truly one of the world’s premier luxury dude ranches and wilderness resorts, surrounded by 80,000 acres of pristine British Columbia rangeland. Wildlife thrives here among our golden grasslands, old-growth forests, secluded lakes, and river canyons. This remarkable, eco-friendly setting provides a refreshing oasis of wilderness solitude, filled with enriching moments for adventurous people who seek the finer things in life.

The Ranch Vacation at Siwash Lake is an exclusive, intimate hideaway where horses, nature, and luxury entwine in the wilds, for a journey beyond the ordinary!

Enjoy action-packed adventure here in the remote and rugged heartland of BC, where wildlife thrives amidst the Cariboo’s golden grasslands, old growth forests, river canyons and secluded lakes.

Synergy with Horses™, our unique riding program is regarded as the country’s best—a showcase for Canada’s ‘Signature Experiences Collection’, with riding to your heart’s desire for beginner to advanced riders. Personal horses for duration of stay, private guides, and the freedom to ride unescorted too! Supportive and informative mentoring at all times, hands-on horsemanship, and a fun-filled focus on the natural bond between horses and humans.

For those seeking a multi-activity sojourn (both soft adventurers and extremists alike!) cast to trout on sparkling waters, hike a canyon to nearby waterfalls, mountain bike the backcountry or paddle a canoe across shimmering Siwash Lake. Hone your skills in wilderness survival and skeet shooting, or luxuriate in our tented spa.

Here, you’ll appreciate fresh, healthy food and complete comfort—savour ranch grown, local organic fare that rivals fine city dining and then sleep amidst the softest linens. Siwash is family operated, your home away from home. Within its honey-hued log walls, or cozy under canvas beneath the stars, enjoy a soul-pleasing blend of the rustic and the refined.

North Fork Ranch

North Fork Ranch is a family owned and operated traditional dude ranch that’s been welcoming families since 1985. Located just an hour from Denver (a little longer by horseback), the ranch offers a multitude of activities to satisfy everyone’s interests.

Whether you’re a seasoned cowboy or you’ve never put your feet into a pair of cowboy boots, a dude ranch vacations to North Fork Ranch will be an experience you’ll never forget. Enjoy activities ranging from horseback riding, hiking in the beautiful Colorado backcountry and whitewater rafting, to hayrides, campfire sing-a-longs and square dancing. As an Orvis-endorsed fishing lodge, North Fork Ranch guarantees a world-class fishing experience.

North Fork Ranch Vacation leans towards luxury in both accommodations and dining without compromising its focus on families. Get to know the Mays and their personal brand of hospitality: ride with Dean and Hayley May and the team of wranglers through miles of beautiful Colorado forests, and bond with your horse as you learn about “Mutual Gains Horsemanship”. A beautiful property in a great location – a week here is never long enough!