Enjoy Ranching Activity Holidays in America

Specialised activity holidays are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and get down and dirty! With plenty of activities and destinations to choose from, the range of opportunities has never been more thrilling.

Reconnecting with nature is a fantastic way to recharge the batteries and sate that unfulfilled adventurous streak. One of the more unusual things available is a real-life ranching experience in the USA. Ranching is an iconic part of the American ethos, but what exactly can you expect on activity holidays on a ranch? Here are just a few things you could experience.

Riding Programmes – What ranching experience would be complete if you didn’t experience riding? The stereotypical image of a cowboy on horseback has lured many a tourist to ranches, and you won’t be disappointed when you do decide to try it out for yourself! No matter how experienced or inexperienced you are, the activity can be tailored to suit.

Animal Care – Ranches are designed to raise livestock, so it's no surprise that there will be a wide array of opportunities to interact with them. From milking cows and petting goats to mucking the stalls and driving the cattle, there’s a ton of animal-related things to get involved in while on the ranch.

Trail Rides – The ranches are more often than not set in areas of great natural beauty – from serene deserts to mountains brimming with wildlife. You can take a guided horseback ride along spectacular winding trails and get a feel for what the cowboys of years gone by experienced.

Pack Trip – Feeling a bit more adventurous and looking for a longer expedition? Some ranches offer pack trips on activity holidays, where you and a guide set off on a prolonged trip through the landscape. It's perfect way to not only see the sights up close and personal, but also to experience it much like the pioneers who braved the frontiers of the then-unknown world.

Animal Tracking – Many ranches have experienced trackers on hand, and they can teach you the basics of the trade. Learning how to track the stealthier creatures of nature is a surprisingly empowering experience – especially for youngsters.

Hiking and Mountain Climbing – For those with a yearning to get out into the mountains on foot, hiking and mountain climbing opportunities abound – making for an excellent add-on activity on your activity holidays.

White-water Rafting – If you’re intrepid enough, you may be in the perfect position to try this fast-paced activity. The rivers of Wisconsin and Michigan, for example, are the perfect place to get wet and wild. While it's not for everyone, those with a sense of adventure will revel in the thrills and spills of rafting.

While the above ideas are not all you'll get to do on activity holidays to a US ranch, it may go some way to showing just how exciting this kind of experience can be.

Richard Edwards is the Managing Director of Summit & Blue, an adventure holiday company offering independently crafted family activity holidays to exciting destinations around the world, including France, Italy, Portugal, the USA and Canada. With unique itineraries and exciting activities like biking, hiking, white water rafting and canoeing, we create holidays for those looking for an experience a little more off the beaten track.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.