• Families looking for a uniquely special vacation that doesn’t involve long lines, large crowds, and overpriced amenities should consider one of Idaho’s guest ranches.

  Posted on: May 25, 2010

  Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch
  This 1,000 acre, 50-person guest ranch is surrounded by the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness – the largest protected wilderness area in the lower 48 states. Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, splashing around in a natural hot springs – outdoor activities are endless at the Rocky Mountain Ranch so the entire family can find something to suit their interests. Families can stay in lodge rooms or rent their own posh cabins. Guests enjoy gourmet cuisine from Head Chef Andrew Machanic, who cooks as much with fresh, local products as possible. During summer months, the ranch hosts special events like a dutch-oven cookout in a nearby meadow, which guests travel to by wagon train. Staff organizes lawn games, craft and story hours for the younger guests during evenings at the ranch. For additional information and rates, visit www.idahorocky.com
  
  Linn Canyon Ranch
  “Family fun is what it’s all about,” claim the owners of Linn Canyon Ranch. While it may sound cliché, sunset horseback rides, cowboy campfire dinners, and huge nightly bonfires are anything but standard. Along with all the outdoor activities this ranch has to offer, kids love sleeping in the platform tents the ranch has as a lodging option. The tents are located in an apple orchard and quiet aspen grove near the lodge, making it a posh, fun and uniquely magical camping experience. The Linn Canyon Ranch is located in the heart of the Teton Mountains, only 30 minutes from Jackson, Wyoming, across the Teton Pass.      
  
  Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
  Located in Sandpoint, ID, the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch stands out for its special packages, like the Mountain-to-Lake Spa Package that caters to girlfriend getaways; the Ranch, Raft and Rest seven-day package that includes rafting, ranching and bonfires at night. One program that makes the Western Pleasure Ranch stand out from the crowd is the ongoing children’s’ program that offers a week’s worth of equine training for children who stay at the ranch. The program teaches kids how to handle and care for horses, ride horses; takes kids on trail rides, and even lets the kids participate in a horse show at the end of the week. Lodging options include a 10,000 ft. lodge, private hand-hewn log cabins in the forest, the eco-friendly, or the straw bale constructed Meadowview House. This family-owned guest ranch caters to families and even wedding parties and family reunions.
  
  Red Horse Mountain Ranch
  Red Horse Mountain Ranch stands out for offering a range of activities that are sure to keep the entire family engaged during their entire stay. Kayaking, sporting clays, mountain biking, 3D archery, fishing, a challenge course, hiking, geo caching, horseback riding and rafting are a few of the options guests have for playing outside at the ranch. The ranch caters to families during the months of June, July and August, when school is out and families from all over the world come to partake in all the activities. Accommodations include the grand lodge suites and individual cabins to rent; massage services, community-style meals and evening entertainment are available as well. In August, the ranch offers special wine tasting weekends, girls’ getaway retreats, and a Fall Colors week. These are less family-oriented and designed exclusively for couples, singles and friends.
  
  River Dance
  Located right on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River, the River Dance Lodge Resort makes a four- or five-day vacation easy by offering itineraries along with their lodging packages. The ‘Adventure Series’ activities let guests hike, bike, raft, or kayak and show them great routes to take as well. The “Explorer Series’ take guests on guided hiking tours, one of which goes to explore the remnants of a WWII Japanese internment camp. The River Dance Lodge offer custom retreats that are based on a family’s needs and what they desire in a vacation.

  Tags: family-friendly,guest ranches,idaho

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