The golden leaves of aspens aren’t the first to fall when autumn arrives in the Western mountains. The rates at Rocky Mountain dude ranches take a dip as early as mid-August. When kids return to school and demand from families decreases, member ranches of the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) typically offer lower rates, shorter stays, and special weeks. Many ranchers reserve their western retreats for adults only. It’s a time for couples, singles, girlfriends, and parents looking for a break a time to kick back with no meetings, no schedules, and no worries.

Since 1926, the DRA has worked to maintain the authenticity and uphold the highest of standards in the industry for the Western ranch vacation. With more than 100 members in the American West and Canada, DRA ranches are found from Arkansas to Alberta.

Add the drama of fall color to discounted rates and special weeks, and a DRA ranch is the ideal ticket for a fall holiday. This is especially true for guests of Southwest Colorado’s Wilderness Trails Ranch where the schedule of activities is the same as summer’s, yet reservations are limited to 25 adults each week through September 26. Rocky Mountain colors are at their peak September 27-October 3 during “Ride the Colors of Fall Week, when riders of all abilities enjoy stunning days in the saddle. Evenings bring elegant wine-paired meals, live music, sunset hayrides, or just gathering around the lodge fireplace. Travelers may want to linger a little longer in the area for Durango’s annual “Cowboy Gathering” October 1-4, where they can take in performances by celebrated cowboy poets and musicians, rodeos, and the cowboy convention.

"Cowgirl Up" is an all-inclusive woman's adventure presented in the simple yet elegant style of Northwest Montana’s Bar W Ranch. A horsemanship clinic for riders of all levels kicks off the getaways September 27-October 3 and October 11-17. Once each cowgirl pairs up with a horse, it’s off to explore hundreds of miles of trails in the spectacular Spencer Lake wilderness. Women can choose to learn new horse-related skills taught by expert wranglers. Girls let their hair down at night with cocktail receptions or a little “two-stepping” at the Blue Moon. Or they may submit to the ultimate in pampering with spa treatments followed by stargazing from the hot tub.

Idaho’s Red Horse Mountain Ranch brings together unattached men and women September 27-October 3. During Single’s Week, folks can meet others who enjoy outdoor adventure in tranquil surroundings. Although the ranch is just 90 minutes from the Spokane Washington airport, the remote setting near the eastern shores of Coeur d'Alene Lake is a recreational nirvana for riding, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and fly-fishing.

Culinary arts are the focus at Alberta’s Homeplace Ranch September 27-October 5, dates for the annual and ever-popular “Taste of Alberta.” All the meals this week feature the ranch's own recipes, using only Alberta-grown and -created ingredients, including the Big Rock Beer, Alberta’s finest adult beverage. The foothills of the Rockies locale provide a feast for the spirit while the menu serves up a feast for the body.

For more information, visit www.duderanch.org.

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