Arrival! Just in time! It’s almost time for our national celebration of Independence Day – the Fourth of July – which can bring every American together. This holiday reminds us all that we are sons and daughters of America, with its incredible cultural legacy that still lives on in many ways – such as how much we appreciate our common heritage. And no better place to commemorate America’s birthday than its home state: Western ranches represent this heritage while serving as great venues to mark Independence Day festivities – here are four excellent authentic venues just perfect to mark Independence Day celebrations this Independence Day!
4. LATIGO RANCH IN KREMMLING, COLORADO – Latigo Ranch can be found nestled into Grand County approximately 100 miles west of Denver and boasts world-class horsemanship and hospitality services. Every guest is carefully paired with the right horse based on his/her riding ability and rotated through so you always get a new mount. There’s an intimate feel here as each guest receives homemade caramel corn upon their arrival! Attracting only 35 guests at any one time, each of whom receives personalized attention at this intimate ranch. Latigo Ranch has received many distinctions, such as being named Colorado’s Best: The Essential Guide To Favorite Places) as well as one of the Top50Ranches.com top 50 Ranches worldwide. Here, you will discover 200 miles of breathtaking riding trails situated across 40,000 acres of lush National Forest with views stretching 75 miles toward the Continental Divide – not to mention incredible fly fishing opportunities on a private lake! If you want a taste of celebration on July 4, Kremmling hosts its famous “Fire Up the Cliffs” fireworks display, beer garden, great food offerings, and live musical entertainment all within its borders!
#3 – Bitterroot Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming was founded as both a guest ranch and working ranch by Bayard Fox in 1971; today it remains owned by him and his family, adding an endearing familial element. At this peaceful destination, guests can experience horseback riding through breathtaking landscapes, fly fishing in crystal-clear waterways, yoga sessions in an authentic yurt and stay in authentic log cabins that feature wood-burning stoves that create an authentic “pioneer” feeling. Bitterroot Ranch features not only a dining room but also a sitting area with wood-burning fireplace and pool (billiards) room. At this ranch, hiking is also a top activity, offering everything from leisurely strolls with your own llama to pushing to reach Castle Rock’s peak or discovering one of Butch Cassidy’s 1890 hideouts. This ranch was featured in “1,000 Places To See Before You Die,” while Dubois hosts its Fourth of July festivities from 10:30 am to 10 pm, featuring parades, games, food vendors selling goods alongside sidewalk sales by local merchants, rodeo events at 7 pm, followed by fireworks at dusk.
Red Reflet Ranch (french for “image”) in Wyoming is truly special, boasting only four chalet-style guest rooms that combine Old West charm with contemporary luxury. Laurence Kaplan is always at hand to ensure her guests’ comfort at this destination, featuring authentic Western ambience and furnishings 65 miles from any highway, as well as gourmet cuisine prepared by three award-winning chefs. Experience an unforgettable ride along one hundred miles of groomed trails, past wildlife (and sunsets!) you may never witness again. Ride along with cattle…or use ATV’s, side-by-sides, mountain bikes, electric bikes or dirt bikes to explore. Red Reflet’s ranch includes its own motorized vehicle for getting around, and a private hot tub. The dramatic high-desert climate offers sunny days and refreshingly cool nights; not to mention friendly folks waving at you as you drive by! Plus there’s the Fourth of July rodeo held all weekend long at nearby Ten Sleep; plus aircraft owners can use Red Reflet’s private landing strip!
Now, here is my selection of ranches where to spend Fourth of July 2021…
#1 – WESTERN PLEASURE GUEST RANCH OF SANDPOINT, IDAHO – This guest ranch, nestled high above Sandpoint’s charming old town in Idaho Panhandle has long been synonymous with authentic Western hospitality since opening up shop in 1940 and remains family-owned today. Here, you can enjoy riding well-trained, responsive horses for hours on end – reaching breathtaking views of both the Cabinet and Selkirk Mountain ranges – or hiking through our picturesque forest surround. Janice Schoonover represents the third generation of her founding family (which includes fourth and fifth generations also on the ranch), while husband Roley creates delicious gourmet country cooking in their kitchen. Summer evenings can often be spent outside, enjoying a roaring campfire with Western fare and live guitar pickin’ from various family members and ranch hands. Many consider The Great Room one of the most stunning (and authentically Western) settings. Guestrooms at this resort feature authentic yet plush furniture and furnishings in both the main lodge and atmospheric log cabins. Many ranch hands are part of a close-knit family; even younger family members are seen riding horses around here! Sandpoint, located in Idaho’s scenic Northwest region, boasts many picturesque historic buildings – like Panida Theater from 1927 that still hosts live performances – as well as scenic Lake Pend Oreille that provides plenty of cruise boats for guests to experience the lakescapes and nature at its best.