Guest Ranches or Dude Ranches

Guest ranches, or dude ranches as they are more commonly known, have been around since the late 1800’s. Guests want a glimpse into the past, and this is a wonderful way for them to do that. Above all, they are located in remote wilderness locations that are far from towns and cities.  One of their main appeal is very low crowds which are safe for the entire family along with incredible nature. The main focus of a guest ranch vacation is the horseback riding program as well as taking in the beautiful mountain desert scenery.

Dude ranches in Arizona have been popular since their conception. Guests from all over the world come to experience a western vacation and become cowboys or cowgirls. People come to guest ranches because they are becoming increasingly aware of the loss of quality time to relax with their families.  They want to enjoy time together without TV’s or the intrusion of the outside world. In addition, they are becoming more demanding of quality facilities.  This is where they can relax, be pampered and forget about the hustle and bustle of the business world.

Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch – Authentic Dude Ranch Experience

Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch is located in Northwest Arizona in the Mohave desert. We are one hour away from the nearest town.  In other words, no crowds and lots of open land that is perfect for the nature lover. We welcome travelers from all over the world to come and experience our guest ranch where the Old West blends with the new. Your hosts JP and Tricia McCormick, their sons Tristan and Cayden, will do everything they can to make sure everyone who stays at the ranch has the most memorable western experience possible! Come see how the west is really fun!

The overnight stay at our ranch includes all meals including delicious desserts (always home cooked), horseback riding and many ranch activities. The horseback riding program varies from slow scenic rides to challenging mountain rides as well as advanced loping rides. We also offer long lunch rides, cactus rides and overnight rides.

Another great feature of our ranch is that we provide evening entertainment on some nights.  This includes guitar playing, campfires, roping shows, line dancing or gunslinger competition. Over the years we have found that most often guests like to just sit, relax, gaze at the star studded skies while enjoying fireside conversations with new friends. There is a heated swimming pool, hot-tub and a variety of game options such as billiards and horseshoes. The main focus of a guest ranch is the horseback riding program as well as the beautiful desert and mountain scenery. Our remote location provides beautiful unobstructed views of the surrounding desert scenery.  In addition, it provides a quiet and peaceful atmosphere without city lights or noisy traffic. This is where you can truly get in touch with nature and enjoy God’s desert creation.

The Guest Ranch

Guest ranches in Arizona are by no means a thing of the past. On the contrary, they are a glimpse into the past, but with all the modern amenities that we have become accustomed to. Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch is the perfect place to do just that! We are offering an “old west experience” with a modern, yet intimate setting for a family oriented vacation. We welcome families, couples, singles and groups (corporate and reunions)! Vacationers are always looking for a unique travel experience and our guest ranch offers just that. In addition to offering a completely barrier-free vacation (see features for disabled), there are many opportunities to experience outside the ranch during, before or after your stay.

The ranch is set up like a small old western town. When leaving your room you will feel like you have stepped back in time as you walk about the property. We border over 360,000 acres of pristine untouched Federal land that is managed by the B.L.M. (Bureau of Land Management). The ranch has a special permit that enables us to take guests out on the trails to explore this wonderful unspoiled scenery.

What is a Dude?

Ever wonder why they are called dude ranches? Back in the day, the Wild West was known as the “badlands”. Most easterners who ventured out to these territories were often called “Tenderfoot” or “Greenhorns” as they were not used to the rough and often hostile conditions. This all changed once the west was tamed. The romanticization of the frontierslands spurred an influx of visitors who wanted to experience the bygone days of the Old West. Folks from the east started visiting and stayed at guest ranches. These people were often well dressed and stood out in these rural locations and referred to as a “dandy”. This term was quickly shortened to “dudes”. Since guest ranches were a destination for dudes they became known as dude ranches and the rest is history. Thank God! Can you imagine them being called “dandy ranches”!