Wild West for City Slickers

Travellers looking for fantastic scenery, adventure and a refreshingly different holiday in 2008 could consider a ranch holiday in North America.

Like their Native American forerunners, ranchers believe that they are stewards of the land. "Out West here we develop an emotional attachment to the land", says Zak Wirth, a fifth generation Montana rancher and Dude Ranch Association member.

Ranch holidays range from authentic experiences to more tourist-focused itineraries across the US and Canada.

If you opt for a working ranch you could get involved in horse and cattle drives covering Native American trails, branding, bull gathering, roping, weaning colts and even pregnancy testing. Ranch Rider offers a taste of the real Wild West at Dryhead Ranch in Montana, operating since 1898. Based in 20,000 acres of grassland, the ranch has 800 head of cattle and is only accessible by 4x4.

But you don't need to be John Wayne to enjoy the wide open spaces and outdoor lifestyle. 'Dude ranches' are more suitable for non-riders and families. Activities on these holidays include camping, fishing, horse-riding, swimming, hiking, mountain-biking, white water rafting and wild-life spotting. A nine-day trip to Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona with Families Worldwide costs from £1,699 per adult including flights and all meals.

City slickers looking for some wild west action need look no further than Ranch Rider's new 2008 brochure. The tour operator is offering a range of ranch holidays in the US and Canada, with a new section of optional adventures such as bear and whale watching and the Calgary Stampede. Ranch Rider offers flights from the following departure airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Written by: Maxine Clarke