Start a family tradition with an all inclusive dude ranch vacation where there is truly something for everyone at the Red Horse Mountain Ranch. Each day on the ranch, riders will have at least two opportunities for western-style horseback riding. Horseback riding vacations are exhilarating and there are rides scheduled throughout the week for all types of riding levels. All rides will be leaving the valley floor to unique vistas, viewpoints, or peaks except for some of the younger children. Advanced and beginner riding is available. Advanced riders must complete the advanced test, allowing us to see your ability to control the horse and to make sure you and your horse are a good match. The Kids’ Program will have a morning horseback ride, but if families would like to ride together, there are afternoon family rides scheduled at different times throughout the week.

Before you arrive, you will be assigned a horse and saddle for your entire stay based on your riding preferences. Your horse will be chosen based on the information you have provided on your Activity Information form. All guests are asked to complete an orientation and walking ride during the first day of their vacation, unless they are returning guests. This gives the wranglers a chance to orient you to the barn, allow you to meet your horse, and make any adjustments to your saddle and riding equipment for the rest of the week.

Activities

These guided horse adventures include advanced horseback trail riding to scenic and all day rides to riding lessons and are a part of the inclusive package. Other activities included in your package are fly fishing lessons, lake fishing, archery, sporting clays, high element challenge course, zip line, hiking, yoga, kayaking, bike tours, mountain biking, pontoon boat tours, swimming, and a lengthy list of self-guided adventures. The ranch also has wine tastings, guided elk hunts, a high element challenge course and a 60 foot climbing wall. Activities which have an additional cost include massage, whitewater rafting, and some of the fly fishing guided trips.

Accommodations

Red Horse Mountain Ranch’s vacation guests have always commented on feeling at home in any of our 20 private suites designed to keep guests comfortable and cozy during their week-long vacation. Lodging options include everything from one bedroom suites to four bedroom authentic log cabins. Plenty of western flavor, comfort, and tasteful decorations will make you truly feel like you’re home away from home. Each accommodation includes full private bathrooms with plush towels, shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion and other items to make you feel welcomed. After your day of adventure, you’ll retire in your private residence with rustic log furniture, down comforters, hypo-allergenic pillows, and other amenities. All of the accommodations include cozy pillow-top beds in king, queen and twin size configurations. You’ll have plenty of room to stretch out in the evenings at the main lodge, and the swimming pool is not too far away, either. Privacy can be found in your suite, but around the lodge, you’ll find wonderful conversations, a host of friendly staff, and a spectacular view from the main deck.

Food

The chefs will delight you with daily fresh breads, seemingly endless buffets, a special dinner paired with regional wines, and outdoor western ranch cooking. All of your entrees, appetizers, salads are made fresh daily. Lunches and dinners always include salad and seasonal, regional produce whenever possible, as well as breads and desserts, made fresh daily. The kitchen staff is dedicated to making sure that you and your children enjoy every meal during your stay. Red Horse Mountain Ranch is open to special meal requests and dietary concerns for you and your family. You are encouraged you to fill out the allergy and food preference portions of the Activity Form so that staff can be prepared for your visit upon arrival.

Area Attractions

On your way in or out of the ranch, there are some interesting local secrets recommended to visit if you have extra time in the area. Now these aren’t the typical tourist spots, so be prepared for local flavors. A few hidden secrets may be good if you have a few extra hours while you’re waiting for a flight or if you have an early arrival. Don’t forget! If you ever have questions, we’re more than happy to help. Give us a ring at (888) 689-9680.

The Lake Coeur d’Alene (cör-da-lane) Scenic Byway passes through an area that the lakes, mountains, and beautiful summer weather have made one of the most famous summer playgrounds and resort destinations in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re leaving or entering the ranch from the north, you’ll have to travel this route. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, elk, bear and several bird species, still roaming the pristine forests of Northern Idaho. Beginning at the junction of Interstate 90 and Idaho 97, the route travels south along the eastern shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene, home to bald eagles and the largest population of nesting osprey in the Western states. Take a break and stretch your legs on the Mineral Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the lake, as well as several learning stations describing the area’s botany and animal life.

The Olympian Hiawatha route has been called one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country. The “crown jewel” of rail-to-trail mountain bike trails is operated by Lookout Pass Ski Area which is located adjacent to I-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line, 12 miles east of historic Wallace, Idaho. The Hiawatha Trail is typically open daily from around May 30 thru October 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call ahead to make sure. Every year the snowpack is different so opening dates change. Winding through 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel, which burrows for 1.66 miles under the Idaho/Montana state line. With an incredible history beginning in 1906 of construction, hardships and calamities, unprecedented electrification, and of carrying passengers and freight from the Northwest to the Midwest, generations of railroaders kept the Milwaukee Road running until it finally went bankrupt in 1977. The last train west of Butte, Montana passed through in 1980. After that the line was abandoned. With government funding and private donations, the rails were removed, and the construction of this spectacular wilderness bicycle and hiking trail was undertaken in 1997. The Idaho portion of the trail first opened for public use on May 29, 1998. The St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel, was completed in May of 2001, and is now open for bike riding.