Red Horse Mountain Ranch - an all inclusive dude ranch located in Harrison, Idaho
Red Horse Mountain Ranch
As I drove up the last few miles to Red Horse Mountain Ranch, I spied giant osprey nests resting on wooden telephone poles. Next, I passed by Blue Lake, surrounded by miles and miles of trees. How could there possibly be a dude ranch tucked back into this forested part of Northern Idaho? Slowly, a teepee, situated in a grassy meadow, came into view. Shortly after, a wooden lodge presented itself; humming bird feeders hung from the beams like flower pots, only they attracted red flashes of light and sound as the tiny birds danced gracefully from one feeder to the next. My Red Horse Mountain horseback riding adventure was about to begin.
Melanie Feeding Goats at Red Horse Mountain Ranch, Harrison, Idaho
Horseback riders & adventure seekers – something for everyone at Red Horse Mountain
Horse lovers will be warmly welcomed by friendly wranglers, gentle horses and tail-wagging dogs of every shape and size. However, I can honestly say that non-equestrians will be just as happy at Red Horse Mountain.
On my June visit, I met a mother/daughter duo from Los Angeles, California; both admittedly out of their comfort zone and loving every minute of it. A Florida family of four was returning for a repeat performance because, “the kids talk about this vacation all year long.” Yet another family was here for their first time.
Activities include:
Archery
Challenge Course
Fishing
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Napping
Sporting Clay Shooting
Helen and Steven horseback riding at Red Horse Mountain Ranch in Harrison, Idaho
All Inclusive Culinary Retreat at Red Horse Mountain
Yes, there are cowboy cookouts and campfires with s’mores, but the Red Horse Mountain can hold its own when it comes to culinary competition. What mother doesn’t rejoice at the sound of the dinner bell ringing knowing that she doesn’t have to lift a finger, unless it involves lifting a crab cake with watermelon salsa and cilantro aiolo to her lips?
Girlfriend getaways and couples looking for romance will want to show up for cocktail hour with an open bar. Daniel the bartender makes a mean mojito or will introduce you to a smooth Oregon pinot noir. Mosey on over to the dining room for family style chicken and pasta, a buffet of shrimp kabobs and barbequed ribs, accompanied with homemade biscuits, baked potatoes and fresh baked apple pie.
Put away the cell phone at Red Horse Mountain Ranch
Turn off your cell phone at Red Horse Mountain – the only service you’ll be getting here is from the top-notch staff. They do have a phone in the lodge that offers free long distance. For you die hard computer geeks, the lodge has spotty wireless coverage. While you are online, become a Red Horse Mountain Facebook Fan. They are also members of the Dude Ranchers Association.
Outpost Cabin at Red Horse Mountain all inclusive Dude Ranch, Harrison, Idaho
Cabins at Red Horse Mountain Ranch
There are 20 suites scattered about Red Horse Mountain Ranch. I stayed at the Outpost which is conveniently located next to the hot tub and swimming pool. I had the hot tub to myself after a two hour horseback ride.
The rooms are decorated in western themes and each comes with its own bathroom and shower. The ranch offers daily housekeeping and laundry services so don’t be afraid to get muddy. I appreciated the shampoo and soap in dispensers in a nod toward plastic reduction. Don’t expect plastic water bottles in your room. However, guests do receive logo bottles during their stay with filtered water available in the lodge.
If You Go:
Red Horse Mountain Ranch (888) 689-9680
11077 East Blue Lake Road, Harrison, ID 83833
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