Frequently Asked Questions

What will the weather be like?

There are no guarantees regarding the weather. These are the ranges of average daytime highs as a general guideline: March 30-60, April 40-70, May 50-80, June 70-90, July and August 80-100, September 60-80, October 50-70. In the summer nights are usually 55-65 degrees. We have low humidity, so the high's don't feel as hot as those places east of here with high humidity. March and April are the wettest months. If you own a rain slicker, you can bring it. Bring a light weight coat even in the summer just in case.

What is the best time of year to visit the ranch?

That depends on how warm you like it to be when you are riding, see the first question. Because we are a real cattle ranch, we do not schedule the specific dates we work cattle months in advance. We do work with our reservation calendar when making decisions about when we work cattle or move cattle when we have some flexibility. We do our best to give you the ranch vacation experience and the riding challenge many are looking for.

How many hours will we ride each day?

This depends upon your experience level and whether you purchase the ranch vacation package or pleasure riding by the hour ala carte. The majority of our riders, including very experienced riders, after 5-6 hours are physically done. When you are trotting and loping over rough terrian and working with cattle, you tire much more quickly than walking along in a nose-to-tail trail ride. Your physical shape and how often you ride are all part of the equation.

What type of riding will we do?

We set the pace and the route based on the experience level of each group. We do not do nose-to-tail trail rides, so we ask that all guests have previous experience with horses.

Will we be safe?

Your safety is our top priority. We always carry a cell phone for emergency communication. Crawford has an excellent volunteer fire department with trained EMT's on call. We take our time matching you with your horse based on your experience level, making sure you are comfortable starting, stopping and steering before we head out into the pasture, girth straps are tight, and stirrups are the appropriate length.

How experienced do I have to be?

We set the pace and the route based on the experience level of each group. We do not do nose-to-tail trail rides, so we ask that all guests have previous experience with horses. We have had guests with a huge range of experiences. We will talk with your personally to determine if our ranch is a good fit for your group based on your previous experiences, and your ranch vacation desires.

Can I bring my own horse?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own horse. Given the cost and hassel of traveling with horses, very few guest have chosen to do this. Our horses are used to our terrian, elevation, each other, and know their way around the ranch. The price of the ranch vacation package is the same whether you use or horses or your own.

Can I bring my own tack?

You are welcome to bring your own saddle.

What is our minimum age?

Children ages 5-8 are welcome to ride in a buddy saddle, children 7 and up might be able to ride on their own horse depending on their experience level

What is our maximum weight?

If you weigh more than 225 lbs, then you  may be limited in the number of hours that you can ride and the pace may need to be slower. This will depend on your physical shape

How many cows do you have?

Our ranch will support 200 cow/calf pairs and we usually have close to that many, unless we are in a drought.

Will we have an internet connection?

We are in the process of installing wireless routers in both of our homes, so for the 2010 season there should be a wifi service in both cabins. This can be turned off at your request if you are desiring a complete retreat from normal life.

Will we have cell phone service?

Most of the high places on the ranch have good reception for most carriers. Cabin #1 normally has good reception, cabin #2 does not have reception. You can always drive or walk up the road a bit from cabin #2  to get reception.

What will we need to bring?

Absolutely necessary: Jeans, boots with a heel, clothing to be worn in layers to shed as the day warms up, a jacket or sweatshirt that is not bulky and can easily be stored in a saddle bag or tied to the saddle, your spirit of adventure and flexibility. Very good ideas: A hat or sunglasses, gloves, camera, a favorite water bottle. If you travel or pack light, we have some available that you can use, or you can purchase them locally.

How do we know you are a legitimate business?

We would be happy to provide you with a list of references.

Will be able to do laundry?

You are welcome to use our washer and dryer if you need to do a load of laundry.

What time should we arrive?

We try to clean the cabins as quickly as possible after guests leave in the morning. Most of the time the cabins are ready by noon. Please call us to discuss your arrival time if you wish to arrive earlier than 3pm a few days in advance if we have not discussed this when making the reservation.