The Thoughtful Travel Podcast · Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Russell True explains that a 'dude ranch' is essentially a ranch that hosts guests, varying greatly in style and architecture from log cabins to adobe structures. He highlights that these ranches often include glamping options and many are historic, having hosted notable figures like presidents and the Rockefeller family, serving as early destination vacations in the American West.
“You know, I think we are in an unusual accommodation in the broad sense. You're at a ranch. And people say, what's a dude ranch? And my short, honest answer is a ranch that takes guests.”
“Dude ranches also in specific have unusual accommodations. Several dude ranches include glamping in these, you know, high end tents in beautiful locations again.”
“And the Rockefellers and the Roosevelt and all the other names that we know, they're, uh, they're dude ranches invited them out here. And we were the first destination vacation in the West.”