Singles Week at the Majestic Dude Ranch

Come join the fun for "Singles Week" which runs Sept. 18th - 24th at the Majestic Dude Ranch. Book online and enter the code MDFRIEND to get 20% off your stay on the ranch for that week!

Join in activities such as horse back riding, fly fishing, archery, line dancing, white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, screenings under the stars, swimming and much more!

Come enjoy the cool air, changing fall colors and possibly meet someone special.  Book your trip today!

Come see fall colors and a movie crew at the Majestic Dude Ranch!

Now that the kids are back to school – it’s time to treat yourself to a fantastic week at the Majestic Dude Ranch.  Due to an overwhelming level of success and support, we’ve decided to extend the season and keep the property open until the second week of October. The colors of the foliage and the turning of the seasons is simply too beautiful to be missed, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s during the day to 50s at night and snow not arriving until December in these parts.

In addition to all the activities and amenities that have already made the summer a smash, we’ll be hosting a Singles week from September 18th - 24th. Come and meet other singles in love with the outdoors and leave with some great new friends.

Beginning on September 24th, a feature film, entitled “Out West” will be shooting scenes on the Ranch and guests will have a unique opportunity to watch and interact with the cast and crew, which includes Lou Diamond Phillips (“Young Guns”, “Stand by Me”) and Parker Posey (“Superman Returns”, “Waiting for Guffman”).

As always, our first rate staff will be on hand to make your stay the best it could possibly be. Don’t let the Back to School racks fool you, it’s still time to relax and enjoy nature at the Majestic Dude Ranch.

Movies Under the Stars

Here at the Majestic Dude Ranch, we have a host of activities including everything from hay rides to horseback riding.  One thing I am proud to include on the ranch is a weekly movie screening under the stars.  Before becoming a ranch owner, I owned the historic Crest Theatre in Los Angeles. After 7 years of owning the theatre, I was ready to escape the rat race of the big city and start this exciting new adventure here in Mancos, Colorado.  I still love movies and I get a kick out of sharing them with our guests!  We have an outdoor screen and a section of western movies on DVD that we show at the ranch including 3:10 to Yuma (1957 version) and Blazing Saddles (30th Anniversary Special Edition).  No western series would be complete without several films from the legendary John Wayne!  We have a bunch of his best films on DVD including True Grit, The Cowboys,  Fort Apache, Rio Bravo and The Searchers.  We also picked up a Roy Rogers DVD box set that includes 20 films!

Our screenings also feature fresh popcorn free of charge!  This is quite a change for me since selling popcorn was how I kept the theatre afloat!

Let us know if you have any western film favorites that you'd like to see on your visit to the ranch!  

Summer Scrapbook 2011

Sorry it has been a while since we've posted.  This summer has been action packed and filled with rides on the trail, line dancing, cookouts, fishing, kayaking, archery and much more!  We earned some great reviews on Trip Advisor and Top 50 Ranches!  The guests have had a great time and will hopefully take away memories that will last forever.  Many of them are already making plans to return next summer!!  Check out our slide show and make plans to come visit the ranch.  You have a horse and a cozy cabin just waiting for your arrival.

All in a day at the Majestic Dude Ranch

Save Money on Your Next Dude Ranch Vacation!!!

So you’re finally realized that there is no better vacation than a Dude Ranch – what took you so long?  Dude ranches have resulted in more tears (fact based on Kleenex sales in the US) than any other vacation – yes, people cry when they leave.  So why do people continue to bake themselves in warm weather spots like Hawaii, the Caribbean instead of visiting the pristine, serene mountain ranges of the great American West.  Biggest reason is cost - so we’ve taken the liberty to show you how much money you’ll actually save, yes save, by the dude ranch experience in 2011:

Let’s use Hawaii as an example:

250.00 hotel room

200.00 meals

200.00 surfing lessons

10.00 suntan lotion

3000.00 Surgery to remove skin cancer lesions

$4,660.00

Ok, so maybe, just maybe you’ll survive without the surgery but you’re still looking at paying $700.00 per day, staying in a hotel that isn’t nearly as nice as your home and meeting the same people you’d typically see in your hometown.  At a dude ranch (especially the Majestic Dude Ranch), you’re looking at staying in a spacious cabin with porch, rocking chairs and surrounded by massive pine, aspen trees in the lush 8,000 elevation next to the gorgeous La Plata Mountain range, which is also known as little Switzerland.  And instead of getting burnt to a crisp and chafed from surfing, you’ll be riding into the sunset on horseback, taking a $3000.00 full-suspension mountain bike on our 2 million acres of public access land, whitewater rafting off the famous Animas River, tying your own fly and catching a trophy trout same day, using our brand new Malibu kayaks at our spacious lake, enjoying gourmet meals and enjoy a good night’s sleep on our new Tempur-pedic mattresses in all master bedrooms. 

All this only costs $1,950 for a 6 night stay per adult.  That breaks down to a cost of only $325.00 per day with meals and activities included!!!!  In this harsh economy, you can’t beat a deal like that!  Besides you won’t have to worry about skin cancer, shark attacks or a drain on your wallet. Get back in touch with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.  Kleenex not included.

Happy Trails and Warmest Regards,

Your Friends at the Majestic Dude Ranch!

Exciting News...

Happy and sad to report that the Majestic Dude Ranch just sold today to Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg for an undesclosed sum. Mark plans on using the ranch as a corporate retreat for his employees. "Ride by day, code by night" is the new Facebook corporate mission statement. I will now concentrate my efforts on making the major leagues this year. Wish you all the best and hope to see you soon at the ballpark.  By the way today is April 1st...Never mind!

And all the Trimmings...

Need help preparing 2011 dinner menu - thinking of themes for each day so here's what we have so far:

Sun - Old fashioned Western BBQ & hayride
Mon - Southern Cajun Night
Tues - Mexican Fiesta!
Wed - Gotta have Italian!
Thurs. -Asian Adventure
Friday - Prime Rib - what's the theme?  Prime Rib - or Peppercorn Rainbow Trout!

Will pay ransom for good recipe... Are we missing anything here?

What NOT to Wear at a Dude Ranch

You’re looking forward to a week of riding in the wide open spaces, the feeling of freedom, fresh air on your face and the sounds of wildlife all around you.  Instead you find yourself extremely uncomfortable and unable to truly embrace all that’s around you. And, it’s all because of the clothing you’ve packed! Yes, you do look spectacular; however, your comfort is majorly suffering!

Over the years everyone has told you what TO wear on your dude ranch vacation, but has anyone ever told you what NOT to wear? With first-hand experience, Top50 Ranches is here to alert you of What NOT to Wear on your dude ranch vacation - for your safety AND your comfort. We hope to amuse you and enlighten you!
10) Don’t dress up as a guest like John Wayne with guns on the belt...long spurs.
9) Hawaiian shirt & big screen sunglasses flapping around
8) Shorts to go horseback riding
7) Telephones, ear phones, radios in tow
6) Hat that won't stay on your head
5) Hiking boots to go riding
4) A huge cigar in your mouth
3) Austrian Lederhosen
2) Very low hip jeans - trust us, this will not be comfortable during riding! Much better for night time kickin' back. They will certainly crawl under your fanny whilst you're riding and cause great discomfort!
And...the number 1 item you should never wear on your dude ranch vacation...drum roll please...
#1)Thong underwear!
Sorry, ladies, but it's true. We're just looking out for your comfort on your riding holiday!
Now that we've covered what NOT to wear and had a little fun, let's cover what TO wear. What to wear or tote along with you during your dude ranch vacation can really vary depending upon where you're headed, what type of ranch you're headed to and what time of year, so make sure to ask each ranch to which you travel.
Here's a short list of essentials:
1 Cantene or water bottle(something smaller that can go with you on rides, but ask each ranch their policy on this)
1 pair Leather gloves(especially at a real working ranch)
2 sleeveless tops or camisoles
2 Button-down shirts
1 pair of shorts
2 pairs of jeans(seam on outside preferably and make sure to wash a handful of time to soften)
1 light, waterproof jacket
EVENING - depending upon the ranch - casual or formal, the below can vary
3 tops
2 pairs of dress jeans
1 light weight jacket
SHOES
1 pair of low heeled boots
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
1 pair of flip-flops or sandals
ACCESSORIES
1 cowboy hat(optional - but make sure it stays on your head!)
Additional Items sports bra, sunscreen, bug spray, bathing suit(depending upon the ranch), spandex shorts to wear under your jeans(not needed, but may improve your comfort - we've seen people buy those biking shorts with padding in them for their riding holiday)
Make sure to ask each ranch ahead of time if they have a blow dryer and hair wash.
Packing for Day Rides, Consider Your Horse Do make sure that you don't try to bring a lot of heavy items to carry with you each day on the horse. If you put heavy items in your saddle bag(which many times sits behind you on the saddle) it can create quite a bit of pressure and banging around on the horse's kidneys. So, please on your day rides, pack minimally. 
Additional Recommendations We do recommend working to get into shape before your dude ranch vacation experience - mainly for your comfort! It's rare in real life that you sit with your legs around a barrel for 1 hour to 6 hours a day!!

About Top50's Ranches 

Top50 Ranches showcases only the most breathtaking and authentic ranch vacations throughout the world. With only 50 ranches chosen worldwide, our ranch qualifies as a premier ranch chosen for our riding standards of excellence and unparalleled hospitality.

Top50 can provide photos upon request.

 **If you have any thoughts on fun "What NOT to Wear" from your experience in this industry, send it to Top50! We'll continue to compile them for a later highlight and give you credit! Peter at The Hideout offered a few fun tidbits for this one!

30% Friends Offer

Howdy Friends 

 Wanted to let you know that our new website is online and spotlights many of our special amenities and activities that you don’t normally see at a dude ranch:

· Your own horse and full-suspension mountain bike guided rides on over 2 million acres of spectacular southwest Colorado Trails.

·         Tempur-Pedic King beds in every cabin

·         Four new Luxury Couple cabin suites

·         Free mini bar in every room complete with your favorite snacks and drinks

·         Five star bath amenities in every cabin

·         Our very own baseball/softball field and batting cage

·         30% off on our already all inclusive low rate – bookings before April 1. 

***When booking your vacation, just enter in the promo code MRFRIEND 

and you will receive your 30% discount***

  Even if you’re not planning on a dude ranch vacation this year, please register and tell your friends about our new Facebook and Twitter  accounts that follow our exciting adventure before our summer season hits on May 29^th.   Thank you so much for all your support in the past and we hope to see you at the ranch this summer.

www.MajesticDudeRanch.com

"An Unforgettable Mountain Retreat"

Colorado Dude Ranch Convention

Hello Fellow Ranch Enthusiasts,

Just got back from the Colorado Dude Ranch Convention in Denver.  What goes on a dude ranch convention you ask?  Bunch of dudes and dudettes get together and talk about dude ranching and stuff...  More specifically, you get ideas on how to improve your ranch, discuss guest and staff safety issues, visit with vendors and learn about the all consuming and developing world of social media.  You would think in this highly competitive industry, there would be fighting, kicking, screaming, writing bad checks, etc... Nothing can be further from the truth.  Dude ranchers are some of the finest people on earth and willing to go out of their way to make a newbie like me feel welcome.

These ranchers are smart enough to realize that if the industry as a whole succeeds - we all succeed.  As a potential guest, you really can't go wrong at any Dude Ranch or Colorado Dude Ranch Association member so start planning your dude ranch adventure now. 

-robert-

Los Angeles City Slicker Buys a Dude Ranch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2011

Contact:

Nicole Haley, Publicist (310) 441-7400

info@MajesticDudeRanch.com

LOS ANGELES CITY SLICKER BUYS COLORADO’S MAJESTIC DUDE RANCH

Los Angeles resident and single-screen theatre owner Robert Bucksbaum fulfilled a lifelong

dream this past month by buying The Majestic Dude Ranch (formerly Lake Mancos Ranch).  “I

guess I should have been born in the 1800s because I have such an affinity for the simple life.”

After a harrowing stint in the military as a paratrooper, Bucksbaum returned home.  His love of movies propelled him to purchase the historic Crest Theatre in Westwood, which he renamed the Majestic Crest.  His story is very similar to the character played in The Majestic starring Jim Carrey.  The film’s director Frank Darabont gave him an autographed poster from the film which he proudly displayed in the theatre lobby.  After eight years of tearing tickets and serving popcorn, harsh economic realities slowed the theatre business to crawl.  All this time, Bucksbaum had never lost his passion for fly fishing, horseback riding or the great outdoors.  It was time for a change.  He sold the theatre and recently purchased the Lake Mancos Dude Ranch which has been in operation since 1956.  When he first saw the surrounding mountains and breathtaking vistas, he decided the word “majestic” still applied. 

Bucksbaum saw this as a unique opportunity to combine his interests in nature, outdoor activities, business and the Old West in the form of a family friendly ranch. 

The Majestic Dude Ranch sits high in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, a working guest/dude ranch just 35 minutes from Durango. Bucksbaum brings his signature enthusiasm and passion to every aspect of the ranch operations.  A wide variety of unique activities will be offered including hay rides, horseback riding, roping lessons, fly fishing, gold panning, kayaking and much more!  A lifetime baseball devotee and a fan of the film Field of Dreams, Bucksbaum is even building a full baseball field and batting cages on the ranch property.  He still retains his excitement for movies with plans for nightly film screenings under the stars. 

Bucksbaum feels confident about his unique vision for the ranch and the future possibilities it holds for his guests.  “I believe in reaching out and grabbing hold of life and living your dreams. My goal is for guests to leave the ranch feeling rejuvenated and having rediscovered the beauty of the world around them.”

### For more information, please contact: Nicole Haley, Publicist at: (310) 441-7400 or

info@majesticduderanch.com

Welcome to the Majestic Dude Ranch!

Buying this beautiful mountain ranch is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

As my guests, I am committed to giving you the best experience possible.

From sunset rides among the shimmering mountains, to a peaceful night by the fire, these will be moments and memories you will never forget.

My goal is to make the ranch feel like a second home that guests will want to return to year after year.

We look forward to sharing this 'majestic' vision with our guests and employees.

The Majestic Dude Ranch is all about family and creating a haven of peace and serenity in our fast paced world.

Come unwind, relax and join us for something out of the ordinary that is sure to leave you feeling renewed, refreshed and transformed.

We look forward to your visit... and your friendship.

-Robert-

www.majesticduderanch.com