Romantic ranch retreats are the ideal way for you and the special someone in your life to get away from it all on Valentine's Day. It's not to late to book a last-minute dude ranch vacation at one of Top50 Ranches' romantic ranch retreats, but if you've already made plans for the big day, why not surprise your loved one and book a ranch vacation for later in the year?

Last-minute Valentine's ranch vacations

Your own luxury cabin at Triple Creek Ranch

Iconic romantic images from Legends of the Fall spring to mind when you think of Montana dude ranches, so jet of to Big Sky Country Valentine's for a romantic ranch vacation. Triple Creek Ranch is a couples haven: the mountain retreat has luxury private log cabins in the woods, complete with welcome basket of wine and goodies, private hot tub, and his-and-hers bathtubs - perfect for a secluded romantic getaway. Dine at the chef's table or enjoy candlelit dinners in the romantic dining room with dramatic views of the Bitterroot Mountains, plus moonlight strolls and movies under the stars. This Valentine's Day at Triple Creek, pastry chef Troy Himmelmen will offer a selection of chocolate delights, while sommelier, Jerry White, will suggest the right wine for each treat.

Montana dude ranch The Ranch at Rock Creek's winter season offers an ideal alternative to busy, expensive ski resorts, with phenomenal skiing hidden just minutes away. Offering tailor-made experiences and with no strict schedule, Rock Creek's secluded environment is perfect for a romantic getaway. Enjoy a couples massage in the full service spa and 5 star dining in The Granite Lodge, or for real romance take an evening horseback ride or intimate 2-seater winter sleigh ride.

Montana dude ranch Lone Mountain offers 85km of Nordic ski trails and world class downhill skiing just 6 miles away. Or why not head off the ranch and explore Yellowstone National Park? For a more relaxing vacation, enjoy a romantic on-the-snow buffet or sleigh ride dinner, gourmet ranch cuisine and relaxing massages.

Romantic sleigh rides on C Lazy U's Valentine's Special

For an extra-special Valentine's weekend dedicated to couples, head to Colorado dude ranch C Lazy U Ranch, and book the Valentine’s Day and Weekend Special* where you can enjoy a 39% discount on normal rates, plus 2-for-1 on couples massages. The romantic package includes afternoon arrival, a candlelit dinner for two, overnight accommodation in a luxury cabin, breakfast the next morning and a horseback excursion or sleigh ride prior to departure. *Available February 10-15, 2012, priced at $399 per couple/$199.50 per person. Standard two-night winter minimum waivered for couples. Additional nights, including standard meals and activities, priced at normal rate.

Or head to Echo Valley Ranch and Spa in British Columbia, Canada, which offers winter packages ideally suited to couples. A welcome glass of champagne or mulled wine awaits in your private deluxe cabin or sumptuous Baan Thai suite, and you can take a dip in the outdoor hot tub or indoor heated swimming pool, and indulge in one of the many treatments offered by the full-service spa. With self-guided snowshoeing & ski trails, you and your partner can get away from it all in the snowy Canadian wilderness.

Couples' ranch vacations for 2012

If booking a last-minute ranch vacation is out of the question, you can still surprise your loved one on Valentine's Day by booking a romantic ranch vacation for you both to take later in the year. A good option if you prefer your holidays to involve warmth and sunshine! Best of all, during the summer season you have the choice of all of Top50's best romantic ranch escapes. Here's our top pick of romantic ranch vacations for couples...

Relax during couples' week at Free Rein Ranch

Free Rein Guest Ranch in British Columbia, Canada, is all about letting you do what you wish, when you wish - whether that's horseback riding, bathing in secluded lakes, picnicing by the shoreline or simply enjoying a snooze in the shade. For a romantic ranch getaway, the best time to visit is in October, when Free Rein waves goodbye to the kids and dedicates the entire month to adults, meaning a quieter and more intimate atmosphere. As the nights start to draw in, drinking, partying and long lie-ins become more commonplace that action-packed days, so if you're looking for true relaxation and the freedom to do what you choose, this is the ranch to come to.

Kick back during Couples Bootcamp at Alisal

Also in October, Alisal Guest Ranch in California, USA, will play host to 'Couples Bootcamp'. From October 18 to 21, 2012, treat your other half to daily horseback rides, breakfast rides to the historic old Adobe, nightly entertainment, and all meals including gourmet wine dinners and a special lakeside dinner. The two of you will also enjoy a moonlight hay ride, romantic turn-down gifts and, of course, plenty of time for relaxing in each other's company.

Head to Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado, USA, and enjoy the privacy of your own private log cabin and private dining opportunities. Dining at Vista Verde is a real treat, with wine an integral part of the dining experience and Executive Chef, Matt Campbell, leading wine tastings and cookign classes.

Three Bars Ranch in British Columbia, Canada, offers wonderful spa facilities if you or your other half want a pampering ranch vacation. Here, high season for couples is concentrated more in spring and fall, so visit at these times of year for a more intimate and adult-oriented dude ranch vacation.

The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, USA, offers first-class service and luxurious accommodations. Think gourmet cuisine, couples' spa treatments, personalized service, and amenities such as heated bathroom floors, rain showers, organic spa products and hot tubs. Romantic accommodations don't get better than private luxury homes and luxury tents, and with the ranch staff's attentive, anticipatory service, first-class hospitality is guaranteed at Paws Up.

Siwash Lake Ranch in British Columbia, Canada, is a small, private and truly intimate hideaway perfect for a romantic ranch retreat. Enjoy private fine dining, couples' massages magically delivered in the woods under canvas, and private horseback rides. With a high staff:guest ratio, you and your partner are guaranteed royal pampering and personal service.

Luxury safari camp at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Another British Columbia luxury Canada guest ranch is Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Top50's only luxury tented safari camp. Just like Prince William whisked Kate off on a safari adventure to pop the question, you can treat the love of your life to the ultimate romantic safari setting. Privacy is ensured in your own luxury tent complete with King bed, full en-suite bathroom with double sinks, heated floors, and indoor and outdoor showers. Take guided wiildlife safaris to see orca whales, sea otters and black bears, then relax back at the ranch with a couples massage and private 5-course meal.

Elk Mountain Ranch in Colorado, USA, might be a family ranch, but visit in September for adult weeks and you'll experience a much more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, thanks to a reduced guest capacity and an emphasis is on riding and relaxing. Think romantic trail ride cookouts, champagne brunches and a country candlelight dinner, as well as massages and hot tub facilities.

The Castle Room Suite at Estancia Ranquilco

For a more exotic romantic ranch vacation, head south to Argentina where adventure at Estancia Ranquilco awaits. Head out into the romantic wilderness for a pack trip into the mountains for all or part of your stay, or base your entire stay at the beautiful estancia where you'll have your own 'wing' of the stone lodge. We recommend The Castle Room suite, boasting a raised double bed offering amazing views of the river canyon below, and French doors to your private stone patio overlooking the river and mountains where you can enjoy private meals. When night draws in, cozy up in the adjoining sitting room by the stone fireplace complete with natural “heart” stones from the area, with a glass of Argentine Malbec. Sumptuous meals can be enjoyed out on the terrace with sweeping views of the Trocoman River or, for a more romantic setting, silver-service style with crystal and fine china in the dining room.

For more information on any of Top50's romantic ranch vacations, visit Top50Ranches.com

Colorado dude ranches offer some of the world's best guest ranch vacations, and Badger Creek Ranch, located high in the spectacular Colorado Rocky Mountains, is no exception. As a traditional working cattle ranch, Badger Creek Ranch offers authentic working ranch vacations perfectly suited to keen riders and wannabe cowboys.

Cattle work at Badger Creek

Step through the gates of Badger Creek Ranch owners Susan and Eric Hotaling promise you the guest ranch vacation adventure of a lifetime. Join their crew of wranglers and ride fences, round up, doctor and sort their cattle as you immerse yourself in western cowboy culture. Life at this Colorado guest ranch is traditional and authentic, and with a guest capacity of just six, Badger Creek creates a small, homely atmosphere where first-rate hospitality and service come first.

Saddle up one of the ranch’s sturdy cow horses to cover mile upon mile of mesas, and ride the open range. After a long day in the saddle, enjoy hearty home-cooked meals, served family style in the dining room with the family. After an evening spent sitting out under the starry Colorado sky recounting the day’s adventures and planning the next one, retire to traditional and comfortable accommodations in the ranch bunkhouse and prepare for another day of western adventure.

With no set schedule, each day at Badger Creek runs to guests’ requests and needs – be it improving horsemanship skills in the arena under the quiet, calm tutelage of Eric; taking relaxing horseback rides through beautiful open country vistas or to ancient ruins on the ranch; or tackling everyday ranch work with Badger Creek’s cowboy crew. Whatever it is you want from your guest ranch vacation, Badger Creek will provide.

Not a rider? Not a problem - although ideal for keen and competent riders, the adult-oriented ranch welcomes guests without any prior horseback riding experience. Beginners are coached on the basics in the arena until confident and able to head out on the open range, and Eric is always on hand to impart his extensive horsemanship knowledge and ensure your comfort. Feeling a little saddle sore? Then take advantage of Badger Creek’s many off-ranch activities, which include rafting, fishing, trips to ghost towns and festivals, and much more.

If you're looking for an authentic taste of western ranch and rural life in a peaceful, tranquil environment, you'd be mad not to take a guest ranch vacation at Badger Creek Ranch!

For more information and to book, visit Badger Creek’s ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com or Email us.

Canada dude ranch Clayoquot Wilderness Resort was recently chosen as one of the world's Top50 Ranches, one of six British Columbia dude ranches to make it into Top50's discerning collection of luxury dude ranch vacations. Clayoquot’s breathtaking coastal location on Vancouver Island, its luxury tented safari camp and its diverse range of land and sea adventure activities are just some of the reasons this luxury Canada dude ranch stands out from the rest.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is Top50’s only luxury tented safari camp, where guests can enjoy the magical, unique experience of sleeping under the stars in canvassed accommodations more luxurious than your average 5-star hotel. Whether you're looking for breathtaking horseback riding, luxury pampering, adventure - or all three, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort won't disappoint.

Horseback riding at this luxury Canada dude ranch is suitable for all ages and abilities, and guests are given opportunity to learn about all aspects of horse care from the experienced team of wranglers. Non-riders, novices and advanced riders alike will love Clayoquot’s personalized approach to their riding program, guaranteeing you get the most out of your horseback riding holiday. Whether you ride through the temperate rainforest, river valley or spectacular mountain trails, all rides are highly personalized and tailored to your specific requests.

For true adventure, Clayoquot’s wildlife safaris offer the opportunity of a lifetime - think spotting the likes of black bear, whales, sea lions, harbour seals and sea otters! Adding to the wilderness experience is Clayoquot's extensive range of adventure activities, including deep-sea fishing, whale watching, surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, climbing and archery. One thing's for sure, you won't get bored at this Canada dude ranch!

If you're looking for a more relaxing dude ranch vacation, head to the dude ranch's secluded beaches, hot springs or luxury tented spa. Indulge in a spot of yoga, a soak in the hot tub, massages, facials and many more spa treatments, for the ultimate relaxation experience.

And the luxury doesn’t stop there – dining at Clayoquot is a truly gourmet experience, Executive Chef Ryan Orr’s ‘modern natural’ cuisine winning critical acclaim. Fresh and whole-food oriented, Chef Ryan's exquisite meals are created using ingredients sourced from local suppliers and there are menu options to suit every dietary requirement – from vegan to fruitarian, and from low-carb to high-protein diets. Foodies can even enjoy foraging excursions and cookery classes with Chef Ryan himself - simply ask and Clayoquot will arrange.

With such attention to detail and bespoke, personalized service in all it does, it’s no wonder Clayoquot Wilderness Resort has made it into Top50’s discerning collection of luxury ranch vacations – this Canada dude ranch really does offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

For more information and to book, visit Clayoquot Wilderness Resort’s ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com.

Canada dude ranch The Ranch at Siwash Lake is Top50’s latest addition to its exclusive range of quality dude ranch vacations. At Siwash Lake, an authentic 4th-generation luxury dude ranch, guests can expect nothing but the best and most personalised and luxurious dude ranch vacation. This exclusive, intimate hideaway offers action-packed adventure in the remote and rugged heartland of British Columbia – from wilderness survival and skeet shooting, to fishing for trout on sparkling waters, to mountain biking in the back country and canoeing across the shimmering Siwash Lake.

Siwash Lake Ranch lodge

Of course, no Canada dude ranch vacation would be complete without horseback riding, and Siwash Lake offers one of Canada’s best and most unique riding programs. Catering for beginner to advanced riders, Siwash Lake gives each guest their own personal horse for the duration of their stay, whether they choose to take private rides with a guide for one-on-one tuition to hone their riding skills and learn about the ranch’s nature and history, or simply head out on their own for an unescorted horseback ride through the BC wilderness over 80,000 acres of pristine rangeland. Horseback riding is always tailored to guests’ needs and is available for as little or as often as they wish – whether it’s an hour in the saddle here and there or all-day rides. Guests choosing the latter can ride down to the river for swimming, fishing and a campfire picnic; to a high mountain bluff for an exquisite view; or an epic seven-hour trip through canyons to breathtaking waterfalls.

Fine dining at Siwash Lake Ranch

Tired muscles can be soothed with a relaxing treatment in the luxury tented spa, be it a relaxation or deep-tissue massage, manicure, facial or pedicure. And when all that riding, adventuring and pampering has conjured up a royal appetite, guests can sit down to dining fit for a king. Fresh, healthy food reigns at Siwash Lake, and their ranch-grown, local, organic fare rivals that of fine city dining. The Canada dude ranch serves up delicious, designer food that is simple, clean, not overly intricate and most certainly light, healthy and nourishing. Appetites satiated, guests can retire to peaceful sleep amidst the softest linens in the ranch’s rustically refined honey-hued log cabins, or cozy under canvas beneath the stars in luxury tented accommodations.

What really sets this Canada dude ranch apart from the rest is its personal, intimate service. Taking a maximum of 16-24 guests, Siwash Lake’s 14 staff will ensure royal pampering and personalised hospitality. Families, too, are welcome, with the dude ranch offering a quality children’s program for guests wishing to pre-arrange.

For the ultimate, intimate Canada dude ranch vacation, it has to be The Ranch at Siwash Lake.

For more information and to book, view Siwash Lake's ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com

Western ranch vacations combined with a spot of pampering - that's a 'Rope & Soak' at a Top50 ranch! From honeymoons to girlfriends’ getaways, Rope & Soak dude ranch vacations offer a great new way to take a western horseback riding holiday.

You got up at the crack of dawn for a hearty cowboy breakfast before going down to the barn to saddle your horse. You’ve been riding all day, moving cattle and taking in mile after mile of breathtaking scenery. Moseying back to the ranch at the end of a long day, you’re tired but content. Surely the only thing that could top off your day is a soothing massage and a long soak in a bubbling hot tub. On a Rope & Soak vacation at a Top50 ranch, you can do just that.

There’s no reason why getting the most authentic western ranch vacation can’t offer pampering and luxury too, a winning combination hailed by The Hideout ranch in Wyoming, USA. European-style pampering and luxury spa facilities run alongside unbeatable horseback riding with ample opportunity for cattle work on the 250,000 working cattle ranch.

Or head to Bonanza Creek ranch in Montana, USA, which offers a comprehensive range of massages, Reiki, yoga and hot tub facilities alongside regular pasture gathers. Another Montana guest ranch is Triple Creek, where guests can take part in cattle drives and even work with the ranch’s bison herd. After a day riding alongside real cowboys, Triple Creek’s pool, hot tub and spa treatments await, to soothe those aching muscles.

Cowboy by day... (photo taken at Bonanza Creek Ranch, Montana USA)

Not forgetting Echo Valley Ranch and Spa in British Columbia, Canada, with its spa facilities rivaling that of 5-star hotels. Echo Valley is ideally suited to less experienced horseback riders wishing to immerse themselves in western cowboy culture and be pampered to the max! A great ranch for non-riders and families, it has something for everyone in truly beautiful mountain surroundings.

...And pampering by night (photo taken at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, BC, Canada)

The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana, USA, offer the feel of the ‘true west’ without sacrificing true comfort. Here, ranch vacations are tailor-made to suit guest requirements, meaning as much or as little horseback riding and pampering as you wish. Guests can get their cowboy fix at the ranch’s weekly authentic rodeo, then rejuvenate at Rock Creek’s dedicated 5-room full spa service. This ranch screams luxury!

C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado, USA, has perhaps the most unique spa for a Rope & Soak vacation. Its outdoor setting suggests western authenticity and gives guests that feeling of reconnecting with nature. Housed inside year-round canvas tents complete with glass-bottom, hydronic-heated floors and furnishings made from the ranch’s very own wood, the spa boasts beautiful views across the creek. After an action-packed day of cattle gathering, this is perfect place to relax and unwind with a massage, facial, or C Lazy U’s signature ‘Cowboy Soak’ – a moonlit soak in old-fashioned, deep copper tubs overlooking the creek, complete with champagne and strawberries.

The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, USA, is the ideal choice for less experienced riders looking for an authentic western vacation with second-to-none spa facilities. The ranch offers arena-based lessons and cattle sorting, as well as pasture gathers for all riding levels. Those new-found riding muscles can be soothed at the Paws Up spa, which offers relaxation massage, deep-tissue massage, rock therapies and countless other spa treatments.

Whatever your requirements on your dude ranch vacation, Top50 Ranches has a ranch to meet your needs. Whether it’s horseback riding action, relaxation, family friendly, true luxury or a mixture of everything, you’ll find it on a Rope & Soak.

Spa treatments at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa (British Columbia, Canada)

Whoever said ‘age is no barrier’ hit the nail on the head when it comes to the case of Meredith Trow ‘MT’ Morrison from Albert Lea, Minnesota (pictured below). At 100 years old, MT certainly didn’t show his age when he recently took up the reins on a dude ranch vacation at Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge, enjoying a week at the Montana guest ranch participating in all the ranch activities – including western horseback riding!

So what is MT’s secret to such a long life? “Good genes, I guess,” says the centurian. “I haven’t done anything unusual to get there – I’m just lucky, that’s all.” With his two brothers still going at the ages of 92 and 88, MT must be right about the genes. With family spanning across the United States – from the reaches of Boston and Las Vegas to Coral Gables, Florida – MT boasts seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Back in his younger days, MT graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1929 before attending the University of Minnesota for two years for general studies, and he remained there until he was drafted. And didn’t spend his century of life alone. In 1932 MT married June Peterson, of Clarks Grove, and together they had three boys – John, Mike and Toby. Sadly, June passed away in 2001.

MT remains philosophical about his years: "I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have youthful laughs be forever etched into deep groves in my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn to silver.”

As far as the inspirational MT is concerned, life only gets better with age: “As you get older it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think, and I don't question myself anymore – I've earned the right to be wrong. I’m not going to live forever, but while I am here, I won’t waste time lamenting what I could have been or worrying about what will be. And I’ll eat dessert every day if I feel like it!"

Discover more about guest ranch vacations at Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge.

Top50’s Chico Basin Ranch in Colorado, USA, has opened the gates of Ranchlands Horse Sanctuary, offering homes to retired or injured horses.

Ranchlands Horse Sanctuary (RHS) is a new program launched by working guest ranch Chico Basin, in Colorado Springs. Specializing in providing homes for retired or injured horses, RHS offers owners somewhere to place their horse, safe in the knowledge their animal will spend the rest of its days happy and healthy on open range pastures.

Says Chico Basin’s David Leach: “Our goal is to provide horses a home in their natural environment, where they can live free to run, sleep and eat to their fill. We welcome horses that are physically able to live in open range conditions, as their ancestors did, centuries ago. We run over 150 horses that are used on the cattle and bison ranches that we run, so we understand horses and all the details pertaining to their care and welfare.”

For horses coming from small, contained environments, moving to the expanse and freedom of Chico Basin’s open range can be a dramatic change. The RHS program places special attention on monitoring all horses within the herd, and ensuring each animal requiring special attention is cared for appropriately. Where necessary this includes supplemental feed, hoof trimming, medical treatment and care of injuries.

Owners contribute an annual fee to place their horse under the care of RHS, plus costs for special care items not already covered by the program.

Do you have a horse who would love to spend the rest of his days in his natural environment, receiving first class care and medical attention? To discover how you can take part in the program, contact Ranchlands Horse Sanctuary on (719) 683.7960.

For more information, full program Terms and Conditions, and to learn about a special discount for ACHTA members, visit www.chicobasinranch.com.

The Top50 Ranches team has been clickin’ its heel at news that three of its showcased guest ranch vacations are soon to be coming to a TV screen near you! ABC News will soon feature Zapata Ranch, Chico Basin Ranch, the Sugar and Spice Ranch, and new addition to Top50, Burntwell Ranch. Dates will be announced shortly, so be sure to check back to Top50 Ranches over the next week for confirmation.

Can’t catch the live TV screening of these Top50 USA guest ranches on ABC News? Don’t worry – after the show has been broadcast on ABC News, you’ll be able to watch the footage from Zapata, Chico Basin, Burntwell and Sugar and Spice ranches on the news channel’s website, www.abcnews.go.com

As if that weren’t enough, Zapata, Chico Basin, and Sugar and Spice ranches have also clinched a second high-profile media deal, with their guest ranch vacations being featured on luxury lifestyle guide website Just Luxe. Read the articles here!

Whether you head to one of Top50's dude ranch vacations, guest ranch vacations,working ranch vacations we know you'll have a great time. Or book a riding holiday estancia Argentina or a riding holiday, or to a working ranch in New Zealand, or go horse trekking in Australia, either way Top50 can help you find that ideal ranch experience.

Guest ranch vacations don’t come better than a visit to Tod Mountain Ranch – and here’s your chance to scoop some fantastic offers on western horseback riding vacations at this British Columbia guest ranch. But you’ll have to hurry, as many dates are already fully booked on the amazing deals running on selected dates during July and August - so make your summer one to remember with a guest ranch vacation at Tod Mountain...

4-night mid-week stay in July: Save over 20%

Book a four-night package on selected dates in July for the special rate of $825 per person. Guest ranch vacation package includes four nights’ accommodation, all meals and three days’ horseback riding.

Available only: 4th – 8th; 18th – 22nd; and 25th – 29th July, 2011

5-night stay in August: Save $295 per person

Book a five-night package on selected dates in August for our special rate of $995 per person. Guest ranch vacation package includes five nights’ accommodation, all meals and four days’ horseback riding.

Available only: 7th – 12th; 14th – 19th; and 21st – 26th August, 2011

Space is limited and subject to availability, so book today! Telephone toll-free on 1-877-488-8881 to reserve your place, or visit www.todmountainranch.com

Learn more about Tod Mountain Ranch: view Top50 Profile

Zapata Ranch’s Media Features and Highlights…

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 1 of 3 Best Ranches in America for a Real, Working Ranch Vacation

Western Horseman Magazine 1 of 15 Best Holidays and Riding Vacations to Book Today; Described as "one of the world's most spectacular and diverse landscapes."

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine The Best Ranch Lodging and Dining in Colorado

America's Heartland TV Show Featured as an Unforgettable Experience in the World of Agriculture

The National Beautifully highlights the history of the buffalo and the windswept plains of Zapata Ranch

CBS Denver News 1 of 5 Top Ranches in Colorado

Go back to Zapata Ranch Storefront.

Visit Zapata Ranch at www.zranch.org