Bargain ranch vacations don't have to mean compromising on quality and high standards. Take a dude ranch vacation at Top50's Lone Mountain Guest Ranch this June and you'll save a whopping 10%, thanks to the Montana dude ranch's special offer. The discount ranch vacations are so tempting, we've named them Top50 Ranch Special of the Month for April 2012. Hurry and book your spot now, because this discount ranch vacation offer is sure to sell out quickly! Scroll down for details...

Lone Mountain Guest Ranch:  Save 10% in June 2012

Dude ranch vacations are made extra special with Lone Mountain's great savings

Save 10% between June 17 - June 30 2012 at Lone Mountain Guest Ranch in Montana, USA. Experience Yellowstone National Park with the new baby animals, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, kids programs, incredible food, wildflowers, BBQs, evening programs and more at this luxury Montana dude ranch!

Rates start at $2,414/ person based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a small cabin for 7 nights.

 View Lone Mountain's Top50 ranch profile for rates and more information

Mexico horse riding holidays offer adventure travelers the ultimate way to experience the culture of the southern Americas. First populated more than 13,000 years ago, Mexico has fused its native civilizations with European culture. Mexico ranch vacations offer fine hospitality, authentic Mexican cuisine, diverse land and plant life and pristine, free and unspoiled backcountry - making for exotic Mexico horseback riding holidays at great value. And none more so than at Los Banos Ranch in safe and secure north east Sonora, Mexico. This private 30,000-acre eco-adventure and nature travel guest ranch is also a genuine Mexican working cattle ranch and wilderness preserve, and located just 50 miles south of the south east Arizona town of Douglas. Los Banos Ranch is best known for its world-class horseback riding and trail rides, along with hiking, walking and trekking wilderness, and box canyon adventures.

Hike through the Sonora desert at Los Banos Ranch

And Mexico horse riding holidays at Los Banos just got better thanks to the ranch's special offers for 2012 - rates that offer such incredible value, they have been chosen as Top50 Ranches' 'Ranch Special of the Month' for March 2012!

Four and five-night stays at Los Banos
Cost: $115/night per guest, based on double occupancy; $135 single occupancy rate
Dates: Valid for stays 10 April - 30 September, 2012
Includes: All-inclusive, round trip from Tucson included

Stays of six or more nights at Los Banos
Cost: $99/night per guest, based on double occupancy; $119 single occupancy rate
Dates: Valid for stays 10 April - 30 September, 2012
Includes: All-inclusive, round trip from Tucson included

For more information and to book, view the Los Banos Ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com

Dude ranch vacation Special Offers for May 2012, from Tod Mountain Ranch in British Columbia, Canada. Treat your mom or yourself to a dude ranch vacation at this Canada guest ranch...

Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration

When? Friday 11th – Sunday 13th May, 2012
How much? $495 per person
What's included? Rate includes 2 nights accommodation, riding on Saturday and Sunday, all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages at the ranch, use of all ranch facilities during your stay. Rate excludes taxes and gratuities.
Itinerary Arrive Friday after 4pm for dinner. Enjoy a variety of trail rides on Saturday and Sunday morning. Take advantage of the facilities and activities at the ranch throughout your stay and enjoy a special Mother’s Day lunch prepared by our resident Chef on Sunday. Depart Sunday after lunch.

May Long Weekend

When? Friday 18th – Monday 21st May, 2012
How much? $745 per person
What's included? Rate includes 3 nights accommodation, riding on Saturday & Sunday (morning & afternoon) and Monday morning, all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks at the ranch, use of all ranch facilities during your stay. Rate excludes taxes and gratuities.
Itinerary Arrive Friday after 4pm for Dinner. Enjoy full days of riding on Saturday and Sunday and take one last morning ride on Monday. Relax and enjoy the facilities and activities at the ranch throughout your stay. Depart Monday after lunch.

For full details on dude ranch vacations at this Canada guest ranch, see Tod Mountain's ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com

For full details of these packages and other special offers from Tod Mountain Ranch, click here.

Dude ranch vacations at Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort are always going to be wonderful, but to make them even more special, this luxury dude ranch is giving you the opportunity to save money on your ranch vacation to the California dude ranch! Alisal Guest Ranch's valuable getaway packages for 2012 will appeal to steak lovers, budding singers and songwriters, moms and daughters, couples, wannabe cowgirls and more! Take a look at these special dude ranch vacation offers and find the package that'll make your 2012 dude ranch vacation to Alisal that extra bit special...

View over the Alisal lake

SONGWRITERS’ WORKSHOP: February 5-12, 2012
Budding singer or songwriter? This package offers a unique opportunity to personally work alongside Jim Messina, one the legendary musicians of this generation. This intensive seven-day package will help you develop songwriting and performance skills, and includes:
• Intensive seven-day workshop hosted by Jim Messina
• Saturday night concert performance with participants, celebrity guests and Jim Messina
• Studio accommodation for eight days and seven nights
• Daily meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner

WEEKEND CONCERT PACKAGE: February 10-12, 2012
For Jim Messina fans, Alisal is offering a the chance to join Jim in an intimate evening of acoustic music and fine dining along with celebrity guest performances, in addition to all that the ranch has to offer. The package includes:
• Studio accommodation for three days and two nights
• Welcome basket including Jim Messina’s latest CD
• Saturday night cocktail reception
• Private dinner featuring local wines
• Saturday night concert
• Breakfast and dinner daily
• Unlimited horseback riding, golf green fees, tennis, and fishing at Alisal Lake

BBQ BOOTCAMP: March 8-11, 2012
Full details here

MOTHER – DAUGHTER COWGIRL BOOTCAMP: March 29 - April 1, 2012
This laid-back escape is a fantastic way to strengthen bonds and build fond memories that will last a lifetime. Wranglin’ cowgirls will learn the fundamentals of barrel racing, roping, and trail riding. This package includes:
• Studio accommodation for four days and three nights
• Cowgirl western amenity basket upon arrival
• Receptions each evening
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner, including wine with dinner
• Gourmet picnic lunch, hat shaping and archery lesson at Alisal lake
• Line dancing instruction
• Daily horseback rides, roping, and barrel racing lessons and a mini cattle round-up

COWGIRL BOOTCAMP: May 6-9, 2012
On this all-inclusive adventurous retreat, women can look forward to exploring over 50 miles of beautiful trails, learning archery, fishing and hat shaping all within the stunning surrounds of Alisal. The package includes:
• Studio accommodation for four days and three nights
• Gift basket filled with Cowgirl Amenities on arrival
• Cocktail receptions each evening
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner, including wine with dinner
• Private wine maker's presentation
• Gourmet picnic lunch at Alisal lake
• Daily horseback rides with instruction and cattle round up
• Line dancing, archery, hat shaping and barrel racing lessons
• Nightly live entertainment in Alisal's Oak Room

COUPLES BOOTCAMP: October 8-21, 2012
This is an ideal opportunity to treat your other half to a first-class Alisal adventure filled with thrills and pampered pleasures. The package includes:
• Daily horseback rides
• Rodeo instruction
• Breakfast ride to the historic old Adobe
• A Fly-fishing lesson
• Nightly entertainment
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Alisal Signature Massage for two
• Gourmet wine dinner and special lakeside dinner
• Moonlight hay ride
• Romantic turn-down gifts
• Taxes and service charges

HARVEST WEEKEND WITH LUCAS & LEWELLEN VINEYARDS: November 2012
This fall, join the Alisal Guest Ranch with Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards for an unforgettable weekend to celebrate the fall harvest. This Western-focused wine event includes entry to an exclusive Harvest Party, a winemaker’s dinner, breakfast horseback ride, BBQ dinner, dancing, live entertainment and much more. The Harvest Party features live music, barrel and tank sampling and production tours. Complete the weekend with a round of golf, horseback riding or just relax and reflect on the bounty of the weekend. The package includes:
• Studio accommodation for three days and two nights
• Welcome basket
• Breakfast and dinner daily, including wine with dinner
• Welcome wine reception and BBQ dinner
• Line dancing and Western entertainment
• Sunday Breakfast ride to the Historic Adobe
• Transportation and admission to Lucas & Lewellen Harvest Party
• Wine reception
• Winemaker’s dinner with Lucas and Lewellen Principals
• Horseback riding on scheduled two hour rides, golf green fees, tennis and fishing at Alisal Lake

ROUND-UP VACATION: September – May
During select times of the year, the Alisal offers a special "Round-Up Vacation" Package. Unlimited golf, horseback riding on the regularly scheduled two-hour rides, access to the Fitness Center and Spa, tennis and fishing are included in the regular price of the room. This package applies to only two people per room and is non-transferable.
Availability: The Round-Up Vacation Package is offered on stays of two or more consecutive nights, Sunday through Thursday from September - May. It is also offered on weekends from November through March. Holiday and summer restrictions apply. Inclusive activities begin at 1:00 pm on the day of arrival and end at 12:00 noon on the day of departure.

For prices and reservations, email reservations@alisal.com or visit www.alisal.com

Top50's inaugural Advent Calendar competition, which ran December 1-24 last year, received an amazing response. Thousands of you visited Top50Ranches.com in the run-up to Christmas, entering a new competition each day for a chance to win ranch vacations, $1,000 vouchers, jewelry, clothing and much, much more.

Christmas might be over for another year, but for the lucky winners of the Advent Calendar prizes, the presents just keep on coming! Congratulations to the following people who were chosen as the lucky winners...

1st: Ranch vacation at Tod Mountain Ranch - Natalie Mendik

2nd: Men's Roper Amarillo shirt - Toni Wilhite

3rd: Arabian Essence calendar - Sarah Dickinson

4th: Majestic Dude Ranch vaca discount and gear - Jennifer Blalock

5th: Montana Silversmiths antique bracelet - Arlene Toland

6th: 'Lifting the Wheel of Karma' novel by Paul H Magid - Sue Roughley, Peggy Kosinski, Peggy Butler, Deb Southerland, Laurie Mack, Marion Gold, Virginia Brahmer, Russel Hide, Janice Crittendon, Gary Lynn Olsen

7th: Subscription to COWGIRL Magazine - Jane Evelo

8th: Ranch vacation at The Hideout - Farrah Ritter

9th: Montana Silversmiths Bitteroot Knife - Candace Stewart

10th: 'The Majesty of the Horse' book, courtesy of Estancia Los Potreros - Denise Drane

11th: Lil' Red Roan handmade cowgirl cuff - Susie Blackmon

12th: Ladies' cashmere-lined leather gloves - Joelle Smith

13th: Subscription to Western Horseman Magazine - James Knepper

14th: Shades of Nature lamp - Toni Smith

15th: Lil' Red Roan pocket knife - Amanda Markey

16th: Vacation at Zapata Ranch OR $1,000 vaca vouchers - Marietta Lakness

18th: Montana Silversmiths jewelry set - Deanne Creamer

19th: Subscription to The Trail Rider Magazine - Jim Phipps

20th: Stetson and deerskin gloves - Annette Miller

21st: Vacation at Rancho Los Banos - Keith Dane

23rd: Bytwilight Jewelry set - Nancy Brown

24th: Vacation at Rancho Las Cascadas - Beth Shepard

All prizes were shipped January 11, 2012 - please allow up to 28 days for delivery. If you think you're a winner and haven't yet been contacted by a member of the Top50 team with regards to claiming your prize, please get in touch - email us here.

Congratulations to all the winners, and remember to keep checking back to Top50Ranches.com and the Top50 Facebook page for more great competitions.

It’s that time of year again when New Year resolutions are formed - always with good intentions, but normally ditched alongside surplus Christmas puddings and unwanted presents a few weeks into January. Well, 2012 may be the year all that changes. The team at Top50 has come up with some New Year resolution ideas that you might actually keep – and they could be life-changing...

1. Curb your spending Dude ranch vacations don't have to mean blowing the budget - check out these special offers from USA dude ranch Alisal Ranch, Canada guest ranch Tod Mountain Ranch and Argentina dude ranch Estancia Los Potreros. These special offers and discounts will see you saving $$$s on dude ranch vacations in 2012.

2. Travel to another continent Journey south of the equator for a horse riding holiday at Snowy River Horseback Adventure in New South Wales, Australia. Ride in ‘Man from Snowy River’ country as you embark on horse treks along bush trails and mountain ash forests. Or venture to neighboring New Zealand for a horse riding holiday at Beaumont High Country Experience, an authentic working cattle station where you can try your hand at sheep mustering. This 18,000-acre high-country sheep station offers incredible terrain over which you can choose to go horseback riding, on ATV tours, or hiking.

3. Take more ‘you’ time Blood pressure rising to the max? Overworked and stressed out? Then vow to take some more ‘you’ time in 2012. And what better way to relax than get away from it all on a dude ranch vacation at a luxury ranch with a spa? Dude ranches such Triple Creek, The Resort at Paws Up, Lone Mountain Guest Ranch, C Lazy U Ranch and Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge all offer wonderful surroundings in which to relax, de-stress and recharge your batteries. Relax in the pool or hot tub, take a leisurely horseback ride through peaceful scenery, and relax in the tranquility of it all.

4. Shed those Christmas pounds! Feeling the after-effects of all that Christmas overindulgence? Beat the post-festive bloat and put a spring back in your step with an energising and invigorating horseback riding adventure at an authentic working ranch like Burnt Well Guest Ranch, Estancia Huechahue, Rancho Los Banos and Bonanza Creek Ranch. With long, fast-paced days spent horseback riding, you’ll soon be feeling fighting fit!

If you’d rather shed those extra pounds without having to exert yourself so much, you could instead opt for dude ranch vacation at a ranch specialising in healthy cuisine. After all, there’s no better way to detox than by sampling delicious healthy cuisine whilst on a western ranch vacation.Top50 recommends Echo Valley Ranch and Spa, which specialises in gourmet, healthy cuisine. Even special diets such as 'Eat for your blood type' are incorporated into its extensive menu!

5. Reduce your carbon footprint Go green with a dude ranch vacation at a ranch with ethically sound practices. Free Rein Ranch creates ethical menus based on locally sourced produce, as the Canada dude ranch advocates the '100 mile diet', buying as much produce from local suppliers within a 100-mile radius. Chico Basin Ranch uses traditional methods to complement innovative management programs to sustain the Colorado working ranch's natural resources, and its sister ranch, Zapata Ranch, takes a similarly holistic approach and runs recreation, education and outreach programs as part of its ethical strategy.

6. Learn a new language Take up Spanish, whether it's brushing up long-forgotten schoolday skills or learning from scratch. Best of all, it's a great excuse test your skills on a ranch vacation at dude ranches in Argentina – such as Estancia Los Potreros, Estancia Ranquilco and Estancia Huechahue. Ride with the gauchos and practise your Spanish lingo - and probably pick up some authentic phrases along the way!

7. Take up a new sport Ever fancied trying something new on horseback - Polo, for example? You can do just that on a dude ranch vacation at Estancia Los Potreros in Argentina. Or maybe try your hand at non-riding activities offered by one of the Top50 dude ranches, such as cycling, golf, tennis, water sports, skiing and other winter sports, or fishing. Top50 has hundreds of dude ranch vacations, working ranch vacations and guest ranch vacations perfect for trying something different.

8. Spend more time with your family Dude ranch vacations offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family, and family dude ranches are ideal for getting away with the kids. Family dude ranches such as Majestic Dude Ranch and Lone Mountain Guest Ranch offer brilliant children’s programs, and Elk Mountain Ranch even has a full children's program for 3-7 year olds.

9. Spend more time with your partner If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, head to one of Top50’s adult-oriented dude ranches with your loved one - such as The Ranch at Rock Creek, Bonanza Creek, McGinnis Meadows and Rowse's 1+1 Ranch Quiet and secluded, such dude ranches offer great couples' ranch vacations.

10. Catch up with old friends Call your girlfriends and get 'em on a ranch vacations at Rancho Los Banos in Mexico - the working ranch and guest ranch is offering a Ladies' Special in August 2012, the perfect excuse for a budget girlfriends' getaway.

Inspired? Browse all of Top50's ranches to find your own way to keep your 2012 New Year Resolutions!

What: Win Prizes Daily - seriously!!

ENTER TO WIN DAY 1 HERE: Win a 5-night vacation at Tod Mountain Ranch!

When: December 1-24 - Every Day! Come back tomorrow, Dec. 1 for the first prize!

How: 1)Check www.top50ranches.com each day from December 1-24 for the prize of the day; 2)answer the question with the correct answer and the prize could be yours!

The Prizes: Ranch vacations, clothing, beautiful equestiran books, jewelry, and more!!

Win these RANCH HOLIDAYS!

1)Win a stay to Zapata Ranch, Colorado, where you can ride with bison and learn about nature conservation.

2)Win a 5 night ranch holiday at the luxurious Tod Mountain Ranch in British Columbia, Canada (pictured below) where you’ll ride along forested mountain trails, spotting deer, black bear and moose along the way.

3)Win a stay to The Hideout Guest Ranch, Wyoming

4)Win a stay to Rancho Las Cascadas, Mexico

5)Win a stay to Argentina with Estancia Los Potreros

And more will be given away!

Make sure to follow Top50 on Facebook and Twitter, where more great prizes will be unveiled closer to the time.

Come back on December 1 for Top50's first prize!

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

When summer break is over and the kids are back at school, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some grown-up time on a western ranch vacation. And what better place to head with your partner, best friends or family than Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana, where ranch pace slows from August 28 to September 25 and adults take center stage. The crowds may disperse as guest season draws to a close, but there are still activities aplenty on this Montana dude ranch vacation. Take to the saddle for spectacular riding amidst the awe-inspiring peaks of the Madison Range and various other mountain views, or venture into the Gallatin National Forest towards Beehive Basin – all on quality, well-mannered horses.

When you’re too saddle sore to climb back on your horse, take a trip to Yellowstone Park, get active with canoeing and mountain biking, or simply kick back with a Lone Mountain ranch BBQ and their great variety of evening programs. These kid-free weeks include all lodging, meals and transfers to and from Bozeman (Montana) airport – so all you’ll have to think about on your dude ranch vacation is what to buy the kids as souvenir presents!

7 night packages start at $2,365/ person based on two adults in a small cabin. Shorter packages available. Call Elaine or PJ on 406-995-4644 for reservations on Lone Mountain dude ranch vacations.

FREE Helios fly rod worth $775 with Lone Mountain Ranch Fly Fishing Packages. Book by August 15th!

Also...receive an additional 15% off on Fly Fishing packages August 28- September 25! This can't be beat!!

Discover the world’s best dude, guest, and working ranch vacations and best values at Top50Ranches.com

Fishing aficionado? Can’t wait to cast-on? Then you’ll love LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH, an Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge sitting adjacent to Yellowstone National Park in Big Sky, Montana. With so many rivers, lakes and creeks to discover, every day is a different fishing adventure! Lone Mountain offers a variety of popular Fishing Packages and they always sell out fast – and when you call the ranch today to reserve your spot, you’ll get a Helios fly rod worth $775, absolutely FREE! Good on new fly fishing packages only.

When to go...

At the end of August, Lone Mountain Ranch fishing trips focus on floating the Yellowstone and Madison Rivers. At this time of year, an angler should expect to be experiencing good Grasshopper fishing, as well as the beginning of some hatches of Blue Winged Olive Mayflies on both the Yellowstone and the Madison. As September approaches it is also the beginning of the "Fall run" Brown Trout into the Madison River inside Yellowstone National Park. Large Brown trout, as well as Rainbow trout, ascend the Madison River to begin their spawning run. These fish have spent most of the year in Hebgen Lake and are abnormally large for a river. Numerous creeks and rivers inside the Park offer opportunities to catch trout that have been feeding all summer long.

See yourself as a more adventurous fly fisherman? Lone Mountain Ranch also offers day and overnight fishing in Yellowstone National Park and alpine lake fishing in the Spanish Peaks and Lee Metcalf Wilderness.

Which Lone Mountain Fishing Package is for you?

Lone Mountain Fishing Package 1 (Available June 12 to September 25, 2011)
4 nights/3 days – $2,310 per person

Includes 3 days guided fly fishing, 4 nights lodging, all meals, rental gear, guide fees, flies, and transportation to and from the Bozeman, Montana airport – plus one FREE Helios fly rod of your choice.
* Package price based on double occupancy in a small cabin. Each double occupancy booking receives one Helios fly rod valued at $775. Must book before June 30, 2011.

Lone Mountain Fishing Package 2 (Available June 12 to September 25, 2011)
7 nights/6 days – $3,907 per person

Includes 6 days guided fly fishing, 7 nights lodging, all meals, rental gear, flies, and transportation to and from the Bozeman, Montana airport – plus two FREE Helios fly rods of your choice.
* Package price based on double occupancy in a small cabin. Each double occupancy booking receives two Helios fly rods valued at $1,550. Must book before June 30, 2011.

Please note: Special offer available on new bookings only

For reservations and information see Lone Mountain Guest Ranch or call them 406-995-4644 or 800-514-4644