What to Bring on a Guest Ranch Vacation

We are often asked, “what should I bring with me on a guest ranch vacation?” So, in response to that question, here is my list of what to bring along with a few tips for making your guest ranch vacation an unforgettable life experience.

What to Bring

• Long pants or jeans – I prefer to ride in jeans as they usually do not ride up as much and offer more protection.
• Cowboy boots – If you don’t have a pair we have a boot closet full of boots of all shapes and sizes for you to borrow while you are here.
• Tennis shoe or hiking shoe – The ranch is located on 1,300 acres which make for miles of hiking trails for you to explore.
• A hat – A baseball cap, cowboy hat, or other brimmed hats will help to shade your eyes from the sun on your many outdoor excursions. If you don’t want to bring a hat, the ranch gift shop has a wide selection of cowboy hats and baseball caps to purchase.
• Swimsuit – A dip in the outdoor covered hot tub after a long day in the saddle does a body good. Also, we take a day ride to Grouse Creek Falls and a dip in the crisp waters are refreshing on a hot day.
• Water shoes – For that trip to Grouse Creek Falls, it is a good idea to have water shoes as the rocky creek bottom is a challenge to walk in barefoot.
• Raincoat – It is always good to be prepared for all sorts of weather in the Idaho Panhandle.
• Warm weather clothes (shorts, t-shirts, etc) – The average summer temperatures here in Sandpoint, Idaho, are usually in the mid to low 80’s, although it has been known to be warmer.
• Sweatshirt or coat – It will cool down in the evenings and usually a sweatshirt or light coat is most comfortable.
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray – In the early summer and early fall, the mosquitoes and gnats come out in the evenings so a little bug spray is a big help.
• A Good Book – Take some time to kick back and read that book you have been meaning to get to. Or, borrow one from the ranch library and read a great western while you are experiencing the West!

A Few Ranch Vacation Tips

• Be honest about your riding experience. We ask about your riding experience to best match you with a horse most appropriate for your riding experience and comfort level.
• Consider making it a tech-free (or at least tech limited) vacation. You will get the most out of a western experience when you can free yourself up from technological distractions.
• Come with a hearty appetite! While you are on your All-Inclusive Guest Ranch Adventure, you will be served 3 delicious meals a day to keep you fueled for your outdoor experience. We believe that one important adventure fuel is dessert!
• You may have other questions about trail ride etiquette in a more personal manner. We think this blog post, “Don’t Squat With Your Spurs On…Or Other Places”, may leave you feeling a little more prepared for horseback adventures into the outdoors.