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Steamboat Springs — We couldn't help but notice The Associated Press article that appeared in Tuesday's paper regarding the state of the dude ranch industry. Our good friends in Colorado and Arizona were all quoted, speaking about the decrease in bookings this year. As we are a small industry, we are truly friends with each of those ranchers quoted, and we are aware that many of their ranches are feeling a pinch this year because of lower bookings.

However, the dude ranch industry was a bit misrepresented in the article with so much doom and gloom. Sure, 2009 is not the year of 100 percent occupancies across the board. People are not traveling quite as much as they did in the past, but they still are taking vacations, and more than ever, they appreciate a good value. From the small, rustic ranches to upscale resort ranches, dude ranches still are providing just that. And people still are coming to experience a unique Western vacation with friends and families. As a matter of fact, our two Steamboat guest ranches are packed full this week, and we have been turning away guests for weeks that are filled up.

Yes, this may be the year for deals on travel, and you might just get a great deal on a dude ranch vacation if you still can fit in a trip before the end of the summer. But there are plenty of folks out there who have recognized the value and quality in a dude ranch vacation, and we are happy to have every cabin filled up right now with just those people. We're making memories, sharing adventures and forming relationships that will last a lot longer than this summer.

Stephanie Wilson

Vista Verde Ranch

Johnny Fisher

Home Ranch