Adventure Awaits at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch! Families have been visiting this all-inclusive ranch style resort for more than 40 years, and it’s easy to see why. Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is conveniently located just 90 miles from New York City in the beautiful foothills of the Catskill Mountains in the hamlet of Kerhonkson. The ranch encompasses over 150 acres that includea private lake and gorgeous nature trails for horse rides.
The all-inclusive resort makes traveling with a family easy (and isn’t that what a vacation should be?!). Packages include three all-you-can eat meals a day and a wide range of non-stop activities that would satisfy all ages of all family members. The activities range from their namesake horse back riding experiences, visiting the resident goats and chickens, rock climbing, campfires under the stars, bounce pillow jumping, mini golf, paddle boats, and more – all on their beautiful mountain view property that is just waiting to be explored. There’s no shortage of things to do!
We recently visited, and had the most incredible experience. Read on as we pull on our boots and ride on into the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch.
Welcome to the Remodeled Ranch
Now under new ownership, and in just a few months and $1.5 million in renovations, Pine Ridge has polished its boots to become even better. New (adorable) cowboy themed carpet and freshly painted hallways are lit by the Southwestern-style ceramic sconces that graced the space decades ago. Charming carved wooden horses greet tiny riders in the lobby, and you can “saddle up” — literally, on a saddle — at the bar in the Bull Room nightclub downstairs. And these renovations are only the beginning of the renovation ride – there is much more to come.
Established in 2018, the new Pine Ridge Dude Ranch continues the tradition of the former Pinegrove Ranch as a premiere, “all-inclusive” family friendly vacation destination. The Ranch’s new owners consist of the former barn manager and two prior guests who had been visiting the property for years. They just celebrated their reopening on April 2nd – and are looking forward to a new dawn on the ranch. From a fun weekend getaway or the perfect place to celebrate a reunion with family, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch has something for everyone.
Horsing Around
Saddle Up! As the name would suggest, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is all about the horse friends. And friends they are – the herd at Pine Ridge is family, and the heart of the ranch is their unique approach to horses. All programs are designed by horse lovers for horse lovers. Whether a guest wants to ride all day or just enjoy seeing the horses in the field, there are options to accommodate every ability. We also loved that the barn offered exciting hand on experiences such as their new “Own a Horse for a Day” program, full riding experiences, and lessons for all levels. We also attended a (free) feeding session and a presentation of a new baby foal. All the special programming made the experience unique, and inviting.
Depending on your ranch package – trail rides may be included. Ride tickets are offered at the front desk, and sign-ups for rides are each evening. Small children? No problem! Pony rides for children 8 and under are available at no additional charge. Safety first – helmets are readily available for all riders as well.
All Inclusive Fun
Fun doesn’t stop with the horses! Archery, a day camp for the younger set, paddle-boats and fishing on the lake, indoor & outdoor pools with double flume waterslides, an outdoor bounce pillow, a rock-climbing wall, a fitness center with massages available, laser tag, and visiting Kawasaki the bull – there’s seriously so much to do and see we couldn’t decide on what to try next.
The Pine Ridge Social Director ensures there is never a dull moment on the ranch. A long schedule of organized activities are posted daily. We really loved the amazing (and seemingly endless) daily activities. From water balloon battles to bouncy horse derby races, arts and crafts to line dancing and scavenger hunt searching – the choices are endless!
We loved that at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch we could play away the day, and not having to pull out the wallet once, or calculate how much things were going to cost. All of the incredible family friendly activities were included in your stay! It brought relaxation to a whole new level, and made our time together even more enjoyable,
A Peaceful Lake Side Retreat
Pine Ridge Dude Ranch has a (gorgeous) private lake for on property for guests to enjoy. A short hike or picturesque tractor ride brings you lake side in minutes. Lakeside activities include paddle-boats, kayaks, and fishing.
Pool more your speed? They have two! Rain or Shine the indoor pool with double flume waterslides were a huge hit. We had perfect weather during our trip and enjoyed the outdoor pool which was a definitly gathering place for all ranch guests.
Entertainment
Aside from the activities, there is an amazing entertainment to see as well. Kick back at the bonfire to enjoy a roasted marshmallow before heading to the Bull Room nightclub in the cellar level for free nightly entertainment such as magicians, jugglers, and entertainers. During our visit we enjoyed a Hypnotist and a Magician – as well as a Cowboy Poet who performed by the bonfire. These unique offerings were a definite highlight for our family and have been talked about daily since our trip.
Ranch Sized Appetites
There is always food on hand at the ranch! Enjoy three delicious meals daily, summer BBQs, afternoon chef appetizers, and more. Breakfast is served as a buffet in the main dining room and includes a wide selection of hot entrees (a selection of cooked eggs, bacon, and pancakes and waffels) as well as any continental breakfast items you could imagine (fruit, yogurt, pastries and cereal selections).
Lunch service varies – during our visit lunch was served at an Outdoor BBQ setting and included foods such as burgers and hotdogs, BBQ chicken, corn on the cob and potato salad. The food was delicious and we loved the down-home feel of everyone gathering around picnic tables.
Dinner was located back in the main dining room and was selected from a menu of options which included steak, chicken or fish selections, as well as a selection of vegetarian items. Kids meal type selections (ala chicken fingers and grilled cheese) are always available as well.
How to Get There
The best part for city dwelling New Yorkers – you can access the adventure filled ranch without a car! We took the Metro North train from Grand Central Station to the Poughkeepsie Station, and hired a car/Uber to reach the resort (approximately 45 minutes drive). Bonus – the train ride is absolutely gorgeous – be sure to grab a window seat to see rolling green hills and river views throughout your trip.
Pine Ridge Dude Ranch
Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. 30 Cherrytown Road, Kerhonkson, NY. Located 90 miles from New York City, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is set at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is accessible by Metro North and taxi/car hire combination. More information on the resort HERE.
Can’t wait to come back! Thank you Pine Ridge Dude Ranch for an experience we will never forget.
