SPRUCEDALE RANCH

Vacation Questions & Answers

SPRUCEDALE RANCH

Vacation Questions & Answers

FAQ's

If You Have Questions - We Have Answers
The Sprucedale Guest Ranch Staff Is Here To Help

FAQ's

If You Have Questions
We Have Answers

The Sprucedal Ranch
Staff Is Here To Help

GENERAL

Is there a minimum length of stay at Sprucedale Guest Ranch?

A 6-day stay is customary to take advantage of all the activities during our peak summer season. However, if you can’t join us for a full week of fun during our peak summer season, we do offer a 3-day minimum stay, with NO overnight stays Saturday night to Sunday morning.

During our off-peak season, we do offer a 2-day minimum stay, and weekend stays.

Is Sprucedale Guest Ranch family oriented?

Sprucedale Ranch has been family owned and operated since 1941. We encourage, and welcome, your family to come build memories with us!

Are there adult only weeks?

Children are our future, but we understand that you may not always want to vacation with them. Please contact us and we can help figure out what dates might be best for you to visit us if you are looking for a “kid-free” week.

Do I Have To Fill Out A Wavier to visit Sprucedale Guest Ranch?

Yes, we need to have a completed and signed waiver for each person visiting or staying on the property – even if you do not ride our horses.

Is there WIFI at the ranch?

We do not have Wi-Fi available for guests. However, some cell phone carriers may get enough service for you to receive some calls, texts and emails in a limited area of the main lodge.

Is there cell phone service at the ranch?

There is no cell phone service available throughout the ranch. However, some cell phone carriers may get enough service for you to receive some calls, texts and emails in a limited area of the main lodge. The closest 4G service is 45 minutes from the ranch, in the town of Alpine.

Is there a telephone at the ranch?

Yes, we have an internet and cell phone, but occasionally experience intermittent service due to weather or other service conditions.

How does someone contact me if there is an emergency while I'm staying at the ranch?

Our phone number is: 928-333-4984 (Typically phones may be answered during the hours of 7:00 AM- 2:00 PM and intermittently throughout the evening). Due to limited phone service sometime email us is better. Our email is: sprucedale@SprucedaleRanch.com If they are unable to reach the ranch, please have them call the Apache County Sheriff at 928-337-4321.

Is child care provided while we stay at the ranch?

Please contact us prior to arrival to see if we can help you coordinate hiring an outside babysitter. Sprucedale Ranch does not provide childcare. Any expenses related to hiring an outside babysitter are the guest’s responsibility.

Are pets allowed at the ranch?

For the safety of your pet, our ranch animals, and other guests, we strongly encourage you to leave your pet at home. For service animals, please contact us prior to your arrival.

What will the weather be like in the Alpine, AZ area?

As our dad always said “only a new comer or a damn fool would predict the weather in Arizona.” We can’t guarantee the weather, but we can guarantee a variety of activities, rain or shine. During the summer months, our days are typically warm. According to the National Forest Service, our area has an average of 76 degrees in the summer months. Our evenings are cooler and may require a light jacket. Fall brings cooler weather, with the chance of an early morning freeze, or a surprise snow storm that will melt off by mid-day. It’s always a good idea to bring your rain gear, no matter what time of year you visit the ranch.

Will we see any wildlife at Sprucedale?

There is a good chance you may see elk, deer, antelope, or long horn sheep during your stay. Horses, cattle, and pigs may also be seen wandering about the beautiful pastures of Sprucedale Ranch.

Are there any additional charges during our stay?

Base stay rates include lodging, meals, and ranch activities. Horseback rides, extended horseback rides, lessons, and clinics are an extra charge. State and local taxes are also extra. Gratuities are not included in base stay rates.

What is the gratuity policy at Sprucedale Guest Ranch?

Gratuities are not included in the base stay rates. A gratuity of 15-20% of your total bill is customary and appreciated. You are welcome to add gratuities for the ranch staff to your final bill. Tipping individuals is not necessary. If you have questions about gratuities, please ask us!

LODGING & FOOD

Will Sprucedale Guest Ranch cater to special diets?

We may be able to cater to vegetarians, low carb, and gluten free for an additional fee. Please contact us at least one month prior to your arrival. Unfortunately, our cabins do not have kitchens or refrigerators, and our ranch refrigerators have limited space. Please plan accordingly by bringing an ice chest and ice for any food and beverages you bring with you.

What type of meals are provided during our stay at the ranch?

All meals will be served at the main lodge where you can sit and eat together, family-style. Our food is made fresh from scratch and served hot! Meals are served with fresh salads, fresh fruits, homemade breads, and delicious desserts. For medical allergies, vegetarian, or gluten options, please contact us at least one month prior to your arrival.

Is alcohol provided during our stay?

No. You are welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages. We encourage you to drink responsibly. Please plan accordingly by bringing an ice chest and ice for any food and beverages you bring with you.

Can I buy ice, beverages, or snacks at the ranch?

No. Unfortunately, we do not sell ice, beverages, or snacks, and we do not have extra ice. You are welcome to bring additional food and beverages to enjoy. Please plan accordingly by bringing an ice chest and ice for any food and beverages you bring with you.

Is there electricity in our cabins?

We have a generator that runs in the morning for a couple of hours and again in the evening, until lights out for the night. Please contact us at least one month prior to your arrival if you have a special request to support a medical device, like a CPAP.

Are facilities accessible for wheelchairs or otherwise handicapped?

We do have one handicap friendly cabin. Please contact us for more information or reservations for this cabin.

Is my cabin adjoining to another cabin?

No. Each cabin is free standing with plenty of space between cabins.

Do I have a refrigerator in my cabin?

No. Unfortunately, we do not have extra refrigerator space in our kitchen and we do not sell ice. Please plan accordingly by bringing an ice chest and ice for any food and beverages you bring with you.

Is the water safe to drink in my cabin?

Yes. Our water source is natural spring water that is tested for purity.

Do you provide water for the horseback rides?

We encourage you to being bottled water if you would like to pack it on your ride.

What do I do if I have a CPAP machine?

Please contact us at least one month prior to your arrival. We have a small generator that can be placed by your cabin.

Are laundry facilities available at Sprucedale Ranch?

No. There are no laundry facilities or room service available at the ranch.

Do you have a smoking cabin available?

No. All of our cabins and buildings are smoke-free and vape-free.

What time is check- in and check-out?

You are welcome to check in AFTER 2:00pm on the day of your arrival. We typically serve dinner at 7:00pm and encourage you to arrive and get settled in before dinner. Check-out is 10:00am on the day of your departure. Please contact us prior to your arrival if you have any questions or special requests.

RANCH RIDING PROGRAM & ACTIVITIES

What kind of horseback riding program does the ranch offer?
Do I get the same horse all week?

Yes. Each guest is carefully matched with a specific horse for the duration of their stay, based on their experience, height, weight, and riding ability.

Can I ride double with my child?

No. Unfortunately, our insurance does not allow riding double.

Will we move cows during my stay?

Depending on what time of year your reservation is scheduled, you may come across cows on your ride that need to be moved. If you are interested in moving cows, please check out our Cattle Roundup.

Will I get to lope or canter?

We do offer advanced rides at a faster pace, where you may be able to lope or canter. Riders 13 years and older may qualify for our advanced rides. Our younger riders are encouraged to participate in our gymkhana rodeo practice. Advanced rides and gymkhana rodeo practice may be subject to change depending on availability or weather conditions.

What other activities does the ranch have to offer?

We offer cow milking, colt leading, fishing, cornhole, basketball, volleyball, hayrides, western line dancing, bonfires, and a variety of indoor and outdoor games. Activities may be subject to change depending on availability or weather conditions.

PACKING

What should we include when packing for Whitney's Epic Ride?
What should we include when packing for Spring Horse Drive?
What should I include when packing for The Full Ranch Experience?
What should we include when packing for Adventure Week?
What should I include when packing for Fall At The Ranch?
What should I include when packing For The Fall Horse Drive?
What should we include when packing For The Fall Cattle Round-Up?
What type of clothing should I pack?

You should plan to bring jeans or long pants, long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, outerwear, rain gear, shorts, swimsuit, and riding boots or closed toe shoes. Layers and sun protection are suggested. We encourage you to check the weather prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. Our gift shop has t-shirts, hoodies and hats available for purchase.

TRAVEL

What airport is the closest to Sprucedale Guest Ranch?

Albuquerque is the closest, but Phoenix usually has more flights.

How far is the drive from Phoenix to the ranch?

It is typically 5 hours driving time with no stops.

Is there gasoline to purchase at the ranch?

No. We do not have fuel available for purchase. We encourage you to fuel up in Show Low or Alpine.

Do you provide transportation from the airport?

No. We do not provide any type of transportation to the ranch.

SPRING/FALL HORSE DRIVE

How many days will we camp on the horse drive?

We may camp 1-2 nights during the spring horse drive. We do not camp on the fall horse drive. This may be subject to change depending on availability or weather conditions.

How well do I have to ride to qualify to participate?

You need to be an intermediate rider that has ridden at least 40 hours and be physically fit and in good health.

What will the weather be like?

Spring can get a little warm and Fall a little cold. There is a chance of rain or a random snowstorm. Layers, outerwear, and sun protection are suggested. We encourage you to check the weather prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. Our gift shop has t-shirts, hoodies and hats available for purchase.

Do I have to ride all the days?

No. You are welcome to ride all of the days or just a few. The Horse Drive rate includes all rides and there is no discount if you choose not to ride all of the days.

ADULT ONLY STAY

Is liquor and/or soda served or sold at the ranch?

No. You are more than welcome to bring your own.

Is ice provided?

No. We run on a generator and therefore do not have an ice machine. Gusts bring an ice chest full of ice and beverages.

Do I have to go on every horseback ride?

No. You can ride as much as you would like.

How many guests should I expect?

There are 13 cabins so between 15-30.

What will the weather be like in late August?

Beautiful! 80 degrees during the day and 50 degrees at night. Might get some rain.

FULL RANCH EXPERIENCE

How do I get the full Sprucedale Ranch experience?

A 6-day stay is customary to get the full Sprucedale Ranch experience, and take advantage of all the activities and fun offered during our peak summer season. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. All meals will be served at the main lodge where you can sit and eat together, family-style. Our food is made fresh from scratch and served hot! Meals are served with fresh salads, homemade breads, and delicious desserts. For medical allergies, vegetarian, or gluten options, please contact us at least one month prior to your arrival.

How often will we ride horses during our 6-day stay?

Typically each day, we offer a morning horseback ride for all of our riders, an afternoon ride for our advanced riders, and afternoon gymkhana rodeo for younger riders, except on Thursday when we offer an “all-day” ride down to the Black River to enjoy a packed lunch and swimming, before we ride back. Our advanced rides may be at a faster pace, where you may be able to lope or canter. Riders 13 years and older may qualify for our advanced rides. Our younger riders are encouraged to participate in our afternoon gymkhana rodeo. All riders mush be at least 6 years old. Horseback rides, advanced rides, and gymkhana rodeo may be subject to change depending on availability or weather conditions. Horseback rides and advanced rides are an additional charge and not included in the base stay rate. There is no additional charge for gymkhana rodeo for our younger riders.

Are there afternoon or nightly activities?

We offer cow milking, colt leading, gymkhana rodeo, fishing, cornhole, basketball, volleyball, hayrides, western line dancing, bonfires, and a variety of indoor and outdoor games. Activities may be subject to change depending on availability or weather conditions.

ADVENTURE WEEK

Will we camp on the Sprucedale Guest Ranch Adventure week?

No. We do not camp on the adventure week. Accommodations will be our cabins at the ranch.

How long are the rides during adventure week?

Each ride is 8-12 miles. We will depart for our rides in the morning, eat a packed lunch on the trail, and return to the ranch in afternoon.

Do we ride every day from the ranch during adventure week?

We have a variety of beautiful destination rides and will either ride from the ranch or trailer to a location. This may be subject to change depending on availability or weather conditions.

How well do I have to ride to qualify to participate in adventure week?

You need to be an intermediate rider that has ridden at least 40 hours and be physically fit and in good health.

CATTLE GATHERING

How many days will we camp?

We do not camp on the cattle gathering.

How well do I have to ride to qualify to go?

You need to be an intermediate rider that has ridden at least 40 hours and be physically fit and in good health.

What will the weather be like?

Fall can be a little cold. There is a chance of rain and/or snow. Layers, outerwear, and sun protection are suggested. We encourage you to check the weather prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. Our gift shop has t-shirts, hoodies and hats available for purchase.

Do I have to ride all the days?

No. You are welcome to ride all of the days or just a few. Unfortunately, there is no discount if you choose not to ride all of the days.

How long do we ride?

Typically, we ride twice a day. The length of our rides can vary depending on where we go looking for cows.

Will we trot or lope?

We may walk, trot, lope or canter while looking for cows.

FALL AT THE RANCH

Are all activities available during Fall at the Ranch?

No. Not all activities are available during the fall due to staffing and weather conditions. However, please ask if there is activity you would like to participate in, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Due to the limited activities, fall prices are discounted from our normal rate.

How many days will we camp on the horse drive?

We may camp 1-2 nights during the spring horse drive. We do not camp on the fall horse drive. This may be subject to availability or weather conditions.

What will the weather be like?

Spring can get a little warm and Fall a little cold. There is a chance of rain or a random snowstorm. Layers, outerwear, and sun protection are suggested. We encourage you to check the weather prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. Our gift shop has t-shirts, hoodies and hats available for purchase.

Do I have to ride all the days?

No. You are welcome to ride all of the days or just a few. The Horse Drive rate includes all rides and there is no discount if you choose not to ride all of the days.

How well do I have to ride to qualify to participate?

You need to be an intermediate rider that has ridden at least 40 hours and be physically fit and in good health.

FALL HORSE DRIVE

FALL CATTLE ROUND UP

How many days will we camp during the cattle round up?

We do not camp on the cattle round up.

How well do I have to ride to qualify to participate in the cattle round up?

You need to be an intermediate rider that has ridden at least 40 hours and be physically fit and in good health.

What will the weather be like during the cattle round up?

Fall can be a little cold. There is a chance of rain and/or snow. Layers, outerwear, and sun protection are suggested. We encourage you to check the weather prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. Our gift shop has t-shirts, hoodies and hats available for purchase.

Do I have to ride all the days of the cattle round up?

No. You are welcome to ride all of the days or just a few. The Horse Drive rate includes all rides and there is no discount if you choose not to ride all of the days.

How long do we ride during the cattle round up?

Typically, we ride twice a day. The length of our rides can vary depending on where we go looking for cows.

Will we trot or lope during the cattle round up?

We may walk, trot, lope or canter while looking for cows.

Book Your Arizona Vacation

Please feel free to reach out for reservations
or with any additional questions you may have:

(928) 333-4984

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Sandee S

Facebook Review

"How do you write a recommendation for a place that is too amazing for words?! Sprucedale is a hidden gem. First time I went was in 1994, as a 19 year old. Then again in 1995. Twenty-five years later, I was finally able to visit again but this time with my husband and 2 daughters. It was every bit as magical as I remembered. We are NOT horseback riders at all! The wranglers were all fantastic making sure we were paired up with horses that were the right temperament for us. None of us ever felt unsafe. Three meals a day that put my cooking to shame. And so much of it! And even during all of this COVID craziness, the kitchen staff was so on top of things; masks, gloves, guests keeping distance from the food line where we were served, hand sanitizer & hand washing stations. They were all very prepared. The cabins are rustic, but quite warm & cozy. Beds & bedding are great. The view outside our cabin across the meadow was majestic. Horses, cows, SO MANY hummingbirds (seriously, we had about 25 of them at 1 feeder hanging on our front porch!! ��)
You know it’s a great vacation when your whole family is already talking about “next time,” before you’ve even finished “this time!” Do yourself a favor... Just go!!"

Amy T

Google Review

"Sprucedale is Heaven on Earth! The staff takes such good care of their guests and treats them like family. Riders of all ability levels have an opportunity to learn and grow. This is a good, clean family vacation opportunity that all ages will LOVE! We can't wait to return next year."

Evan R.

TripAdvisor Review

"I used to visit Sprucedale yearly when I was a kid. I have been twice in the last three years, and it is even better now than I remember. This year I got several species of trout and saw a herd of over 100 elk just minutes from my cabin. So much to do and such incredible scenery to take in that you hardly notice the fact that you are unplugged from the rest of the world. The staff is so nice and helpful and the food gets better every year."

Dude Ranchers Association Member

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Testimonials

Sandee S.

Facebook Review

"How do you write a recommendation for a place that is too amazing for words?! Sprucedale is a hidden gem. First time I went was in 1994, as a 19 year old. Then again in 1995. Twenty-five years later, I was finally able to visit again but this time with my husband and 2 daughters. It was every bit as magical as I remembered. We are NOT horseback riders at all! The wranglers were all fantastic making sure we were paired up with horses that were the right temperament for us. None of us ever felt unsafe. Three meals a day that put my cooking to shame. And so much of it! And even during all of this COVID craziness, the kitchen staff was so on top of things; masks, gloves, guests keeping distance from the food line where we were served, hand sanitizer & hand washing stations. They were all very prepared. The cabins are rustic, but quite warm & cozy. Beds & bedding are great. The view outside our cabin across the meadow was majestic. Horses, cows, SO MANY hummingbirds (seriously, we had about 25 of them at 1 feeder hanging on our front porch!! ��)
You know it’s a great vacation when your whole family is already talking about “next time,” before you’ve even finished “this time!” Do yourself a favor... Just go!!"

Amy T.

Google Review

"Sprucedale is Heaven on Earth! The staff takes such good care of their guests and treats them like family. Riders of all ability levels have an opportunity to learn and grow. This is a good, clean family vacation opportunity that all ages will LOVE! We can't wait to return next year."

Evan R.

TripAdvisor

“I used to visit Sprucedale yearly when I was a kid. I have been twice in the last three years, and it is even better now than I remember. This year I got several species of trout and saw a herd of over 100 elk just minutes from my cabin. So much to do and such incredible scenery to take in that you hardly notice the fact that you are unplugged from the rest of the world. The staff is so nice and helpful and the food gets better every year. If you are looking for a vacation for you and your kids, this is the place.”

Check Us Out Everywhere:

 

Check Us Out
Everywhere:

Dude Ranchers Association Member

Arizona Dude Ranch Association Member

Stay In The Loop - Subscribe To Our newsletter!

1-928-333-4984

© 2020 Sprucedale Guest Ranch | Dude Ranch Vacations | Alpine, Arizona 85920

Physical Address:
1228 Wiltbank Road (Forest Service 565) Alpine, AZ 85920
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 880 Eagar, AZ 85925

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Physical Address:
1228 Wiltbank Road (Forest Service 565)
Alpine, AZ 85920
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 880 Eagar, AZ 85925

Powered By Websites That Work, LLC

Physical Address:
1228 Wiltbank Road
(Forest Service 565)
Alpine, AZ 85920
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 880
Eagar, AZ 85925

Powered By Websites That Work, LLC