Did you grow up gorging on classic Clint Eastwood Westerns and wishing you were a trigger-happy man (or woman) on horseback? And does your idea of a perfect holiday involve riding right into the horizon like a cowboy of yore? Then, there’s a chance that ranching holidays are just the thing for you — minus the six-gun, sadly!

Many ranches in the United States are now doubling up as tourist haunts, taking in guests who want to get a flavour of life outside the big city. They’re offering a chance to experience authentic ranch life where you not only ride to glory but also learn other activities like roping, driving the cattle and even some serious rodeo.

Most of the ranches provide riding lessons as well, so novices need not despair. For the cowboys at heart, these vacations are a great combination of romance and adventure away from the humdrum rhythms of urban life.

Here’s a roster of the some of the best ranching holidays on offer across the US.

Vista Verde Ranch, Colorado

This luxury guest ranch in the Steamboat Springs region of Colorado looks like a dream against its lush alpine setting. The ranch is nestled close to the Routt National Forest making the riding trails virtually limitless. If you’re a riding enthusiast, you’ll surely find a horse here that matches your temperament — the ranch boasts of over 80 horses that you can choose from.

There’s plenty more to do with rock climbing and fly-fishing, cross-country skiing and sledding and more, depending on the season.

Hot ticket!

A week’s stay for one person on a double occupancy basis in a cabin will range between $3,500 (Rs 1.64 lakh) and $3,800 (Rs 1.79 lakh), and a lodge will cost between $3,300 (Rs 1.55 lakh) and $ 3,600 (Rs 1.69 lakh), depending on the season. The prices are valid till September 20, and include accommodation, meals, all activities with a guide, access to a fitness centre and even cooking and wine-tasting sessions. Mail to reservations@vistaverde.com.

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Idaho

This fourth-generation cattle ranch in the scenic Panhandle region of Idaho has been operating since 1940. You can admire the breathtaking beauty of the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges or chill out by the Lake Pend Oreille and also make sure you enjoy every bit of this 1,100-acre ranch.

Riding is the main focus here but you have plenty of other activities to indulge in. From golfing to fishing, archery to canoe trips, spas to a dinner cruise on Lake Pend Oreille — the list goes on.

Hot ticket!

For a week’s American Plan Summer Package you’ll have to shell out $1,450 (Rs 68,381) for one person on a double occupancy basis. It includes accommodation in a log cabin or a Grand Lodge room, meals, daily rides and all ranch amenities. The package is valid till September 30. Mail to info@westernpleasureranch.com.

Grapevine Canyon Guest Ranch, Arizona

The Grapevine Canyon Guest Ranch in the Pearce region of Arizona is steeped in Western and American Indian history. The region was once home to the Chiricahua Apaches and has seen it all — from feuding cowboys to gold-seeking miners. Whether you’re riding through old Indian trails or discovering the rugged beauty of the Dragoon Mountains — this is the place to rejuvenate your body and mind.

You can even opt for a Cow Camp where you’ll experience cowboy life first hand and learn how to handle cattle.

Hot ticket!

A week’s stay in a cabin for one person on a double occupancy basis will range between $1,108 (Rs 52,243) and $ 1,248 (Rs 58,844), depending on the season. If you opt to stay in a Deluxe Casita, it will range between $1,718 (Rs 80,990) and $ 1,848 (Rs 87,100). The price includes accommodation, meals, all activities and ranch amenities. Mail to info@gcranch.com.

Windwalker Guest Ranch, Utah

Located in Spring City in Utah, the eco-friendly Windwalker Guest Ranch operates on 175 acres, with riding permission on an additional 2,000 acres, and access to over 500,000 acres of Forest Service land. You can ride, fish, hike, go rafting or access spa facilities here, if you’re not visiting the Grand Canyon National Park and the Zion National Park. You can even go golfing or drive to nearby ski resorts for that extra load of fun.

Hot ticket!

Expect to shell out $1,869 (Rs 88,130) for a six-day stay in a standard room for single occupancy, and if you’re staying in a Deluxe Villa, it will cost you $ 2,949 (Rs 1.39 lakh). This includes accommodation, meals, all activities and ranch amenities. The prices are valid till September 30, 2009. Mail to vacation@windwalker.org.