Greenhorn Ranch — Hotel in Quincy

I booked my trip to Greenhorn Ranch over six months ago. My daughter wanted to visit a dude ranch for her graduation trip. I started out a bit cynical about the high pricing per day per person of all the dude ranches I investigated and drove to Greenhorn probably in more of a negative skeptical headspace than I should have. ||If you read any of my reviews you will see that I’m also a tough customer and critical but fair reviewer. ||So when I say that if I could I would give this place TEN STARS, take that to heart. It’s in an absolutely dreamlike location, a 60 acre ranch dropped in the middle of a 500,000 acre idyllic forest with over 60000 acres of accessible trails. The place is laid out like a small western town with saloon and chuck house to eat. The rooms were surprisingly stylish comfortable and well appointed. The shower had great pressure and hot water and our creekside cabins sat on the stream with a view. The food is basic, ribs and chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch but that what I like and I will say everything including the steaks were well flavored and cooked perfectly. Is the place overpriced. Yes but I would gladly and happily return so I guess it’s worth it. ||I’ve been to many horse riding places including Arizona and Wyoming and I have never seen healthier or more beautiful well cared for horses anywhere. There were over 60 horses and literally every single one was magnificent and well trained. They also carefully review your preference and skill sheets and make sure to find you the perfect horse both to match your skill level and desire. I always wanted to ride a paint like Little Joe from Bonanza and when I got to the corral for my first ride there was a stunning paint with blonde mane and blue eyes waiting for me. The rides are indescribable with valleys and vistas and mountains and it’s more like exploring the frontier than a typical nose to tail operation. ||THE STAFF:||I don’t know where to begin. The office staff including and especially Stella and the kitchen folks and every single person we met was welcoming warm kind friendly and charming . And genuine. They made us feel like family and we made fast friends some my daughter may have made for life . I have never been anywhere including luxury 5 star resorts with a better staff or better service . The wranglers including Kadence, Katie, Avery, Jim (Sebastian) and Adrian were actual genuine cowboys, incredible skilled riders and wranglers, consummate professionals who put safety first while making every ride more enjoyable and memorable than the last. ||Troy the bartender was fun and funny smart and entertaining and a hell of a mixologist. He made me custom creations better than any I’ve had in upscale clubs and restaurants in NYC. One day I was out by the pond and as I drained my water glass he appeared with a water pitcher and a towel over his arm like a sommelier pouring me wine . He said “more water sir?” The whole thing was a joke and we shared a laugh. ||My 22 old daughter cried when we left and we have been all over the world and I’ve never seen her feel that way about anywhere including Maui or Paris. ||We are planning on going back in October and probably the rest four lives . Run don’t walk to Greenhorn with your whole extended family....

Greenhorn Ranch is a step back in time and a true escape. You are surrounded by warm hospitality and people (both guests and staff) who look you in the eye instead of being buried in their phones. There is no cell service, but there is wi-fi available in a few spots. But I suggest you set your devices down and feel that relief of being unplugged.

THE ROOMS We stayed in a cabin that I would call rustic elegance. Not fancy, but clean and very comfy beds and pillows. It was so quiet that I slept in every morning, and I never sleep in. I truly had some of the best rest I’ve had in a long time. I also found that we spent very little time in our cabin because the outdoor and gathering spaces were so enjoyable. For my next trip, I want to fill the lodge with friends and family.

THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE If you get a chance to visit with Chef Scott Burns, you’ll know that he’s passionate about food. Sourcing ingredients from close to the ranch is important to him and that shows in the quality and freshness. We had family style, outdoor barbeque, and an elevated plated meal. My favorite meal was riding horses into the woods where we were served perfectly grilled steak, scallops, and veggies. Each meal had an assortment of items available so even picky eaters and people with dietary restrictions can put a plate together. The creative signature cocktails and mocktails in the saloon were some of the best combos I’ve ever had. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the Spicy Sonyarita rose to the top. Naomi is a friendly and skilled mixologist. THE RIDES I am known for my catch phrase ‘that’s not safe’. You would think that riding horses deep into the woods, crossing streams, and counting the bear and wildcat tracks would have me headed for the barn. Thanks to the amazing wranglers and sweet herd of horses, riding through the Lost Sierra will live in my memory forever. Thomas and Jill were expert guides, giving us tips along the way as we wound our way through the beautiful scenery.

THE STAFF The people who welcome you to Greenhorn Ranch are the heart of this place. They are attentive, genuine, caring, and make you feel like you are at home. It is not often that you leave a place felling like you have gotten to know so many people. Visiting with the GM, Jill she has a vision for growth, focusing on the guests, caring for the staff, connecting with the community, and making this dude ranch one that people come back to again and again. I’m already planning my next trip.

GRATITUDE Thank you for hosting us – Jill, Cedar, Thomas, Clair, Aya, Scott, Dannella, Aya, Tyson, Naomi, Chase, Cynthia, Marty, Teffany, Chuck… What I needed more than anything on this trip was to have some time to be still. Napping in a hammock with my hubby. Morning coffee on the lawn while we watch the resident eagle hunt for fish in the pond. Making memories with best friends. Coming home to the horrors on the news and the tech distractions has me longing to go back. I know Greenhorn Ranch is there for a reset button...

I'll start with some of my usual questions... Are you looking for a family vacation where everyone is engaged and unplugged? Are you looking for impeccable service? Are you wanting a vacation where the kids get to be kids, but you aren't having to deal with Disney-esque crowds? Greenhorn Ranch might be for you!

We just spent 7 days as a family of 4 adults and 3 kids at Greenhorn Ranch. We were in a Creekside cabin, which consists of two adjoining rooms. Each room had a king size bed and two bunk beds. The rooms had recently been redone with larger showers and new furnishings. There was something so refreshing about going from a dry, dusty trail ride to a room with fresh, crisp white linens and fluffy white towels. The bathrooms are stocked with fantastic smelling toiletries, and a hair dryer. This isn't the type of place for irons/ironing boards, so don't expect that.

Each day is planned with morning and afternoon rides for those who are into horses. Rides accommodate all skill levels and ages as young as 6 years old. Have a younger kiddo? The wranglers are happy to give them a pony ride or two during your stay. Come prepared with jeans, boots, and plenty of sunscreen. Not into riding? There are plenty of other fun things to capture your attention. There is a pond stocked with fish (complimentary fishing poles, $5 for a tub of worms), a swimming pool, chairs for relaxing on the deck, corn hole, lariats to practice roping, horse shoe pits, and organized activities like archery, skeet shooting, movie nights, a game room with pool tables, arcade game, ping pong, shuffleboard, and more. They can also provide babysitting services for the littles that aren't old enough to ride. The only thing I found myself wishing for was a hammock under the trees to catch an afternoon nap.

I have never met harder working or nicer staff than what you'll find at Greenhorn. They are so friendly and welcoming. They will learn your name and your preferences. They love the ranch and want to share that love with you. Expect three amazing meals every day. Summer Friday BBQ's will bring plenty of the local community to the ranch and adds to the fun.

What to pack? Lots of sunscreen. The weather is cool in the mornings and evenings, and hot during the day. Make sure to have clothes/layers to deal with the changing temps. A hat is recommended to keep the sun off on the rides. Pool towels are provided at the pool. Bring a refillable water bottle. Water is provided in a variety of places around the ranch. Horses have a water bottle holder and pouch for your water and small items, like a phone. WIFI is provided in a couple of spots, but expect minimal connectivity, so just put the devices away.

This was an amazing trip for our crew. The kids were sad to leave, and we are already talking about when we can make our...