Bad business.
Something happened to the horses and she had to cancel. Ok. I get that. But then, she had some all day thing the next day and thereby effectively killing all options for riding as we were leaving the day after.
So, great place in terms of scenery. But be very weary of what is said & advertised because we did not get what we paid for by any means.
As for the hosts, Laura, Trevor and Sons, they are just about the nicest and folks you'll ever meet. I read another review (David Clark) which was spot-on. I recommend you read his review and see some of the nice pics he put up. Also heed his recommendation and make sure to book directly with the Ranch so you can get the "all in" package. This consists of all meals, daily riding and tours around dozens of local destiations. Absolutely everything is taken care of, inncluding a night out at Ft Henry and a "chuck wagon" style dinner and show. It's really fun. As for the accommodations, the bunkhouse in which we stayed was very comfortable and clean with nice AC (it was pretty warm the week we were there). The meals were excellent and it was nice getting to know the other guests at the table.
Duly noted. We won't be back.
My wife proceeded to ask for a partial refund as this was not what was discussed or advertised.
I'm struggling between giving them a 3, 4, or 5 and I can make a case for each. On the 5-star side of things, the owners are extremely nice and accommodating, and the property is very cool. On the 3-star side of things, their website says breakfast is served between 7 and 9 AM, but in reality, it was at 8 AM (which kind of prohibited us from getting out as early as we wanted without giving up a breakfast for which we paid. Additionally, upon booking (as well in response to their 'do you need anything upon arrival" email) to have a pack-n-play in the room, but it wasn't there when we arrived (nor was any shampoo or shower soap). All in all, I'm glad we picked it for a our stay, but there were just a few issues that kept it from being perfect. As for the ranch part of the place, I can't comment--we only used it as a BNB...that said, other guests said it was great!
My problem is with how things were and are communicated. My wife and I booked this place based on the advertising that said we could ride horses, our daughter is a rider and quite passionate about them. Upon arrival, Laura was unsure of what days we'd be riding. Keep in mind we asked about all this beforehand. Now, the days were hot in July so we figured we'd be riding either early in the morning or later in the evening. Fine. But she gave us no plan.
Ok, so the reviews on how beautiful this place is are true. It's amazing. Quite, country, immaculate, and having been recently remodeled, the rooms are of top quality. Also the breakfast served was very good.
Having just returned from spending a week at Ghost Canyon Dude Ranch my family is overcome with an almost mystical fondness of the beautiful country and of the amazing hosts who crafted our experience. The location of the ranch could not be better. All of Custer Sate Park, Crazy Hourse Monument, Mount Rushmore - and even the Badlands are all within a very short (and might I add, beutiful) drive. The area around the ranch also made for some amazing horseback riding! Myself living in the "big city", I can tell you that there is no better way to relax and get reconnected with nature (and history) than to spend some time riding on the trails of the Black Hills on horseback or hiking.
Cmon.
Great place for our family. Close to Rushmore and Custer.
There were also guests arriving who were trying to reach her and couldn't and were quite frustrated with the lack of communication.
Nope again. Her excuse this time? We hadn't signed up or paid for that.
A final note on the folks who operate this place. We left a cell phone on the bed when we checked out. At the airport I sent Trevor a text message asking him to let us know if they find it. Trevor was already at the Rapid City airport (30-40 minutes drive) with the phone which I got back before our flight. I'd like to see anyone beat that for customer service!
Nope.
I finally went back up to the house to nail down a time. We agreed to a morning ride the following day. Great! Nope. She later texted saying she had forgotten her husband had some meeting and if we could reschedule for that evening at 6. Cool.
Laura and Trevor are about the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. I booked through a third party website that screwed everything up and they went above and beyond to make everything right (even though it obviously wasn't their fault.) Based on that experience I urge you to call them directly and book over the phone. They're located between Custer State Park and the Iron Mountain Highway which leads you to Rushmore. So it's off the beaten path on a gravel road, but a short drive from all the local hotspots. Laura and Trevor cook breakfast for the guests which is served at a big table in their house. A great chance to get to know the other guests better! If you book directly through them they have options that are all inclusive which provides all meals and horseback riding. That is NOT available through third party sites. As I mentioned, I strongly urge calling them directly to book. The cabins are recently updated and all indications are that they are constantly working to improve the property. This is the place to stay in the Black Hills.
Ghost Canyon Dude Ranch is a US Lodging based in Hermosa, South Dakota. Ghost Canyon Dude Ranch is located at 13583 Ghost Canyon Rd, Hermosa, SD 57744, USA.
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