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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Did you know Utah is home to a “Real Old West” working cattle ranch, a place where cowboys still do the work of cowboys and guests can choose to participate? It’s called the Rockin’ R Ranch, and it’s located near Bryce Canyon and several other national parks.
The ranch, which has been in the Black family since the 1870s, sprawls over 1,000 acres of meadows and fields with an additional 40,000 high mountain acres leased for cattle grazing. For a century, it served as the family’s source of income. But it became more than that in the 1970s when the Black family decided to open the ranch to guests. Since then, it has attracted people from around the world.
Now, as a recreation destination, the Rockin’ R has a lot to offer. It’s primary activity is the cattle drive. Guests can experience the life of a ranch owner, riding through and exploring the scenic countryside. Many of the trails are the same ones Butch Cassidy traveled. The ranch welcomes guests who want to bring their own horses. Or guests can receive instruction from a trail boss guide who will help them choose a horse that fits their skills.
During the cattle drives and trail rides, guests travel along a mountainous edge that overlooks spectacular views of the new Grand Staircase National Monument. From as high as 11,000 feet, views extend in all directions for hundreds of miles.
Following a day of travel, guests enjoy savory meals cooked on an open campfire and serenity of sleeping under starry skies.
The Black family has thought of everything, even for guests who aren’t up to cattle drives. They offer other horse-related activities, stage coach rides or the simple pleasure of enjoying the beauty of the rugged natural surroundings and fresh air. Guests stay in a western-style three-story lodge that includes a hot tub, weight room, a billiards and game room, private conference rooms, a gift shop and an ice cream parlor.
In discovering the Rockin’ R Ranch, it was interesting to note that the ranch hosted a variety of groups over the years. It’s been a popular place for business conventions and seminars, family reunions, youth or young adult conferences and club gatherings or getaways.
For Zions Bank, I’m Fred Ball. I’m speaking on business.
