Sportsguide Magazine

By Bob Grove

Tucked away in the world’s largest Juniper forest with 365-degree majestic views of the Manti La Sal Mountains of Sanpete County is the Wind Walker Ranch. Here clocks no longer tick to the beat of the city; you are now on what is called “cowboy time”. Come escape the city!

How to get there
From Salt Lake City follow Interstate-15 south to Spanish Fork take exit 261 to US Highway 6 (same exit to go to Price). Go south approximately 13 miles and turn right on US Highway 89 at Thistle. Continue south on 89 to SR-117 past Mount Pleasant, the Wind Walker Ranch is located about three miles south of Spring City on east side of road.

The Ranch -
Accommodations Wind Walker Ranch offers 3 separate “modern rustic” lodge buildings located on various parts of the ranch property. Each lodge can accommodate up to16 people or provide individual guest rooms. All rooms have their own full bath some with Jacuzzi tubs. Linens and robes are provided. Two separate bedrooms are joined by a living room in the front. The beds feature pillow-top mattresses covered with European cotton sheets and comforters. Some of the rooms even have a kitchenette with a fridge (not that you’re going to want to cook, but the fridge is nice for beverages), and a basket full of coffee, tea and Grandma’s cookies. There are no phones or TV’s in the rooms; this truly is an escape from the city.

Things to do 
Each season offers it’s own selection of things to do and see at the ranch. Choose fast-paced, mellow or mix it up; activities are customized according to your desires. The ranch offers several options for unwinding. Soak in an outdoor hot tub, join guided meditation to relieve stress, explore Native American ways, release the knots with a massage, or just sit cozy by the fire. Test your riding skills on the many horse back riding trails, go on a wagon ride, swim, hike, bike, do ranch chores or lasso. For the more adventurous go on an overnight horseback pack trip. You can even travel the trail that brought the Spaniards into the Sanpete Valley. If that’s not enough there’s archery lessons, guided hunting trips, trap shooting, group team building games and ATV rentals. With 70 lakes nearby don’t forget the fishing gear. If you don’t own a pole, no problem, gear is available at the ranch. Local guides and instructors can take guests out for a day or overnight on camp trips.

In the winter this area is recognized for cross-country skiing. Other winter activities include horseback riding, snowmobile tours across numerous trails and fields of the Manti La Sal National Forest, ice-skating on a country pond, sleigh riding or just kicking back around a fire and listening to a cowboy sing. Children’s programs - Kids program vary according to the kids at the ranch. Activities are tailored to each individual child and the desires of the group. Activities may include horse orientation, hayrides and hikes, swimming, sports of all sorts, arts and crafts, music, campfire games, Tipi Village (native American education and ways) and special learning experiences.

Who to contact
For information and reservations for the Wind Walker Ranch and other popular destinations throughout the Intermountain West call DriveAway Vacations at 800-297-6854 or visit www.driveawayvacations.com.