Serendipities from the Ranch

You expect certain features at a dude ranch— good horses, comfortable & clean accommodations, good food, friendly atmosphere, scenic location. These are all standard at Waunita Hot Springs Ranch.

Let us tell you about features at Waunita which we call "serendipities" and what the dictionary describes as "the faculty of making happy or interesting discoveries unexpectedly or by accident." There are a number of "serendipities" to be discovered at Waunita Hot Springs Ranch, if you will. Here are some of them.

THE HOT SPRINGS. It so happens that we are blessed with an almost unlimited supply of crystal clear hot water—about 300,000 gallons a day. That means you can use all the hot water you wish and never be concerned about running out. The generous supply of hot water also means there's plenty for keeping the lodges cozy and warm.

Our swimming pool feels like a warm bath—95 degrees most of the time—the favorite gathering spot after the evening's activities. And the pool is huge by comparison. To compliment the ranch/spa atmosphere, a masseuse is available on select days.

THE RANCH LOCATION. Our remote location means guests aren't disturbed by passing traffic (maybe a yelping coyote now and then). Usually the only creatures you encounter while riding forest trails are occasional deer and elk. Cattle can be seen grazing in the Waunita Valley. And the stars are always bright in Waunita Country!

The lodges are located at the edge of the forest overlooking Tomichi Dome and a high "mountain park." Although we are only ten miles from the Continental Divide and scenic mountains surround our valley, the ranch grounds are comparatively level. This means the front yard is a great place for an evening softball game and the walk to and from the corral is an easy one. If you jog, you'll find the county road in front of the ranch is suitable for early morning workouts.

THE FAMILY-TYPE OPERATION. Waunita is owned and operated by the Pringle family. At any given time during the summer you'll find family members actively involved in ranch activities. Rod may be escorting a scenic vehicle trip, Junelle in the office, Ryan overseeing a cookout, and Tammy in the kitchen. Nineteen-year old Randi Renee is a wrangler and 16-year old Kolby works with the maintenance crew. Ten-year-old Dani joins in ranch activities with the younger set.

You get the personal attention of the owners/operators who care about you and your vacation experience. The ranch is our home and chosen lifestyle - not just a job - and three generations of Pringles in residence mean we are sensitive to the needs and interests of all ages.

SMALL NUMBER OF GUESTS. Since we accommodate about 45 guests, you'll find it easy to get to know everyone, and yet there's enough folks to make activities interesting. There's almost always an assortment of ages, and a friend for everyone. Over and over we hear guests remark that it's like being part of one big happy family!

STAFF. Each year we recruit a competent, caring staff of Christian young people. Guests always compliment our fine staff!

THE LODGE SETTING. Many first-time guests inquire about cabin accommodations. However, they soon discover that "lodge living" has several advantages. In the Main Lodge you'll wake up to the smell of bacon cooking and coffee brewing. You may even choose to sneak downstairs in your robe to get that first cup of coffee. It's only a short stroll to the dining room for meals or the lobby for an activity gathering. And the convenience of retrieving a personal belonging from your room, checking on a sleeping child, or going up to "catch 40 winks" is more convenient in a lodge setting. The Hillside Lodge, with its two sections of four rooms or two family units each, is ideal for small family groups. And yet there's complete privacy. Every room or two-roomed unit has a private bath.

HIGH PERCENTAGE OF RETURNING GUESTS. Last summer 76 percent of our guests were "returnees," or were referred to us by previous guests. That lets you know folks enjoy vacations at Waunita Hot Springs Ranch. Returning guests are always eager to "show the ropes" to first-timers.

THE FOOD. We normally cook Southern/Western style. Emphasis in the kitchen is on homemade, wholesome, fresh, plentiful and tasty. Where else can you get "made from scratch" muffins, biscuits, rolls, cakes, pies, pancakes, and cheesecakes. There's also lots of salads, veggies, poultry, fish, pork and beef. At any time of the day, you can help yourself to the fruit bowl, hot chocolate, tea, coffee and cookies, with a guest refrigerator to "raid" for that glass of milk with your cookies. We are happy to accommodate special diets or food allergies with prior notice. The non-alcohol policy sets the tone for genuine good fun - a healthy, wholesome atmosphere.

THE MUSICAL TALENT AROUND THE RANCH. Music has been an important part of our family and ranch life since the "Pringle boys" were young. The music show each week is a delightful, toe-tapping event.

CHILDREN AND THE RANCH. Kids love Waunita Hot Springs Ranch! They enjoy the freedom of the ranch and its surroundings - the time to just be kids! We include most children in our program of riding, scenic trips, hayride, fishing, arena games, cookouts, raft trip, campout, square-dance, and music. Our children's counselor also has special activities planned.

There is also time to throw the Frisbee, romp with the dogs, pet the bunny rabbits, kick the football, sneak a warm cookie from the kitchen, splash in the pool, explore the hillside, gather eggs, joke with the wranglers, collect rocks, fish in the pond, pitch horseshoes and more. Yep, kids enjoy the ranch!

OUR LONGEVITY AT THE RANCH. The Pringle family came to Waunita in 1962, and we've spent the past 40-plus years working to make the ranch program and facilities better and better.

WE HOPE YOU WILL VISIT WAUNITA HOT SPRINGS RANCH TO EXPERIENCE THESE SERENDIPITIES FOR YOURSELF!