Renowned historian Daniel Boorstin once claimed that "the American Cowboy is one of the few national legends to have become a myth while he is still a fact." And perhaps that's it. Fact and fiction have become so entwined that it's impossible to tell one from the other.

Much in the same way, city slickers eager to experience a taste of cowboy culture often find choosing the perfect Western adventure just as difficult. In this issue, we've rustled up a mix of the best dude ranches in North America, ranging from upscale resorts to working cattle ranches, and then added a little bit of everything in-between.

So pull on your boots, grab your hat and head out into cowboy country—the best of the West is waiting for you.

Go for Gold
Arizona holds a romance all of its own. Not because it's called the Valentine State (it became the last of the 48 contiguous states on February 14, 1912), but because until that time, it cradled some of the last remnants of the Old West—being the home to the infamous Hashknife cattle outfit and the birthplace of the famed Cowboy Artists of America, among others.

The tiny town of Wickenburg, located northwest of Phoenix, continues to foster this heritage, proudly proclaiming to be the "Dude Ranch Capital of the World".

In the same vein, the Flying E Ranch, which offers free pickup at the Wickenburg Municipal Airport [E25], bills itself as the !best little dude ranch in the west! This high desert location, fed by the Hassayampa River, was built on the ranching industry and the nearby Vulture Gold Mine—the richest one of its kind in Arizona history.

Visitors to this Arizona dude ranch find their own road to riches with the relaxed atmosphere and western hospitality. With only 34 guests lodging at any given time, it's easy to wrangle up a riding lesson or a few advanced pointers from one of the ranch's cowboys before heading off on the daily trail rides. In addition to horsing around, the Flying E Ranch offers a heated pool and hot tub, a lighted tennis court, skeet shooting, horseshoes and access to an 18-hole championship golf course.

And if you forget your boots or cowboy hat, the ranch has you covered. Just let them know what size you need.

Desert Delights
For a more luxurious Arizona adventure, wing a little further south and put down at the Tucson International Airport [KTUS]. Tanque Verde Ranch, which offers free transportation from the airport with a minimum four-night stay, is located on 640-acres in the rolling foothills of the Rincon Mountains east of Tucson.

This historic 1868 dude ranch combines all of the creature comforts of a Southwestern resort with the rustic activities of a family-oriented ranch experience. With 74 rooms and suites as well as the largest stable of riding horses in the state, Tanque Verde Ranch is set up to suit any style.

The focus at this premier vacation destination is horseback riding and with 150 mounts to choose from, riding a suitable mount will be the least of your worries.

For those looking for a little instruction, professional wranglers offer a comprehensive riding program with beginner to intermediate horsemanship classes. Children ages 4 to 11 also saddle up with specialized horseback riding lessons.

If you want to explore the ranch on your own two legs, you can sign up for a naturalist-led, desert hike or guided, mountain bike excursion. And, if all of that leaves you winded, you can relax with a walk through the ranch's Nature Center, set up a game at one of the resort's five tennis courts, stretch your muscles at the weight room, take a lap in one of the pools or unwind with a game of basketball or volleyball.