Spring Valley dude ranch gears up for new season

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      With the holidays fast approaching, Spring Valley Ranch is gearing up for a host of unique and entertaining events.
      Families can reclaim the safe, wholesome fun of Halloween by celebrating at Sandy Valley Ranch. Bobbing for apples, hay rides, pony rides, a cowboy magic show and free treats are just some of the festivities going on Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24 and 31.
      Owner and operator Marilyn Gubler said the Sandy Valley Ranch experience offers a counter balance to the hectic city lifestyle.
      "Imaging riding under a blanket of stars so close you can almost touch them," Gubler said. "The night's silence wraps you in a spirit of the West and your every sense tells you that you've finally found it. The chance to play cowboy is real. The best part is, it's just a short drive but a century away from the stress and noise of the city."
      With the Millennium Trail Ride and New Year's Celebration, it's also one of the most original destinations for the last New Year's Eve of this century.
      "We're hosting a full week of events surrounding the special New Years celebration," Gubler said.
      Sandy Valley Ranch is offering five-day trail ride packages that includes a 20-mile ride each day along a different historic and scenic route, Turn-Of-The-Century costumes, commemorative western gifts, and three nights of parties with live music and a western barbecue.
      Other variations are available as well. Guests can make reservations for the whole package or for just a one-day trail ride, or just the parties.
      "We try to offer something for everyone," Gubler said. "One thing's for certain, out here, under the sky will be the best light show anywhere. Sandy Valley Ranch will be the place to begin the new Millennium."
      While trail rides and corporate parties are already available to the public, upcoming plans for Sandy Valley Ranch are even more exciting.
      "We plan to offer a true working ranch experience," Gubler said. "This includes round-ups just like in the movie `City Slickers.' Guests will ride the range, camp in the open and compete with other teams to round up the most steers from the plains and canyons of the Clark Mountains."
      Round-Up Adventures will be available in four- or five-night packages, and Sandy Valley Ranch accepts riders at every skill level.
      Other activities include team roping and penning, barrel racing, mechanical bull riding and more. But visitors don't necessarily have to actively participate for an enjoyable experience. Gubler said there will also be professional rodeo competitions to delight guests.
      "Our premiere facility attracts cowboys of all levels to compete for fun and prizes," she said.
      Through membership affiliations with such organizations as American Quarterhorse Association, National Cutting Horse Association, U.S. Team Roping Association and the California Gymkhana Association, Sandy Valley Ranch strives to maintain the highest level of quality and service for its guests as well as humane care and concern for its animals.
      Just 45 minutes from the Strip, Sandy Valley Ranch captures all the flavor, romance and fun of an old-fashioned western adventure. Offering both sunset and moonlight trail rides, campfire storytelling, chuck wagon-style buffets and more, this full-service dude ranch offers a taste of the West as it was a 100 years ago.
      To reach Sandy Valley Ranch, travel Interstate 15 south to Jean. From there, take Highway 161 west and then follow the signs. Those interested can call 461-5075 or visit its Website at www.sandyvalleyranch.com.