Ranches hit hardest by the forest blazes

Tourism damaged

Ranches hit hardest by the forest blazes

The forest fires in Montana, Idaho and western Wyoming have had the most impact on visitors booked in at dude and guest ranches, according to California-based tourism product development company North American Journeys.

Visitors re-routed

A spokesman said: “The ranches have been severely restricted from conducting activities on public lands due to the intensity of the fires and the potential hazards.

“Most international travellers had planned and paid for their trips in advance and were re-routed to ranches outside the affected areas, in Texas, Arizona and other states.”

He added: “Depending on the wind direction on any given day, the smoke was a factor in many areas during the peak periods of the fires and it tended to drive away more domestic visitors than international tourists.

“When the south entrance to Yellowstone in Montana was closed, operators scrambled to re-route clients to other entrances, which required additional driving times of between one and two hours.

“This also affected access to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, although Montana’s Glacier Park was not affected at all.”

Mesa Verde closed

Two fires in July and August affected tourism to the Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, which saw the closure of the area in the peak months.

But the park’s major attractions, including ancient cliff dwellings, the museum and a lodge, were not damaged.

North American Journeys, which operates a Web site for international tour operators to North America, has been posting updated information on the situation in the affected areas.

It can be accessed at www.visitnaj.com. Other useful sources are www.TravelYellowstone.com and www.RMI-RealAmerica.com

Back at the ranch: the forest fires had the most impact on ranches