14 Dude Ranches for a Totally Unique Experience
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Pull on your cowboy boots and mosey on out to a dude ranch for a vacation you'll never forget
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Say “howdy” to a dude ranch vacation
A good vacation is the perfect way to reset and recharge. It’s also the perfect time to unplug and spend quality time with loved ones. But before you go and book a quick trip to Disney, an all-inclusive vacation at the beach or a stay at one of the best resorts in the world, consider a visit to a dude ranch. Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure or a little bit of both, dude ranch vacations are a uniquely American experience that will change the way you take your R&R.
But first, what is a dude ranch? Historically, ranches welcomed city-slickers (or dudes, as they called them) who needed a respite from their busy lives. Guests were treated to a grand, outdoor escape filled with horses, home cooking and good old Western hospitality. Today, not much has changed. When you visit a dude ranch, you’ll enjoy much of the same. From horseback riding to hiking, fishing to river rafting, there’s something for everyone. And not just that, but there’s a ranch for every type of traveler and budget.
There are hundreds of dude ranches across the country, which means finding one to suit your needs can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry. We’ve broken things down so that even novice cowboys can find the perfect ranch for their style and budget. We have plenty of ranches on our list that are located out west, but if you’re in the market for an East Coast getaway, we’ve got a few of those too.
What type of dude ranch should you visit?
When it comes to planning your trip, start by choosing the type of dude ranch you’d like to visit. The Dude Ranchers’ Association groups ranches into three categories. Traditional dude ranches offer horseback riding and a variety of other outdoor activities, and they’re perfect for all types of travelers, including those with children. Luxury dude ranches offer a more upscale experience and have a resort-type feel. And if you’re looking for a truly authentic ranch experience, then you may want to visit a working cattle ranch, where you can learn to drive cattle, repair fences and participate in other activities that are crucial to running a ranch.
When should you visit a dude ranch?
If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for an affordable family vacation, it pays to know the best time to head west. The peak time for families to visit most dude ranches is May through August, according to Courtney Frazier, director of the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association. During these times, you’re likely to get the best all-inclusive pricing. She also points out that you’ll find the best group pricing during the off-season, which runs from October through April. Just be aware that not all ranches are open during the winter months.
How long should you stay at a dude ranch?
Frazier recommends spending a week at a dude ranch in order to get the full experience. Additionally, she notes that it’s common for ranches to have dedicated arrival and departure dates. For instance, your stay may be Saturday to Saturday, or Sunday to Wednesday if you book a shorter stay.
Is a dude ranch a good family vacation?
Yes! You’ll find that most traditional and even luxury ranches offer a variety of activities for children and teens. Working cattle ranches, on the other hand, do not offer kids programs and are better suited to families with teenagers or adult children. And if you prefer to travel without children, many ranches offer adults-only weeks.
How we chose the best dude ranches
With hundreds of options across the country, you’re going to need to do more than google “dude ranch near me” to find the cream of the crop. Choosing the best dude ranches is no easy feat, but we put in the work so you don’t have to.
To find the best options, we sought expert recommendations, scoured through hundreds of customer reviews and took into consideration the standards set by the Dude Ranchers’ Association. We have compiled a list of the best dude ranches all over the country, so you can find something perfect near you.
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Best overall dude ranch
The Ranch at Rock Creek
Whether you’re traveling as a family or as a couple, The Ranch at Rock Creek is bound to be a vacation you’ll never forget. Originally a 19th-century homestead, this secluded dude ranch in Montana is situated on 10 square miles of meadows and rolling foothills. There are four different luxury accommodations to choose from, including a historic barn and private cabins.
The all-inclusive ranch treats guests to farm-to-table meals and over 40 year-round activities. If you’re planning to visit in the summer, you can enjoy a customized itinerary that includes adventures like horseback riding, guided fly-fishing and a behind-the-scenes chute tour before the ranch’s weekly rodeo. Heading there in the winter? Try your hand at downhill skiing or snowboarding, cross-country skiing or a guided UTV mountain tour. At the end of a long day, head to the Silver Dollar Saloon for a glass of beer or wine (yep, it’s included) and some nightly entertainment.
Pros:
- Almost all activities included with your stay; three activities and spa treatments have an additional cost
- A customized itinerary to suit your needs and interests
- Beer, wine and spirits included with your stay
- Kids club for children ages 4 through 12 allows parents to go off and enjoy their own activities
Con:
- Rates start at $3,200 per night during peak season
Best dude ranch for couples
The JL Bar Ranch
The JL Bar Ranch is a stunning resort situated on 13,000 sprawling acres of Texas terrain. It’s the perfect romantic resort for couples celebrating an anniversary, birthday or honeymoon, or for those who are just looking for a romantic trip to reconnect. Guests can stay in one of the ranch’s luxury cabins or guest rooms, all of which boast custom-made furniture, upscale linens and luxurious bathroom amenities.
At this dude ranch in Texas, couples can enjoy an easy, scenic ride on horseback and even take their love of horses a step further by taking part in a horse psychology experience. This one-of-a-kind program teaches the basics of horse behavior, how to be comfortable around horses and how to gain a deeper appreciation for these stunning animals. Afterward, head to the spa, slip into a plush bathrobe and slippers, and sip on a beverage of your choice while you wait to be called in for a couples massage. Finish out the day under the stars with a guided stargazing experience that you and your better half will never forget.
Pros:
- Open year-round
- Offers a variety of activities and excursions, including horseback riding, hunting and guided stargazing
- Upscale spa on the property
Con:
- Not an all-inclusive resort, so you’ll have to pay for activities such as horseback riding and the horse psychology experience
Best dude ranch for families
Cherokee Park Ranch
The small, family-owned Cherokee Park Ranch in the Rocky Mountains is the ideal family travel destination for those with small children. Not only does it offer programs for kids ages 2 through 12, but it also allows you to bring a full-time babysitter at no additional charge, so you’ll have someone on hand to care for children 2 and younger.
Be sure to pack your favorite jeans, since your weeklong stay will include plenty of horseback riding, cattle team penning, fly-fishing, skeet shooting and more. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can take a river rafting trip or join a ski boat trip for an additional cost. No matter which activities you feel like doing, just be sure to bring your appetite. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are a staple of the ranch’s hearty, home-cooked meals. Everything is served family style, and you’re welcome to BYOB.
Pros:
- Children’s program available for ages 2 through 12
- Bring your own full-time babysitter for kids 2 and younger at no additional charge
- Home-cooked, family-style meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Almost all the ranch’s activities are part of the all-inclusive rate
- Offers parents a candlelit wine dinner one night while the children enjoy a special cookout
Con:
- Does not permit children under the age of 13 during the late season (mid-August through mid-September)
Best working cattle ranch
Badger Creek Ranch
Pack your boots, jeans and cowboy hat, and get ready to spend lots of time in the saddle at Badger Creek Ranch. With a limit of five guests at a time, this all-inclusive, working cattle ranch allows you to get up close and personal with ranch life. During your stay, you’ll help with day-to-day ranch chores, such as mending fences, moving cattle and caring for the resident horses, sheep, guard dogs, pigs and chickens. (Just be sure you’re aware of these all-inclusive resort tips before you book.)
When you’re not working on this dude ranch in Colorado, you can spend time hiking, biking, fishing or taking a scenic drive to the historic mining town of Salida. Home-cooked, farm-fresh meals are included with your stay. Just keep in mind that the ranch doesn’t have a liquor license, but you’re welcome to bring your own!
Pros:
- Small, intimate setting with plenty of hands-on experience
- An off-the-grid location that allows you to disconnect
- Ranch-to-table meals included with your stay
- Day trips available for those who don’t want to stay four or five nights
- Affordable price point
Con:
- No children’s programs
Best dude ranch for personalization
The Lazy L&B Ranch
At the Lazy L&B Ranch, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll enjoy a truly personalized vacation. That’s because this all-inclusive, family-owned ranch welcomes a maximum of only 35 guests per week in its cozy log cabins. This dude ranch is located in Wyoming and nestled in the Wind River’s East Fork Valley, just a hop, skip and trot away from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
During your weeklong stay, you’ll be paired with your own horse. And that’s a good thing, considering you’ll be spending plenty of time in the saddle. Rides range from just a few hours to all day! When you’re not riding, you can try your hand at fly-fishing or spend a day hiking. If you prefer to just kick back and relax, grab your bathing suit and go swimming in the river or the ranch’s heated pool.
Pros:
- You’re paired with your own horse for the week
- Maximum of 35 guests per week
- A 1.5-hour drive to Grand Teton National Park, and an additional 30 minutes to Yellowstone National Park
- The ranch hosts two adult-only weeks each season
Con:
- Cost for children 12 and under is only $100 less than the cost for adults
Best dude ranch for children
Paradise Guest Ranch
If you thought paradise was a beachfront hotel, think again. Paradise Guest Ranch, situated in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, lives up to its name. Upon arrival, guests ages 6 and up are paired with a horse, which they’ll ride throughout the week. (Expect to ride anywhere from one to eight hours a day, depending on your preference.)
Younger children will have a blast in the ranch’s kids program, where counselors facilitate fun activities, such as pony rides, arts and crafts, capture the flag, fishing and more. The ranch even offers overnight pack trips that will let your children feel like one of the grown-ups!
Pros:
- Kids program offered daily, with babysitting services available for children ages 2 and under
- Kids ages 6 and up are paired with their own horse for the week
- Award-winning children’s program
Con:
- Babysitting services offered only in the mornings and during dinnertime on select weekdays
Best dude ranch for customization
White Stallion Ranch
Don’t want to pay a pretty penny for activities you don’t want to do? At Arizona’s White Stallion Ranch, you don’t have to. Rather than pay one flat rate for your stay, choose from the different plans to find one that best suits your family and helps you stick to your travel budget. The Full American Plan includes lodging, three meals a day, evening entertainment, horseback riding, complimentary Wi-Fi and airport transfers for guests staying four nights or longer.
Looking for adventure? The Full American Plan Outdoor Adventure Package includes rock climbing, range shooting, fat tire e-biking and archery for guests staying four or six nights (depending on the season). Complimentary airport transfers are also included with this package, and you can always add activities à la carte. The ranch also offers special packages, promotions, retreats, workshops and clinics throughout the year. Check their specials page for current offerings.
Pros:
- Different packages at different price points ensure you’re only paying for activities you want to do
- Complimentary airport transfers from Tucson International Airport included with certain packages
- Offers special packages and promotions throughout the year
- Open year-round
Con:
- Some travelers may dislike having to pay for individual activities during their stay
Best dude ranch to visit year-round
320 Guest Ranch
Once the homestead of Montana’s first woman doctor and pathologist, 320 Guest Ranch has a history as rich as its landscape. The ranch is situated in the Gallatin National Forest just 12 miles from Big Sky and only 36 miles from Yellowstone National Park, so you can easily work a quick road trip into your itinerary. Stay in a cozy log cabin or mountain chalet with breathtaking views, and spend your days horseback riding, fly-fishing or learning new skills, like soap making or mountain medicine.
This ranch is open year-round, which makes it a great destination for shoulder-season travel. The price per night is more reasonable than other ranches, but it’s worth noting that meals, activities and workshops come at an additional cost.
Pros:
- Summer and winter activities
- Short drive to Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park
- Incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, Gallatin Canyon and even the Northern Lights
Con:
- Not all-inclusive
Best dude ranch to visit during the winter
C Lazy U Ranch
Horseback riding, Orvis-endorsed guided fly-fishing, archery, cattle pushing clinics and ranger tours are just some of the activities that await at C Lazy U Ranch. This all-inclusive luxury ranch sits on 8,500 acres and is open year-round. The ranch is home to over 180 horses, and it offers separate riding programs for kids and adults, as well as family riding excursions. If you’re planning a winter vacation, the ranch has a 12,000-square-foot, heated indoor riding arena and outdoor trail rides.
Pros:
- Large, heated indoor riding arena for year-round horseback riding
- Plenty of summer and winter activities for the whole family
- Kids program for children ages 3 and up
Con:
- Spa services, alcoholic beverages and certain activities are not included in your stay
Best dude ranch to kick back and relax
Southern Cross Guest Ranch
If you’re looking for an East Coast vacation, then head to Southern Cross Guest Ranch for a trip filled with horses, food and Southern hospitality. To help you build your dream vacation, the ranch offers two all-inclusive packages. Horse lovers will want to select the all-inclusive riding package, which covers lodging, all meals, snacks, beverages, amenities and two daily rides. Those who prefer to admire horses from afar can select the all-inclusive non-riding package, which offers the same perks and amenities as the riding plan without the riding. If you’re just looking to escape for a night, there’s a bed and breakfast plan too.
Pros:
- Three different plans to help you make the most of your stay
- Horse lovers can ride for up to four hours a day
- Riders have the opportunity to learn how to groom and saddle their own horses prior to each ride
- On-site photographer available to capture special moments
Con:
- Doesn’t offer as many activities as other ranches
Best dude ranch with a water park
Rocking Horse Ranch
No matter what time of year you visit Rocking Horse Ranch in upstate New York, you’ll find that there is no shortage of amenities and activities. In the morning, you can grab a cup of coffee or fruit-infused water and head to the lobby for a few rounds of morning bingo before making your way to the dining room for a buffet breakfast.
Then head out for a day of fun. The ranch boasts an indoor and outdoor water park, laser tag course, miniature golf, archery range and a lake filled with giant carp. Adventure lovers of all ages have the opportunity to try their hand at mountain tubing, horseback riding and fast-paced banana boat rides. The room rate also includes nightly entertainment, such as karaoke, trivia and magic and comedy shows. It also includes all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Each rustic-themed room sleeps up to six people, making this the ideal family vacation.
Pros:
- Indoor and outdoor water parks and pools
- Tons of family-friendly activities
- Kids club available for an extra fee
Con:
- Menu and activities can get repetitive if you stay more than a few days
Best dude ranch for pets
Wildcatter Ranch
If you don’t want your four-legged friend to miss out on all the fun, then Wildcatter Ranch is for you. Depending on your accommodations, this ranch has a pet policy that allows two pets to join you during your stay for an additional fee of $50 per night. Pets must be domesticated cats or dogs that weigh no more than 55 pounds. In addition to horseback riding, this pet-friendly ranch offers a variety of activities, including tomahawk throwing, Jeep tours, roping, spear throwing and branding.
Pros:
- Guests can bring up to two pets (max 55 pounds each)
- Infinity-edge pool that’s the perfect spot to relax after a long, activity-filled day
- Plenty of unique activities to choose from during your stay
Con:
- Not an all-inclusive ranch
Best dude ranch for unplugging
Alisal Ranch
In true Western fashion, guest rooms at Alisal Ranch do not have phones or TVs, and cell service can be spotty. But what can you expect when you’re on 10,500 acres in the middle of the Santa Barbara County wine region? That being said, Verizon users tend to get good service, and the ranch will loan you an Alisal cell phone for the duration of your stay if needed. Overall, though, a visit here means you’ll spend less time plugged into devices and more time plugged into nature. And that’s a good thing!
While you’re here, you can enjoy a range of activities, from horseback riding and hog washing to fishing, egg collecting and guided mountain e-bike tours. The ranch offers several different activity packages, all of which include lodging, breakfast, dinner and beverages. Just know that you’ll have to pay extra for activities that are not covered in your package.
Pros:
- Lack of phones and TVs in guest rooms encourages guests to stay unplugged
- Beverages including beer, wine, well drinks and premium coffee drinks are included in your rate
- Two complimentary laundry facilities and detergent available for guest use
- Loaner Alisal cell phones available for the duration of your stay if you need to stay connected
Con:
- Extra charge for most activities
Best dude ranch for adults
Red Horse Mountain Ranch
While there are plenty of dude ranches that offer one or two adults-only weeks each season, Red Horse Mountain Ranch offers multiple adults-only weeks throughout the year. For nine weeks, the ranch becomes an adults-only all-inclusive vacation, with dedicated women-only and singles weeks. During these weeks, guests will spend their days doing any number of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, guided kayaking tours, bike tours, clay shooting and more. There’s even a 1,500-foot zip line that will drop you into the ranch’s spring-fed pond. After a busy day, sit down to a chef-prepared meal before catching some nightly entertainment.
Pros:
- Nine adults-only weeks, including women-only, singles and solos weeks
- Most activities and lessons included in your rate
- Alcoholic beverages included with your stay
Con:
- No adults-only weeks during the peak summer season
Source:
- Courtney Frazier, director of the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association
Originally Published: May 18, 2023
