Working cattle ranch vacations with the Dude Ranchers’ Association offer guests a taste of what life is like on a real cattle ranch. Here, you’ll be a cowboy yourself for the week – riding horses, checking cattle, participating in cattle drives. You’ll be sleeping in comfortable bunkhouse cabins after a traditional day of ranch life. Day-to-day activities are in part dependent on the season and what needs to be done at that moment to care for the livestock. You’ll need to ask your host about the work and riding agenda during your stay.

Working cattle ranches tend to accommodate smaller guest numbers (less than 20 people) to ensure individually tailored experiences. You will get to know each rancher personally and learn about the history of the ranch, cattle production local to the area, and so much more. Take a look at the experiences offered by the ranches below. These are five of the best working cattle ranches across the West.

5 of the Best Working Cattle Ranch Vacations

Hubbard’s Six Quarter Ranch – Montana

At Hubbard’s Six Quarter Ranch, you, as a guest, will get the full experience of a day in the life of a working cattle ranch along the edge of the beautiful Yellowstone National Park area. You’ll participate in the everyday activities of pushing cattle to higher ground, greener pastures, or fixing fences. No experience is necessary as wranglers will guide you through the process and match you with a perfect horse for your riding ability. Enjoy the full Western cowboy way of life with us!

Klondike Ranch – Wyoming

Klondike Ranch is located at the base of the Big Horn Mountains in north-central Wyoming. You will find a very authentic experience by joining the cattle drives during the summer months, moving cattle from pasture to pasture.  After our calving season, we trail the cows and calves to the mountain at the end of June and back home at the end of September.

TA Ranch – Wyoming

TA Ranch is a historic 1880s homestead rich in history from the Johnson County War. Guests can take part in cattle work, trail rides across 8,000 acres, and horsemanship clinics, while also experiencing sustainable ranch life and exploring the stories that shaped the American West.

Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle and Guest Ranch – Montana

If you have already dreamed of experiencing the Wild West on a working cattle ranch, then your dream can come true at Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle and Guest Ranch. The terrain here is wild and yet beautiful. You’ll truly understand the meaning of big sky country at this ranch. Experience the Western lifestyle by being a part of the “crew” and learn the cowboy way, all while enjoying a fantastic vacation.

McGarry Ranches – Idaho

McGarry Ranches is located in the southeastern part of Idaho in the upper Snake River Valley, just 90 miles West of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You’ll learn the ropes of cattle ranching while visiting the ranch. If you are not looking for a nose-to-tail experience, this is the perfect ranch for you. You might learn how to rope, drive cattle to new pastures, brand, gather, doctoring cattle. If you are truly looking for an authentic working cattle ranch operation, McGarry Ranches is the place to be.

The Dude Ranchers’ Association’s member ranches include working cattle ranches among many others. Use our Find A Ranch tool to search by area and narrow down by many other filters. If you have questions about our ranches, contact us today!