The coffee is hot and breakfast is served—the perfect wake up call. You pull up your boots and meet your guide for the day. As you make your way outside, the air is crisp and cool. You slip a saddle on your horse, and head out onto the trail. Your guide points out mountain ranges in the distance and identifies bird species in nearby trees. As lunch approaches, you pull off at a spectacular viewpoint, then enjoy your packed lunch. The ride back to the ranch is effortless and relaxing. When you return, you kick back on your front porch and read the next chapter of your gripping novel. A group of kids are having their first experience on horseback in the distance, giggling as they trot along. You have the option of activities for the afternoon including tennis, pickleball, swimming, mountain biking, or rafting. As the sun begins to set,... Read More

Make your Wedding day truly extraordinary. Dude ranch weddings are the perfect setting for your ceremony. With their spectacular scenery and private settings you’ll create a lifetime of memories. Dude Ranch Weddings  The options are endless; a magical hand built chapel at Diamond D Ranch, the remarkable back drop of the Wyoming Tetons at Moose Head Ranch or under the glorious Colorado skies at C Lazy U Ranch.      Extraordinary gourmet cuisine is what Red Reflet Ranch and Tanque Verde Ranch do best, while at Sundance Trail Ranch it is not unusual to see the bride and groom ride off into the sunset.      Celebrate your first kiss as husband wife at Greenhorn Creek Ranch during the running of the horses, take a wagon ride under the stars at the Bar W Ranch or let Sylvan Dale Ranch help customize your dream wedding.      With our Western Hospitality you can be assured your wedding day will be perfect!     Read... Read More

You are about to embark on one of the most quintessential National Park trips that North America has to offer, Glacier National Park. With the itinerary planned for a sunrise trip on the road to the sun and the best places to stop in the park to stop and "smell the roses" you are ready for the experience of a lifetime. But, are you looking for something a little more than a stuffy hotel room on the first floor with kids running overhead and a continental breakfast that leaves something to be desired?   At a dude ranch you can book your own peaceful cabin for the week and escape the crowds for an outdoor adventure on a ranch that pairs oh - so - nicely with a trip to Glacier National Park. Ranging from luxury resorts to intimate working cattle ranches pick out your very own local and immersive experience for... Read More

The Dude Ranchers' Association has scoured the Western United States and found the best dude and guest ranch vacations money can buy. As with the nature of a ranch, horseback riding is a key outdoor adventure of the day's activities, but for some foodie families, the magic really starts with hors d'oeuvres, runs with a full course meal and culminates after dessert with a glass of fine wine and a peaceful sunset. We've picked out some of the best dude ranch vacations for foodies. We promise, you'll certainly get a craving for the culinary experiences offered by the dude ranches below. But, don't just settle for one ranch, try them all!   Dude Ranch Vacations for Foodies   Mountain Sky Guest Ranch You'll soon discover that at Mountain Sky the meals will be one of the most memorable parts of your stay. The ranch kicks things off with hors d'oeuvres and drinks in the saloon... Read More

  Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the nation with the Rocky Mountains and vast plains. Your inner photographer will be brought out with so many phenomenal vistas. From the Northern border shared with Wyoming to the Southern border shared with New Mexico, picturesque ranches abound in the "Centennial State" and we look at ten of the most beautiful Colorado dude ranch vacations.    10 of the Most Beautiful Colorado Dude Ranch Vacations   Lost Valley Ranch Set against 26,000 acres of the Pike National Forest, you'll experience the majestic Rocky Mountains like never before at the Lost Valley Ranch. Here you can breathe the fresh mountain air, hike through flowering meadows or simply relax with a fishing pole on Goose Creek. It's all here to enjoy at your own pace.  Lost Valley Ranch, Colorado Find a dude ranch vacation with duderanch.org. Search Now Lost Valley Ranch    Tumbling River Ranch Tumbling River Ranch feels as far away from... Read More

With more mountains and cattle than there are people Montana is a vast and beautiful play ground for outdoor activities, especially on a dude ranch vacation. Less than a million people live in the whole state, so even in the largest of cities there is still wide open spaces and a relaxed small town feel. The people here are among the friendliest in the world and will make your vacation here the most memorable one to date. Take the opportunity to slow down long enough to experience Montana in a unique and authentic way. Here are the top 6 things to do in Montana while at a guest ranch.   6 Things to Do in Montana While on a Dude Ranch Vacation    1. Trail Ride From one hour to an all day ride you'll get to share in the beauty of Montana while on horseback. If there ever was a traditional way to explore,... Read More

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 bunk house cabins after a traditional day of ranch life. Day to day activities is 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.... Read More

Anyone who has been involved in planning a traditional weeding knows that it can be a really demanding undertaking for one of the most important milestones in a couples future. There seems to be countless decisions to make: from booking the venue, selecting the theme, narrowing the guest list, creating and sending invitations, gift registsrations, florists and the music playlist. All to make your day look as "Pinterest Perfect" as your wedding board has created.   "You may now kiss the bride" - Red Reflet Guest Ranch, Ten Sleep, Wyoming For some, this may sound like fun, I mean you're basically throwing a big party for all your closest friends and relatives, right? Not exactly. The reality is most brides are in a environment of stress from engagement until their wedding night. Why else are there so many relaity TV shows on weddings? Let's just say there's a good reason why dude ranch... Read More

The beauty and wonder of Wyoming is undeniable: with mountains lakes, forests and prairies, the state has a lot going for it. That’s just the start of a naturally awesome place. Wyoming is also home to Yellowstone National Park in the Northwest corner. When you find yourself planning your next trip to the greater Yellowstone area or Jackson Hole in Northwest Wyoming here are some truly special hidden dude ranch vacations that are worth the trip alone.  Although Wyoming ranches focus on horseback riding, guests can experience a wide range of activities which include; hiking, fishing, shooting, archery, rafting, and camping. Whether you are looking for a family adventure vacation, a family reunion location, a corporate retreat getaway, or a unique wedding destination, these ranches are what you have been looking for.       Good Old Fashioned Hospitality, Excellent Food and Casual Living at Its Best The R Lazy S Ranch specializes in the real... Read More