Regions
Ever dreamed of being part of a real cattle drive? At a working cattle ranch, you can do more than just watch the cowboys work. Guests have the opportunity to saddle up, help gather and move cattle, learn the ins and outs of ranch life, and experience the West from horseback.
Cattle drives are an authentic part of life on many working ranches, but no two experiences are exactly alike. The length of the drive, the terrain, the time of year and the work involved will depend on the ranch, the weather and the needs of the cattle. Some drives may take you into the mountains for several days, while others are part of the ranch’s regular day-to-day work.
If you are looking for a vacation where you can get your hands dirty, spend long days in the saddle and experience the working side of a dude ranch, these three ranches are a great place to start.
Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle & Guest Ranch | Townsend, Montana
At Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle & Guest Ranch, guests can experience the working side of a Montana cattle ranch while exploring 25,000 acres in the foothills of the Big Belt Mountains. Cattle drives take place throughout the summer, with larger drives in June and July, and guests may spend up to seven hours in the saddle moving cattle through the ranch. When you’re not working cattle, enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming, gold panning or simply relaxing at the Hideaway.
Klondike Ranch | Buffalo, Wyoming
Located at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, Klondike Ranch is a true working cattle ranch where guests can help move cows and calves by horseback from pasture to pasture. In July and September, the ranch heads into the mountains with the cattle, giving guests the opportunity to spend longer days in the saddle and even camp along the route. It’s an authentic Wyoming cattle drive experience with plenty of time for fishing, hiking and enjoying the mountains.
V6 Ranch | Parkfield, California
At V6 Ranch, guests can experience the working cowboy life on 20,000 acres of California ranch country. Cattle drive experiences include gathering and moving cattle, sorting, roping and spending long days exploring the ranch on horseback. With multi-day cattle drives and a variety of cowboy activities, V6 Ranch offers an authentic cattle ranch experience in a part of California many visitors never get to see.
Experience the Working West
A cattle drive vacation is about more than riding horses. It’s about learning how a working ranch operates, spending time outside, working alongside ranchers and experiencing the satisfaction of helping get the job done.
Cattle work is dependent on the ranch’s needs, so cattle drive dates and activities can vary. If a working cattle vacation is on your bucket list, contact the ranch directly and plan ahead to find the right experience for you.
Saddle up and discover the working side of the West!
