Adventure
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 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. They are five of the best working cattle ranches across the West.
5 of the Best Working Cattle Ranch Vacations
Kara Creek Ranch – Wyoming
An authentic “old west” style cattle ranch is what you will find at the Kara Creek Ranch in Wyoming. Here you will experience what it was like to live on the prairie and in the desert while moving cattle and putting many miles in the saddle. This cattle ranch will provide you the true cowboy experience and here you will learn what all it really takes to make a ranch run smoothly. Of course, it is up to you how involved you want to be, but to get the most out of this experience you won’t want to miss a thing! Stories, memories, and bucket list items are created on this working cattle ranch and if it is something you have always wanted to do, do not miss your chance!
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 already have dreamed to experience 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 get 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.
V6 Ranch – California
V6 Ranch is a 20,000-acre working cattle ranch that has been family-run for over 60 years. Guests can join authentic cattle drives, roping, and horsemanship clinics, or enjoy scenic trail rides through the ranch’s stunning landscapes. With hearty, home-cooked meals and a rich ranching legacy, the V6 offers an immersive glimpse into the cowboy side of California.
Working Cattle Ranch Vacations
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!
