Adventure
Have you ever fantasized about riding across the plains or through the desert, herding cattle, and whooping and hollering from the saddle of a horse? Immerse yourself in the authentic old-west experience and witness the lifestyle of real cowboys at a working cattle dude ranch. You might spend a day working on the ranch, herding cattle from one pasture to another. Alternatively, you could opt for an overnight cattle drive, camping under the stars or in a wall tent. Enjoy telling stories around a campfire and savoring meals cooked over an open fire.
It sounds like a fantasy, doesn’t it? At these 8 dude ranches listed below, as well as others listed on the Dude Ranchers’ Association website, you will find a true cowboy and western lifestyle experience. Check several things off your bucket list at one time with a working cattle dude ranch vacation!
Working Cattle Ranch Vacation
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is a luxurious, all-inclusive ranch that focuses on horseback riding, horsemanship, and cattle. Visitors are invited to engage in horsemanship and liberty demonstrations to gain insight into the ranch’s equine activities. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to assist in herding and moving cattle. For relaxation, guests can unwind by the hot tub, try fly-fishing, swim in the heated lap pool, and more! Plan a visit to the Hideout for a memorable experience!
TA Ranch – Wyoming
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, the TA Ranch is a historic working cattle ranch that has maintained its charming 1880s homestead. Explore the trails once frequented by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Guests can engage in cattle drives and receive expert horsemanship training. Immerse yourself in a week-long stay here for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, living in the rich history of the American West.
The Sweet Grass Ranch in Montana is a fantastic destination to satisfy your “inner cowboy and cowgirl.” Although the ranch does not move cattle every week, they do have specific weeks during their season that they have cattle drives as well as other cowboy work available for guests to participate in. Make sure to talk to the folks at the ranch well in advance to make sure that your stay will include cattle work, and if you are looking for an overnight cattle drive they have an option for that too! The overnight cattle drive usually takes place from the last week of July into the first week of August. Guests are encouraged to verify specific dates for cattle work and the overnight cattle drive when booking their vacation. You don’t want to miss out on these great experiences!
At the Klondike Ranch, you will have the option of how much of a guest you want to be. What does that mean exactly? You can relax and let the crew at the ranch take care of you or you can dive into the hands-on work of a cattle ranch! By the time you leave the ranch, you might just be the “handiest” person in your group. At Klondike, you will get to enjoy great horseback rides and herd cattle, participate in the ranch hand chores if you please, or even go on an overnight campout at the ranch’s Mountain Cow Camp. You will feel like a true cowboy or cowgirl after spending a vacation at the Klondike Ranch and get to tell all your friends, co-workers, and family that you have the chance to work alongside real Wyoming cowboys!
Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle and Guest Ranch – Montana
Looking for an unplugged and refreshing vacation with a little excitement added in? Hidden Hollow Hideaway might just be your perfect destination. Ride through luscious green meadows while moving cattle, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountains that surround you. The folks at Hidden Hollow Hideaway will make sure you are equipped with the right horse and tack to make your experience the best it can be! While here, you will be able to improve your riding and horsemanship skills, improve your confidence, and help the cowboys and cowgirls of the ranch move the cattle to new pastures. You do not need to have previous riding experience before coming to the ranch, just a willing attitude!
Music Meadows Ranch – Colorado
Experience the stunning sights of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and immerse yourself in the authentic cowboy lifestyle of Colorado. At Music Meadows, we host only one family per week, allowing our ranch team to provide personalized attention and guide you through the ins and outs of cattle ranching. Unwind in the evening by the wood-fired hot tub or gather around the fire pit to share stories.
You’ll wake up to the crisp Wyoming air and the breathtaking views of the open range every morning. As you saddle up your horse and head out to the fields, you’ll feel the thrill of the cowboy life coursing through your veins. From the dusty trails to the wide-open skies, every moment at Kara Creek Ranch immerses you in the rich tradition of the American West. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a city slicker eager to learn, our experienced wranglers will guide you every step of the way. Get ready to forge unforgettable memories and make lifelong friendships as you embark on this unforgettable cattle ranch adventure.
Experience the Bar W Guest Ranch near Glacier National Park for a tranquil week or join a thrilling cattle drive. Bar W’s cattle drive covers 5,300 acres of the ranch near Glacier National Park, offering stunning Montana Big Sky views. Throughout the week, guests will engage in activities such as roping, branding, inoculating, and herding cattle across the ranch. Every evening, guests will retreat to basecamp for a delightful Western meal. After an unforgettable cattle drive experience, you’ll depart feeling a deep connection and eager to return for another authentic Montana cowboy adventure.
The Dude Ranchers’ Association
Looking to book a vacation at a working cattle ranch? Let us help! Use our Find a Ranch tool to narrow down your search or contact us via phone or email for help!
