The DRA
Cool Off With These Dude Ranches
This summer swelter has taken hold of the country, it’s time to plan a last-minute escape to some of our coolest, most refreshing dude ranches in Montana and Wyoming. It’s been so hot; we even have a Canadian option for a treat.
Blackwater Creek Ranch
Cody, Wyoming
If the Wild West is what you are after, this is an excellent step, or trot, in the right direction. Horseback riding reigns at the ranch. As a permittee in the Shoshone National Forest, Blackwater offers a memorable ride as you wander through the spectacular Absaroka Mountains, where you can explore the scenic peaks, valleys, and streams the Crow and Shoshone Indians once traversed. You can also ride within feet of the historic Mummy Cave where Mummy Joe was buried in 720 A.D. Other unique trails include lunch, and you can also enjoy breakfast cooked over an open fire in a truly spectacular mountain setting.
Other summer adventures include whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, hiking and guided exploration of the surrounding national forest. And, with more openings in Yellowstone National Park from earlier this summer, there’s even more opportunity to capture the iconic West.
In town, the ranch will arrange a visit to Cody’s rodeo, Old Trail Town, the Town’s Musical and Buffalo Bill Historical Center.
Goosewing Ranch
Jackson, Wyoming
Goosewing Ranch has a calm, natural rhythm to its summer and fall programming. Warm sunny days, and crisp evenings are a respite. Daily activities include riding instruction, rides into the wilderness and National Forest, fly fishing, hiking, shooting activities, archery, mountain bike riding, tubing the river, ATV exploring, cattle work or just relaxing.
And, there’s still time to get in on the children’s program. Offered from June 19– August 20 (Peak Season Only) the program runs for about two to four hours daily, and is best suited for children six years and older.
Guests and families choose from either one of eight smaller private guest cabins or three larger, private two-bedroom cabins. Each cabin has a full private bathroom with shower and tub combo.
Shoshone Lodge & Guest Ranch
Cody, Wyoming
Another stunning Cody ranch, the lodge is what draws in most visitors. Built in 1924 by Henry and Bertha Dahlem; he was the first sheriff of Park County. Today, it’s a fourth-generation run lodge with authentic, Old West charm. Days at the ranch are filled with riding, Yellowstone tours, hiking, a day in Cody for rafting and a cowboy dinner show and rodeo, nightly entertainment at the lodge, mountain camp cookouts and more.
There is plenty of on-site activity, and adults tend to gravitate towards the Sheriff’s Still, the Old West with draft beers, cocktails and mouthwatering appetizers during happy hour. And, all ages enjoy the breakfast and dinner ride with hearty Western fare cooked in Dutch ovens over the campfire. It’s a taste of the Old West and a fun event for the whole family. (those who choose not to ride can still access campfire meals)
Bar W Guest Ranch
Whitefish, Montana
This is the ranch for the true cowboys and cowgirls. The location alone is majestic and rare, and the available 2022 specialty weeks are enviable. Plus, Bar W, located near Glacier National Park, has three brand new log cabins for the 2022 season!
For the cowgirls, plan ahead for this fall when sizzling September really gets to you. September 11 to 17 and October 16 to 22, Bar W is offering all-inclusive package vacations for women to “Cowgirl Up” with their best friends, sisters, daughters, and mothers, or to come alone and enjoy the camaraderie as the ladies take over the Ranch.
Interested in a Western Cattle Drive? “Cowboying on the Great Divide” is scheduled for August 28 to September 3 and September 4 to 10 on the DeBoo Ranch. The program includes a cattle drive adventure that rounds out all the experiences of a cattle round-up. Indulge in their new Plainscraft Covered Wagon accommodations, nestled under the stars. It’s all about horses, cattle, great country, and you!
Circle Bar Ranch
Hobson, Montana
It’s wide-open Montana, and Circle Bar’s 520 acres sit at the base of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. It’s that legendary movie scene with cascading streams of trout, rugged mountains and stunning historical cabins—yet, this is real!
Take in the best of summer with a three-night minimum stay during the Circle Bar’s summer season.
Ride in the Rocky Mountain terrain, lope across wide open fields and traverse the Judith River. Explore the nearby Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest by way of UTV guided tours. Take in varied terrain (with a bit of ease) around the ranch and visit the historic Hoover Cabin and surrounding countryside from Fat Tire E-Bikes. Peddle on your own or get some assistance from the high-powered motor capable of 20 mph speeds.
The first mile of the Judith River flows through the Circle Bar Ranch and wide swaths of river are ideal for fly fishing adventures.
Rocking Z Guest Ranch
Wolf Creek, Montana
This is the ideal ranch if you are looking to join an extended ranch-family, because everyone is one big community! This is for the family-oriented, healthy, outdoor vacation. Families love it here, because the ranch caters to individual needs from the horse-crazy teens, to the excited novice, simply playing pool or soaking in the hot tub, families make great memories here.
This is an excellent ranch to begin roping. Often called lassoing, roping is vital to understanding why a “Western” trained horse is trained in a particular manner. Western horses need to be a partner, a teammate who can be relied upon to do his or her job while you do your part. The ranch starts guests on the ground, and if over the time you have the skill and the desire, they will even teach riders how to rope from the back of a horse.
Accommodations include spacious en-suite rooms complete with a natural gas fireplace, chairs, and some rooms have air-conditioning. The food is ranch-style dining with a twist. Everything is home-cooked, and there are always gluten-free and dairy-free options. Desserts are plentiful and usually feature fresh pies and cakes.
Sundance Guest Ranch
Ashcroft, British Columbia
This is the most amazing trip we can take you for a last-minute getaway, just across our northern border! This ranch is four hours from Vancouver in the beautiful BC interior. Here, over 100 head of happy horses live out their majestic days with guests at Sundance Guest Ranch. There are sweeping, panoramic views of the wide-open Thompson River Valley that are inspiring and photogenic.
In summer, the ranch offers two rides a day, in small groups, with each ride lasting around two hours on varying terrain. Each group of riders is accompanied by a trained wrangler whose job it is to make your horseback experience as safe and fun as possible.
After a day on horseback, adults enjoy the BYOB bar lounge. The room hasn’t changed much since the 1960’s with a huge stone fireplace and large bar. The lounge opens onto an outdoor deck where you can cut the dust at the end of the day and swap stories with your fellow riders before getting ready for dinner.
The Dude Ranchers’ Association
Not sure where to start? Unsure of what ranch is right for you? That’s why we’re here to help! Contact us today to help you narrow down your options, so you can find the perfect dude ranch for your next vacation!
Contact: 307-587-2339 | info@duderanch.org
