The wild west. Sleeping under the stars. Moving cattle. Riding for miles. Feeling the breeze through your hair. Seeing unbelievable scenery. Not hearing or seeing a vehicle for miles. New friends sitting around a campfire. Sound like heaven?
The U.S. has some of the best of these experiences that can be had. Where? At a dude ranch of course. Ranches offer experiences such as herding cattle or trail riding through the mountains to create a ranch experience you will talk about for the rest of your life.
Dude ranches today offer a huge variety of options. Do you want to sleep under the stars? How about the five-star treatment along with horseback riding and “glamping” offered at some of the dude ranches?
Dude ranches have options for everyone – including families and those who have never ridden a horse before. A dude ranch vacation is something everyone should try once. Get your boots and jeans ready and saddle up partner for an incredible experience at the top Dude Ranches in the country.
Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch
The Hideout is a full blown working cattle ranch. The ranch sprawls for over 130,000 acres in Shell, Wyoming. It offers guests a chance to help move cattle to pastures or assist with branding. A large portion of the cattle are move d in the summer by guests. Those with stronger riding skills can help move cattle for a few days rather than just a day or two.
Riders are saddled up with experienced horses-including ranch pros such as quarter horses, mustangs, and Paints. Guests are limited to about 25 guests each week, making the experience much more intimate.
Need to relax and unwind? The Hideout offers non-riding options and incredible dining in luxury accommodations so you can glam it up in the evenings after a hard day’s work. All meals are included in the package you decide to choose. Families are welcome as are riders of all experience levels.
Dunton Hot Springs Ranch
Are you ready for an upscale experience? Dunton Hot springs is located in Colorado with postcard scenery that will leaved you in awe. Guests can relax in their own cabins and the resort extends open arms to all guests including families, singles, groups, and couples. The ranch has several hot spring sites as well as a spa to enjoy.
Activities can be anything from horseback riding in the Rockies, rock climbing, hiking, trail rides, fly fishing, and archaeological tours to name a few. See the best of Colorado by horseback at this stunning ranch.
V6 Ranch
The V6 Ranch has been around since the 1960’s and is still popular with guests today. The ranch has about 20,000 acres in California. Guests can help drive cattle and explore trails on the ranch in the beautiful central valley location. Lodging and accommodations are perfect for guests of all types. A pool, fire pit, grass fed beef steaks, and incredible rustic lodging are perfect for the cowboys and cowgirls at heart.
The ranch has a host of activities listed on their site including a rodeo, clinics and trail rides, a Bluegrass festival, Wrangler Rides, a Spring Cowboy academy and a Dude Ranch Weekend. Experience doesn’t matter when it comes to horseback riding because they have horses for every level. Come experience California as a cowboy or cowgirl!
Silver Spur Ranch
Are you looking for an authentic experience? Silver Spur Ranch in Dubois, Idaho offers one of the last horse drives left in the states. Riders help move and herd horses of the stretch of a few days. A chuck wagon follows the herd and provides meals for the riders. Camping is done in cabins and tents along the way for a true cowboy experience.
Are you ready to test your riding stamina and be a true cowgirl? The Silver Spur horse drive is the ultimate bucket list item. Cozy around a campfire at night and head out in the morning to move horses. Showers are available at the cabins or you can bathe in the stream while on the trail. Cell phone service is a no, so you will truly be able to enjoy the great outdoors. It will definitely be a ride to remember.
Riding on a ranch is something not many of us get to do. Take your friends, family, partner, or just you, and head for the hills. Most dude ranches have a little something to accommodate anyone and everyone, particularly those with a love of horses. Try being a cowboy or cowgirl and experience the U.S. like it was meant to be seen- by horseback.
Related Content You Might Also Enjoy:
Medieval Castle Horseback Rides
Iceland by Horseback
Chincoteague Island Continues to Hold 90-Year-Old Equestrian Event
Enjoy a Riding Holiday at a Magical Chateau in France