Westward Bound
Did you know that most dude ranch stays are all-inclusive? If you’re looking for a vacation where you can arrive, drop your bags and begin enjoying your stay without stressing over dinner plans, activity itineraries or hidden expenses, this is the perfect getaway for you.
Dude ranches and guest ranches are generally nestled in nature’s most beautiful scenery and offer activities for every age, skill and interest in the family. It’s the perfect combination of exciting excursions and serene escapes without leaving anyone out; even your pets can join in some cases.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling day on white water rapids, an afternoon in the hammock with your favorite book, a family-style chef-prepared meal under the stars or a morning coffee horseback, there is a dude ranch to suit the wants and needs of you and your family. We’ve compiled a list of places and ranches to visit that might just fit the bill.
On the epic seven-day Red Rock Ride, you’ll start and end in Las Vegas, Nevada. You will be guided through Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Thunder Mountain Trail, Butch Cassidy Trail and the Paria River in the Grand Staircase National Monument, concluding with the Grand Canyon. This all-inclusive vacation includes cabin lodging and roundtrip transportation to the trailheads. Visit redrockride.com for more information!
Located 1 mile from Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park entrance, Ruby’s Horseback Adventures offers horseback riding, hiking, rides on all-terrain vehicles, rodeos and wagon rides in a family-friendly area. Choose from guided horseback riding tours ranging from 1 1/2 hours to all day long. During the summer, enjoy the nightly rodeo. Ruby’s Horseback Adventures also offers four-day horseback adventures, overnight stabling and camping for private horse owners. Visit horserides.net for more information!
Find your ultimate Western adventure getaway through the Dude Ranchers’ Association. Each DRA member dude ranch offers vacation experiences that allow you to escape reality and step back in time to the Old West. Enjoy top-notch hospitality, food, accommodations and activities for everyone from beginner to experienced riders. With the DRA member dude ranches, you can enjoy an all-inclusive experience, where lodging, meals and most activities are bundled into a single price. Visit duderanch.org for more information!
Since 1931, 7 Lazy P Outfitting has been conducting traditional, multi-day horse and mule pack trips throughout Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Ride through amazing scenery to iconic destinations on seasoned mountain horses. Experience great hikes, cast a fly line, or just relax and unplug. Enjoy excellent meals and camaraderie with a very friendly and professional crew. Contact them today. Visit sevenlazyp.com for more information!
Experience horseback riding in the Bridger-Teton National Forest with Jackson Hole Pack Trips. Available in two-, three-, four- and five-day packages. On these trips, guests will camp in spacious safari-style tents, eat delicious meals prepared by the camp cook, and enjoy fishing, hiking and photographing wildlife in their natural habitat. Jackson Hole Pack Trips provides gear and some of Wyoming’s most experienced guides. Groups range from two to eight people. Visit willowcreekhorsebackrides.com and jacksonholepacktrips.com for more information!
Join sixth-generation ranchers Jerry and Tammy Rowse in everyday ranching activities in the beautiful Sandhills of Nebraska. Guests get involved in ranch work such as driving cattle, checking pastures, working cattle, doctoring and branding. Small groups of guests ride in wide-open pastures on a well-trained ranch horse and enjoy home-cooked meals fresh from the garden served family-style and stay in private cabins. Come as a guest, leave as part of the family. Visit 1plus1ranch.com for more information!
“Horseback Riding in Glacier & Yellowstone National Parks”By Dana P. Damron
This is a guidebook designed for novice and experienced horseback trail riders alike who wish to ride in Glacier or Yellowstone National Parks. It contains detailed information with photos about the best trails for horses, trailhead parking, tips for a safe and enjoyable ride for both horse and rider, recommendations for gear and tack selection, safety tips and a suggested supply list. Suitable for riders of all skill levels. Available from Amazon and other bookstores. Purchase your copy here.
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