Dude ranches provide vacations with value and fun activities. Though horseback riding is the main activity at dude ranches, everything from boating and fishing to hiking and biking is offered. Guest, resort and working ranches afford variety from simple amenities to luxurious resorts. Wyoming has the most dude ranches of any state, according to the Dude Ranchers’ Association.
Wyoming Dude Ranches
The many guest, or dude, ranches in Wyoming allow guests to ride with real cowboys and wranglers. The following establishments are a sampling of Wyoming guest ranches:
- The Absaroka Ranch, northwest of Dubois, is located at the base of the Absaroka Mountain Range and near the headwaters of the Wind River. This small guest ranch accommodates no more than 18 guests at a time, with two-bedroom cabins with adjoining baths and family-style, gourmet meals served in the main lodge. Guided fishing trips, hiking and pack trips are a few of the activities available.
- Gros Ventre River Ranch in Jackson Hole is bordered by Grand Teton National Park. The ranch features 4 log cabins and 5 log lodges (some with private fireplaces and kitchenettes) for 30 to 40 guests weekly. Adventure activities include white-water rafting, climbing the Teton Mountains and fly fishing.
- The Lazy L & B Ranch in Dubois is located on the Shoshone National Forest. Cabins for 2 to 8 people have private baths, porches and small refrigerators, with homemade meals in the main lodge and outdoor barbecues. Swimming in the river or heated ranch pool, shooting rifles and specialized youth programs are offered.
- Paradise Guest Ranch, one of the oldest in the West, is located near Buffalo. One- to four-bedroom cabins feature full baths, kitchenettes and fireplaces. Activities range from fly-fishing instruction and guided trips to naturalist hiking and a full youth program.
- Crossed Sabres Guest Ranch, near Cody, is Wyoming’s oldest dude ranch. Private one- and two-bedroom modern cabins have pillow-top mattresses, bathrooms and views of the Absaroka Mountains. Big-game hunting and fly fishing are offered as well as photography workshops and hiking in nearby Yellowstone National Park.
Wyoming Resort Dude Ranches
Those seeking more luxurious accommodations and a wider range of activities appreciate resort dude ranches. Following is a listing of Wyoming resort dude ranches:
- The Flying A Ranch is an adults-only dude ranch between Jackson Hole and Pinedale. Luxury accommodations include 7 handcrafted log cabins with private baths and kitchenettes, some with fireplaces and private decks. Guided fishing and hiking, mountain biking, trap shooting and archery are offered as well as massages and spa treatments.
- UXU Ranch in Wapiti is located between Cody and Yellowstone National Park on the edge of Shoshone National Forest. Renovated cabins for two to six people feature river views, porches with sitting areas, private bathrooms and fireplaces. Tours of Yellowstone National Park and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, fly fishing, shooting and hiking are offered.
Wyoming Working Dude Ranches
For those who want first-hand experience with herding cows and grooming horses, working dude ranches are the place to go. Following is a partial listing of Wyoming working dude ranches:
- The Bucking S Working Cattle & Guest Ranch, located near Alcova and southwest of Casper, is surrounded by the foothills of the Seminoe and Shirley Mountains. Cattle drives, scenic rides and riding instruction as well as branding, roping and mending fences give guests at the Bucking S a taste of real cowboy life. The ranch only accommodates 12 guests at a time in cozy log cabins and the main lodge with private baths and private front porches.
- The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, one of the larger and older ranches in north-central Wyoming, is located near Shell, offering a mix of resort and working dude ranch. The Hideout accommodates 12 to 25 guests per week, focusing on adults and older youth, in cabins, casitas, homes and an inn. Activities include cattle drives, trap shooting, fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, dinosaur and fossil hunting.Klondike Ranch, in Buffalo, offers a real, working dude ranch experience to guests who share meals with ranchers and cowboys and can help with cattle drives. Three cabins accommodate guests as well as a campsite in the Bighorn National Forest.
Wyoming’s rich history of cattle ranching and guest ranches offer everything from family dude ranches to resort and working dude ranches. Guests experience authentic Western lifestyle and the camaraderie unique to dude ranches. Or travel to adjacent Montana, Idaho, Washington or Oregon for more dude ranch vacation opportunities. While in Wyoming, don't miss visiting Grand Teton National Park.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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