Cowboy Experiences Are Trending. Here Are the 11 Best Dude Ranches in the U.S.

Fresh air, frisky horses and steak under the stars

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Updated May 22, 2025

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Best dude ranches: Collage of original photos of Flathead Lake

Original photos: Mary Kate McGrath

Dude ranch vacations are top-trending family vacations this summer according to Google summer travel trends. The Yellowstone universe continues to collect fans, Beyonce is dazzling in her Cowboy Carter tour outfits and the horse girl aesthetic gallops onward. So there’s going to continue to be an upswell of interest in Western vacations, which is why I’m recommending the best dude ranch vacations to you below.

Ah, the Wild West. Even a century later, cowboys, horses and sprawling ranches still exist across the American frontier (particularly the present-day states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming). So, if you’re a fan of old-school epic Western films or maybe just can't quit binge-watching Yellowstone (ie, if you're more John Wayne or John Dutton), dude ranches are the perfect place to play cowboy IRL for a few days.

How I Chose the Best Dude Ranches

Having spent time at dude ranches, I know what’s important to a great stay. You want unspoiled vistas, the chance for daily riding time along with other activities and enough staff to help adults and kids stay entertained or sequestered as they like. And since this is a ranch we’re talking about, you want great grub and a soft mattress to sleep on. But perhaps most important is the staff and how they meet you where you’re at, whether you’re an experienced rider (but maybe English, not Western) or a horse-handling newbie (who maybe is a little afraid of horses even). I pored over reviews and sweated the details to come up with this list, so giddy up and get reading.

Alisal

1. Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort (Solvang, California)

I stayed at this cozy retreat in Santa Barbara wine country with a bestie and can authoritatively say, this is the perfect girl’s getaway. Sure, there’s no TV in the rooms, but you don’t even notice because you’re so busy taking in the 10,500 acres of rolling hills and oak trees. There’s the option to take easy horseback rides on over 50 miles of trails, play on two 18-hole golf courses, take on the a 100-acre spring-fed lake for fishing and kayaking and—of course this was our favorite—a luxurious spa. And I love how, in 73 cottages, families can explain that since there are no TVs or phones, the kids have no choice but to unplug and bond over activities like the “Lil’ Riders” program for kids and enjoy the signature BBQ Bootcamp, all covered in the all-inclusive nightly rate.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Solvang, California
Why I Recommend It: luxury accommodations, digital detox, dressing for dinner
Rates: from $955

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best-dude-ranches: Reviewer photo of Flathead Lake Lodge

Original photo: Mary Kate McGrath

2. Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge (Bigfork, Montana)

Purewow editor Mary Kate McGrath escaped to this outdoorsy Montana fantasia last year, and says in her review that it’s “one of the first true vacations I’ve taken with my kids, and my oldest is 12. Flathead seems to exist solely for families. It is an all-inclusive, weeklong vacation. All guests arrive weekly on Sunday. Everyone is greeted with a friendly airport transfer, a welcome staff greeting at the lodge and a tote bag, including details of the numerous activities throughout the week." The wide range of activities means guests can make it a dude ranch or a family camp or both, and "it just works perfectly. Everyone staying there seems to be bonded quickly by the fact that families are at the forefront of the resort staff’s minds,” according to McGrath. Situated on the shores of Flathead Lake, this ranch offers horseback riding, water sports and mountain biking. Families can participate in evening programs and enjoy meals made from local ingredients, and there’s a steak fry where the lodge owners serve you dinner themselves. Accommodations include lodge rooms and private cabins, and the guests top out at 150 max, so there’s always a bike and a fishing pole with your name on it, as well as always new friends to make.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Bigfork, Montana
Why I Recommend It: family focus, diverse activities
Rates: from $5,000 per week

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Tanque Verde Ranch

3. Tanque Verde Ranch (Tucson, Arizona)

You haven’t gone horseback riding until you’ve loped next to 40-foot-tall Saguaro cacti. That’s what I did on a day trip in Saguaro National Park, 92,000 acres of desert on either side of the city of Tucson. That’s also one of the activities offered for guests at Tanque Verde Ranch, where you can have a blend of traditional Western experiences while staying amid modern comforts—70 rooms and casitas dotting the landscape. Families can partake in horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and unique activities like silversmithing workshops. The kids' program provides supervised adventures, allowing parents to relax at the spa or enjoy the Dog House Saloon. Besides Arizona's unique arid outdoors experience, one of the special aspects of Tanque Verde is that unlike many dude ranches, this outfit lets you choose to have an all-inclusive or an a la carte stay—now that’s what I call “choose your own adventure.”

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Tucson, Arizona
Why I Recommend It: stunning desert, can speed up on horseback
Rates: from $140 per night

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C Lazy U Ranch

4. C Lazy U Ranch (Granby, Colorado)

Dating back to 1919, this place is best understood through the numbers: More than 8,500 acres of rolling hills with a creek running through it. A herd of 200 horses, with a director of equestrian services who plays horse-guest matchmaker for everyone. And each day, at 4 p.m. and 6 a.m., the “jingle” in which the herd of horses thunder in-and-out of the ranch in order to graze surrounding pastures. This upscale ranch in the Colorado Rockies offers year-round activities, from horseback riding and fly fishing to skiing and snowmobiling. And children? They frolic in age-specific programs—so you know they’re safe and having fun—while grown-ups can indulge in gourmet meals and spa treatments. Accommodations range from cozy cabins to luxurious suites.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Granby, Colorado
Why I Recommend It: luxury, riding lessons, hosts families year-round
Rates: from $605 per night, all-inclusive

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best-dude-ranches: C Lazy U Ranch (Granby, Colorado)

5. Circle Z Ranch (Patagonia, Arizona)

As Arizona's oldest continuously operating guest ranch, the Circle Z recalls the hard-bitten grandeur of a Cormac McCarthy novel. Southern Arizona’s rolling hills and desert landscapes come alive for families here who enjoy horseback riding, hiking and bird watching. There are 25 guests, tops, so you’ll never feel like just another ranch hand here, with your choice of four- or seven-night ranch stays. Buffet meals to cookouts, there’s a great meal—and dusty romantic vistas—waiting for Circle Z guests. The ranch's rich history includes being a filming location for classic Western movies and being owned by multiple generations of the same family.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Patagonia, Arizona
Why I Recommend It: Historic charm, all levels of riding, picturesque setting
Rates: all-inclusive weeks from $2,850

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Bonanza Creek Lodge

6. Bonanza Creek Country Guest Ranch (Martinsdale, Montana)

This intimate ranch hosts only 12 guests at a time, with an interesting specialty in innovative “Cowgirl Retreats,” all-women weeks devoted to life coaching using the ranch’s EGC (Equine Gestalt Coaching) Method. In it, life coaches that have graduated a two-year life program in horse-human healing practices. (In case this sounds like hooey to anyone, I’ve first-hand reaped the benefits of family equine therapy, and scientific studies back me up.) Of course, you can just go for the fun of it all, no special feelings talk requited, for cattle drives, horseback riding and fishing. Set against Montana's vast landscapes, families can bond over campfires and wagon rides, immersing themselves in authentic ranch life.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Martinsdale, Montana
Why I Recommend It: Small size, life coaching sessions
Rates: from $300 per night, 3-night mininum

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best dude ranches: Western Pleasure Ranch Lodge

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

7. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch (Sandpoint, Idaho)

Don’t sleep on the Pacific Northwest for dude ranching—here amid the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains, this year-round ranch offers activities like horseback riding, fat biking and snowmobiling. Two-hour horseback tours are available in spring and fall, with daily rides all summer long—and come winter, there’s a horse-driving sleigh ride your family will never forget. Families can stay in cozy log cabins and participate in seasonal events, ensuring a memorable stay regardless of the time of year.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Sandpoint, Idaho
Why I Recommend It: Year-round activities, biking, handsome timbered cabins
Rates: from $130 per night

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Greenhorn Ranch

8. Greenhorn Ranch (Quincy, California)

This is Gold Rush Country—Northern California's Lost Sierra, where gold and copper made this a destination for mining hopefuls, and later would-be lumber, cattle and railroad barons. Changing fortunes, as well as the discovery that this area is fantastic skiing, has turned this area into a scenic and active vacation destination. Greenhorn Ranch offers horseback riding, fishing, archery and line dancing. Kids can enjoy pony rides; families gather for evening bonfires and s'mores. Accommodations include rustic cabins, lodge rooms and posh creekside trailers.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Quincy, California
Why I Recommend It: range of room types, modern design, family-friendly entertainment
Rates: from $170 per night

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Ranch at Rock Creek

9. The Ranch at Rock Creek (Philipsburg, Montana)

Guests get their choice of four types of accommodations at this 31-room jewel, from glamping tents that look like a Ralph Lauren ad to a converted hayloft with a clawfoot tub, leather upholstered furniture and chandeliers. This luxury ranch offers all-inclusive experiences like horseback riding, fly fishing and even sapphire mining. Children can join the Flint's Forest Rangers program, while adults relax in the spa or enjoy gourmet dining. Accommodations range from glamping tents to luxury cabins.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Philipsburg, Montana
Why I Recommend It: small size, luxury amenities, comfort and adventure
Rates: from $2,000 per night

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Bar W Ranch

10. Bar W Guest Ranch (Whitefish, Montana)

Located near Glacier National Park, Bar W ranch has horses for 32 riders (in addition to their companion non-riders and small children) and gives guests a six-night all-inclusive stay from Sunday to Saturday all summer. Hatchet throwing, line dancing, fly casting, roping demos, campfires, hiking…the list of activities is endless for both adults and kids. Children can join age-specific programs, learning about horse care and participating in rodeo events. Be prepared at the end of day to collapse happily exhausted in your choice of digs, from lodge rooms to glamping tents.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Whitefish, Montana
Why I Recommend It: national parks proximity, small size, kids programs
Rates: from $450 per night

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Drowsy Water Ranch

11. Drowsy Water Ranch (Granby, Colorado)

Open from the end of May through the beginning of September, consider a stay here as a crash course in getting your family off the screens and into nature. For 90 years, this ranch has been showing guests the ropes of ranching this 700-acre tract, and today it has a herd that is 100 horses strong. (Guests get a personality questionnaire before checking in, so that they are given a horse that will vibe with them.) in addition to horseback riding, this award-winning ranch offers zip-lining, rock climbing and rafting. Children can join programs tailored to their age, ensuring fun and safety. Families can enjoy home-cooked meals and evening entertainment.

Fast Facts

Where It’s Located: Granby, Colorado
Why I Recommend It: Combines adventure activities with a strong focus on family-friendly programs.
Rates: from $3,100 per week

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens at a Dude Ranch?

Dude ranches first became a thing back during the Gilded Age. When in the late 19^th century, railroads traversed the West and news about America’s natural riches reached the East Coast, it became fashionable for monied city folk to try their hand at riding, fishing and rustic living. (It helped that President Teddy Roosevelt was bullish on the great outdoors, too.) The National Dude Ranch Association was founded in 1926 to protect and promote this practice, and to guide prospective guests to the right property among its 90 members. “Dude ranch atmospheres range from rustic to luxurious and everything in between,” according to the association, and there’s no one set itinerary for all dude ranches. That said, all ranches will have some sort of outdoors active component (usually riding though this in not compulsory), as well as group activities.

What's the Difference Between a Dude Ranch and a Regular Ranch?

Dude ranches, aka guest ranches, can be separated into three loose categories:

working cattle ranches
traditional dude ranches
luxury dude ranches

When you’re a guest at a working ranch, the seasonal needs of the ranch will dictate your activities, and these may include herding the cattle from one tract to another or animal husbandry. Thing is, you’ll be a horseback observer to most of these, not expected to rope a steer yourself, and you’ll definitely have better lodgings, food and spa treatments than the average ranch hand. A traditional dude ranch is focused on you and your horse, but also elevating your riding ability and educating and exposing you to the local landscape and activities. A luxury dude ranch might have even more elevated food, fancy accommodations and the option to luxuriate as much as play at ranching.

What Should You Wear to a Dude Ranch?

Each ranch will give you its own list of recommended footwear and clothing, but in my experience, a flat boot for riding, pairs of medium-rise denim jeans and T-shirts are indispensable. Additionally, a cowboy hat and Western-style shirt, while seemingly overkill when you’re shopping at home in suburbia, will really help you feel and look in the spirit of the West once you don them horseback. (A word about long sleeves and hats—the sun while riding is no joke, and you’ll want to take at least a baseball cap and long-sleeved T-shirts for riding.)

Dana Dickey

Senior Editor

Writes about fashion, wellness, relationships and travel
Oversees all LA/California content and is the go-to source for where to eat, stay and unwind on the west coast
Studied journalism at the University of Florida

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Lindsay Cohn

Freelance PureWow Editor

Lindsay Cohn is a travel writer and serial trip planner who has visited 46 countries across six continents (and counting). When not globetrotting, she’s most likely either doing yoga, chasing around her toddler or booking flights somewhere.

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