WY AM I HERE? “I’m proud to be in this position as a woman and showing that I’m capable of running an operation, a business here in Wyoming and making it go smoothly and providing meaningful experiences for people from all over the world,” says Jessie Allen, Allen’s Diamond 4 Ranch manager, yoga instructor and former Miss Wyoming. “So, to be the one who can organize these trips for people, it’s really meaningful for me.” DUDE & GUEST RANCH ADVENTURE Unleash your inner cowboy or cowgirl for a transformative experience you’ll never forget — with an assortment of activities and fantastic places to stay, all amid incredible mountain and prairie scenery. TYPES OF DUDE RANCHES your guide to the ultimate THINGS TO DO Horseback riding is a mainstay at Wyoming dude ranches, from clinics and horseman-ship studies to trail rides and overnight pack trips, but that’s not all the fun in store for your brood. Depending on the ranch, See the listings in this guide starting on p. 107, online at TravelWyoming.com/ places-to-stay or through the Wyoming Dude Ranchers’ Association at wyomingdra.com . Learn more about Jessie and her family’s guest ranch in the Wind River Mountains at TravelWyoming.com/ article/women-wyoming-jessie-allen . 90 Wyoming Official Travelers Journal JESSIE ALLEN, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly escape, romantic getaway or an opportunity get your hands dirty, there are plenty of options to fit your vacay style. Bring tod-dlers, teenagers and everyone in between to traditional dude ranch properties that cater to the younger set through kids’ programs and encourage family bonding time. On the flip side, couples can find adults-only retreats at resort ranches complete with luxurious amenities, spa treatments and gourmet food-and-wine packages, providing the perfect excuse to unplug together. Lastly, working ranches are a great fit if you want to pitch in with chores, cattle drives and other day-to-day functions. enjoy an itinerary filled with fly-fishing, hiking, biking, river rafting, archery, wildlife watching and water sports — and don’t forget about campfire songs, games, square dances and off-site rodeos. Best of all, you can tailor your trip to be carefree or structured, with family members choosing individual or collective pursuits. ACCOMMODATIONS WHEN TO GO Most dude and guest ranches feature cabins or lodge-style rooms, ranging from rustic and authentically western destinations to upscale and spa-like resorts. Many operate on an all-inclusive basis — offering delicious meals, comfy lodging and lively activities as packages — so you can look forward to stress-free trip planning. Once you arrive, relish the chance to disconnect where TVs and internet access aren’t often available and create lasting memories with your family and friends instead. Summer is the ideal time to take advantage of everything Wyoming’s dude and guest ranches have to offer; but fall is also lovely, and its crisp air brings fewer crowds and stunning foliage as the backdrop for a day on horseback. It’s also possible to find winter horseback riding and recreation at certain locations. Most stays require a three-night minimum, but spending a week on the range is the best way to soak up traditional Wyoming cowboy life. FIND THE RIGHT RANCH FOR YOU
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2018 Wyoming OTJ: Page 90
