WESTERN WONDERS Life on the Range 5 REASONS TO STAY AT A WYOMING DUDE OR GUEST RANCH Not only do Wyoming’s many ranches let visitors play cowpoke for a week, but they also offer activities and amenities to suit every traveler — not to mention postcard-caliber scenery around every bend. 1 YOU CAN EXPERIENCE REAL COWBOY LIFE 4 If you’ve always been fascinated by Western lore and cowboy culture, then visiting a dude or guest ranch will let you roll up your sleeves and join the adventure — from participating in real cattle drives and pitching in at the stables to long, peaceful rides through scenic valleys. Absaroka Ranch in Dubois is a flawless way to experience the serenity of the rugged Absaroka Range while enjoying authentic-to-Wyoming nature experiences like horseback riding, hiking and fishing. THEY CAN BE A SECRET FOODIE PARADISE @shoshonelodgeandguestranch SHOSHONE LODGE & GUEST RANCH A dude-ranch vacation is all about working up an appetite; but if you think it’s just pork and beans out here, you haven’t visited our foodie-friendly ranches. At Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga , you can feast on tantalizing farm-to-table meals from sustainable, ranch-sourced ingredients, take a cooking class taught by on-site culinary masters or explore the 94-yard wine cellar for a unique vino adventure. 5 THEY’RE PERFECT FOR RECONNECTING WITH FAMILY 2 THERE ARE OPTIONS TO SUIT EvERY vACATION STYLE FROM TOP: INSTAGRAM/SHOSHONELODGEANDGUESTRANCH; BRUSH CREEK RANCH; MICHELLE REINBOLD. You won’t find any one-size-fits-all experiences here. No matter your budget, interests or group size, there’s a ranch for you. Traveling with kids? Shoshone Lodge & Guest Ranch in Cody is one of many ranches that offers fun and educational adventures for kids as young as 6, plus convenient babysitting during special events for children under 5. Seeking a grown-up getaway? Certain ranches host adults-only weeks or offer romantic perks like massages, hot-air balloon rides and all the privacy you need. For one glorious family trip, you can all step away from your devices and really recharge. Sweetgrass at Thunderbasin in Weston trades TVs and social feeds for good, old-fashioned fun. Instead of scrolling on your smartphone, you can pursue all sorts of outdoorsy to-dos like trail rides (you might see fawns and turkeys), guided hunting trips interspersed with gourmet meals and meandering ATV rides with stops for breathtaking views. While most ranches do offer Wi-Fi these days, quality time with the fam is all the connectivity you’ll need. BRUSH CREEK RANCH 3 HORSEBACK RIDING IS ONLY THE BEGINNING A love of horses is pretty much a prerequisite for a dude-ranch stay, but it’s far from the only activity available. At The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell , horseback riding is the main event. You can venture beyond the stable, however, for trap shooting, archery and guided fly-fishing trips for trout — plus plenty of leisure time to soak up some sun by the outdoor pool, which boasts mountain panoramas. Find your perfect ranch and learn from a Wyoming Dude Ranchers’ Association expert at travelwy.com/ranch. THE HIDEOUT LODGE & GUEST RANCH 76
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2025 Wyoming Official Travel Guide: Page 76
