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. 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. At Rand Creek Ranch near Cody , experience Wyoming’s rugged outdoors with horseback rides through Yellowstone National Park , nights beneath star-filled skies and guided fishing excursions. 1 YOU CAN EXPERIENCE REAL COWBOY LIFE 2 THERE ARE OPTIONS TO SUIT EVERY VACATION STYLE 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? Opt for ranches like vee Bar Guest Ranch in Laramie , which offers Western-style fun and educational activities for kids of all ages — plus convenient babysitting services while the adults enjoy a day of riding. 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. Find your perfect ranch and learn from a Wyoming Dude Ranchers’ Association expert at travelwy.com/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. While horseback riding is the main event at TA Ranch in Buffalo , you can venture beyond the stable with historical and agricultural tours and angling on Crazy Woman Creek . Make time to meet the ranch’s numerous special creatures, including mini mules, honeybees, chickens and goats. 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. Meals at HF Bar Ranch in Saddlestring are a culinary delight with daily breakfast treats like lemon-ricotta pancakes and three-course feasts for lunch and dinner — prioritizing locally sourced ingredients. Feeling thirsty? Indulge in pre-dinner cocktails at the welcoming Elk Shed starting at 5 p.m. vEE BAR GUEST RANCH, © Jasper Gibson 4 THEY CAN BE A SECRET FOODIE PARADISE 5 THEY’RE PERFECT FOR RECONNECTING WITH FAMILY For one glorious family trip, you can all step away from your devices and really recharge. CM Ranch in Dubois trades TVs and social feeds for good, old-fashioned fun. Skip the scrolling and partake in all sorts of outdoorsy to-dos like pack rides to glacier-fed lakes (catch a glimpse of elk, antelope and picas) and sunrise hikes for jaw-dropping views, followed by nights of campfire s’mores and square-dancing lessons. While most ranches do offer Wi-Fi these days, quality time with the fam is all the connectivity you’ll need. TA RANCH 72
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2026 Wyoming Official Travel Guide: Page 72
