When you think of the classic American West, you think of a cowboy lifestyle. Dude ranches bring back that cowboy experience to the modern day by allowing people to try ranching first-hand. Guests can try horseback riding, square dancing, and even learning how to herd cattle. With a mix of outdoor activities, the setting and location, lodging and meals, here are some of the most recommended dude ranches in the nation.
1. C Lazy U Ranch
Granby, Colorado
Founded in 1919 this historic dude ranch allows the guests to experience the traditions of the American West and create lifetime memories for all visitors and families. The ranch offers many activities such as horseback riding, a spa, fly fishing, cattle rides, and special holiday programs. C Lazy U Ranch accommodates guests in 38 guest rooms or fully private cabins. Dining and menus vary by each season and the experience is designed to bring families and all guests together. C Lazy U Ranch also offers space for corporate retreats, family reunions, filming, and even weddings. In addition, the ranch is committed to the stewardship of the land and environmental sustainability.
2. White Stallion Ranch
Tucson, Arizona
White Stallion Ranch was founded in 1965 and today this dude ranch perfectly marries the rich Western history with luxurious accommodations and dining. The ranch has 43 guest rooms throughout the property and was a popular filming location for many Western films. The mission at White Stallion is to deliver an authentic experience by allowing guests to escape their city lifestyles. Visitors can participate in activities such as horseback riding, biking, rock climbing, hiking, shooting archery, and so much more. It’s a family-owned and operated business that continues to remain faithful to the authentic cowboy lifestyle.
3. Rancho de los Caballeros
Wickenburg, Arizona
Rancho de los Caballeros brings over 75 years of the Spanish Caballeros’ culture to help guests tap into their inner cowboys. This luxurious ranch allows visitors to golf, ride, and enjoy the spa and prime accommodations. Spanning 18,000 acres across the Sonoran Desert, the ranch can accommodate 140 guests.
4. Rancho De La Osa
Sasabe, Arizona
Arizona’s most historic ranch first welcomed dudes in the 1920s and today it offers the most authentic Southern Arizona dude ranch experience. The accommodations consist of unique guest rooms steeped in the history of their past visitors and enhanced with modern comforts. At this dude ranch, you can go horseback riding, adventure on a guided off-road tour, try sport shooting or archery, and enjoy the great outdoors through hiking and bird watching.
5. Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
Emigrant, Montana
If you are looking for an extraordinary dude ranch experience, the Mountain Sky Ranch delivers the quintessential Montana Western lifestyle. Started as a dude ranch in 1929, this luxury location offers outstanding views, horseback riding, golf, fly fishing, white water rafting, and much more. Mountain Sky spans over 17,000 acres across the Yellowstone Country.
6. Triangle X Guest Ranch
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This dude ranch is located in the heart of the Grand Teton National Park offering an outstanding beauty and authentic western legacy. For five generations the Turner family has been welcoming guests to this area to deliver unforgettable memories to guest and families. The property encompasses 20 distinct log cabins and the “Main House” and offers activities like horseback riding, wildlife viewing, cookouts, square dancing, hiking, sightseeing and world class fishing.
