Horseback riding in Wyoming is the perfect place to go, thanks to the views of the sprawling mountains resembling John Dutton’s Yellowstone.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a cowboy/cowgirl for a day, and ride horses?
Participating in singalongs around the campfire during those long winter nights. Do some fly fishing during the day?
Well, that’s what you will get when choosing one of these Dude Ranches in Wyoming. Whether you’re a fan of old westerns and enjoy seeing how the cowboys spent their days.
Maybe you’re looking to get the kids away from their Ipads and into nature, read on below to find out the best of Wyoming Dude Ranches.
The Red Rock Ranch
Found in Kelly, Wyoming, this Dude Ranch provides the epic feel of the old wild west but with better amenities.
The log cabins fitted with fantastic furniture will have you feeling right at home, especially after indulging in the gourmet meals prepared by the onboard chefs.
Whether you go horseback riding, fly fishing, or hiking, there’s something for everyone. The ranch also offers an excellent kids program.
This allows the other family members to enjoy the amenities available, including bareback horseback riding, square dancing, and some cocktails poolside.
Website: https://theredrockranch.com/
Address: 17760 E Upper Gros River Road Kelly, Wyoming 83011
Phone: 1-307-733-6288
Email: info@theredrockranch.com
Willow Creek Horseback Rides
If riding inside the Bridger – Teton National Forest has been on your bucket list, look no further than Willow Creek Horseback Rides. Home to the most gentle and friendliest horses and wranglers, you will feel at home and at peace as your ride through the beautiful mountains, passing through Douglas firs and Alpine wildflowers to the summit. Here you will be treated to the majestic Grand Teton Mountain Range views.
Whether on the 1-hour, 2-hour, two half-hour breakfast and lunch, lunch rides, or the half-day and full-day guided fishing trips, the wranglers suit you with the best horse and saddle for the best possible experience.
Rides
Moose Meadow 2-Hour Breakfast Ride – $235
One of the best ways to start any day, begin the ride at the stables and head down to Ann’s pond, continuing through Moose Meadow to the breakfast location. On days when the moose meadow trail is unavailable, there is a diversion of rides to the Enchanted Forest.
Two and A Half Hour Teton View Lunch Ride – $295
Start the climb to Ann’s pond, where you might spot a moose or two having a drink, and climb up to Ann’s Ridge for lunch and some light stretching as you explore the surrounding area and take in the views.
Willow Creek signature Half-Day Lunch Ride – $395
For a long time in the saddle, the half-day ride takes you on either of two separate trails (depending on trail conditions). Either route is full of incredible views of the landscapes, loads of history, and unique wildlife sightings.
Two-Hour Bryans Flat View Ride – $195
Nothing short of incredible, ride through a forest of aspens and pine and meadows filled with wildflowers to picture point, where you’ll get views of the Beaver and Cream Puff mountains in the distance.
Two And A Half Hour Jim Bridger Experience Lunch Ride – $395
Step back in time, and meet Jim Bridger out on the trail where he will regale tails of his experiences and hopefully spot and learn about the wildlife. This ride includes lunch and takes two and a half hours -3 hours.
They also offer full-day fishing rides ($695) and full-day wilderness rides ($695). Their VIP private ride for $695 is the one to beat for a more intimate and private excursion.
Helpful Information
- The weight limit is 265 lbs
- Open from June 1 to September 3
- Children aged eight and up are welcome to ride
Website: https://www.willowcreekhorsebackrides.com/
Address: 9500 S Bryan Flats Rd, Jackson, WY 83001, United States
Phone: (307) 733-7086
Email: willowcreek@gotojack
Darwin Ranch (Jackson Hole )
If a family getaway from the hustle of the city and technology is what you’re looking for, look no further than Darwin Ranch.
The most remote ranch on this list, Darwin Ranch, provides its guests with a storybook and scenic look. You will feel at home from the old trees adorning the property from the gate to the cabins.
The ranch has something for everyone. From taking in the views of the mountains on horseback to kicking back and enjoying fly fishing with some friends.
You’ll probably have less time to enjoy the saunas, and hot tubs, which, if you ask us, isn’t such a bad thing.
The itinerary runs through the week, and you can choose from various activities. Despite not hosting separate kids’ programs, you can be sure that the kids will not be left out.
It doesn’t matter how long you choose to stay at Jackson Hole. One thing you might have a hard time letting go of is the farm-to-table meals prepared on the ranch.
Nothing beats that freshness and the spectacular mountain views from the room porch.
Located in Alpine, Wyoming, Jackson Hole Trail Rides offers everyone the chance to slow down and enjoy all the Wyoming mountains.
With incredibly vast lands, different species of wildlife are in their natural habitat, and you’re sure to spot some on one of their rides.
Providing easily customizable rides, you have your choice of either half-day, full-day, or extreme full-day trail rides.
Half-Day Horse Ride: 3 – 3 And A Half Hour Trail Ride – $195 Per Person
Perfect for beginners to advanced riders, ride through the shaded forest and grassy fields into creeks and meadows filled with wildlife and wildflowers.
Lunch Included: cowboy-style burgers and brats served at camp, bottled water, and snacks for the trail provided
Full-Day Horse Ride: 5 – 5 and a Half Hour Trail Ride – $295 Per Rider
Ride out on crystal clear skies with views of magnificent mountain tops and glacier fields. Experienced and novice riders will enjoy this ride. Lunch included: a variety of meats, salads, and sides, bottled water, and snack for the trail provided.
Extreme Full-Day Horse Ride 5 -5 and a Half Hours – $345 Per Person
This ride offers one of the most breathtaking scenery with the Wyoming Range as your backdrop. Included: lunch, bottled water, and snacks
Helpful Information
- Riders should be aged eight and up
- They ride from June 15 to August 25
Pricing
- $7200 per week for one or two persons for the spruce, Moose, and Deer, and the lodge loft cabins
- Rooms: Elk Creek and Elk Meadow, Pronghorn Creek and Pronghorn Meadow, and Willow
- $6000 per week for two persons
- You pay $3900 per week for one in willow
- The rate for extra persons in any cabins is $2700 per week
The rate for kids 6-13 in any cabin is $1800 per week
Website: https://www.darwinranch.com/
Address: 1 Kinky Creek Rd Jackson, WY 83001, United States
Phone: 307 213 0389
Email: thedarwinranch@gmail.com
Bondurant Basin Outfitters
Tucked in the Wyoming wilderness, Bondurant Basin Outfitters offers a place for relaxation, rejuvenation, and reconnection with nature, family, and horses.
Offering half-day trail rides extended to full-day rides and pack trips into the wilderness, there is no wrong way for you to enjoy the outdoors.
With incredibly patient and knowledgeable wranglers who provide a pre-ride talk for more fun and safe experience and well-tempered, sturdy horses, you cannot go wrong with Bondurant Basin Outfitters.
They offer several packages.
Half-day Trail Rides
Take a Ride through breathtaking meadows and down to the ranch’s historic 100-year-old cabin, where you are free to poke around and stroll around, after which you can enjoy a hearty sack lunch.
Full-day Horseback Rides
Only for the fearless at heart, spend the whole day immersed in nature, climbing high and meandering through the trails as you scan for wildlife and blooming wildflowers. Afterward, a hearty grilled lunch awaits you at the trapper’s cabin.
Extended Stays, Overnight Horseback Rides
If days filled with riding, fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking are what you want, then the overnight stay is the one for you. Perfect for families, friends, or even single vacationers, immerse yourself in the Wyoming wilderness during the day and go back to rest in one of the tents or tipis surrounded by nothing but nature.
Stay in a tipi or wall tent in one of their signature bed and breakfast trail rides where you are treated to an afternoon trail ride, after which you will indulge in a sumptuous dinner and sleep to the sounds of the night.
Helpful Information
- The rides are for riders aged eight and up
- Helmets are available
- A 50% deposit is required to book a trip
- You must cancel day and half-day trips for more than ten days to receive a deposit refund.
- The weight limit for trail rides is 265 lbs. Exceptions can be made depending on the ability of the rider.
Website: https://www.bondurantbasinoutfitters.com/
Address: Forest Rd 30043, Bondurant, WY 82941
Phone: 307-733-1044
Email: info@bondurantbasinoutfitters.com
With the abundance of ranches and outfitters, you might wonder if there are any open trails for anyone looking for an unguided horseback ride. Here are a few trails that offer just that and much more.
The Hideout Lodge And Guest Ranch
When visiting Dude Ranches, the feeling of creating a home away from home is what most people look for.
The hideout lodge is the perfect place for guests looking for a more private exclusive ranch, only hosting 25 people per week.
This lodge allows its guests to bring their own families and explore the towering alpine forests by themselves.
The ranch offers 650,000 acres of undisturbed biodiverse scenery with altitudes ranging from 4200 to 13100 feet, allowing its guests to explore a new area daily.
Whether exploring unique red rock formations and high deserts or indulging in fresh cuisine prepared daily, the hideout lodge will become a family favorite in no time.
Website: https://thehideout.com/
Address: 3170 County Rd 40 1/2, Shell, WY 82441, United States
Phone: 1-800-354-8637 or 1-307-765-2080
Email: info@thehideout.com
Bitterroot Ranch Dude Ranch Vacations
Hosted by the Fox family and established in 1971 by Bayard Fox and his family, Bitterroot Ranch is an equestrian paradise in wide-open Wyoming.
Located in Northwest Wyoming and 50 miles South East of Yellowstone National park, Bitterroot Ranch is every equine lover’s dream.
With miles of unexplored mountainous trails, there are opportunities to view the Absaroka Mountains and the Wind River right outside your door.
Life at the ranch revolves around horses, with a lot of focus on carefully training breeds ranging from CMK Arabians, Welsh ponies, Mustangs, and Appaloosas.
The extensive riding program at Bitterroot has your safety and enjoyment at the center of it all.
Whether you decide to partake in the legendary cattle drives and roundups or take part in the instructional clinics, you will not regret your stay.
They understand that every rider is different and cater to the more safety-conscious rider to the adrenaline seeker by taking them on more “difficult” trails.
In contrast, more novice riders can still take in the sights while building experience and endurance.
In addition, there are other activities available which include:
- Trail riding
- Riding lessons
- Cross country jumping
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Fly fishing
- Cattle work roundups
- Pack trips
Website: https://www.bitterrootranch.com/
Address:1480 E Fork Rd Dubois WY 82513 USA
Phone: 800-545-0019
Paradise Guest Ranch Buffalo
Located in Buffalo, Wyoming, Paradise guest ranch is family operated. With an emphasis on creating a haven for families and friends to reconnect with nature.
Leave with a piece of paradise with them. What started as a meadow early in the 1800s transformed into a haven filled with meandering meadows, trout-filled creeks, and wildflower-covered landscapes.
This guest ranch offers its visitors opportunities to enjoy horseback riding in the meadows surrounding Bighorn National Forest.
This sits atop one of their gentle wells united horses, either on a half-day, full-day, or two-hour ride.
If getting on a horse seems daunting, the horses are wrangled down from the meadows during the early morning hours, and guests can enjoy the majestic animal’s hooves stomping and nostrils flaring.
The western-style log cabins, one, two, three, and four bedrooms, come complete with a fireplace, full baths, showers, kitchenettes, and a deck where you are sure to catch a rainbow or two.
The ranch offers various activities, including horseback riding, fishing, and hiking, when you’re not enjoying taking in the sights on your deck.
You can relax knowing that there are several kids’ activities; archery, pony, arts and crafts, fishing derby, kids rodeo, and overnight pack trips, which are at the top for most kids.
For those days that you’re looking to get away, there’s an adult-only week where you can unwind and take it all at a relaxed pace.
Website: https://www.paradiseranch.com/
Address: 282 Hunter Creek Rd, Buffalo, WY 82834, United States
Phone: 307.684.7876
Vee Bar Guest Ranch Laramie
Sitting at the base of the Snowy Range Mountains is your all-inclusive home away from home. From the intimate, cozy feel of the cabins to the home-cooked meals provided after a long day of riding on the ranch.
Life doesn’t get better than this. When looking for a smaller guest ranch with a more relaxed vibe, look no further than Vee Bar Guest Ranch.
Providing you with genuine western hospitality the moment you burst through their gates, you will encounter a bit of history paired perfectly with a game of UNO in the saloon.
The ranch is both a bed and breakfast and a summer guest ranch. However, they emphasize revealing your inner cowboy or cowgirl.
They do this by taking you on guided rides through meadows, doing cattle work, and team penning the cattle.
For the little ones, the gentle slopes provide a safer environment to roam around and take on horsemanship training provided by the onsite staff.
The activities available include:
- Trap shooting
- Hiking
- River tubing
- Camping
- Cattle herding
- Hayrides
- Fishing
Website: 38 Vee Bar Ranch Rd, Laramie, WY 82070, United States
Address: 38 Vee Bar Ranch Road Laramie, Wyoming 82070
Phone: 307 745 7036
Email: veebar@veebar.com
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Combining luxury and western adventure is Turpin Meadow. Located in Moran, Wyoming and nestled between the Teton Wilderness and Yellowstone National Park with access to 2.5 million acres of wilderness is the adventure of a lifetime.
Staying at this Jackson Hole ranch will be a family favorite with a legacy spanning several years.
From the newly restored grand lodge to the chalets and the added bar and patio, access to this iconic space is what western dreams are made of.
Although most Dude Ranches are unavailable during the winter, Turpin offers nordic skiing, fat biking, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
During Fall and Summer, you can engage in fly fishing, personalized Grand Teton and Yellowstone tours, and horseback riding.
There are several types of accommodations, including chalets, cabins, and lodges, depending on the size of your party.
All fitted with Pendleton blankets, gas-lit fireplaces, and upgraded amenities. In addition, the ranch boasts both a bar and farm-to-table restaurant.
Website: https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/
Address: 24505 Buffalo Valley Road, Moran, WY. 83013
Phone: 307-543-2000
Moose Head Ranch
Enjoying all that Moran has to offer and immersing yourself, and your family in the wild west has never been easier.
Centered on family fun time and reconnecting with nature, there are numerous places and activities to enjoy.
Whether that is watching your kids enjoy a game of ping pong in the spacious lodge or making new friends under starlight, Moose Head is the place to be.
Moose’s Head can accommodate 44 guests, all scattered across the ranch. They are equipped with wood-burning stoves, small refrigerators, and coffee machines adorned with hanging baskets filled with beautiful flowers.
The folks at Moose Head understand the importance of good fresh food. Having been featured in Gourmet Magazine.
You can rest easy with a hand full of freshly baked pastries. For avid riders, you can choose from morning, afternoon, or all-day rides with kids as long as they are six years and older.
They provide fly fishing, softball, horseshoes, hikes down to Snake River, and croqueting opportunities.
Website: https://www.mooseheadranch.com/
Address: 21255 North Highway 89, Moose, WY 83012
Phone: 307-733-3141
Email: mhreservations@aol.com
Lake Taggart Loop
Considered an easy route, Lake Taggart Loop is one of the most popular trails inside Grand Teton National park.
This 3.7-mile trail takes an average of 1 hour and 31 minutes to complete and goes through Aspen, pine forests, and several meadows.
Features
- An entry fee into the park
- Rated as easy to moderate
- It offers stunning views at the top
- It has several water features, a lake, and a waterfall
- Wildlife spotting; bears, deers
- Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail
Lamar Valley River Trail
If you’re looking for a trail inside Yellowstone National Park with numerous wildlife sightings and the terrain is primarily flat, look no further than Lamar Valley Trail.
This unique 8.6-mile trail is full of fantastic scenery and an array of wildflowers in the meadows.
Features
- Out and back
- It has a total elevation gain of 785 feet
- Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail
- A fee for the park is required
- It has several water features; rivers and creeks
- There are lots of wildlife to be spotted on the trail, bison, prairie dogs, coyotes, deer, elk, bears, and wolves.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about some of the best Dude Ranches in Wyoming, we hope you will be heading down with friends, family, or yourself.
Don’t forget to have fun and partake in an excellent ole square dancing or frolicking in the wildflowers available.
The riding possibilities in Wyoming are endless. With this list, we hope you will make the most of your Wyoming vacation and experience the mountain’s terrain, forests, meadows, and numerous parks just as before.
