Lonely Plan-it: How to plan a dude ranch vacation

23.07.2024 - 09:34 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 22, 2024 • 7 min read

The first dude ranch was established in the South Dakota Badlands during the late 1800s. The concept was such a hit that these ranches began popping up across the West, allowing wealthy city folk to recreate frontier life for themselves and partake in simple pleasures like horseback riding, fishing and fresh air. 

Today people visit dude ranches for the same reasons they did in the past: gorgeous scenery, outdoor activities and all-inclusive experiences. Basically, this is your chance to live like a character out of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone with a private chef, a stable of horses and your very own ranch. If that weren’t enough, some dude ranches even have amenities like full-service spas and private ski slopes. 

We’ll have to wait until November of 2024 for the final episodes of the Yellowstone series, but in the meantime, dude ranches are here to satisfy your hankering for a taste of the West. It’s time to saddle up – whether you’re planning a family vacation, a group trip or a romantic getaway, this is what you need to know about dude ranches. 

In the late 1800s, "dude" was a nickname for the city slickers who flocked to ranches to play cowboy, and the name stuck. Today, the terms "dude ranch" or "guest ranch" are used interchangeably to describe all-inclusive western-themed vacation properties, often found on working cattle ranches. This doesn’t mean you have to get your hands dirty, though. Modern dude ranches spoil you with so many activities you can have an amazing time without even riding a horse. 

There are dude ranches throughout the West waiting to host your western-themed getaway. The best state for your trip depends largely on your preferred weather and scenery. 

Arizona dude ranches are saturated with cactus and gorgeous desert landscapes. If you want to escape the cold, this is the place to come for sunny skies and winter temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s. In the summer, be prepared for hot, dry weather, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100° F. 

If you’re thinking Arizona might be right for your trip, check out Tucson’s White Stallion Ranch. Guest rooms at this family-owned dude ranch feature western chic decor and private patios with views of the mountains, cactus gardens and horse corrals. Amenities include a pool, a full-service spa, sports courts, a theater, a game room, and activities like horseback riding, e-biking, shooting and rock climbing. 

Montana is a playground of lush green meadows, dense forests, rivers and rugged mountain ranges. In summer, temperatures usually range from the mid-70s to mid-80s. Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures from the high teens to the 30s. 

Montana dude ranches include The Resort at Paws Up in