The state's guest ranches give visitors an escape from their hectic lives by allowing the opportunity to immerse themselves in a Western experience. Many places offer guided horseback trips into Wyoming backcountry or guided trips to special fishing holes.
The chance to ride a horse, rope and brand a steer or experience a cattle drive from summer to winter pasture isn't just in the movies. Guest, or "dude," ranches have offered that opportunity for the past 100 years.
Horseback riding, traditionally Western style, is the major activity at any type of guest ranch. The ranches provide instruction and horses for all levels and ages of riders. Depending upon the ranch, guests may also fish, canoe, raft a river, go on a naturalist-guided hike, ride a bike, or more recently, take a wilderness pack trip.
Families with children of all ages are especially welcome, and many ranches have separate programs for children and teenagers - from kids' activities programs and a staff of camp counselors to arts and crafts and educational programs.
Common to any guest ranch are outstanding, homecooked meals and wonderful hospitality. Most ranches are small and provide a "family" atmosphere. After the evening meal, there are games, amateur talent show, videos, books and good conversation. Some even bring in the local talent to provide evening entertainment.
There's also the chance to see nature close, either alone or with friends. Since most ranches are remotely situated, wildlife abounds, as do wildflowers and opportunities to see the stars. Many ranches are surrounded, at least in part, by National Forest Service land, National Park Service land or state parks.
There is generally a flat fee for a one-week stay, which includes accommodations, meals and activities. The week typically begins and ends on Sunday. Many ranches also provide transportation from the nearest city and/or airport.
Hot Deals for Dudes
Clean mountain air, wide open spaces where mountains reach to the sky, this is your Wyoming Guest Ranch vacation calling. Reserve your once-in-a-lifetime Wyoming guest ranch vacation at one of the ranches listed below. These offers are for a very limited time, so don’t wait. more...
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