Top 5 Sand-to-Spurs Dude Ranches in Wyoming

If you’ve been living the coastal lifestyle but occasionally find yourself longing for some wide-open spaces, we’ve got the perfect getaway! Trade the surf and sand for mountains and spurs as you explore these 5 amazing dude ranches in Wyoming. It’s the ideal trip for anyone who’s obsessed with Yellowstone — or who just wants a taste of the awe-inspiring western wilderness. A ranch vacation is a unique experience makes a memorable family vacation, a great friends’ trip, or a fun solo destination.

We’ve got plenty of great reasons why you should consider a dude ranch for your next vacation, and several suggestions for ranches that deserve a spot on your short list. And we’ve even got some resources for further research and even a fun collection of home decor and accessories for those who want to bring a touch of ranch life to their coastal home. Read on for everything you need to know about Wyoming dude ranches.

Why You Should Consider a Wyoming Dude Ranch Vacation

When you live at the beach, you’re probably looking for something different in your vacation destination, and a dude ranch in Wyoming is as different as it gets. Here are some of our favorite things about this unique experience that will take you from mermaid to cowgirl in a heartbeat:

So Many Activities – If you’re the type who likes to pack your vacation with activities, you’ll find more than you could ever want to do at dude ranches in Wyoming. From horseback riding to river rafting, to rock climbing and zip lines, it’s an adventure-seeker’s paradise. When you’re ready to slow down, there are yoga classes, dance lessons, spas, and plenty of outdoor spots to sit and enjoy spectacular views — including the hot tub. And many of these ranches are all-inclusive, so you can have fun trying out as may new (or beloved) activities as you’d like.

Great for Nature Lovers – Although you’ll be trading undersea dives for cattle drives, there’s certainly a shared appreciation for the great outdoors! Get ready to be awed by the majesty of the mountain peaks and stretches of endless blue skies. You’ll encounter horses, cattle, bison, elk, and 400 species of birds amongst Wyoming’s diverse wildlife. If you want to soak in some of the best natural scenery around, you’ll be in heaven at a dude ranch.

Family Friendly – This is a terrific family vacation destination, thanks to the wide variety of activities that are great for all ages. There’s something for everyone! Many of the activities and animal sightings can be a great educational experience for the little ones, and there are lots of opportunities for the whole family to try a new, adventurous activity together.

Solo Travel – If you’re traveling on your own, many dude ranches in Wyoming will check all of your boxes. A dude ranch vacation gives you the chance for some solitary time as well as opportunities to connect with other guests and make new friends. With many ranches accommodating only a small number of guests at once, offering family-style meals, and providing lots of group activities, it’s a great opportunity to get to know the staff and your fellow guests.

Our 5 Favorite Dude Ranches in Wyoming

Ready to start planning your vacation but not sure where to start? Why not check out a few of our favorite dude ranches in Wyoming! All located in this wonderful and diversely landscaped western state, our picks range from casual and relaxed to upscale luxury — and every single spot is guaranteed to offer gorgeous scenery and endless outdoor activities to help you unleash your inner cowgirl.

Triangle X Ranch – As far as dude ranches in Wyoming with a view go, this one is hard to beat! Located inside Grand Teton National Park in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Triangle X ranch is renowned for its horseback riding and amazing variety of family friendly outdoor activities. Enjoy the casual and relaxed atmosphere of this five-generation family-run ranch as you take in some of most stunning views in the western United States.

Lazy L&B Ranch – This award-winning and historic dude ranch is located at an elevation of 7,200 feet near the town of Dubois, Wyoming. Stay in a quaint log cabin and enjoy the impressive variety of activities from a schedule that changes weekly. Enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing around a campfire and gazing at the stars.

Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch – With a prime location just 3 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. Enjoy rafting, hiking, Yellowstone tours and even a nighttime rodeo! There are plenty of kid-friendly activities, and nightly entertainment that includes square dancing, wagon rides, and roping lessons.

Brush Creek Ranch – If you thought you couldn’t enjoy a luxury vacation at dude ranches in Wyoming, Brush Creek will change your mind. From gourmet cuisine to exclusive wine tasing events, brush creek is a prime foodie destination. It also boasts wellness weekends, high-end luxury accommodations, and plenty of culinary-focused events including cheesemaking, hydroponic gardening, baking, and more!

VeeBar Guest Ranch – Have a hankering for something truly personalized? VeeBar Guest Ranch outside of Laramie, Wyoming, sets the bar high for our list of dude ranches in Wyoming. Although they tout highly competitive rates, they offer nifty perks as part of their all-inclusive packages, like baby sitting and getting your own horse for the week. In addition to enjoying horseback riding, trapshooting, cattle work, hayrides, river tubing, and a hot tub during their “regular” weeks, they also host a handful of specialty weeks during the summer months that make their offerings really unique: Literature and Landscape of the Horse, Adult Only Weeks, Ranch Jubilee – A Jubilee Days Vacation, and an invitation-only Heaven on Earth Horse & Art Retreat.

Planning a Visit to Any of the Dude Ranches in Wyoming

Looking for even more information? The Dude Ranchers Association and the Wyoming Dude Ranchers’ Association are some of our favorite resources for selecting and planning your dude ranch vacation — whether it’s at one of our recommended spots or somewhere else entirely.

The Dude Ranchers Association is a nationwide group, and its website boasts a great ‘find a ranch’ feature that lets you search by location, travel dates, and activities. The Wyoming Dude Ranchers Association is also a great resource, with an interactive map that lets you select a ranch by location and view additional information.

Both sites have plenty of information and FAQs covering what to expect, activities, accommodations, and even advice on packing for your trip. You’ll be a dude ranch expert after soaking up all the great information they share!

Bring Home the Reef and Ranch Style

After the cattle drive dust has settled and you’ve returned to your sunny coastal abode, you may find yourself missing that casual Western vibe that’s so engrained at dude ranches in Wyoming! When you are ready to bring a touch of ranch style back to your coastal home – or closet – we’ve got you covered! Check out Saltsy Studio for our favorite products designed for coastal lovers who also enjoy the ranch scene. You’ll love this Coastal Cowgirl Collection that includes shirts, towels, mugs, and wall art — and we have lots of new products on the way!