Best Ranch Getaways

By: Janeleisteiner

Dude Ranch Vacations

For those seeking wide-open spaces, head to the wild, wild west. Treat yourself to a vacation at a bed and breakfast experience at a ranch, working farm or rustic lodge. Ride horses, help out with farm work or just relax and enjoy the country views. 

Best Ranch Getaways & Dude Ranch Vacations

  • River Rock Lodge
    Set one foot inside the River Rock Lodge in Big Sky, Montana, and you'll find the kind of wilderness lodge you've always dreamed about. The impressive lobby showcases the beauty of natural rock and polished wood, designed by a Montana architect whose work is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright. The scenery is spectacular, just 40 miles from Yellowstone National Park. You can hike to a nearby waterfall or try your hand at fly-fishing on the Gallatin River.
  • 300-Year-Old Arizona Hacienda
    Experience a true dude ranch experience at Rancho De La Osa, a 300-year-old ranch located 65 miles outside of Tucson in the high Sonoran Desert. Rates include three meals each day and all the scheduled activities for the day.

    These might include horseback riding, nature walks, bird watching and guided hikes. There are several themed weekends throughout the year, such as the Cowgirl Camp, an adventure for the ladies that includes rustling cattle and barrel racing. Cowboy cookouts and western dance events are some of the other themes. The guest rooms are furnished with Mexican antiques, many include a wood-burning fireplace, and all have a porch boasting mountain views. Afternoon refreshments are served in the 'Old Adobe' Cantina, which is thought to be the oldest building in Arizona.

  • 440 Idaho Acres with Miniature Horses
    Surrounded by 440 acres of working farmland, The Cedar Mountain Farm B&B in Athol, Idaho, is a serene and peaceful getaway anytime of the year. There are plenty of hiking and cross-country ski trails, and bird watching opportunities abound. Deer and elk sightings are common, and you might even glimpse a moose.

    Sage Creek runs along a mountain on the vast property and guests can try and catch some trout. The night sky is filled with stars, and each morning brings with it a farm-fresh breakfast. Guests can help out with farm chores or gardening, which is especially fun for younger guests. Help gather eggs or pet a miniature horse. The farm is located in between Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint; the Silverwood Theme Park is just three miles away, as well.
  • 22 Acres of Apple Trees in Illinois
    Located in Sullivan, Illinois, Okaw Valley. Orchard Inn is a B&B that resides in a barn-style house among 22 acres of apple trees. You can roam the orchard, bird-watch from the enclosed back porch - there are thousands of hummingbirds in the fall - or soak in the outdoor hot tub. There's an old fashioned apple festival on the orchard grounds during October; plus local fishing and hunting activities. 
  • Shambhala Ranch @ Northern California
    Restful, relaxed, refuge: Three words that nicely describe the Shambhala Ranch retreat center and B&B in Ukiah, Northern California. Located near the coastal town of Mendocino, Shambhala Ranch offers serene rolling hills, a natural swimming pond, and a river with beach to play on. Add a hot tub, large rustic rooms with great views, and clean, fresh air close to the Pacific Ocean, and the Shambhala Ranch is an ideal place to withdraw from the world for awhile.
  • Longhorn Cattle Ranch
    Enjoy the best of Texas Hill Country with a stay at Canyon Lake Ranch, a relaxing bed and breakfast on 64 secluded, peaceful acres. Located just minutes from water sports and fishing at Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River, this Hill Country bed and breakfast offers two private cottages with plenty of amenities.

    The Longhorn Lodge has a private hot tub, fenced yard and a wide front porch where you can just sit and relax. The Starview Lodge also has a hot tub, as well as a private swimming pool and fireplace. Guests at both cottages receive a complementary bottle of wine, a fruit basket and homemade cookies. Guests also can go for a hike, bird watch or feed the Longhorn cattle that live on the ranch.

Dude Ranch Vacations. There is a little cowboy in all of us. Come find yours today.

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