If Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” TV series has you yearning for a taste of cowboy life, you’re not alone. The show has inspired millions of tourists to travel to Montana and Wyoming guest ranches for western-themed vacations.
“Yellowstone” is filmed at Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. The lodge, barn, cabins, and landscape of the 2,500-acre property are practically characters in the series. Although the ranch is open seasonally to overnight guests, at the time of this publication, it’s closed for filming. (The final episodes of season 5 drop in November 2024.)
In the meantime, these all-inclusive family resorts and dude ranches invite guests to spend days horseback riding, fishing, and reveling in nature. Here’s where to live like the Dutton family — at least for a few days.
The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
Guests at The Resort at Paws Up have access to 37,000 acres of pristine wilderness — Photo courtesy of Tamara Gane
The Resort at Paws Up is a perennial favorite in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in categories like best all-inclusive resort, best glamping spot, and best dude ranch. Meadows and forests disappear into white-capped mountains on this expansive working cattle ranch.
If you came for the “Yellowstone” experience, over 70 activities, including horseback riding, cattle drives, fly fishing on the Blackfoot River, sports clay shooting, and a kids’ club await. Lodging here is as luxurious as it is distinctive, with private cabins and canvas tents boasting ensuite bathrooms. Green-O, the adults-only section of the resort, offers treehouses or glass homes nestled in the forest. Even dining is an elevated experience, with three James Beard-nominated chefs on staff.
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Sandpoint, Idaho
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch has all the “Yellowstone” vibes — Photo courtesy of Danielle Otis / Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
Your biggest problem at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch will be deciding what to do next. This dude ranch has so many activities it feels like a year-round summer camp. All-inclusive packages at this family-owned ranch include horseback riding, archery, guided e-bike tours, canoeing, evening entertainment, and gourmet, down-home meals.
Guest accommodations are available in the main cozy lodge or private log cabins. Amenities and activities change seasonally, so check the website for offerings.
C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado
There’s nothing like dining under the stars at all-inclusive family resorts like C Lazy U Ranch — Photo courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch
In the “Yellowstone” TV series, the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch has been operating for over a century. So, too, has C Lazy U Ranch — and the guest experience has been perfected over these years.
In addition to traditional dude ranch options like horseback riding and fly fishing, guests can book services like massages or pedicures at the spa while kids participate in supervised activities. With gourmet multi-course dinners served every night, it’s no surprise that C Lazy U Ranch also has claimed multiple USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, to include Best Dude Ranch.
Cibolo Creek Ranch, Marfa, Texas
Ride tall in the saddle at Cibolo Creek Ranch Ranch — Photo courtesy of Cibolo Creek Ranch
If you own a private helicopter like the Dutton family, you’re in luck: Cibolo Creek Ranch offers a private airport. Located in the foothills of the Chinati Mountains about 30 miles outside the artist enclave of Marfa, Texas, the ranch has a vast historical art collection, a luxurious spa, and 30,000 acres for activities like horseback riding, hunting, sports shooting, biking, or ATV tours. All-inclusive menus have Mexican influences and feature local ingredients.
The Ranch at Emerald Valley at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nature and luxury blend seamlessly at The Ranch at Emerald Valley at The Broadmoor — Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor
A USA TODAY 10Best readers’ favorite for best dude ranch in the country, The Ranch at Emerald Valley at The Broadmoor features dark green forests, meadows, lakes, and bubbling waterfalls all within a cowboy’s reach. The sumptuously appointed cabins provide a rustic yet luxurious ambiance.
Families spend their days horseback riding, fly fishing, mountain biking, or soaking in cedar hot tubs. Mornings start with cowboy coffee around a communal fire pit and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and produce grown on The Broadmoor farms.
Vote Now: Best Hotel Spa (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
Vista Verde Guest Ranch, Clark, Colorado
All-inclusive family resorts like Vista Verde Guest Ranch bring everyone together — Photo courtesy of Vista Verde Ranch
Voted as one of the best dude ranches in the U.S., Vista Verde Guest Ranch, an all-inclusive family resort, offers an exciting roster of rotating seasonal activities like horseback riding, outdoor cookouts, snow tubing, sleigh rides, and a kids program. The ranch even has wranglers on hand to entertain kids at dinner so the adults in the family can enjoy some alone time.
TA Guest Ranch, Buffalo, Wyoming
Some all-inclusive family resorts offer activities like fishing — Photo courtesy of TA Guest Ranch
All-inclusive family vacations inspired by “Yellowstone” don’t have to break the bank. TA Guest Ranch offers accessibly priced dude ranch experiences on one of Wyoming’s original homesteads.
Farm-to-table meals, horseback riding, fishing, and dance nights entertain families on the 150-year-old ranch. TA Guest Ranch offers an intimate experience with just 13 rooms, hosting no more than 34 people at a time.
Vote Now: Best Hotel Pool (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
Dunton Hot Springs, Rico, Colorado
Dunton Hot Springs isn’t just an all-inclusive family resort — it’s an entire ghost town — Photo courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs
Sure, the Duttons have a fancy homestead, but you get the run of an entire ghost town at Dunton Hot Springs. Located in Rico in Dolores County, Colorado, this beautifully restored historic mining town features a saloon, dance hall, spa, luxury hand-hewn log cabins, seasonal glamping tents, and a natural hot springs.
Spend your days horseback riding, fly fishing, rock climbing in summer, or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. After a day of family fun, a multi-course dinner with carefully selected wine pairings is the perfect capstone for the evening.
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Greenhorn Ranch, Quincy, California
Horses explore the terrain of Greenhorn Ranch — Photo courtesy of Greenhorn Ranch
Pine trees, lakes, rivers, and vistas of the Sierra Nevada make for a breathtaking backdrop at Greenhorn Ranch. Traditional dude ranch experiences like trail rides and skeet shooting mingle with activities like electric biking and whiskey tastings. You can even try your hand at gold panning.
The all-inclusive family resort includes three scratch-made meals a day and nightly s’mores around a communal fire as part of your stay.
Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg, Arizona
Relaxing at Rancho de los Caballeros comes easily after all the activities offered — Photo courtesy of Rancho de Los Cabelleros
Rancho de los Caballeros is among the nation’s best dude ranches, according to USA TODAY 10Best readers. The desert surroundings provide unique scenery for horseback riding, golfing on the 18-hole golf course, pickleball, and kids’ club activities. End your day with a dip in the pool or treat yourself to a little pampering in the luxury spa.
The all-inclusive dining plan includes meals in the main dining room or outdoor cookouts with live music. This is Southwest living at its finest.
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