Mountain Creek Ranch | Aurora, Missouri
Tucked in the Ozark Mountains, Mountain Creek Ranch—a homestead settled in the early 1900s—offers a touch of the West in southern Missouri. The owners purchased the property in 2018, eventually converting it into a dude ranch. Guests who are curious about life on a working ranch will appreciate a stay here, where horseback riding, cattle drives, and feeding livestock are part of the experience. Rides start at just an hour, while two and a half-hour rides include a picnic at a scenic overlook. At night, stay in the main lodge or one of the ranch cabins. Prices start at $150 per night.
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KD Guest Ranch | Adamsville, Ohio
Situated 90 minutes east of Columbus, Ohio, KD Guest Ranch offers the chance to try not only horseback riding but also penning cattle, roping, and arena games. Itineraries are available for week-long stays, but reservations can be made for as short as two nights. Days are centered around riding trails, with ranch-related activities sprinkled in throughout the day. Guests stay in rustic wooden cabins, with three meals per day included. The lodge provides a central meeting space and has a library, game room, and plenty of space to relax. Prices start at $225 per night.
Paws Up | Greenough, Montana
Approximately 45 minutes from Missoula, Paws Up combines the best in an equestrian vacation with luxury ranch life. Riders will have plenty to explore across Paws Up’s expansive property, with more than 100 miles of trails scattered across 37,000 acres. The horseback riding program is available year-round, in addition to arena lessons and foundational horsemanship. Some activities, such as the signature cattle drive, are open seasonally. Beyond horses, there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied at the all-inclusive ranch. After a day enjoying the Montana landscape, relax in one of the 28 private homes or a glamping tent before dining at one of the culinary options. A reservation also comes with a Lexus to temporarily use during the stay. Prices start at $2,945 per night.
Rancho de Los Caballeros | Wickenburg, Arizona
Once known as the “Dude Ranch Capital of the World,” Wickenburg is just over an hour west of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Known for its prominence as a historic Western town, Wickenburg is also home to Rancho de Los Caballeros, which has been hosting visitors for almost 80 years. The dude ranch is delightfully rustic, with weekly cookouts and rooms tastefully appointed with Southwestern ranch décor. And while the ranch is home to an 18-hole golf course and opportunities for archery or trap and skeet shooting, a stay centers around the equestrian program, a signature since the resort opened. With more than 100 head of cattle available, guests can take rides across 20,000 acres of desert. Rodeo lessons for such activities as barrel racing and team roping are also an option. Prices start at $501 per night.
Alisal Ranch | Solvang, California
Although Santa Barbara wine country may not sound like the typical place to find a dude ranch, Alisal Ranch offers a welcome option, with luxurious accommodations and spanning more than 10,000 acres. The property’s history dates back to the early 19th century. It’s been operating as a guest ranch since 1946, attracting both Hollywood stars and those looking to get away from it all. There are numerous accommodations, with more than 100 horses, 36 holes of golf, and a private lake. On Wednesdays during summer, a pro team of wranglers hosts rodeo demonstrations. Prices start at $1,153 per night.
