Alisal Ranch
The allure of the American West never truly fades, and currently, it is experiencing a resurgence. Cowboy culture is in the spotlight, with Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter world tour set to hit London for six dates starting June 10 and the popular cinematic universe of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone now available on British Netflix. This surge in interest has sparked a desire among travelers to witness the breathtaking landscapes of Montana and the expansive plains of Texas firsthand.
The demand for booking a ranch holiday in the US has surged, with numerous resorts across the country offering visitors an authentic cowboy experience. Skyscanner observed an 18 percent rise in hotel bookings that include horseback riding as an activity, prompting the travel search engine to introduce it as a filter last summer. Similarly, the platform Tripaneer noted a 42 percent uptick in interest for US ranch stays.
A significant number of top-notch lodges and ranches can be found in Montana, the backdrop for Yellowstone, with properties like Montage Big Sky feeling the impact. Victorio Gonzalez, the general manager at Montage, located in the Spanish Peaks region, notes, “There are plenty of John Duttons around here,” referring to the popular character from Yellowstone. The area offers a serene lifestyle closely connected to nature, with several nearby ranches that guests can explore.
In Texas, the state’s renowned hospitality makes it an enticing destination for such holidays. Tom Davis, the general manager of Cibolo Creek Ranch, a working ranch with a five-star resort set in a restored 1850s fort, emphasizes, “Texan hospitality is unparalleled, particularly on a ranch.”
Ranch resorts vary in their offerings due to differences in location, size, and local history. However, the finest ones seamlessly blend heritage, natural beauty, wildlife, and warm hospitality, creating a unique experience incomparable to anywhere else on the planet.
Here are some of the top ranch resorts in the American West for an unforgettable getaway:
Montana
Paws Up
This expansive wilderness retreat covers 37,000 acres in Montana, featuring a 10-mile stretch along the Blackfoot River. Beyond the famed cattle drive experience, where guests can participate in herding, the resort offers myriad outdoor activities like fly-fishing and clay shooting. With an array of 70 activities to choose from, guests can explore the forest in a complimentary Lexus provided for all guests on-site. Paws Up boasts multiple restaurants overseen by James Beard-nominated chefs, offering luxurious dining amidst the rugged outdoor setting. Accommodations range from rustic cabins and historic ranch homes to cliffside safari tents or the adults-only cabins at Green O, a boutique resort within the property.
Montage Big Sky
Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, Montage Big Sky is a sought-after ranch resort that combines luxurious accommodations with unparalleled natural beauty.
Experience the stunning surroundings and close proximity to Yellowstone National Park at Montage Big Sky. Guided tours showcasing the park’s geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife are a must-do activity. Although not a dude ranch itself, Montage Big Sky is encircled by several working ranches that guests can visit. Immerse yourself in the forest with a scenic hike or horseback ride, or enjoy fishing in the picturesque alpine lake or river.
Montage Big Sky exudes an alpine charm with its natural tones, wood-crafted furniture, and elegant marble bathrooms in both rooms and suites. This ski-in/ski-out resort is nestled in a rustic community intentionally kept low density. Cold weather activities like dog-sledding and snowshoeing offer breathtaking views of the Spanish Peaks.
Originally a homestead and cattle ranch, The Ranch at Rock Creek has transformed into a luxury Relais & Châteaux resort with 31 unique accommodations, including glamping options in luxury canvas tents, authentic log cabins, and historic barns. Spanning 6,600 acres in southwest Montana, the property boasts a Blue Ribbon fishery and an ongoing environmental stewardship program in collaboration with Montana Forest Consultants.
The Ranch at Rock Creek offers a restored 19th-century barn that accommodates 13 guests, as well as luxurious Western-style log cabins with bunk beds. The resort’s culinary offerings focus on ranch cuisine and “frontier-to-table” dining experiences at its five restaurants. Guests can enjoy fly-fishing, naturalist classes, and rodeo 101 among other outdoor activities.
Reid Creek Lodge in Wyoming is a quaint and traditional Western lodge ideal for group getaways. Featuring log-hewn interiors, a stone fireplace, and cozy Western textiles, this lodge offers seven bedrooms and can accommodate about 20 guests. Cowboys manage the ranch and tend to the Wagonhound horses and cattle. Activities at the lodge include archery, watersports, and horseback riding.
Situated in the picturesque Jackson Hole valley just outside the cowboy town of Jackson, Spring Creek Ranch is a wildlife sanctuary offering stunning panoramic views of the Teton mountain range. This retreat, located 1,000 feet above town, features a spa and provides an opportunity to embark on a wildlife safari in Grand Teton National Park. Guests can also indulge in a hot stone massage using rocks sourced from the nearby riverbed.
Brush Creek Ranch is a magnificent all-inclusive resort spread across 30,000 acres of a working cattle ranch. This unique property offers a variety of accommodations, from inn rooms to mountain villas and townhomes, all designed for privacy and Western elegance.
Nestled amidst the Sierra Madre mountains and bordered by the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Brush Creek Ranch offers a variety of accommodations to suit every preference. From the exclusive adults-only prairie retreat at Magee Homestead to the luxurious log-hewn cabins at the Lodge and Spa, and even an upscale glamping experience with creekside yurts at French Creek, there is something for everyone at this stunning property. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in The Farm, a culinary campus featuring a greenhouse, creamery, bakery, distillery, spirit vault, and wine cellar, offering interactive experiences and tastings for guests to enjoy. Activities such as seasonal ice fishing, cattle drives, and barrel racing provide endless entertainment, while winding down at the old-school saloon is the perfect way to end the day.
Moving on to Cibolo Creek Ranch, located in a remote area known for its exceptional stargazing opportunities within a dark sky reserve. Guests can partake in hikes, ATV tours, horseback riding, and bird watching during the day, with the chance to spot buffalo roaming the vast 30,000-acre ranch. Accommodations are housed in a restored adobe fort dating back to the 1850s, exuding authentic Texan charm with cowboy decor and historical artifacts. Mexican breakfast and lunch are served, complemented by fine dining options for dinner, as well as the chance to savor a refreshing “ranch water” cocktail made with tequila, Topo Chico sparkling water, and lime.
Wildcatter Ranch in North Texas offers a peaceful retreat in the midst of unspoiled wilderness, featuring 1,500 acres of scenic trails, lakes, woodlands, and prairie. With just 41 accommodations spread out across the expansive property, guests can enjoy a sense of seclusion and space. Themed cabins boast unique touches like wall murals, buffalo taxidermy, and private outdoor patios, while the on-site steakhouse serves up delicious meals. Activities include horseback riding, roping, tomahawk throwing, Jeep tours, and more, providing a true cowboy experience in a serene setting.
For a more laid-back ranch experience, Mayan Dude Ranch offers a nostalgic retreat with a touch of kitschy charm. Originally built in 1931 and now owned by a family that acquired it two decades later, this former Girl Scout camp provides affordable rates, a horse rescue program, and family-friendly activities such as treasure hunts and hayrides. The cozy rooms are outfitted with charming decor like wagon-wheel bed frames and quilts, perfect for a rustic getaway. Live entertainment, including music and comedy, is featured during the summer months, along with modern line dancing lessons. Guests can indulge in mesquite-grilled meats and Mexican cuisine, while the expansive swimming pool offers a refreshing spot to relax and unwind.
Each of these ranches offers a unique and unforgettable experience, from luxury accommodations and culinary delights to outdoor adventures and western
Discover our comprehensive review of Alisal Ranch in California, a luxury working ranch nestled in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Since its establishment in 1946, this serene haven has been a favorite retreat for guests, including many celebrities, who appreciate the vast privacy of its 10,000-acre property. The luxury studios exude rustic charm with vintage Pendleton textiles and ranch-inspired antiques, perfect for couples. For more space and luxury, consider the Sycamore house with reclaimed barnwood and Americana artwork in three king rooms.
Located just thirty minutes outside Santa Barbara, Alisal Ranch offers a remote escape while being an excellent base for exploring the valley. Embrace your inner cowboy with horseback riding, horsemanship lessons, and rodeo activities. Relax at the spa after a day of adventures, and enjoy a waterfront barbecue at the spring-fed lake or unwind at the Oak Room dive bar. End your day by savoring a nightcap under the stars in the central meadow.
In Northern California’s Lost Sierra region, Greenhorn Ranch has a rich history dating back to the gold rush era. Families are working together to restore this 600-acre dude ranch surrounded by 500,000 acres of public land. The central lodge exudes a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, offering twelve rooms, charming cabins with porch swings, and a fully restored Airstream trailer. Indulge in delicious meals at the Chuckhouse and gather around the campfire for nightly s’mores.
Experience the ultimate luxury at The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City, Utah, part of the Auberge Collection. Set on 3,500 mountain acres, this resort features a cliffside spa with outdoor heated plunge pools, cold plunge treatments, and unique cacao ceremonies. Stay in the signature Earth suites constructed with locally sourced materials. Enjoy whiskey tastings at the nearby High West Distillery and various outdoor activities such as horseback riding, culinary classes, and rock climbing.
Escape to the enchanting Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe in New Mexico, just ten minutes north of Santa Fe. Surrounded by the picturesque Jemez mountains, this 65-room resort offers a peaceful retreat in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of the wood-burning kiva fireplace and the tranquility of the pristine casitas, providing an escape from the vibrant downtown scene of Santa Fe.
– Rancho Encantado is a serene 57-acre hideaway located in the Sangre de Cristo foothills on a former dude ranch. The clean and bright casitas offer patios and signature fireplaces, providing a peaceful retreat. New Mexico has some of the oldest settlements in the country, and Santa Fe’s high desert landscape and Pueblo architecture give a glimpse into a different era of ranch country. Whether you’re hiking in Pecos National Historic Park or exploring a Puebloan ruin site, you can unwind at the spa and savor a southwestern dinner with regional green chilis at Terra.
– Colorado’s C Lazy U Ranch is a year-round, all-inclusive, and family-friendly resort nestled in 8,500 acres of Granby wilderness. The ranch is home to 38 cabins of varying sizes, each unique with wood paneling, stone fireplaces, and exposed beams. Guests can enjoy “home on the range” dining and a variety of family-friendly activities such as hatchet throwing, beehive tours, and ziplines. In winter, activities like sleigh rides, ice hockey, and snowmobiling are available for guests to enjoy.
