Experience Ranch Vacations Like You Are Living In TV’s Yellowstone

While fans wait for part 2 of season 1 of the hit modern Western series, Yellowstone, many wish they were on the ranch surrounded by that glorious scenery. While visiting the Dutton ranch is out of the question, a number of ranch vacations are available across the country. There, people can experience Western hospitality at its best, while experiencing horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing and other adventures. Meanwhile, several different experiences are available, including visiting a dude ranch, working ranch, resort ranch, or guest ranch. Read on to find out more.

Dude ranch vacations in the USA

Dude ranches are mostly cattle ranches that have been converted for hospitality, but some are real, working ranches. At these locations, visitors can ride horses, watch rodeo action, and go swimming, hiking, or biking. Moreover, there is nothing quite like sitting around the campfire in the evenings, sharing stories.

Imagine exploring on horseback at sunset, or experiencing a camp-out ride, while getting to spend a night in the wilderness at the edges of the property.

Working ranch vacations

These ranch experiences are quite different as guests become a member of the working team. While this hands-on approach might not be ideal for everyone, it does give an overall feel of life on the ranch. However, on these vacations, visitors do need to be experienced horse riders.

As for the work, this varies depending on the season. For instance, spring sees tasks such as branding the cattle. In the summer months, workers will often be involved in moving the cattle to new grazing pastures. Meanwhile, in the fall, visitors will often be involved in rounding up the cattle, to either head them to market or move them to their winter pastures.

Another aspect of staying on a working ranch is that guests might have to help with the repair or construction of new ranch infrastructure. Moreover, while guest workers won’t have any special facilities, they will enjoy a hearty meal at the end of the day.

Guest ranch vacations

While working ranch vacations sounds like a whole load of work, guest ranches are completely different. Here guests are welcomed to homely spaces with rustic décor but with comfortable accommodations and modern facilities. Most of these are family-run and offer a range of activities, including horseback riding. While most of these ranches only have horses, occasionally the opportunity arises to help with cattle on nearby properties.

In an average day, guests enjoy horseback riding and fishing, as well as hiking and camping nearby. The day ends around the campfire, with guests treated like family. Meanwhile, accommodation includes rooms in the main house, or in cabins on the ranch.

Resort ranch vacations

These ranches are different from the above options as they are resorts rather than the more personal guest ranch. While some are luxurious five-star resorts, others are more low-key and rustic. It should be borne in mind that families with children are welcome in a number of the resorts, the luxury options tend to be adult-only.

In the luxury ranches, guests enjoy lush accommodations and gourmet meals, while others focus on the relaxation of their guests. Meanwhile, others offer the normal cowboy experience, but with fun options like golf and water sports or hot air ballooning over the plains.

This year, pretend you are a guest star in Yellowstone, experiencing the vacation of a lifetime and great options for taking selfies.