Top Tours
All Dude Ranch, expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Dude Ranch
Award winning travel

Best Dude Ranch Tours by Duration
Best Dude Ranch Tours by Price
Top Dude Ranch Attractions
Dude Ranch Tours & Travel
For families, nothing quite beats the Dude Ranch experience. You get all the perks of living out your wild west fantasies without the pitfalls of mucking out stalls. There are tons of activities geared toward kids, where they will be supervised, allowing adults a chance to relax, play a round of golf, or just enjoy a glass of wine on the veranda of your private bungalow.
While the lines are fairly blurred, the main difference to be aware of when searching for a ranch trip is that Guest Ranch typically implies more luxury and more varied activities available - both for kids and adults. A Dude Ranch tends to be more heavily focused on horse and ranch activities, accommodations will be nice but on the more rustic side.
Dude Ranches are not just the most fun a kid (or adult) could ask for - they are a window into the old west - albeit a romantic one. Many ranches will put on rodeos, featuring classic events like barrel racing, herding and lasso contests, and bucking broncos.
Many ranches have historical roots - having hosted cowboys, visitors, and travelers making the proverbial and legendary “move west” since the 1800s. This dose of authenticity contributes to the entire aura when you stay at a Dude Ranch. Line dancing, BBQs, cowboy poetry, and classic western country music may also play a role during your visit. On trail rides, guides will point out local wildlife, and provide historical context to the ranch.
California: While many may not think of California when they think of the stereotypical American West, there is a wealth of cowboy heritage to be found. California attracted the seekers of manifest destiny as well as experienced the boom of gold seekers in the 1880s. It is the pinnacle of “west” being that it’s the furthest west these explores could venture (on the mainland at least).
Colorado: The truly intrepid faced the Rocky Mountains and decided they could be climbed. But a fast majority (understandably!) settled in the lands east of the imposing mountain range. A rich cowboy heritage is alive and well in Colorado, where you can ride in view of the mountains.
Wyoming: Wyoming is one of the only states that still seems largely untouched. It’s somewhere to go to really get a sense of what the landscape would have looked and felt like for travelers across the plains. Perhaps a few less buffalo graze there today, but other than that, you’re sure to get a very authentic glimpse into the historic American West lifestyle.
1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?
2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?
3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?
4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?