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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
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Dude Ranch Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026
Our 14 most popular Dude Ranch trips. Compare tour itineraries from 14 tour companies. 0 reviews.
Popular Dude Ranch Tours
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Top Dude Ranch Attractions
- Riding horses through classic American west landscapes
- Golfing in the warm summer sun
- Gourmet meals after a long day of activity
- Attending an authentic rodeo with events like barrel racing and calf roping
- Trying your hand at handling a lasso
- Learning how to take care of horses and spending time around the stable
- Attending a ranch wide BBQ and learning how to line dance
- Taking a western-style jumping class
- Getting up early for a “breakfast ride” where a classic western breakfast awaits after a beautiful horse ride in the sunrise
Dude Ranch Tours & Travel
Dude Ranch Attractions & Landmarks Guide
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.
Dude Ranch or Guest Ranch - What’s the Difference?
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.
The Experience of the American West
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.
Popular Dude Ranch Destinations
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.
Dude Ranch Tours FAQ
1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?
Travelstride has the widest selection of tours and tour companies. All the largest companies are on the site and most smaller local operators though we are adding new operators daily. Unlike other websites and agencies, we show you all the options, regardless of whether or not we are paid by the company.
2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?
Travelstride membership is absolutely free. You receive special benefits including saving up to $700 on select tours with top tour operators. The main requirement is to write a review after your trip to access the savings.
3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?
Yes. Travelstride has both expert reviews, written by Travelstride staff and local experts as well as traveler reviews written by people like you who have used the company and traveled to that destination.
4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?
Stride Preferred and Stride Premier are status categories to help you sort quickly through known and reliable travel companies. Since there are thousands of tour operators around the globe, Preferred or Premier badges are awarded to companies that Travelstride has determined meet the highest standards of professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality.
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