Saddle Up and Ride Out on a āReal Dealā Western Vacation at These Rustic Riding Lodges
Thanks to Paramountās binge-worthy neo-Western drama, cowboy culture is having a moment. āYellowstoneāsā crossover appeal has influenced fashion (hello āWesterncoreā) and now travel trends, as there is now a growing demand for old-fashioned hospitality and adventures on horseback across the great American West. From Californiaās Santa Ynez Valley to Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado and Big Sky, Montana, get a taste of the Dutton lifestyle at these rustic-meets-luxe dude ranches and riding lodges.
Zapata Ranch: Mosca, Colorado
For a true taste of ranch life and land conservation in the American West, picture riding out among a 2,000-strong bison herd at the Great Sand Dunes National Park at Zapata Ranch. Built on the original Zapata homestead and open between early March and late October, this lodge in Southern Colorado features 17 bedrooms, so vacation stays (thereās a three-night minimum) feel intimate. Special-interest workshops range from Western literature, leatherwork and painting to calf branding and roping. Zapataās three resident chefs whip up gourmet ranch-to-table meals, which are served family-style every evening. Pro tip: bring your own wine and beer.Ā
Lone Mountain Ranch: Big Sky, Montana
Operating in Big Sky Country for over 100 years, horses are the heart and soul of Lone Mountain Ranch. Located 50 minutes from Bozeman, itās a stunning place to discover the real Montana and its majestic high country. From June through early October, over 100 horses take riders (wranglers match up guests based on abilities) into the backcountry while Belgian and Percheron draft horses pull wagons and sleighs. Back at the ranch, rustic-chic cabins feature wood-burning fireplaces, record players and in-room coffee service. An Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing destination, non-riding activities include naturalist-led hikes and day trips to Yellowstone National Park.
The Lodge at Blue Sky: Wanship, Utah
Set on a 3,500-acre working ranch outside of Park City, The Lodge at Blue Sky is a year-round haven for horse lovers and a sustainably designed retreat perfectly in sync with its beautiful surroundings. Winter sleigh rides and mountain meadow trail rides during warmer months, ranch-riding and cattle-moving classes with working cowboys and natural horsemanship lessons (based on the Spanish vaquero riding style) are just a handful of the equine adventures offered here. Meet rescue thoroughbreds and mustangs at Gracieās Farm or visit The Remuda to see firsthand how the herd gets pampered with acupuncture and massages.
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Alisal Ranch: Solvang, CaliforniaĀ
A working ranch since 1843 and family getaway since 1946, Alisal Ranch is a lovely spot to catch the weekly rodeo or unplug with wrangler-led trail rides through rolling hillsāincluding one to a historic Adobe Camp for breakfast. Guided fishing trips to Alisalās lake and mountain e-bike rides across the ranchās 10,000 acres are options too. Book a luxury studio (they come with Pendleton accessories, vintage artwork and wood-burning fireplaces) and get dressed up for dinner at The Ranch Room, where āsmart cowboyā attire is required. Shopping the mercantile for Alisal logo apparel and a visit to the spa are also highly recommended.
Rancho de los Caballeros: Wickenburg, Arizona
If riding out in the Sonoran Desert sounds like a good time, Wickenburgās historic Rancho de los Caballeros should appeal. Founded in 1948 and home to a herd of 85 horses, the daily trail rides and springtime sunset cookout rides provide an authentic Western experienceāthe roping lessons and team penning classes give you a taste of real ranch work. Ranchoās rooms and suites allow you to enjoy lovely desert vistas and are furnished in a Santa Fe style (read: kiva fireplaces and desert-inspired color palettes). After a day in the saddle, post up in The Saloon for signature Los Cab margaritas and live music.
Reid Creek Lodge: Douglas, Wyoming
Reid Creek Lodge is where rugged Wyoming beauty meets the kind of luxury you donāt brag aboutāyou just live. This ultra-exclusive spot offers a custom Western experience led by expert guides. Horseback riding is the headline act, but archery, fishing, and wildlife viewing also steal the show. The lodge sits on a working ranch, once a stop on the Oregon Trail back in the 1800s. So, yesāthereās history in the soil and stories in the wind. Days here are full of adventure.
You might hit the trails, practice cowboy moves in the arena, or sip cocktails from a wagon by the creek. Inside, itās all about rustic elegance. Think Western-inspired decor and traditional log-cabin charm. With seven bedrooms that sleep up to 22 guests, the lodge hosts just one private group at a time. Itās exclusive, personal, and perfect for living out your ranch-life fantasyāwithout giving up hot water or high thread count.
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Bishopās Lodge: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Riding season begins in early April at Bishopās Lodge, which is when the herd moves back after winter vacation. They move from The Ghostranch to the century-old resort bordering the Santa Fe National Forest. Take in views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on a trail ride. Then, meet the horses during a clinic, and donāt forget to bring some carrots. Next sign up for a Painting at the Stables art class. Rooms and suites range from multi-room casitas to a 12-bedroom Bunkhouse and feature swoon-worthy Southwestern decor. After riding, a sound healing treatment or meditative bath at the Stream Dance Spa should be another highlight.
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodorās Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
