Top North American Ranch Vacations

Set against the majestic backdrop of Glacier National Park, it’s easy to see why people have been flocking to Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge for over 65 years. But look a little closer and you’ll realize that although its setting is immaculate, its hospitality and amenities might even exceed it.

Variety is the spice of life, and Averill’s holds this sentiment to be true. They offer a cornucopia of activities for you and your family to partake in, from horseback tours to kayaking to relaxing lake cruises. Of course, you could always go and spend some time in one of the world’s most beautiful places, Glacier National Park. Averill’s offers an incredible central location from which to set out on your adventures, then return for some luxurious relaxation. As they so succinctly state on their website, “Quite simply, Flathead Lake Lodge offers the ultimate, fun family vacation with unlimited horse and water recreation for kids and adults”.

Address

150 Flathead Lodge Rd, Bigfork, MT 59911

Extra Stops

Only 1.6 miles south from Bigfork!

Highlights

Free meals (three per day) are served family-style in the dining room or at cook-outs.

Resting in the shadows of the Snowy Range Mountains in the Centennial Valley, the Vee Bar Guest Ranch is sure to make your entire family feel at home.

With an emphasis on horseback riding, their programs are second to none. Their experts will match you with one horse for the duration of your stay. Guests progress and become more comfortable throughout the trip and are not asked to do anything outside of your comfort range. Experience an epic riding experience traversing from the Vee Bar meadows all the way to the towering mountains. The highlight for many guests is cattle work, where you’ll be able to assist the wranglers to move cows from one pasture to another. This is a truly authentic Wyoming horseback riding vacation to remember!

Address

38 Vee Bar Ranch Road Laramie, Wyoming 82070

Highlights

Guests indulge in home-cooked meals made from scratch at Vee Bar Guest Ranch. Buffet meals are served three times a day and will keep your mouth watering for more.

Related Onsite Offerings

Children will also be able to join in the fun. Kids can participate in sheep-herding demonstrations and be taken out on rides by staff members onsite.

Zion National Park's fiery red rock canyons beckon just outside of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, the perfect playground for horseback riders, hikers, bikers, and general explorers. This 4,000-acre Southwest sanctuary sits on a idyllic forested plateau and showcases almost endless space to explore.Your experience is unmatched, as the resort works with renowned East Zion Adventures for all of its horseback riding excursions and you're matched up with a horse and a ride that best fits your skill levels. Little cowboys and cowgirls will love pony rides, which are available for children under eight. When you're not riding, try relaxing. Indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the Juniper Spa or savor Southwestern cuisine at the Blue Belly Grill. Afterward, kick up your feet in your spacious cabin and soak in the stunning scenery. Ride ATVs or go swimming, rock climbing, and rappelling. Stay onsite and enjoy basketball, billiards, croquet, horseshoes, kickball, ping pong, tennis, and volleyball. The exploration never ends at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort!

Address

P.O. Box 5547, Mount Carmel, Utah 84755

Fun facts

Zion National Park's unique geography allows for a large variety of animal inhabitants including 289 species of birds, 75 mammals, and 32 reptiles.

Related Onsite Offerings

The Juniper Spa replenishes your mind, body, and soul with a variety of massages such as Swedish, Warm Desert Stone, and Deep Tissue. As an alternative, indulge in a body scrub, facial, or manicure.

Hop in the saddle at Colorado Trails Ranch, an all-inclusive dude ranch stay in the heart of the San Juan Mountains! Located just northeast of the historic mining town of Durango, this 450-acre property helps you discover your inner cowboy or cowgirl, and rediscover yourself. The ranch’s main attraction, horseback riding, remains its biggest draw, offering everything from riding lessons to exciting cattle drives and rodeo games. However, horseback riding is just the beginning. The ranch boasts two miles of private water on the Florida River, the perfect place for a day of trout angling or fly fishing. The ranch’s ‘downtown’ area, a replication of a small Western town, is filled with fun amenities like a dance hall, a ruckus room filled with games, and even an authentic soda fountain, the perfect place to cool off after a rough ride. And, make sure to stay up for the nightly sing-alongs, campfires, and live entertainment before hitting the hay in the ranch’s rustic yet refined cabins. You're in for one unforgettable ride here!

Address

12161 County Road 240, Durango, Colorado 81301

Extra Stops

Get your thrills whitewater rafting on the Animas River with a professional outfitter or visit the ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde National Park.

Related activities

When you're not riding, try fishing for trophy trout at the ranch's private section of the Florida River, in the nearby cold-mountain streams, or the fully-stocked private ranch ponds. Angling adventures abound!

The Southwest comes to New York at Rocking Horse Ranch! Only 90 minutes from New York City, this secluded piece of paradise is just outside the city lights but feels a world away. Taking an Old West mentality, take a trip back to a simpler time and enjoy trail riding and horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides all year round. The expert staff demonstrates all the basic riding techniques, preparing you for trails that range from pony rides for children under seven to advanced rides for the more experienced cowboys and cowgirls. Don't worry about breaking the bank, as all horse-related activities are included in the all-inclusive package! When you're not in the saddle, take part in plenty of other ranch activities. Mosey on over to the Ranch's private lake and take part in a wave of aquatic adventures like water skiing, kayaking, and fishing. The sparkling outdoor pool offers even more options including water slides, interactive spray fountains, and water volleyball. Stay dry on the lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, and rock climbing wall. After an action-packed day, retire to your AAA 3 Diamond room and watch the flat-screen television, surf the web with free Wi-Fi, or just kick up your feet and relax. Enjoy the Old West in the East!

Address

600 Route 44/55, Highland, New York 12528

Highlights

Learn about the rancher's daily life on the barn tour, a journey through the 115-stall barn where all of your horse questions are answered.

Related activities

Enjoy year-round aquatic adventures at the Big Splash Indoor Water Park, which showcases the 250-foot-long Gold Rush Flume, dumping buckets, huge geysers, and more!

While Buckhead Ranch is also an ideal setting for weddings, corporate events, and really any special occasion, it truly excels at providing unforgettable ranch experiences!

Up to 51 guests can be accommodated at Buckhead, allowing the lodge to be accessible while keeping the focus on fantastic personal service. Inside, guests are privy to beautiful cypress wood, leather furnishings, and distinctive wildlife trophies. Take a walk around the grounds and enjoy the tranquil ponds, sprawling pastures, and quaint chapel. When you're properly relaxed, head over to the stables for some rough riding! The fully-equipped horse stable has 15 stalls of beginner-friendly steeds, and the lodge has its own horse riding trail for your convenience!

Address

1127 Haymount Rd, Latta, SC 29565

Related activities

There's also skeet shooting, a swimming pool, and a go-kart track!

Getting there

The Lodge is located 25 miles from Florence and 61 miles from Myrtle Beach.

Spend the day on horseback, hitting the links, or racing down a water slide in the Wild West!

Step out onto the Sundance Balcony for a gorgeous view of the restaurant and surrounding natural beauty. From your lofty perch you can look out over the rustic countryside, the same countryside you'll be exploring on horseback! You'll walk, trot and gallop along on beginner-friendly horses to your heart's content. The Resort also offers a variety of horseback riding activities and lessons for those that would like to improve their cowboy aptitude. Accommodations range from rustic cabins, to elegant log homes, to beautifully appointed luxury suites with flat-screen TVs and in-room Jacuzzis. All of it adds up to a successful (and fun) getaway!

Address

5900 S Water Rd, Rothbury, MI 49452

Getting there

The resort is 10.6 miles from Oceana County Airport.

Related Onsite Offerings

Other activities offered include horse riding trails and archery, plus an 18-hole golf course.

Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch number one priority is to provide its guests with the quintessential cowpoke experience. And they succeed, every time.

The ranch's friendly atmosphere is a glimpse into the old west, set against the beautiful NW Arizona desert and plenty of peace and quiet.That desert is where you'll be riding the trail on a trusty steed. Rides for both beginners and experts are available, with slower riders learning the basics and experts getting right into the action! Where your gorse takes you, you'll be excited to return to breathtaking views, constant sunny days, and a fantastic family vacation.

Address

19985 Doc Holliday Road, Yucca, AZ 86438

Total area

The ranch borders over 360,000 acres of natural western desert beauty at the foot of the Mohave and Hualapai mountains.

Getting there

The resort is only two hours south of Las Vegas.

Marble Mountain Guest Ranch offers a diversity of California Shasta Cascade lodgings and activities. Choose any of ten cottages, two homes, and twelve RV sites, or make it a camping trip - there's enough space for up to 400!

With fully furnished deluxe homes and housekeeping cottages featuring full kitchens, you'll be sure to have everything you need for a fun and fulfilling vacation! Here, you can enjoy endless horseback riding in California's Klamath National Forest, whitewater rafting on the Klamath River, fly-fishing, hiking, and a whole lot more. You'll end your days relaxing and watching the sunset over the mountains, content that you chose Marble Mountain Guest Ranch for your vacation experience!

Address

92520 Hwy. #96, Somes Bar, California 95568

Highlights

There's really no better way to explore the Klamath National Forest than at Marble Mountain Guest Ranch! Their onsite equestrian program is centered around western trail riding and takes you through the beautiful natural surroundings. When you aren't riding, enjoy other activities like rafting, fishing, and sporting clay's.

Related activities

Marble Mountain Guest Ranch offers incredible fly-fishing excursions on the Klamath River. Their trips include meals, private cabin lodging, guide service, and much more. Trout are most common, but stay on your toes and who knows what you'll catch! It's the perfect getaway for the fishing enthusiasts of all ages.

Whether you're a doe-eyed rookie or a sway-backed veteran, you'll have a wondrous, unforgettable time at Ghost Canyon Ranch!

When someone invites you to experience the most outstanding horseback riding vacation the Black Hills has to offer, how can you say no? Well that's exactly what Ghost Canyon Ranch brings to the table From horseback riding and hiking to kayaking and mountain biking, your days here will be filled to the brim with adventure (and thus fun).Step outside and observe this underappreciated part of the world and rejoice in the abundance of nature, roaming buffalo, green fields, wild flowers galore and breathtaking mountain views!

Address

13583, Ghost Canyon Rd, Hermosa, SD 57744

Extra Stops

Located four miles south of Rapid City, Fort Hays is home of the Dances with Wolves film set!

Highlights

The Rocky Mountain Blue Birds are always enjoyable to watch in the mornings!

Peaceful seclusion in the heart of the Rockies at a totally affordable price, Elk Mountain Ranch's natural beauty makes it an ideal ranch for just about anyone!

A stay at The Elk Mountain Dude Ranch is a one-week adventure encompassing the absolute best that Colorado has to offer. Families, couples, singles and small groups will all find something (or everything) to love here, whether it's on the trail or back at the resort. With a maximum of 30 guests at any time, you'll know going in that you'll experience the utmost in personal service and hospitality. Days at the ranch are filled with horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and other activities set against a backdrop of unending vistas. Of course, the spacious yet cozy cabins provide a home away from home, filled with rustic western decor!

Elevation

At 9,600 feet elevation, this is Colorado’s highest guest ranch!

Getting there

Elk Mountain Ranch is approximately 17 miles from historic Buena Vista, 120 miles southwest of Denver, and 90 miles west of Colorado Springs.

Fun facts

The Ranch has been the Murphy family’s home and passion since 1985.

From the moment you land on the private FBO and settle into one of the ranches luxury cabins you know your stay will be memorable!

The JL Bar Ranch & Resort features different onsite and offsite activities. If you decide to stay in the ranch, indulge in the infinity pool that overlooks the property or relax in the hot tub. Take a helicopter tour and get a better view of the property from above! And when you are ready to head out for the hunting of your lifetime, trophy whitetails, axis, blackbuck, fallow deer, and red stag await! Offsite adventures include cave exploration, kayaking and golfing. And after an exciting day shooting, delight extraordinary cuisine at the JL Bar.

Address

3500 Private Road 2254 Sonora, TX 76950 US

Highlights

At The JL Bar, all the ingredients on the menu are selected with great care to ensure a great culinary experience. The JL Bar wine cellar boasts an extensive wine list to accompany your dining experience.

Fun facts

The JL Bar Ranch & Resort's private airport features a 5300′ x 80′ asphalt runway and facilities capable of handling a wide variety of aircraft, from a single engine Cessna to a Gulfstream G550!

Restore and inspire yourself as you spend your time surrounded by horses and riding at Rocking Z Ranch.

Whether you are brand new to horses or an able veteran, all visitors have a chance to expand their skills. Just spending a week there you'll soon realize that it's not just a simple trip you're undergoing but a lifestyle. As well, their accommodations are incredibly comfortable with spacious en-suite rooms complete with a natural gas fireplace, chairs, and air conditioning. Expand your knowledge of both horses and yourself at this Montana gem!

Address

2020 CHEVALLIER DRIVE, WOLF CREEK, MT 59648

Highlights

There are further ways to connect with your horse beyond riding. There is a large variety of groundwork to be done where they'll teach you how to connect using their language.

Related Onsite Offerings

Other activities offered include roping, archery, shooting, and hiking.

Howdy, pardner! Why not put on your hat 'n' spurs, crab your trusty steed and head down to sunny Wickenburg, where the ultimate cowpoke experience awaits?

In all seriousness, Rancho de los Caballeros has a nigh-endless supply of fun activities that will make you and your family truly feel like a part of the old west. Of course there’s horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert, but how about hay rides, ATV and jeep tours, and even hot air balloon rides? Each offers a unique perspective of the gorgeous Arizonan landscape. If you need some relaxation, hit up the spa, pool, or do some bird-watching! An all-inclusive stay at Rancho de los Caballeros only is limited by your imagination.

Address

1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, AZ 85390

Highlights

The Colorado River Delta was once an ecological hotspot within the Sonoran desert, fueled by the flow of fresh water through the Colorado river in this otherwise dry area, but the delta has been greatly reduced in extent due to the damming and use of the river upstream.

Fun facts

The Sonoran desert wraps around the northern end of the Gulf of California, from Baja California Sur north through much of Baja California.

Open year-round, and recognized among the top wingshooting lodges in the world, Joshua Creek Ranch also offers superb accommodations, dining, and so much more!

Trot along the uniquely diverse terrain on horseback and breath in the majesty. Joshua Creek Ranch is filled to the brim with experience and moments just like that, moments you'll remember for the rest of your life. Take part in some European-style driven pheasant shooting, whitetail deer & turkey hunting, or just practice with some sporting clays. If you're looking to relax, there's fly-fishing, kayaking, and tubing, among so much else. Whatever the occasion, you'll find plenty to love at Joshua Creek, so grab whoever you can and head to Boerne for the adventure of a lifetime!

Address

132 Cravey Rd, Boerne, TX 78006

Highlights

All lodging is beautifully furnished and equipped with DSS, DVD/CD players, Wi-Fi, large outdoor patios with stone fire pits and spectacular views.

Fun facts

The minimum age requirement for hunters is 12 years old, unless they have completed the Joshua Creek Ranch Youth Program.

C Lazy U Ranch offers a year-round cowboy's oasis set in the shadow of Colorado's majestic mountains. As the name suggests, you can either enjoy recreation or relaxation on this 8,000-acre oasis. Hop in the saddle and traverse the ruggedly beautiful landscape on your choice of 180 horses. You're sure to find a riding partner to fit your personality. And, the 12,000-square-foot indoor riding arena hosts horseback adventures every season! When you're not horseback riding, try glamour camping, sleigh rides, nordic skiing, and private Snow Cat downhill skiing. Relax in the spring-fed pool and hot tub or treat yourself to the full-service Lazy You Spa, which looks over Willow Creek. It's the only guest ranch in North America to have received the coveted AAA Five-Diamond and the Mobil Five-Star Awards. Come enjoy an unparalleled ranch experience!

Address

3640 Colorado Highway 125, Granby, Colorado 80446

Highlights

At the Lazy U Spa, two of the massage tents are suspended over the river and have glass floors, allowing your stress to rush away with the wandering waters.

Related activities

Just a stone's throw from the Colorado River, outdoor enthusiasts will love fly fishing in this awe-inspiring landscape. Professional guides are happy to share their hot spot secrets for hooking that trophy trout!

To discover endless adventures in the real Canadian wilderness, a stay at Big Creek Lodge will provide the backdrop for an experience like no other.

Western Canada is spectacular to visit year-round, and with Big Creek Lodge’s remote location and natural surroundings, you will lose yourself in the splendor. As a guest ranch, you’ll have the opportunity to explore on horseback via trail rides or an authentic cattle drive to really make you feel like a cowboy! For trail rides, they will be able to tailor an experience to match your riding abilities and help you select the horse that’s right for you. Camping trips and day trip packages are also at your disposal where you will trek the untouched wilderness of the Chilcotin area. The all-inclusive country kitchen on-site also serves breakfasts, lunches, and dinners so you can expect to be well fed before or after any excursion you participate in.

Address

7793 Witte Road Big Creek, BC Canada, V0L 1K0

Highlights

Big Creek Lodge’s accommodations vary. You have the option to stay in fully-furnished rooms, spacious suites, or large cabins complete with decks that can host up to 18 people.

Related Onsite Offerings

Further amenities include hot tubs, free wireless internet, cable television, and a fireplace.

Montana's seemingly endless azure skies welcome guests to 320 Guest Ranch all year round. Cascading mountains beckon in the background, offering almost infinite space to explore. Situated between Yellowstone Park and Big Sky Ski Resort on more than 320 acres of mountain range, forest, and two miles of the pristine Gallatin River, this classic Western ranch will unleash your inner cowboy. Enjoy all the skill and knowledge the expert wranglers have to offer, as well as 2,000 miles of scenic trails, and a wealth of fresh air and sunshine. Once you get out of the saddle, enjoy fly fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking, kayaking, and more. This wilderness retreat teems with fun! Once you've had your share of outdoor adventures, mosey on back to the property and kick up your boots. The gourmet 320 Steak House, an authentic saloon, and 69 modern accommodations from historic cabins to luxury log homes offer respite. Warm yourself by the fireplace as you soak in the simple life in a deluxe log cabin furnished with classic Montana decor. Drift back and soak in the simple splendor of 320 Guest Ranch!

Address

205 Buffalo Horn Creek, Gallatin Gateway, Montana 59730

Highlights

Explore Montana's natural splendor on a Full-Day Horse Adventure, during which you'll ascend steadily out of the river valley straight up into the towering mountains.

Related activities

When the winter wonderland arrives, enjoy the snow-dusted landscape with starlit sleigh rides to the Mountain Man Campsite, snowshoeing, and downhill and cross-country skiing.