Planning a trip in nature doesn’t necessarily need to include pitching a tent, building a campfire and eating canned foods. Although this is still an option, the luxurious traveler opts for a beautiful ranch resort that exemplifies the natural wonders and open spaces of the region, combining the rugged outdoors with maximum comfort and amenities. These resorts allow guests to participate in ranch activities and bespoke adventures along with giving way to world-class dining, top-notch spas and more. When planning a trip in the great outdoors, these top luxury ranches allow guests to bring out their inner cowboy or cowgirl in style.
On a 37,000-acre ranch, that’s about 60 square miles, The Resort at Paws Up combines luxury and adventure just 35 miles from the Missoula Airport. Situated on 10 miles of riverfront on the legendary Blackfoot River, over 100 miles of outdoor activities from hiking, mountain biking, horse and ATV trails can be enjoyed by guests. Choose from outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, skijoring, sleigh rides, ice skating, dog sledding and downhill skiing in the Winter and fly-fishing, cattle driving, rappelling, whitewater rafting, bird and wildlife watching and sporting clays shooting in the Spring/Summer. With 28 luxury homes and 36 glamping tents each boasting Western-chic décor and rustic eclectic furniture, other amenities at the resort include: two restaurants, six camp Dining Pavilions and a chuck wagon dining experience; Spa Town® at Paws Up; the 72,000-square-foot Saddle Club at Paws Up (largest privately-owned equestrian center in the state) and much more. | Photo courtesy of The Resort Paws Up
Vista Verde Ranch is 540 acres in the middle of Colorado’s Routt National Forest and is open June-October and December-March. With 12 private log cabins with hot tubs on each deck and can comfortably sleep 50, the ranch affords guests the opportunity to revel in the splendor of the Rocky Mountains combined with luxury services and a multitude of activities. The dude ranch offers an abundance of summer activities from horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, rock climbing and more to winter activities such as: snowshoeing, horseback riding, sleigh rides, tubing, and skiing. During both seasons, guests can also book a photography workshop, cooking class, wine tasting events, and peaceful yoga sessions. The ranch is home to over 100 horses and a large indoor riding arena which allows for more intensive clinics and riding instruction, summer, and winter.
| Photo courtesy of Jad Davenport
Nestled amongst the Rincon Mountains and adjacent to Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest, Tanque Verde Ranch is on 60,000 acres of Tucson desert. The old-time cattle and guest ranch is an all-inclusive resort just a few miles east of Tucson which blends western adventure with luxury amenities. Starting with their plush accommodations which combine the spirit of the Old West with the amenities of today’s luxury, Tanque Verde Ranch offers a number of on-site and off-site amenities and activities. From the Southwestern cuisine – make sure to take part in their outdoor dining events such as the mountaintop Old Homestead Breakfast Ride and our hearty Cowboy Cookout with live entertainment – to La Sonora Spa, guests can indulge and find a piece of mind in the heart of the desert. Choose from horseback riding, guided hiking on the desert trails, guided mountain biking, fishing, swimming in their indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and off-site activities such as championship golfing, spelunking or hot air ballooning.| Photo courtesy of Graddy Photography
The all-inclusive guest ranch in the heart of the Rocky Mountains has a legacy spanning over a century all the while maintaining its legacy of outstanding horsemanship and remaining true to its core family-focused programming. At the headwaters of the Colorado River and home to Colorado’s largest natural lake, Grand Lake, C Lazy U Ranch is only 97 miles from Denver and features a collection of 40 elegant cabin accommodations and one multi-bedroom luxury private home. Take advantage of 8,500 acres of adventure with its core programming anchored in horsemanship and horseback riding, other warm-weather activities include fly fishing, swimming, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, a zip line, and ropes course, trap shooting, archery and hatchet throwing. Winter activities include snow tubing, ice hockey and skating on a Zamboni-groomed pond, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more. Named after the shape of Willow Creek, C Lazy U also features the Lazy You Spa which includes five heated tents along the banks of Willow Creek, where guests can recuperate after an active day exploring. | Photo courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch
The five-star dude ranch offers year-round, all-inclusive adventure and grand luxury under Montana’s Big Sky. Situated on 6,600 acres of rugged ranchland and wilderness, The Ranch at Rock Creek features daily guided activities from 9am-5pm from a selection of over 20 guided outdoor activities, evening entertainment and games and Silver Dollar Saloon and regional and locally-sourced cuisine highlighted over a multitude of dining experiences. With 29 accommodations, from one-room suites to five-bedroom log homes, Granite Spa is an award-winning luxury wellness center in the wild with signature spa experiences designed to restore and relax the body and mind. With activities available throughout every season, from horseback riding, archery, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, clay shooting, a pistol range, ropes course and much more, The Ranch at Rock also can plan off-ranch excursions (at an additional cost) including heli-adventures, ATV tours, ice fishing and more. | Photo courtesy of The Ranch at Rock Creek
Triple Creek Ranch is a Relais & Chateaux ranch resort offering luxe cabins for guests 16 and older. The all-inclusive mountain retreat is located approximately 75 miles south of Missoula providing a serene forested setting surrounded by endless miles of National Forest Service land. Set in the heart of the breathtaking Bitterroot Mountain Range of Montana, Triple Creek Ranch offers guests a selection of 25 private cabins offering modern amenities allowing guests to unwind in the sumptuous comfort. Dining can be enjoyed in the Main Lodge, in-cabin, Rooftop Lounge and Chef’s Table experience. Featured activities at the ranch (encompassed in your rate) include horseback riding, nature safaris, skiing, sledding, skijoring, and a multitude of games like horseshoe, badminton and bocce. Over select weekends, guests partake in artist workshops and vintner weekends. For those wanting a bit more adventure, cattle drives, helicopter tours, whitewater rafting and more can be booked through the Ranch’s concierge. | Photo courtesy of Triple Creek Ranch
In Texas’s Chinati Mountains, Cibolo Creek Ranch is one of the oldest ranches in Texas which went through a massive restoration in the 1990s. Steeped in history dating back to the 1850s, the ranch allows guests to explore 30,000 acres of great outdoors and enjoy a range of activities led by experienced guides. Activities include walking and motorized tours, horseback riding, campfire under the stars, shooting and hunting, and mountain biking. Nearby, guests can explore Big Bend National Park and discover Fort Davis McDonald Observatory. The ranch has a selection of guestrooms or fort hacienda accommodations suited for families and larger groups. For guests looking to distance themselves from the busy pace of daily life, the ranch allows guests to reconnect with the great outdoors with a sense of togetherness. The environmentally conscious establishment continues to implement eco-friendly practices and invites those to experience a luxury ranch experience deep in the heart of Texas. | Photo courtesy of Cibolo Creek Ranch
The 1500-acre Wildcatter Ranch and Resort is located just 90-minutes from DFW International Airport. Sharing the beauty of western design and Texas culture their guestrooms, cabin suites and there three guest homes: The Homestead, OT’s Cabin and Herron Bend Estates, affords guest the opportunity to relax in comfort, see the stars and listen to the coyotes. The active ranch features Angus and Longhorn cattle and gives guests a hands-on experience horseback riding with local cowboys, clay shooting and more. On property, Wildcatter Steakhouse serves authentic Texas cuisine while guests can also choose to enjoy a special beverage at the end of their day at The Blowout Saloon or lounge or take a dip in their beautiful pool. Ideal for families to reunite, corporate retreats, weddings or friends looking to challenge each other in North Texas, gatherings can be customized to each party.
The rugged and luxe Spring Creek Ranch sits 700 feet above the high mountain valley of Jackson Hole, atop East Gros Ventre Butte. The 1000-acre retreat opened in 1983 and embodies the spirit of the West combining first-class amenities with authentic ranch experiences. Inspired by the area’s history and natural environment, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Teton Mountains and National Elk Refuge from the selection of Inn Rooms, Suites, Studios, Luxury Condominiums or Luxury Executive Homes. The ranch offers year-round excursions into its surrounding national parks along with distinct activities for Winter along with Summer and Fall. Winter travelers can take part in skiing, dog sledding, mountaineering, snowmobiling and more while in the warmer months activities include horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, white water rafting, fly fishing and more. The Ranch is also home to one of the longest-running hotel naturalist programs and the Wilderness Adventure Spa which pampers guests and combines a selection of fitness activities. Additional facilities include an outdoor heated pool, tennis courts, indoor hot tub, and two distinct dining venues. | Photo courtesy of Spring Creek Ranch
Set against 26,000 acres of Pike National Forest, Lost Valley Ranch is a one-of-a-kind dude ranch in Colorado. Established by the Foster family in 1961 as a working cattle ranch, the all-inclusive dude ranch offers 23 deluxe Colorado cabins with fireplaces, cooked to order cowboy cuisine and a vast variety of outdoor activities. Open Spring to Fall, the ranch is just 90 minutes from Colorado Springs and it affords guest to reconnect to the Old West being a respite in the forest with modern amenities and plenty of activities. Authentic Western adventures offered to all guests include guided horseback rides, square dancing, and all-weather Tennis Courts. Additional optional activities for purchase include Fly Fishing clinics and excursions with an Orvis-certified guide, trap shooting, archery or in-cabin massage therapy services. Saddle up for specialty weeks like Ride, Ride, Ride Week; Cattle Week; Horsemanship Weeks and experience a truly one-of-a-kind dude ranch vacation. | Photo courtesy of Los Valley Ranch
