These Dude Ranches Are Basically ‘Yellowstone’ In Real Life

On Nov. 13, 2022, season 5 of Yellowstone premiered on Paramount +. More than just a good excuse to tune out of Sunday night football, the show’s return stirred up some serious plans for upcoming travel. The series is filmed across the West, with Dutton Ranch being shot on what’s in actuality Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. Travelers can indeed stay at the 6,000-square-foot family-owned working ranch during the summer months when the show isn’t in production utilizing the location. And, there are other fully functional dude ranches welcoming guests in the West where you can live out your Wild Western dreams. Here are some of our favorites.

Courtesy Reid Creek Lodge

Reid Creek Lodge

In Douglas, Wyoming, you’ll find Reid Creek Lodge, home to 300,000 acres of private land that feels like its own national park. The exclusive experience includes a personal chef, rustic mountain design, and activities like horseback riding, fishing, stargazing, skeet shooting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and archery. Guests can also explore the nearby trails with an e-mountain bike or spend the day paddle boarding on one of the many alpine lakes. Because Reid Creek is a functioning cattle ranch, you’ll get to enjoy some of their signature Wagonhound Red Angus, whose grazing pastures are some of the most pristine in the country.

Photo courtesy of Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Devil’s Thumb Ranch

About 90 minutes west of Denver is Devil’s Thumb Ranch, a dude ranch near the town of Tabernash. Set on over 6,000 acres and surrounded by millions of wilderness acres, the ranch transports you to the West’s homesteading days with its rustic log cabins, Wild West saloon, and stables. The property is laced with trails and a steep hike up to Marker Hill Vista Point. Here, you can test your angling skills, casting for brookies and rainbows on Ranch Creek, a meandering trout stream that cuts through the property, or decide that stand-up paddling on the pond is more your speed. Devil’s Thumb raises its own Wagyu cattle and if you’re a carnivore, the burger is a must.

Alisal Guest Ranch

Proof that you don’t have to head to the Rockies to find a ranch with cowboy cred: This 10,500-acre Santa Barbara County spread will saddle you up for breakfast rides ($75), hay-wagon dinner rides, and even a rodeo if you’re feeling brave. Still, this is the Santa Ynez Valley—if your muscles get too sore, take a breather and do some winery touring. 

Photo courtesy Green O

The Green O at Paws Up Resort

The team at the Paws Up in Greenough, Montana, continues to redefine the very meaning of luxury. While the resort originally boasted 28 luxury cabins and 36 glamping sites scattered across 37,000 pristine acres of mountains, rivers, and meadows, the addition of an adults-only sub-section that blends rustic charm with modern touches makes Paws Up the perfect destination for those seeking either grown-up fun or undisturbed romance. Now nestled in a densely timbered section of the expansive property is the Green O, a stunning destination highlighted by 12 secluded accommodations, or “Hauses,” that provide unmatched privacy and wilderness immersion. The Tree Hauses boast eco kitchens, hot tubs, and private decks, making for the ultimate way to relax after learning to wrangle cattle or getting some time in at the archery course.

Photo courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs offers ultra-luxe cabin accommodations as well as fancy African safari glamping tents outfitted with pine-framed king beds, gas stoves, and even WiFi. The real draw, of course, are their hot springs for soaking, perfect for resting your weary bones after enjoying a day of riding, fly fishing in the surrounding streams, or boogying the night away line dancing in their full-blown dance hall. It’s the ultimate Colorado cowboy escape.

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