The “American West”, two words that evoke a powerful image, and are a source of fascination around the world—thanks in no small part to Hollywood and the Westerns that have romanticized a way of life that was often more harsh than romantic. Europeans especially see it as a land of adventure, freedom, and diversity. The West represents a contrast to the urban cultures where history and tradition are more hide-bound and space is only a memory from long-gone days.
The West taps into the lore of exploration, discovery, and possibility, where anyone can start a new life and pursue their dreams. It also showcases the natural beauty and diversity of the American landscape, from the majestic mountains and canyons to the vast plains and deserts. The West is home to many different people and cultures, from the Native Americans who have lived there for centuries, to the pioneers and settlers who came from all over the world, to the cowboys and outlaws who shaped the legends and myths of the Wild West.
Travel allows us to escape into our dreams, and a dude ranch is a door into this fascinating land of history and majestic natural beauty, so if you’re looking for a fun and adventurous way to spend your next vacation, you might want to consider staying at a dude ranch.
Dude ranches have a long history in the U.S., dating back to the late 1800s, when cattle ranchers opened their doors to guests who wanted to experience the ranch life. The term “dude” was originally used to describe an inexperienced or city-bred person—a city slicker– but it later became a friendly nickname for the ranch visitors.
Today, dude ranches cater to all kinds of travelers, from families to couples to seniors, and offer different levels of comfort and luxury; anything from rough, to “glamp”. If hard work is what you’re looking for then a working ranch is for you. You’ll get to learn new skills and challenge yourself. You’ll also get to try other activities like fishing, hiking, archery, or even roping cattle.
Some of the best dude ranches in the U.S. include Alisal Ranch in California, C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado, and 320 Guest Ranch in Montana. These ranches offer spacious accommodations, delicious meals, professional guides, and a range of activities for all ages and skill levels.
Sadly, the number of dude ranches in the U.S. has been dwindling over the past decade as the high fixed costs become more expensive for families to manage and more difficult to pass onto younger generations. Others get pushed out by encroaching development. The award-winning White Stallion Ranch stands as one of the last two surviving dude ranches in Tucson – in the 1950s, the area was home to over 120.
Dude ranches are especially attractive to Europeans. According to a report by the Dude Ranchers’ Association, which represents over 100 ranches in the US and Canada, about 15% of their guests are international travelers. Of these, the majority come from Germany, France, and the UK and it is a growing option in Italy which accounts for 2% of the international guests, which means that roughly 3,000 Italians visit dude ranches in the US every year. They clearly are fascinated by the history and culture of the American West, which they often see in movies and books.
“The cowboy way of life was so romanticized in movies and film, that’s what a lot of people, especially foreigners, come and see,” Bryce Albright, executive director of the Dude Ranchers’ Association, told USA TODAY. “They come for the horses, honestly, but when they leave it’s for the people. Essentially, these people are welcoming them into their home.”
For those who don’t like the actual cowboy work of a dude ranch and just want to be pampered, there is the glamp dude option. In addition to activities like horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, you can also indulge in delicious meals, spa treatments, and entertainment at the ranch while staying in cozy cabins, tents, or yurts that have amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and Wi-Fi.
The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming that covers the entire range, it’s a 30,000-acre working cattle ranch that has been transformed into a luxury resort. You can choose from lodge rooms, cabin suites, or glamping tents, all with stunning views of the mountains and meadows. You can participate in activities like horseback riding, fishing, rafting, zip-lining, and rock climbing. You can also unwind at the spa, savor gourmet cuisine, and sip cocktails at the saloon.
Cowboys never had it so good!
