The 8 Best Dude Ranches For Family Vacations

Looking to get away with the family to location other than the beach or city? You’re not alone. Families across the country are reaching retro and checking into dude ranches where they can relax, reconnect with their kids, and enjoy wholesome, entertaining traditions far away from the pressures of home.

Dude ranching isn’t just about shlepping buckets of water or sweeping out stalls, like you might picture when you hear the term. These wide-open, long-standing, beautiful destination vacations offer lots of outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy including horseback riding, fly fishing, rafting, and hikes. Nighttime entertainment at dude ranches include everything from cookouts to line dancing and they can even be a hit with the most jaded ‘tweens and overworked parents.

Whether this is a new concept to your family, or a tradition you’ve been considering for a while, dude ranching on your next family vacation is a great way to reset. The memories are there for the making; all you have to do is book it and arrive. Here are the best dude ranches to try and why we love them:

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The 8 Best Dude Ranches for Family Vacations

Alisal Ranch and Resort

We found a parenting loophole and you're going to love it: a dude ranch vacation right in the heart of California wine country might just be the answer to everyone's prayers. Beautiful Alisal Dude Ranch in Solvang, California offers a luxury ranching experience beyond compare. In addition to riding trails, hikes, and barn activities, this upscale dude ranch features tennis, golf, and boat rentals. 10,000 acres of idyllic northern California landscape offer your family lots of cool opportunities to learn new things and enjoy their favorite outdoor activities, while you dine on impeccable local fare and taste quality local wines.
C Lazy U Ranch

The all-inclusive, luxury dude ranch experience at C Lazy U is a special way to spend your time off. Great for little kids through teens, and with plenty of amenities for parents too, there's a reason this Rocky Mountain dude ranch gets high marks from multiple travel sites and critics. Unlike some of the more northernly ranches that are best for warm months only, C Lazy U located in picturesque Granby, CO has attractions and packages all throughout the year, including a super cozy Christmas, plus young children's and teen programs to make sure everyone in your crew has something fun to do.
Circle Z Ranch

If you are looking for a true Old Western experience, definitely check out Circle Z Dude Ranch in Arizona. They pride themselves on tradition in a sprawling, beautiful natural environment with mountains as far as the eye can see. Daytime activities include hundreds of miles of trails (with some shallow river patches!) for horseback riding, rodeo shows, and nature walks. Unwind by the campfire at night and enjoy a dip in the pool any time. Your family will soak up every moment in this stunning Arizona dude ranch.
Greenhorn Ranch

Rustic, charming, and totally relaxed, this California dude ranch is the perfect oasis for tired parents of little ones to recharge and reconnect on vacation. Accommodations are choose-your-own-adventure style including a lodge, two sets of cabins, and Airstreams you can stay in. Greenhorn also offers a "kiddie corral" and lots of fun activities to do with your kids like gold mining, leather working, and more. Golf, electric bikes, and fishing are just some of the adults' endeavors to check out on your own time, and evenings bring s'mores, line dancing, Whiskey tasting, and more.
Medicine Bow Lodge

Unparalleled summer family fun is yours for the taking at this beautiful Wyoming dude ranch. Live music, intimate hangs with ranch owners Debbie and Tim, and breathtaking scenery are just some of the perks of booking your stay at this late spring-through-early fall destination. In addition to fishing, hiking, and riding, Medicine Bow also offers archery, backpacking overnights, and craft activities for the littles.
Rainbow Trout Ranch

This Colorado ranch offers up the pinnacle of relaxation and time "off" from real life. They emphasize a no tech philosophy to avoid the distractions of email and social media. WiFi throughout the space is intentionally weak and spotty, forcing you to focus on family and be in the moment. They offer an authentic high mountain experience with fishing, pickup sports, a pool and hot tub, and whitewater rafting in addition to all the traditional dude ranching activities. The main building is a gem from the 1920's, and was originally a private fishing club. There's lots of history and fun to be discovered at this Colorado dude ranch.
Tanque Verde Ranch

If you've got tough-to-please 'tweens and teens or just want to book a dude ranch vacation that is effortlessly stunning in the background of all your treasured photos, consider historic Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. The proximity to city living could be a great excuse to load up an extra day or two at the start or end of your trip for some shopping and dining with the kids in Tucson proper. But once you've unpacked and taken a look around this desert locale first settled in the 1600's, you might not want to leave... ever.
Wildcatter Ranch

There's just something about Texas when it comes to dude ranching, and this spot is a classic. They offer lots of activities and attractions for the whole family including some pet-friendly stay options. By day, enjoy clay shooting, archery, tomahawk throwing, wildcatter ranch roping, and pony rides in addition to your standard dude ranch favorites like horseback riding, fishing, and hikes. They even have historical Jeep tours that will blow your big kids away! As the sun sets over Texas, relive your day by campfire and delight in tucking into bed in one of the many on-site room options from luxurious to rustic.