Are you mesmerized by the epic scenery and wild landscapes of the Paramount Networks show Yellowstone? Itching for a campfire under a starry sky with your loved ones all around you? Now that the new season has dropped, it might be time to live out the dream with a vacation trip to the American West. If you’re intrigued, we have ideas for you. Here’s our list of the 10 best dude ranches in America for a luxury vacation inspired by the hit TV show Yellowstone, including Paws Up and Triple Creek Ranch. Just promise us you won’t go all Beth Dutton on anyone while you’re there.
where’s the best place for a luxurious deep dive into the world of Yellowstone?
With shifting alliances, land grabs, politics, cowboys, beautiful horses and breathtaking vistas, it’s no wonder that nearly 14 million viewers tuned in for the first half of the fourth season of Yellowstone – not to mention the growing number of spinoffs.
While Yellowstone and its prequels transport viewers to another time and place, nothing compares to actually physically immersing yourself in the Great American West. The wide-open skies, the rolling hills and not to mention, some splendors and privacy too. Who says only the Duttons can enjoy America’s unspoiled terrain?
The best dude ranches in America for a luxury vacation inspired by the hit TV show Yellowstone, including Paws Up and Triple Creek Ranch..
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 10 ranches and properties that offer laid-back luxury, whether you’re looking for a romantic escape for two or fun for the entire family. Maybe a long-awaited family reunion hopefully without all the Dutton drama?
the 10 best dude ranches for a luxury vacation inspired by Yellowstone
1. Triple Creek Ranch, Montana
A Relais & Châteaux all-inclusive, the adults-only Triple Creek Ranch sits on 30,000 acres in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. In addition to being an actual working ranch, it features 25 accommodations complete with exposed log walls, original western art, Molton Brown toiletries, wood-burning fireplaces, hot tubs – and tons of things to do.
The best dude ranches in America for a luxury vacation inspired by the hit TV show Yellowstone, including Paws Up and Triple Creek Ranch.
Fill your days with horseback rides, fly-fishing, hiking, cattle drives, whitewater rafting, trap shooting and more. You’ll see elk and other wildlife on a guided four-wheel scenic drive. Or sharpen your phone or camera skills on a photo safari.
2. Sage Lodge, Montana
Located just 35 minutes from Yellowstone National Park in Paradise Valley and nestled in the shadow of majestic Emigrant Peak is the idyllic Sage Lodge. When you’re not off exploring America’s first national park, enjoy any one of the resort’s outdoor activities including llama treks, fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, cross country skiing, stargazing, and more.
After a long day of adventure, unwind at The Spa or enjoy a Montana inspired meal at one of the two on-site restaurants.
3. The Green O, Montana
Looking for something a little more modern in style? The family-friendly Resort at Paws Up has opened a new resort tailored to adults called The Green O. Featuring 12 sleek homes on a 37,000-acre working ranch outside Missoula, Montana, each airy “Haus” features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, ensuring nature is always center stage.
The best dude ranches in America for a luxury vacation inspired by the hit TV show Yellowstone, including Paws Up and Triple Creek Ranch.
Hide away in the spa, or get out and about for trail rides, clay and skeet shooting, horseback riding and fly fishing on the legendary Blackfoot River. Afterwards head to the Social Haus where meals are curated for each guest, from healthy ranch-grown and foraged ingredients.
4. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
Located in the heart of the Montana wilderness, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers an authentic 19th century Western homestead adventure coupled with lavish all-inclusive amenities across 29 different cabin/home options.
Among them is the Sweet Grass Cabin featuring two master suites. Each of which features a king bed, a claw foot bathtub, a private full bath and a gas stove, a kitchenette, dining table, wood-burning stove and an outdoor patio. Here you can relax to the sounds of nearby Rock Creek in a private cedar soaking tub. And depending on the season you will find fly fishing, sporting clay shooting, geocaching, hiking, biking, bowling, snowshoeing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, sledding and horseback riding to fill your time between soaks. Cowboy take me away, indeed.
5. Resort at Paws Up, Montana
The 37,000-acre Resort at Paws Up in Missoula, Montana was one of the first modern entrants into glamping – the resort’s tents sport framed art on the walls, rugs on the wood floors, bathrooms with heated floors and clawfoot bathtubs and plush duvets on the log-frame beds.
The best dude ranches in America for a luxury vacation inspired by the hit TV show Yellowstone, including Paws Up and Triple Creek Ranch.
And when you’re not relaxing inside, a spate of family friendly activities making great use of this massive nature playground abound – horseback riding, fly fishing, e-biking, hot air ballooning, skijoring (horse-pulled skiing, essentially), dog sledding, the list goes on. If that’s not enough, there’s also a fire pit, personal chefs and camping butlers to attend to any of your needs.
6. Smith Fork Ranch, Colorado
Owned by the same founders who started luxury luggage brand Ghurka, the Smith Fork Ranch was designed with the same type of discerning traveler in mind. Just two hours west of Aspen, the mountain hideaway is set on 300 acres of land surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy archery, horseback riding, shooting, hiking and off-ranch excursions to nearby vineyards, the Black Canyon at Gunnison National Park, as well as rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding and Western rodeos.
For your stay, reserve the Mountain House, a two-story four-bedroom log cabin furnished with antiques and artisanal pieces and a distinct Americana vibe. A stone fireplace, kitchenette and a wraparound porch to take in the fresh mountain air.
7. Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
Tucked in rural and rocky Colorado, Dunton Hot Springs hotel is a meticulously restored 19th century ghost town and mineral hot springs. The old village Dance Hall, Bath House and Saloon are part of this unique retreat, where soothing outdoor springs, majestic mountains and a winding river make up the great outdoors.
The best dude ranches in America for a luxury vacation inspired by the hit TV show Yellowstone, including Paws Up and Triple Creek Ranch.
13 Relais & Châteaux luxury cabins have been outfitted with heated slate floors, unique bathtubs and hand-picked antiques.
8. Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
Located in remote south central Wyoming, Brush Creek Ranch is an all-inclusive guest ranch with over 30,000 acres of sagebrush prairie and rolling hills to explore. It’s home to not just one, but three all-inclusive resorts – the Lodge & Spa, Magee Homestead and French Creek Sportsmen’s Club – each with its own focus. The Lodge & Spa is the main and longest-running resort on the property, while Magee Homestead skews ultra-luxury and French Creek was designed for serious hunters and fishermen.
Take part in everything from hiking, mountain biking, ATVing, horseback riding to rock climbing, fly-fishing and even downhill skiing on 600 private acres. Afterwards indulge in some spirit tastings at the on-site distillery or some ranch-raised American Wagyu beef for the ultimate upscale cowboy inspired meal.
9. Sorrel River Ranch, Utah
Set on the Colorado River in Moab, Utah Sorrel River Ranch offers guests easy access to natural attractions like Arches National Park and otherworldly landscapes. The resort also features a variety of adventurous activities, from horseback riding to hay rides to bocce ball.
Or, if you prefer to do nothing at all, spend your days soaking up the sun by the pool or relaxing at the spa.
10. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah
Part of Auberge Resorts Collection, The Lodge at Blue Sky features all of your classic ranch activities including horseback riding on private trails, fly fishing, shooting on a private clay course and rafting adventures. That said, the resort is anything but your typical western style. Located just outside of Salt Lake City this 3,500-acre ranch blends modern luxury and rustic aesthetics.
Stay in one of the Sky Lodge’s Two-bedroom Signature Suites offering 2,240-sq-ft of space over two levels. Each is named after Utah’s birds: Eagle, Kestrel, Falcon, Red Tail and Osprey. The hotel also offers Earth Suites complete with a living-grass roof. For a unique experience, plan your trip around a full moon. The resort offers Full Moon Adventures where you can explore the ranch, mountain and streams via hiking, horseback riding, fishing or rafting lit by the full moon.
10 best western ranches to visit inspired by the hit TV series Yellowstone
There you have it – 10 Western ranches where you can escape city slicker life and revel in Dutton Family vibes in 2023. Have fun y’all.
