As a seasoned solo female traveler, I’ve discovered that there’s something truly special about ranch vacations to the American West; in particular, the enchanting state of Wyoming.
Nestled in the heart of this breathtaking wilderness, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch offers unforgettable dude ranch vacations for solo travelers – especially ranch vacations for solo female travelers. Read on to find out why!
Unique destinations for solo female travel
As a solo female traveler and adventure travel writer, I’ve always sought out safe destinations that offer both adventure and tranquility, solitude and socializing.
I typically chose tropical locations with abundant beaches and slow living, but after spending years solo backpacking Asia, I found myself dreaming of my horsey roots and wanting to swap my sarongs for saddles!
I was keen to try something exciting and unique, something that would truly broaden my solo female travel experience… Cue: ranch vacations!
Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to experience real cowboy culture and cowgirl in Mexico, Montana and Wyoming, staying at some amazing guest ranches.
And I have to say: if you’re a solo female traveler looking for truly unique adventure travel that will make you, your friends, family and followers go “Wow!”, pack your boots for a dude ranch vacation and GO!
(Pssssst… you don’t even have to be a horse rider!)
Ranch vacations are still a relatively unknown adventure travel option in Europe, the UK and the rest of the world. Even in the US and Canada, many solo travelers don’t think a guest ranch riding vacation is an option for a solo traveler. I’m here to change that.
So here are my seven reasons The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is a Wyoming gem for independent travelers, and moreover, an extraordinary choice for women’s travel.
Warm welcomes at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
From the moment you arrive at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch as a solo female visitor, you’ll be greeted with friendly, warm hospitality, which will make you feel more than welcomed, safe and cared for.
The staff at this guest ranch in Wyoming are chosen for their friendly and accommodating natures, and as a solo female traveler, you’ll appreciate the ever-present sense of community and good vibes.
In fact, you’ll feel part of the family the very moment you arrive at The Hideout!
You’ll quickly find yourself making new friends from all walks of life, as the ranch’s inclusive atmosphere fosters a wonderful sense of camaraderie, ensuring that we intrepid solo travelers never feel alone.
A growing number of ranches only offer a three-day minimum, with new people arriving all the time, which makes it much harder to bond – you always have to reconnect which can be quite exhausting!
It’s the same at many other non-ranch destinations where people can arrive and leave all the time. The fact that there are only 25 guests at The Hideout means it’s easy to get to know everybody, it’s not remotely intimidating and you can easily hang out with the people you naturally gel with.
The Hideout also only offers six-night stays, which means everybody arrives and leaves at the same time, spendings six days of adventuring together. This is why many solo travelers end up leaving the ranch with new lifelong friends! Again, only accommodating 25 guests a week means you can get to know everybody personally if you wish, but still feel you can take unpressured time out, too.
Safe ranch vacations for solo female travelers
For us solo female travelers, safety is paramount. Although The Hideout is located in a remote area of Wyoming, this welcoming small-scale luxury guest ranch is also a secure and safe haven for even the most cautious of independent women travelers.
Shell, Wyoming, where this guest ranch for horseback riders is located, boasts a population of just 2.1 people per square mile. New York City is crammed with over 27,000 people per square mile! It’s safe to say that cattle, horses and wild animals outnumber the amount of people by far!
The staff are always on hand to assist with any guest needs and the ranch owners, Peter and Marijn De Cabooter pride themselves on keeping their guests, staff and of course, horses, safe at all times.
A boutique guest ranch in Wyoming
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is a truly charming small-scale luxury guest ranch.
As a solo female traveler keen to make friends, experiencing a smaller boutique guest ranch like this means it’s a more ‘family-like’ atmosphere and as the show song goes, ‘Everybody knows your name’!
You’ll certainly never feel left out when visiting this boutique guest ranch alone.
A female-run guest ranch
If you’re looking for a guest ranch run mostly by women, you’ve come to the right place! It’s been said that cowboys rule the west, but that’s certainly not true at The Hideout where the cowgirls are ‘King’.
At this female-friendly Wyoming guest ranch, strong women take the lead roles and, aside from the horse trainer and farrier, most of the wranglers are well-traveled females, chosen for their mature, independent, fun and friendly natures.
Owner Marijn De Cabooter also heads up the barn, wrangler, and Mustang Authentic Horsemanship natural horsemanship and riding programs and, like most of the staff and wranglers, makes you feel right at home with her relatable, kind, direct and outgoing personality.
Mares also rule the roost at this horse riding-centered guest ranch! Peter and Marijn believe that mares are able to deliver just as well as geldings for their guests, so prefer to not only select geldings for their guests and crew.
A safe, social guest ranch to try incredible new adventures
This all-inclusive horse riding guest ranch in Wyoming offers a small but diverse range of activities to tantalize any adventurer, giving solo travelers the perfect opportunity to bond with other guests or take some time out on your own.
- Horseback riding in Wyoming
Never sat on a horse before? No problem! Even though The Hideout is a horse riding-centered guest ranch, novice and first-time riders are so welcome. Saddle up and explore the stunning Wyoming wilderness with your new friends – this ranch for horseback riders offers utterly breathtaking guided trail rides for all levels of experience. Or why not learn some natural horsemanship techniques? You’re in safe ‘hooves’ with Parelli-trained experts!
- Fly fishing in Wyoming
Superb fly fishing experiences are available at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, whether you’re a seasoned pro or trying tying for the first time. You can go alone or with a guide, and experience fly fishing streams and ponds in one of the most pristine fly fishing destinations in the west.
- A guest ranch with a pool
Another wonderful thing about The Hideout, is that when you want to take a break from all your adventuring, you can relax in the ranch’s utterly sumptuous swimming pool. Visiting a guest ranch with a pool like The Hideout is the ultimate in luxury. You can rest your aching muscles, wallow with your thoughts, or do laps in the crystal-clear water while gazing out at The Shell Canyon and Big Horn Mountains. Absolute heaven. For those wishing to escape the heat of the summer sun, there’s a lovely log pool house too, where you can just relax and unwind.
- Hiking and biking in Wyoming
Dubbed by guests as ‘the best hidden mountain bike paradise’, explore the beauty of the Wyoming wilderness by bike or on foot. After all, you’re in one of the most expansive wildernesses on the planet! Hiking and biking at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch offers a variety of trails, from easy to challenging and you’ll explore very rarely-seen corners of the country.
- Trapshooting and archery at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Popular half-day non-riding activities, trapshooting and archery at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch are a great way to spend some time with other guests. Maybe you could even strike up some healthy competition? There’s a Winchester remote control thrower and you’ll use 20 and 12 gauge Beretta shotguns. And at the archery range, you can try your luck shooting traditional and compound bows.
Solitude and serenity on a ranch vacation
Solo travel isn’t always about constantly meeting new people, right? For me it’s also a great time to be with yourself, your thoughts and away from the noise of the world.
For those who crave quiet moments of reflection, The Hideout provides ample opportunities to unwind and recharge, too. You can explore the ranch, escape to the secluded hiking and biking trails, cozy up on the porch with a good book, simply enjoy the peace and quiet of your private cabin, or spend time with the horses.
Surrounded by stunning vistas, incredibly peaceful wilderness and safe, cozy accommodations, it’s truly a wonderful place to unwind on your own.
Like-minded travelers connect
Every evening, everyone at the ranch gathers together for cocktail hour, where Peter and Marijn chat with guests about their adventures and plans. People get to know each other and hopefully long-lasting friendships are formed!
For solo female travelers, this is the perfect time to meet the other travelers over a glass or two, to compare notes and bond over travel stories.
Communal family-style dining experiences at The Hideout, whether out on all-day rides with picnics or around the dinner table, cement the feeling of inclusivity, with no-one left sitting on their own. It’s the perfect way to wind down and easily socialize in the company of the other guests.
And solo female travelers need not worry about being the only one in a sea of families, either! While families are of course welcomed and encouraged, The Hideout is mainly an adult-oriented ranch.
Because of their minimum age requirement and the fact they don’t offer a dedicated children’s program, the families who come on a family ranch vacation to Wyoming treat their kids as young adults.
And the small number of guests at The Hideout means your solo vacation will still be personalized, and exactly the adventure you’re looking for – read more about why The Hideout could be the life-changing adventure you need.
Reviews from real solo female travelers to The Hideout
From the warm welcome, feelings of safety, small-scale family atmosphere and female-led staff; to the adventures and relaxation in the Wyoming wilderness, the chance to switch off in solitude and socialize in the evenings, this guest ranch in Wyoming is absolutely spot-on when it comes to accommodating independent women travelers.
But don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what a couple of other solo female travelers who have experienced the magic of The Hideout say about their time at this all-inclusive luxury guest ranch:
“I love this place! I have been to The Hideout twice in two years. I traveled as a solo female, and felt completely comfortable and at ease the entire time.” – E.P., Trip Advisor
“The guests at The Hideout are always fascinating, in fact, last time I stayed I ended up becoming good friends with two other women (who also did not know each other). We’re all returning to The Hideout in October to ride together!” – D.F., Google.
If you’re a solo female traveler and love the sound of escaping to a safe, welcoming and friendly small-scale luxury ranch in Wyoming, get in touch with us at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch today! We’ll help you plan and book your dream luxury riding ranch vacation.
For more news and updates straight from the ranch, check out Peter’s Hideout blog, too!
Written by Kate Kate Hammaren Writing & Editing
