Bighorn Mountains Wyoming ranch, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, welcomes guests from all over the world, and they’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a ranch vacation smooth, safe and downright magical.
I’ve teamed up with the experts at the best guest ranch in Wyoming to bring you our top ranch vacation tips, so you can ride off into the sunset with nothing but happy memories!
There’s nothing quite like a ranch vacation. Fresh mountain air, wide-open spaces, horses grazing under big skies… it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
And there’s truly no better way to unplug and connect with nature, new friends and maybe even your inner cowboy or cowgirl!
But here’s the thing: dude ranch vacations aren’t like regular adventure vacations. They have their own rhythm, etiquette, culture and gear requirements.
To help you make the most of your time at your guest ranch and avoid classic rookie mistakes, I’ve worked with guest ranch in Wyoming, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, to bring you the skinny on what’s hot and what’s not – our top ranch vacation tips to having the time of your life.
So let’s dive right into our ranch vacation dos and don’ts, shall we!
The dos: How to make the most of your ranch vacation
Do research your ranch
Before booking your ranch vacation, figure out what kind of ranch experience you’re after. Full-on authentic cowboy? Working ranch. Relaxed pace with other mixed activities? Guest ranch. And there are more: Adult-only ranches, family dude ranch vacations, wellness ranches with spa treatments, luxury and ultra ranches; a guest ranch in Wyoming? Montana? The choice is yours!
Do be honest about your riding skills
Even before you head out on your dude ranch vacation, be upfront and completely honest about your horseback riding experience. At horse-centric ranches like The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, ranch staff will match you with the right horse and activities, to keep you safe and confident. Also, start getting riding fit well before your trip. Even a few hours in the saddle can be quite the workout – especially for beginners and the unfit!
Do pack the right clothing for your ranch vacation
Knowing what to wear to a dude ranch vacation will keep you comfortable and safe, whether on the back of a horse, trying new activities or winding down in the evening with new friends. Of paramount importance, though, are sturdy, well broken-in boots with a one-inch heel. Leave those shiny new ones at home, you’ll be in agony! Here’s my ultimate guide on what to pack for a ranch vacation, an essential read for first-timers to a guest ranch.
Do prepare for the ranch weather
Many ranches, like small-scale boutique guest ranch in Wyoming, The Hideout, sit at higher altitudes with big temperature swings. Hot sunny days can turn into chilly evenings very quickly and on one of my first ranch vacations to Wyoming, I experienced the weather of all four seasons in one week! Madness. So I advise to pack light layers and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against intense mountain sun, wind and of course, a lightweight waterproof for rain.
Do stay safe, be sensible
One of the most important dude ranch vacation tips for the best guest ranches in the U.S. like The Hideout: the safety of guests, staff and horses is top priority. This is probably one of the most important ranch vacation dos and don’ts for guests, too. If you’re riding, always wear a proper riding helmet and remember: don’t drink and ride (not that respectable ranches will allow this!), or drink and swim – alcohol has a stronger effect at higher altitudes and can seriously compromise your safety. And if you’re heading out on your own for a hike or bike ride, always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Do stay hydrated
You’re going to get seriously active on your ranch vacation and again, visiting ranches at higher elevations, like Wyoming ranch The Hideout, will increase dehydration risk. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it often, especially before long trail rides or cattle drives. The Hideout supplies reusable bottles, so you’ll always have water to carry with you to stave off the thirst – remember if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated!
Do rent a car for freedom
Most dude ranches are in remote locations and ride-share services like Uber or Lyft may not be available. While many of the best ranch vacations will offer airport pick-ups, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore local towns, grab a meal off-site, or arrive and depart on your own schedule.
Do embrace the digital detox
Ranch vacations offer the perfect opportunity to down those devices and really get present. Why not switch off fully and bring a small digital camera for your adventures, and leave your phone in the cabin? Many ranches have limited Wi-Fi and cell service – “But how will I post my pics?” I hear you cry! Well, instead of seeing it as an inconvenience, think of it as a chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature, your horse, and all the new and interesting people around you. Of course, many of the best guest ranches like The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch will have spaces around the lodge where you can access high-speed WiFi if you still need to be in touch with the world outside the ranch..
Do learn ranch etiquette
Little things go a long way in the ranch world, for example, close every gate behind you – it’s crucial for livestock safety. Always respect and follow your wrangler’s instructions. They’re not just a tour guide, they’re trained to keep you and your horse safe in some of the most remote places on the planet. Always treat all animals with respect. They’re not pets, they’re either wild and should be treated as such (never get too close to any species for that dream selfie!), or are ranch team members and interactions should always be guided by staff.
Do budget for tipping at a ranch
Guides, wranglers and ranch staff often rely on gratuities. Check whether ranch tips are included in your package price. If not, bring cash to show your appreciation, there’s nothing more embarrassing than not being able to tip at the end of the trip because you were unprepared.
Do try new ranch activities
Be adventurous and open-minded! Many ranches offer unique experiences beyond horseback riding, for example, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is well-known for their incredible natural horsemanship clinics that embrace their ethos of Authentic Horsemanship. Or why not embrace your inner Robin Hood and have a go at archery, or clay shooting, hiking or go on a fishing excursion? A ranch vacation is your chance to really immerse in the cowboy lifestyle in ways you never expected.
Do get travel insurance
Ranch vacations involve adventures, the outdoors, animals, activities, higher altitudes and rural locations. There could be a very long journey to the nearest hospital that may even entail helicopters – heaven forbid. The right travel insurance gives you peace of mind, protecting you and your finances in case of accidents or unexpected cancellations.
Do find out the policy on alcohol
Top ranch vacation tip: If you like a post-adventure tipple of an evening, sociable cocktail hour and wine at dinner, you need to check out your guest ranch’s policy on alcohol, as not all have licenses or even welcome it on their premises. It’s very varied from ranch to ranch, so make sure you’re clear from the off what your ranch allows. Some have an open bar 24/7, others like The Hideout provide a fun cocktail hour, wine with dinner and some ask you to bring your own (BYOB), so stock up before you arrive.
More ranch vacation tips comin’ your way – onto what not to do at a ranch vacation!
The don’ts: What not to do on your ranch vacation
Don’t act the expert
Nobody likes a know-it-all, especially ranch owners and wranglers! Every ranch is different and even if you’ve been a repeat guest for many years, or are an advanced rider, it’s not your job to tell everyone what to do. Show respect and a genuine curiosity to learn, focus on your experience and let the ranch experts do their job.
Don’t be afraid to ask
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, advice, for assistance and for what you need. Ranch staff are typically very friendly and will absolutely accommodate requests – where possible of course! Small-scale luxury boutique ranches like The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch pride themselves on their excellence, and will go out of their way to help you have the best time possible.
Don’t forget function over fashion
Don’t bring high heels, glamorous dresses or suits (unless your ranch is holding a special event and have advised that you do). You’ll feel out of place and really, functionality over fashion applies at most dude ranches – you don’t want your expensive designer gear to get dusty and dirty!
Don’t forget your feet!
Never be around the horses in sneakers, flip-flops or sandals, always wear closed-toe boots – even off-horse – to protect your toes from a tramplin’.
Don’t underestimate the sun
Never be around the horses in sneakers, flip-flops or sandals, always wear closed-toe boots – even off-horse – to protect your toes from a tramplin’.
Don’t underestimate the sun
The high altitude combined with long days outdoors (even if it’s cool and overcast) can very quickly lead to sunburn or worse, sunstroke. You definitely don’t want enforced downtime on your ranch vacation! Apply a high SPF first thing before you head out and reapply during the day, especially to your face.
Don’t be shy
…Be confident! If you’re a solo traveler to a ranch vacation, have no fear! You are guaranteed to meet a whole bunch of fun, like-minded new folk, from all over the world. Many guests to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch come away with new, life-long friends, returning again year after year. Find out what a day in the life of a guest at The Hideout looks like, there’s plenty of opportunity to meet others, as well as time to enjoy some solitude.
Don’t be on your phone
Put your phone away during social times – or better still, leave it in the cabin as much as you can. This will help you engage more with new people, immerse in the beauty of the ranch and allow your brain to switch off from the outside world. As mentioned before, bring a digital camera to take those all-important pics!
Don’t rush in or overdo it
If it’s your first time on a ranch vacation, or you are a beginner, ease into horseback riding with shorter trail rides, don’t immediately sign up for that gung-ho, gruelling, all-day cattle drive, as your body will likely not be prepared for the exertion and you’ll be walking like John Wayne on day two! Make sure you stretch each morning, maybe take a walk around the ranch, try one ride a day, then two, then a full day out on the range. I’ve seen guests go hell for leather on the first couple of days, only rendering themselves unable to ride for the rest of the vacation. Don’t be that person!
Don’t be afraid to have the time of your life!
Embrace your ranch vacation with gusto, an adventurous spirit and an open mind, and you’re guaranteed to have one helluva time. It’s a true bucket-list experience filled with adventure, discovery and connection to nature. By following my ranch vacation dos and don’ts, and learning
how to prepare for a ranch vacation, you’ll be set for a safe, memorable and truly transformative journey. Yeehaw!
Bighorn Mountains Wyoming ranch, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch prides themselves on offering an upscale, authentic experience for guests of all riding levels.
Whether you want to work cattle, relax by the pool, or simply soak up the magic of the mountains, owners Peter and Marijn De Cabooter, and their dedicated horse-human team will make sure your ranch vacation to The Hideout is nothing short of unforgettable.
We hope our ranch vacation dos and don’ts help give you the confidence to take the plunge! Book your stay at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranchto experience one of the best small-scale luxury guest ranches in Wyoming.
For more news and updates straight from the ranch’s mouth, check out Peter’s Hideout blog, too.
Written by Kate Hammaren Writing & Editing
