At The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming, you can explore vast canyons, Mars-like red rock deserts and alpine trails on horseback, all while returning each night to your cozy cabin, hearty, filling meals, and all the creature comforts you need to refresh and restore. It’s lodge-to-lodge riding reimagined for comfort-lovers and adventure seekers alike.
You really can have it all at Wyoming’s premier small-scale luxury ranch… not convinced? Read on!
What is a ‘lodge-to-lodge’ riding ranch vacation?
When most people hear ranch vacations pack trips / lodge-to-lodge riding (or sometimes called ‘drop-camp trips’) are on offer at their chosen guest ranch, they imagine multi-day horseback riding pack trips across wilderness areas: traveling light, sleeping in rustic camps and following a set trail day after day – just like the pioneer adventurers of old. And they’d be right.
Heaven to some (oh the escapism!), hell to others who don’t want to sacrifice their creature comforts for camping compromises at their western dude ranch vacation. After all, you’re on a Wyoming horse vacation and R&R is all part of the experience!
And traditionally, lodge-to-lodge riding does involve multiple days of horseback riding between different lodges or established camps.
Intrepid riders traverse vast wilderness areas every day, guided by expert wranglers and exploring breathtaking landscapes far, far away from civilization and society.
On a classic Wyoming ranch vacations pack trip, you’ll find yourself sleeping under the stars, navigating rocky, rolling prairies; immersing in pine-scented forests, gazing at glistening mountain lakes and letting the sound of furiously rushing streams feed your soul.
The terrain and adventures change every day – especially on the epic horseback riding trails in Wyoming.
The downside? These kinds of lodge-to-lodge horseback riding adventures also come with said compromises, like limited packing space, unpredictable, often very rustic accommodations and sometimes less comfort than you’d hope for.
And of course, for those who might like to stay connected or feel completely safe, particularly solo female travelers to a ranch, there’s very limited (if any) cell and data service.
You trade consistent comfort for changing scenery and authentic adventure, and sometimes that trade-off truly doesn’t suit everyone, I get it.
An alternative spin on the ranch vacations pack trip
But hold your horses: what if you actually could get the adventure, variety and thrill of lodge-to-lodge and pack trip riding without ever sacrificing the delicious comforts of your cabin at your luxury boutique Wyoming ranch?
Well, as I might have mentioned before – you can, as the geniuses behind The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming have reimagined this must-do ranch vacations adventure experience.
And they, I believe, have truly perfected the balance between epic exploration and luxury landings.
After decades of experience and listening to their – often repeat – guests, this horse-centric guest ranch in Wyoming has come up with a clever solution that gives riders the best of both worlds when it comes to ranch vacations pack trips, lodge-to-lodge riding and drop-camp experiences.
First, imagine this…
- New adventures every day: You get to horseback ride along different Wyoming trails, over new terrains and up ever-expanding elevations. Pioneer adventure dreams: check!
- Comfort guaranteed: At the end of each ride, you return to the same lodge, where all your personal things, cozy cabins, warm showers and hearty meals await. No roughing it on the cold, hard ground under a piece of flapping canvas (if you’re lucky!) wearing trail-grubby pants you’ve sported for three days.
- Worry-free riding: Forget lugging everything around like a literal packhorse, you can leave what you don’t need on your Wyoming ranch trail ride in your cabin.
How the ‘new’ ranch vacations pack trip actually works
So here’s how an alternative spin on the usual lodge-to-lodge or pack trip at Wyoming guest ranch, The Hideout, actually works:
Every morning at the lodge, guests and horses load into well-equipped, clean trucks and trailers, and travel to a new trailhead: sometimes in the Big Horn National Forest, sometimes in Cloud Peak Wilderness – and often on exclusive, private land.
You ride, explore, adventure and see landscapes few other humans have ever witnessed.
At the end of the day, you return to the same comfortable lodge nestled in the valley, feeling enthralled, accomplished and like you’re really making the most of all aspects of your ranch vacation to Wyoming.
(No compromising that plush cabin for ‘authentic cowboy experiences’, roughing it wild!)
And another bonus is that you get to try out a few of the fabulous horses at The Hideout – often rescued, retrained Mustangs – and their Wyoming lodge-to-lodge riding adventures offer guests a range of horseback experiences, from leisurely scenic rides to more challenging terrain; most importantly catering to different skill levels, from beginner to advanced riders. No nose-to-tail rides here!
Luxury lodge-to-lodge riding adventures
One of the most appealing aspects of this alternative lodge-to-lodge riding experience is that no matter what kind of horseback riding adventure you’ve had – quiet, calm strolls admiring the scenery through your trusty mount’s ears, or long, lovely lopes across the plains – comfort and even non-horseback riding activities are always waiting for you at the ranch.
After a full day in the saddle, as a guest of The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, you will be able to:
- Enjoy a hot shower and fresh, clean clothes.
- Relax tired muscles in a heated outdoor lap pool with stunning mountain views.
- Unwind with delicious cocktails while swapping stories with fellow riders.
- Indulge in home-cooked ranch meals just made for hungry adventurers.
- Sleep in your own cozy, peaceful, private cabin (no snoring camp-mates!) before doing it all over again the next day.
Keen to try new, non-riding ranch activities? Why not try out a full non-riding day where you can get involved in all sorts of fun ranch sports, like trap shooting, archery and fly fishing?
If you choose a half-day and ride in the morning or afternoon, you can wind down with walking or hiking, bike rides and as I mentioned, the amazing pool and cocktails await!
For those who love exploration but aren’t keen on rustic camping, this combination is an absolute game-changer, not offered by many (if any!) other guest ranches in Wyoming.
Keen to find out more? Here’s what a day in the life of a day in the life of a guest at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch looks like.
The best trail rides in Wyoming
Sounding good so far? Then you’re in for a treat with Wyoming’s jaw-dropping trail ride scenery!
Nestled at approx. 4200 ft, Wyoming guest ranch, The Hideout, is uniquely positioned in Shell, in the Big Horn Basin in the valley at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains.
This dreamy location offers unparalleled diversity and lodge-to-lodge / pack rides can go up to 10,500 feet!
- Spring rides: Explore deep valley trails; private, little-known ranch lands and BLM areas, and witness the astonishing prairie bloom.
- Early summer adventures: Venture up higher elevations into cool, green alpine forests, beautiful blue mountain lakes, and fast-flowing streams in the Big Horn National Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness.
- Geological marvels: Ride past other-worldly craggy canyons, where your wranglers will point out Mars-like red rock formations and exposed geological formations that attract geologists from around the globe.
With hundreds of thousands of acres of trails available around boutique, luxury Wyoming guest ranch The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, you never see the same scenery twice in a week (repeat guests love this!).
And yes, you can capture it all in photos – the knowledgeable and talented Hideout wranglers take daily candid shots of riders living their best lives on the trail, so you can relive the adventure even after you return home.
Preparing for your lodge-to-lodge riding vacation
To make the most of your alternative dude ranch vacation pack trip or lodge-to-lodge riding, it’s wise to be fully prepared – don’t worry, I’ve got you!
First things first, if it’s your first time to a guest ranch and doing drop-camp trips, here are my ‘need-to-knows’ before you go: Top tips for first-timers on a ranch vacation. Find out what to expect, what to prepare for and more, so you rock up to the ranch fully confident and in-the-know.
Also, every guest ranch has its own set of rules, culture and quirks, but it’s wise to know basic ranch vacation dos and don’ts, too.
Not sure what to pack for your drop-camp trip / lodge-to-lodge riding or pack trip ranch vacation? Here’s my
essential guide on what to pack for a ranch vacation in Wyoming. (Don’t forget the sunscreen!).
And don’t worry about forgetting essentials on each pack trip; returning to the same lodge daily ensures you always have access to what you need and you can start afresh each day.
A hidden hideout gem in the heart of Wyoming
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is a hidden Wyoming ranch gem for horseback enthusiasts, offering variety, adventure and comfort all in one package.
Guests from all corners of the earth return time and again, eager to explore new trails, ride new terrain and reconnect with the camaraderie of fellow riders.
Whether it’s sipping a glass of wine after a day in the saddle or chasing the perfect sunset over the Big Horn Mountains, it’s an experience you’ll want to repeat.
For travelers seeking the thrill of lodge-to-lodge riding without sacrificing comfort – or for anyone dreaming of a Wyoming ranch vacation with a twist – The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is the ultimate horse-centric ranch vacation destination for you.
Book your ranch vacation to The Hideout today, we can take up to 25 guests a week – cabins fill fast!
Read more on why this luxury Wyoming ranch is your ultimate horse holiday haven, and for more news and updates straight from the ranch’s mouth, check out Peter’s Hideout blog, too.
Written by Kate Hammarén Travel Writing + Editing
