Ranch vacation FAQs
Below you’ll find the most commonly asked FAQs about ranch vacations to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming. With the help of the experts at The Hideout themselves, I’ve answered all your most burning Wyoming ranch travel questions here.
So grab your Stetson and saddle up; I’ll share with you all you need to know about ranch vacations to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, Wyoming!
Where is The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch located in Wyoming?
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is located in Shell, Wyoming, in the heart of the Big Horn Basin, at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains. The ranch sits at approximately 4,200 feet, with breathtaking horseback riding trails in Wyoming reaching up to 10,500 feet in the Bighorn National Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness. This unique location offers an astonishing variety of scenery: from Mars-like red rock canyons and prairies, to alpine forests, mountain lakes and fast-flowing streams. Read more about how to get to The Hideout Wyoming.
What type of ranch vacation is The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
The Hideout is a small-scale, boutique, luxury, all-inclusive Wyoming guest ranch focused on natural horsemanship, exceptional trail riding and personalized guest experiences. This immaculately-kept boutique ranch in Wyoming is ideal for riders who want quality over crowds and comfort without losing authenticity. And unlike large, commercial dude ranches, The Hideout limits guest numbers to just 25 a week, to ensure:
- No nose-to-tail riding
- Thoughtful horse-rider matching
- A relaxed, friendly, international atmosphere
- A clean, professional and well-organized Wyoming ranch vacation
Is The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch all-inclusive?
Yes – a stay at luxury guest ranch, The Hideout, is all-inclusive and includes:
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Cocktails at the popular daily cocktail hour
- Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages with dinner
- Daily horseback riding
- Non-riding activities
- Access to heated pool (check pool season with the ranch) and hot tub
- Complimentary daily ride photos, captured by their attentive wranglers
This makes budgeting for your all-inclusive family Wyoming ranch vacation or girls’ ranch getaway refreshingly simple and stress free. No worrying about bill-splitting or unexpected costs!
Is The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch good for women’s riding vacations?
Very much so. While this female-friendly guest ranch in Wyoming doesn’t offer tailored ‘cowgirl getaways’, The Hideout is especially popular for women’s riding vacations, thanks to:
- A safe, welcoming, supportive environment
- Excellent instruction
- A strong sense of camaraderie
- Many other solo female travelers and women’s groups also visiting
- Mostly all-female barn and wrangling teams
Women consistently say they feel ‘empowered’, ‘confident’ and ‘completely at ease’ here, so go on, take the plunge and book your dream girls’ ranch getaway!
Is it safe to travel solo to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Yes, definitely. The Hideout is considered very safe for solo travelers, especially as a ranch vacation for solo female travelers.
This solo-traveler-friendly Wyoming guest ranch offers:
- Airport transfers (not included)
- Guided activities
- A close-knit guest community
- On-site hosts and staff
- A safe, small-town environment
- Just 25 guests at a time, making it easy to meet others and become part of the group
Solo travelers on a Wyoming ranch vacation are never left feeling isolated (unless you want solitude or quiet me-time by the pool, of course!). Read more on why The Hideout is a dream destination for solo female travelers.
What accommodation is available at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Guests stay in private, comfortable luxury ranch cabins, cozy Casitas or The Hideout Home.
Each luxuriously-appointed home on the range offers:
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Western charm with modern comforts
- Daily housekeeping
- Welcoming refreshments
- Views over the ranch, mountains and more!
You return to the same cabin every night: no packing up, no rustic camping, no surprises – explore why The Hideout’s alternative to lodge-to-lodge riding in Wyoming
is so popular for adventurous, yet comfort-seeking guests.
What is the food, drink and dining experience like at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Dining at The Hideout is a highlight of every stay. Guests enjoy fresh, home-style meals made with high-quality ingredients. Breakfast fuels a thrilling day in the saddle. Lunch keeps you energized and dinners are social, hearty and Western-inspired. Each evening begins with the popular nightly cocktail hour, a relaxed social time to swap trail stories, enjoy drinks, plan the next day’s activities and unwind before dinner. All meals are plated with the exception of the Friday evening cook-out and most dietary requirements can usually be accommodated by the ranch’s talented chefs.
Is alcohol included at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
If you like to celebrate your day’s adventuring with some booze, wine, beer and cocktails are available during the nightly cocktail hour, and with dinner. Non-alcoholic beverages are also provided. Guests can enjoy a drink while relaxing with fellow riders, without even leaving the lodge. Evenings are as social or as quiet as you prefer – and you might even find a welcome bottle of wine in your cabin or Casita! Cheers!
Is The Hideout suitable for beginner or novice riders?
Absolutely! The Hideout is a great ranch vacation for beginner and novice riders, including guests who haven’t ridden before or are returning after a long break. Every guest, regardless of ability or experience, receives a professional riding orientation, careful horse matching and supportive guidance throughout the week.
Is The Hideout a good ranch for experienced and advanced riders?
Yes, The Hideout is a great ranch vacation for experienced riders! With access to hundreds of thousands of acres of varied terrain, advanced riders get to enjoy long trots, lopes, elevation changes and technical trails – and horses are always matched to rider ability. And happily you won’t have to worry about being stuck on a nose-to-tail ride (except for when you’re traversing terrain with narrow paths!), or being held back by less experienced groups.
What kind of horses do you ride at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
The Hideout is known for its exceptional ranch horses; they are one of the ranch’s biggest highlights! Their Wyoming ranch horse herd includes many rescued and retrained Mustangs, alongside seasoned ranch horses like Quarter Horses. Guests ride more than one ranch horse during their stay, experiencing different personalities, movement and riding styles.
What is Natural or Authentic Horsemanship at The Hideout?
Natural or ‘Authentic Horsemanship’ at The Hideout focuses on trust-based training, clear communication and horse welfare. Our horses are part of our crew and are treated accordingly – with great care and respect.
- Wyoming ranch horses are trained with patience, trust and consistency
- Riders learn to work with their horse and communicate clearly, not forcefully
- Welfare and partnership always come first
- Happy horses is one of our requirements for happy riders
Many happy guests say they leave The Hideout not only riding better, but understanding horses more deeply.
What kind of horseback riding can I expect at The Hideout?
Riding at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is such an incredible experience and includes exploring scenic trail rides, open prairie and experiencing epic elevation changes across private land, BLM land and national forest. As mentioned, these stunning Wyoming trail rides are tailored daily to guest ability levels, ensuring a safe, rewarding experience for everyone. Sound good? Learn more about horseback riding at The Hideout.
What non-riding activities are available at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
When thighs need a break, or if you want to try something new, guests can enjoy non-riding ranch activities like:
- Trapshooting
- Archery
- Hiking and biking
- Fishing (please call to arrange ahead of time)
- Relaxing by the heated outdoor lap pool
- Soaking in the hot tub
- Or simply take in the mountain views from your private cabin porch with a good book and a glass of wine.
Guests can also explore historic Shell (not included in the ranch package). Learn more about non-riding adventures at The Hideout, Wyoming.
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What to pack for your Wyoming ranch vacation at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Pack comfortable riding boots with a heel, riding trousers or jeans, layered clothing, sun protection, a warm jacket for higher elevations, casual evening wear and swimwear for the heated lap pool. Helmets are available to borrow and laundry facilities mean you can pack light. But that’s not all – check out my complete guide on non-riding adventures at The Hideout, Wyoming.what to pack for a ranch vacation to Wyoming. (And yes, you can go all out cowboy style if you wish!)
How long is a typical ranch vacation at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Most guests to The Hideout enjoy a six-night ranch stay, arriving on Sunday afternoon and departing on Saturday morning, enjoying a full week of riding, relaxation and ranch life. Longer stays of up to 13 nights are also available across the same days. Just check in with the ranch to find out more.
Do I need to be physically fit to enjoy a ranch vacation at The Hideout?
A reasonable level of general fitness is helpful, but you don’t need to be an athlete! Rides are adapted to guest ability, and plenty of rest and relaxation time is built into each day. Also note that the ranch adheres to a strict rider weight limit of 230lbs, with weigh-ins upon arrival. If it’s your first time to a guest ranch, make sure you know the ranch vacation dos and don’ts before you go.
Can non-riders enjoy a stay at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Yes, they welcome groups with non-riders, too – and the ranch is a great place to start learning new outdoor skills or riding if you want to try! While The Hideout is a horse-centric guest ranch, non-riders can enjoy the scenery, non-riding activities, social atmosphere and relaxing pace of ranch life.
Top tip: Many riding guests also take a break from riding and visit Cody, Greybull or Shell, or take a scenic drive into The Big Horn Mountains and Big Horn Basin.
Can The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch be booked exclusively for private groups?
Yes, experience your very own Yellowstone! The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is available for exclusive private ranch rental, ideal for:
- Families
- Groups of friends
- Corporate retreats
- Special celebrations
This allows full customization of riding, activities and dining. Explore more on private ranch rental at The Hideout.
If you don’t quite want to rent the whole ranch, but would still like a home on the range for your family or group, The Hideout Home is perfect.
Why do guests return to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch year after year?
Quite simply: At The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, no two weeks are ever the same. New trails, Authentic Horsemanship, different horses, changing seasons, personal attention and a welcoming atmosphere mean repeat guests always discover something new, returning to yet again enjoy the genuine connection that defines The Hideout experience.
Is The Hideout right for you?
If you’re seeking an authentic Wyoming ranch vacation with exceptional horseback riding, genuine horsemanship, comfort, safety and real heart, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch delivers it all.
Solo female travelers, beginner riders and experienced equestrians; or simply someone craving meaningful adventure without roughing it will find that this is ranch life done right.
For more news and updates straight from the ranch’s mouth, check out ranch owner Peter’s Hideout blog, too.
Ready to experience horseback riding, cozy cabins, and nightly cocktail hours at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch? Book your Wyoming ranch vacation today before cabins fill up!
