Guest Ranch Dos & Don’ts

Ranch Vacation Dos and Don’ts – Top Tips for your Hideout Trip of a Lifetime

This 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.

Two horseback riders beneath tall canyon cliffs.

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, we would like to share what’s hot and what’s not ranch vacation tips to having the time of your life.

The dos: How to make the most of your ranch vacation

A person crouching beside a horse, silhouetted against distant mountains.

Do research your ranch

Before booking your ranch vacation, figure out what kind of ranch experience you’re after.

If you are looking for a luxury boutique guest ranch focused on horseback riding, trail riding and horsemanship surrounded by a professional and caring team in Wyoming, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is what you are looking for.

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.
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is a horse-centric guest ranch, ranch staff will match you with the right horse and activities, to keep you safe and confident.
Also, start getting fit to ride well before your trip and train your core muscles. Even a few hours in the saddle can be quite the workout – especially for beginners and the unfit!
Out of respect for our horses and given the terrain we ride in, we have a strict weight limit of 230lbs fully dressed to ride.
You do not need to be an Olympic athlete. However, to fully enjoy your riding experience you need to be physically fit
All guests need to be able to mount and dismount with assistance from one wrangler only. We are not staffed to provide a private wrangler for a single guest.

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!

Do prepare for the ranch weather

Weather in Wyoming can be unpredictable. The Hideout sits at 4200ft and depending on the season operates at higher altitudes in The Big Horn Mountains with big temperature swings. Hot sunny days can turn into chilly evenings very quickly and some days you might experience the weather of all four seasons in one week! We advise packing light layers and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against intense mountain sun, wind and of course, a lightweight waterproof for rain.

A horseback rider crossing a meadow beneath large clouds.

Do stay safe, be sensible

One of the most important tips for your experience at The Hideout is: 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, although a cowboy hat looks cool, it is always safer to 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, being active at higher elevations like riding at The Hideout will increase dehydration risk.
Fill your water bottle 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!

Having a car will allow you freedom

The closest airport to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody at 1.30-hour drive from the ranch, with Billings airport in Montana within 2.5 hours drive.
Ride-share services like Uber or Lyft are not always reliable or simply not available.
Contact The Hideout ahead of your stay to find out about reliable shuttles to the ranch.
Renting a vehicle or driving to the ranch in your own vehicle offers more freedom to explore the area.

Do embrace the digital detox – don’t worry about taking pictures & videos

Although The Hideout enjoys fiber optic internet, this is the perfect vacation to put down your phones and computers and really get present.
Why not switch off fully for your adventures, and leave your phone in the cabin?
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.
Don’t worry about taking pictures and videos. The Hideout wranglers are pros in taking that over and know the best places for beautiful shots. Every evening the pictures of the day featuring you and the other guests will be posted during cocktail hour and you will get a link to access all the pictures of the week without cost as part of your all-inclusive guest ranch experience at The Hideout.

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 wild species for that dream selfie!)

A person seated on a barrel beside a gray horse against a log wall.

Do budget for tipping at a ranch

Although The Hideout is all-inclusive, guides, wranglers and ranch staff appreciate gratuities for a job well done. You can tip individually, specific departments or a tip to share for all staff.
If you do not have cash, you can put a tip on your credit card.

Do try new ranch activities

Be adventurous and open-minded!
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is well-known for their natural horsemanship clinics that embrace their ethos of Authentic Horsemanship. Attending one of Marijn’s clinics is for many of our guests the highlight of the week.
Or why not embrace your inner Robin Hood and have a go at archery, or clay shooting, hiking or go on a fishing excursion?
Take a dip in the pool, relax and enjoy a lazy afternoon on the manicured ranch property.

Do get travel insurance

Ranch vacations involve adventures, the outdoors, animals, activities, higher altitudes and rural locations.
You might have a personal event that prevents you from traveling.
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

The Hideout provides a fun cocktail hour, wine with dinner included in your stay. After and in between meals we charge a fee.

We do not allow drinking when you plan to go horseback riding, trapshooting, archery or biking.

The don’ts: What not to do on your ranch vacation

Three horseback riders together in a fenced riding area.

Don’t act an expert – or Know it all.

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.
The Hideout welcomes horseback riders from around the world, and they have high standards when it comes to handling their horses and staying safe operating in very remote terrain.
Riding levels are often in the eyes or the imagination of the individual. The crew at The Hideout has been putting thousands of riders on horseback for many years. Please accept our expertise.
If you have concerns, every evening during cocktail hour one of our Barn crew will visit with each guest personally to discuss the options of the following day, listen to feedback and suggestions.

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.
The Hideout has 8 wranglers for 25 guests weekly, with additional experienced guides joining. So there is plenty of personal attention and willingness to share and answer questions.

Don’t bring high heels, glamorous dresses or suits (unless your ranch is holding a special event and has 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!
Typically, people will dress up casually in the evening for cocktail hour and dinner, and of course you want to show off your newly acquired western outfit.

A person wearing a patterned poncho and sunglasses beside a log building.

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

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 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 the ranch have no fear! You are guaranteed to meet a whole bunch of fun, like-minded new folk, from all over the world.
Many guests at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch come away with new, life-long friends, returning year after year.
Find out what a day in the life of a guest at The Hideout looks like, there’s plenty of opportunities to meet others, as well as time to enjoy some solitude.

A close-up group photograph with horseback riders on open grassland.

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 yourself in the beauty of the ranch and allow your brain to switch off from the outside world.
As mentioned before the wranglers take photos and videos which they will share with you.

Three people relaxing in outdoor chairs on a lawn.

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, grueling, 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. We have 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 our ranch vacation dos and don’ts and learning how to prepare for your ranch riding vacation at The Hideout, you’ll be set for a safe, memorable and truly transformative journey. Yeehaw!

Horseback riders following a hillside trail, with one rider raising an arm.

Bighorn Mountains Wyoming ranch, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch pride themselves on offering an upscale, authentic experience for guests of all riding levels.

A group of horseback riders following a dusty trail through rolling hills.

Outdoor swimming pool with trees and a rocky mountain ridge beyond.

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 Ranch to 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.