With horses to ride, fish to catch, and hearty cowboy meals to devour, there’s no time for screens on a guys’ ranch vacation—and for many families, that’s a good thing. Set in breathtaking natural landscapes and offering all-inclusive amenities, North America’s best ranches are perfect for family vacations and multi-generational travel. Some are open year-round and others are seasonal, but these guest ranches all offer fresh air, scenic horseback adventures, and memories to cherish. Here are the best guest ranches in the United States and Canada.
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1. C Lazy U Ranch
Granby, Colorado
If you’ve ever considered a guys’ ranch vacation, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the C Lazy U Ranch. Close to Rocky Mountain National Park, this all-inclusive ranch offers everything from classic ranch activities like trail hikes to surprising options like a ropes course and zip line. Seasonal children’s programs are available for children ages 3 to 17. Most of the ranch’s 38 private cabins feature stone fireplaces, and many have bunk beds.
2. Three Bar Guest Ranch
Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada
The 35,000-acre Three Bars Ranch, located in Canada’s Thousand Peaks Valley near Banff, offers a world-class equestrian program, rafting trips, fly fishing, hiking , cycling, skeet shooting and perfect evenings for families. Additional amenities include an indoor heated pool, outdoor hot tub, tennis court, gym, and petting zoo. Its intimate and friendly setting makes it ideal for week-long stays full of adventure.
3. Ranch Tanque Vert
Tucson, Arizona
At Tanque Verde Ranch, children are divided by age into the Daily Kids program, which is covered by the all-inclusive rate and includes activities like horseback riding, swimming, and arts and crafts. Hiking, mountain biking, trail rides and spa are options for all ages. The Breakfast Ride and Cowboy Cookout are two unique dining experiences the whole family will love.
4. Heavenly Guest Ranch
Buffalo, Wyoming
The century-old Paradise Guest Ranch offers week-long family stays during the summer and adults-only weeks when the kids go back to school. Fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, archery, and outdoor evening programs under the stars are among the top activities here. The cabins are rustically elegant and have one to four bedrooms. Three meals a day are served in the dining room and the French Creek Saloon hosts a range of activities for all ages.
5. Greenhorn Ranch
Quincy, California
At Greenhorn Ranch in California’s Lost Sierras near Reno, the emphasis is on horseback riding for all levels, including loping for adventurous riders. Beginners will enjoy guided hikes recounting local history. Children aged three to 11 can participate in fishing, archery and crafts, while evenings bring family fun like movie nights and s’mores around a fire. camp. Accommodations include 16 rustic cabins, 12 lodge rooms, and a renovated airflow. The all-inclusive ranch serves hearty meals with local ingredients.
6. Rainbow Trout Ranch
Anthony, Colorado
Surrounded by 600 acres of national forest, Colorado’s Rainbow Trout Ranch features 16 cozy log cabins with fireplaces, sleeping one to eight people. At its heart is a magnificent wooden lodge, the second largest west of the Mississippi, featuring an expansive wraparound deck overlooking pastures and horse corrals. The serene setting, where only the wind whispers through the pines, makes this secluded ranch perfect for an unforgettable family getaway.
7. Triangle X Ranch
Moose, Wyoming
A five-generation guest ranch near Jackson Hole, Triangle The ranch is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service and an authorized permittee of the U.S. Forest Service, which equates to millions of acres of equestrian territory in one of the most remote areas of the country. Accommodations include 20 one- to four-bedroom rustic cabins to support children’s and teen programs during peak season.
8. Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge
Bigfork, Montana
On the shores of Flathead Lake, Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Montana. The lodge evokes the spirit of yesteryear while offering an all-inclusive men’s ranch vacation that includes horseback riding, water sports and home-cooked meals. Fishing, mountain biking, hiking, and archery are other options to stay busy, and summer programs are offered for children and teens. The lodge’s rooms, cabins and suites are all furnished in a Western style.
9. Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
Solvang, California
Kids love the “Lil Riders” hiking program at Alisal Ranch, a luxury ranch located on 10,500 acres in Santa Barbara wine country. In the barnyard, they can help staff collect eggs each morning. Other activities include hiking, cycling, arts and crafts, golf, and an on-site spa. Learn how to barbecue like a pro at BBQ Bootcamp, one of the ranch’s signature experiences. Accommodation options include studios, cottages, and guesthouses for larger groups.
10. The Ranch at Rock Creek
Philipsburg, Montana
Situated on 6,000 acres in Montana, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers unexpected amenities like a 2,000-square-foot spa and a ranch sommelier to accompany the usual ranch activities like horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, cycling and archery. In winter, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating and sledding take center stage. The Forest Rangers Club in Flint offers outdoor educational programs for children ages four to 12, and the whole family can mine sapphires or take part in the ropes course together. Lodge rooms and luxury cabins are among the accommodation options.
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Beth Luberecki also contributed to this story.
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