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With an abundance of outdoor activities and stunning locations amidst the great outdoors, it’s no wonder that ranches have become a top vacation choice for travelers – especially in an age of social distancing. See below for a list of our most beloved camps and lodges in America’s glorious western frontier.
Photo courtesy of The Ranch at Rock Creek
This Montana gem delivers on all fronts with an incredible culinary program, attentive staff, plethora of activities and stylish décor. Choose from one of the rooms in the main lodge, glamping tents or standalone houses. All guests are privy to the many complimentary activities including horseback riding, geocaching, archery and fly fishing. There’s no better place for families to reconnect at the end of a long day than the on-site bowling alley or movie theater.
Dunton Hot Springs
Photo courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs
The former mining town of Dunton was purchased in 1994 and transformed into a Wild West oasis nestled in the San Juan Mountains. The original buildings have all been repurposed, such as the former Pony Express, which now serves as the spa. Enjoy cushy digs in the 13 rustic-chic guest cabins, farm-to-table meals in the old saloon and of course, down time in one of the 7 geothermal springs. Those looking for more privacy should check out sister property Dunton River Camp, which has 8 luxe canvas tents available only by exclusive use in 2020.
Mustang Monument
Photo courtesy of Mustang Monument
Travelers can saddle up for an authentic, all American safari on this ranch set on 900 square miles of wide-open plains in northern Nevada, where nearly 1,000 wild mustangs roam. Each morning, guests are invited to partake in feeding the mustangs – something that owner Madeleine Pickens describes as nothing short of spiritual. Stay in one of the 10 cowboy-meets-couture cottages or a “tipi,” which embodies the indigenous spirit of Native Americans.
Taylor River Lodge
Photo courtesy of Eleven Experience
Taylor River Lodge sits just 30 minutes from Crested Butte, along the trout-stuffed River Taylor making it a haven for fly-fishing enthusiasts. This Eleven Experience property offers various other adventurous activities like rock climbing, archery, hatchet throwing and white-water rafting. The lodge is spread out between multiple 1-2 bedroom log cabins tucked along the river and pond.
The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch
Photo courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch
Set on a 30,000 acre working cattle ranch in south central Wyoming among rolling hills and majestic rock formations, the Ranch features a 38,000 square foot lodge, luxury spa, finely appointed collection of new and historically renovated cabins and vast array of authentic outdoor adventures led by world class guides. For the ultimate in privacy, the Magee Homestead is the ideal spot for groups of up to 25 guests, offering a luxury lodge and collection of eight cabins, along with private staff service – available this year only for full buyouts.
The Lodge at Blue Sky
Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Blue Sky
Located in the Wasatch Mountains about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City and 30 minutes from Park City, Auberge’s Lodge at Blue Sky is a contemporary ranch with superb wellness offerings and outdoor activities (think hiking and fly fishing in the summer, heli-skiing and snowshoeing in the winter). Couples who want privacy should opt for one of the 5 Creek Cottages, an adults-only enclave at the bottom of the hill. Families are better suited in an Earth Suite, many of which connect to form multi-bedroom units.
JL Bar Ranch
Photo courtesy of JL Bar Ranch
The best kept secret in stunning Texas Hill Country. Bigger is better as they say here, so we recommend opting for Archer’s Nest Villa – a 6 bedroom home complete with its own private pool and home theater. You can’t go wrong with the 32 luxurious cabins or rooms either. Some of the ranch’s only-in-Texas experiences on offer include cattle herding and hunting for whitetail deer or even red stag (after all, there are 13,000 acres for these animals to roam). Don’t want to make the 3 hour drive from Austin? JL Bar Ranch has you covered with their own airstrip on property.