CODY, Wyo., Nov. 18, 2024 – With 17 dude and guest ranches and one working ranch dotting the massive forested regions surrounding the town of Cody, Western travel enthusiasts have plenty of choices for a picture-perfect ranch vacation in 2025. And right now is the best time to book a ranch vacation in Cody Yellowstone. 

“Whether you are seeking an all-inclusive, adventure-filled family getaway or a laid back cabin in the woods along with some outdoor adventures and outstanding Western fare, there is a dude, guest or working ranch vacation for everyone here in Cody Yellowstone,” said Ryan Hauck, executive director of Cody Yellowstone, the marketing arm for the region that includes the towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse, a large swath of the Shoshone National Forest and about half of Yellowstone National Park. “And right now is peak planning and booking season. Anyone who is thinking about a ranch vacation next year should be making their plans soon for the best availability.” 

Dude ranches have been a staple of the American vacation experience since the early 1880s, when Howard Eaton started the Custer Trail Ranch in the Dakota Badlands to accommodate travelers from the East, whom the Westerners called “dudes.” 

The Eatons eventually moved operations to Wyoming where the Eaton Ranch is still in operation today. The Eatons ran horse packing trips to Yellowstone National Park, and the Howard Eaton Trail runs roughly parallel to the Grand Loop inside the park and has been used by countless hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers through the years. 

What's the Difference Between a Dude and Guest Ranch?

Dude ranches require a minimum stay, usually four nights to a week. All activities, meals and lodging are included in a fixed price which requires a deposit in advance. A guest ranch on the other hand offers the same type of lodging and activities but travelers can stay just one night, or enjoy a meal, or even experience the pristine Shoshone National Forest via horseback riding on one of the many trails connected to the ranches. Lodging, meals and activities are priced separately and paid for at the end of the stay. 

There's also a working ranch in Cody – Fiddleback Ranch – where guests stay in cabins or RV sites and enjoy fishing, wildlife watching and relaxing. Or depending on the time of year, you can experience a cattle drive, branding, and many other authentic western experiences. 

Cody is also the home of the Dude Ranchers Association, which was established in 1926 when several ranch owners developed standards to accommodate the growing numbers of travelers whose trek to the West had become increasingly easier with railroad expansions. The membership roster listed 26 ranches that first year and 40 the following year. Today, more than 100 ranches belong to the association. Modern-day ranches include working dude ranches, traditional dude ranches and resort dude ranches. 

No matter what type of ranch experience travelers choose, they will be treated to an authentic and memorable Western experience. 

Today the roads between Cody, Wyo. and Yellowstone National Park are home to a high concentration of guest and dude ranches. Here are dude and guest ranches welcoming travelers today: 

Dude ranches:

UXU Ranch in the Shoshone National Forest offers 11 cabins, horseback riding, fly fishing, side trips to Yellowstone and Cody, hiking, cookouts and more. Contact: 1-307-587-4363, uxucdn@gmail.com.  

7D Ranch offers 10 rustic cabins tucked into the Sunlight Basin an hour from Yellowstone. The ranch offers riding, fishing, hiking and children's programs. Contact: 1-307-587-9885, ranch7d@wyoming.com. 

Rimrock Dude Ranch is 26 miles from Yellowstone. The ranch offers modern cabins, outdoor pool and hot tub. Activities include trail rides, fishing, cookouts and float trips. Contact: 1-307-587-3970, dede@rimrockranch.com. 

Crossed Sabres Ranch is just eight miles from Yellowstone's East Gate. The ranch offers horseback rides, fly fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Contact: 1-307-587-3750, stay@crossedsabresranch.com. 

Shoshone Lodge & Guest Ranch is five miles from Yellowstone. It features authentic Western cabins in the woods, trail rides, pack trips and relaxation. Contact: 1-307-587-4044, shoshonelodge@gmail.com. 

Guest ranches:

Absaroka Mountain Lodge is located 39 miles west of Cody and 12 miles from Yellowstone. This ranch features 15 cabins accommodating between two and eight people. Contact: 1-307-587-3963, absarokamountainlodge@gmail.com. 

Bill Cody Ranch was once operated by Buffalo Bill's grandson and is a full-service horseback riding resort. It is located halfway between Cody and Yellowstone. Contact: 1-307-587-2097, billcody@billcodyranch.com. 

Blackwater Creek Ranch, built in 1915, is 15 miles from Yellowstone. The ranch offers 15 cabins and ranch-style meals. Contact: 1-307-587-5201, info@trueranchcollection.com. 

Elephant Head Lodge is 12 miles from Yellowstone and offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Pets are welcome. Contact: 1-307-587-3980, vacation@elephantheadlodge.com. 

Creekside Lodge is 10 minutes from the park. The lodge offers private Western cabins, guided fishing trips, horseback rides and chuckwagon dinners. Contact: 1-307-587-9795, lodging@creeksidelodgeyellowstone.com. 

Double Diamond X Ranch is located on the Upper South Fork of the Shoshone River 35 miles from Cody. Amenities include lodging, event hosting,guided fly fishing, hiking and hunting. Contact: 1-307-587-5252, info@ddxranchwyoming.com. 

Pahaska Tepee is the location of Buffalo Bill's original hunting lodge two miles from Yellowstone. Listed on the National Historic Register, Pahaska Tepee offers cabins, restaurant and bar, gift shop and gas as well as horseback rides, fishing and hiking. Contact: 1-307-527-7701, pahaska@pahaska.com. 

Rand Creek Ranch is between Cody and Yellowstone and offers cozy cabins with a private pond for fishing, a kayak and paddle boat, horseback riding and barbecue dinners. Contact: 1-307-587-3200, travel@randcreekranch.com. 

Hunter Peak Ranch is located 30 minutes from Yellowstone. Based around an early-1900s lodge, the ranch offers Western accommodations, riding, hiking, swimming/tubing and photography. Contact: 1-307-587-3711, carys@hunterpeakranch.com. 

K3 Guest Ranch Bed & Breakfast is just 10 minutes from downtown Cody. The ranch offers seven different accommodation options, including bedrooms in the main lodge and cabins and converted wagons adjacent. Contact 1-307-272-7507, info@k3guestranch.com. 

KBarZ Guest Ranch & Outfitters accommodates up to 30 guests in private cabins in a pine forest. Activities include riding, pack trips, fishing, side trips and guided hunting. Contact: 1-307-587-4410, kbarz@vcn.com. 

Working Ranches

Fiddle Back Ranch is a working ranch situated along the Upper Greybull River eight miles from Meeteetse. The ranch offers fishing, wildlife watching and beautiful scenery as well as three lodge buildings and six RV sites with full hookups. Contact: 1-307-272-8075, fiddlebackranch22@gmail.com.