Who hasn’t heard of Yellowstone, this American neo-Western drama television series created by Taylor Sheridan?
Yellowstone is set in Montana and revolves around the Dutton family, led by John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner), which owns the largest ranch in the United States. The Duttons struggle to protect their vast property from the many outside threats. The storylines are rich with drama, power struggles, family dynamics, and intense conflicts.
The breathtaking Montana landscapes and the Western appeal are no strangers to the popularity of the show, which prompted two spin-offs, 1883 and 1923.
To say Yellowstone sparked Montana’s tourism boom would be an understatement. As a matter of fact, the ranching industry in general has benefited greatly from it.
So if you’re dreaming of living the rugged, wide-open life of a rancher, at least for a couple of days, we’ve got a few suggestions for ranches, starting with the real Yellowstone one. But first of all, let’s look a bit into the ranching industry.
Ready to saddle up?
What Is It Like to Be a Cowboy?
Yes, the Yellowstone TV series portrays various aspects of life on a ranch and touches on cowboy culture, but it remains a fictional drama that doesn’t necessarily depict the full reality of being a cowboy.
Ranching is far from the romanticized version of the TV show. It is about working ten hours a day outside in temperatures ranging from 100 degrees to 40 below, often seven days a week. The life of a cowboy on a ranch is demanding and physically challenging, as the job requires a unique combination of skills.
Cowboys are responsible for a variety of tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the ranch. These tasks vary depending on the type of ranch (cattle, sheep, horses) and the season, but some common activities include cattle herding, branding and vaccinating, fencing, feeding and watering livestock, as well as calving and birthing assistance.
Thank God, as a visitor on a ranch, you won’t bear the burden of all this work! On the contrary, you’ll have the chance to live a unique experience, offering a blend of outdoor adventure, rustic charm, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Guest Ranches and Dude Ranches: What’s the Difference?
You’ll often hear about guest ranches and dude ranches. Are they the same? Some say the difference between guest and dude ranches is just wording, while others swear there’s a slight distinction between the two.
According to the Ranch Seeker website, a dude ranch is “a place where you get to learn all about life on a ranch. You are taught how to ride and care for horses, brought on fishing trips, allowed to view rodeos, and enjoy family-style meals. On the other hand, a guest ranch is (…) where you get to enjoy several activities, regardless of whether they have anything to do with ranching or not. This means that guest ranches may also have other facilities that allow fun activities, such as pools and tennis courts.”
It’s important to remember that a dude ranch is traditionally rooted in the cowboy lifestyle, while a guest ranch typically focuses more on providing a comfortable, immersive, and relaxing experience in a ranch setting—though it may still offer activities tied to cowboy culture.
Now, how about living out your Yellowstone dream for a moment? Here’s a list of Montana ranches that will allow you to just do that. Let’s start with the real Yellowstone ranch.
Best Ranches You Can Visit Inspired by Yellowstone
Chief Joseph Ranch
Recognize the Dutton Ranch from the picture below? Welcome to Chief Joseph Ranch, which was homesteaded by settlers in 1880. Its current owners operate their Darby, Montana property as both a guest ranch and a working ranch.
From 2004 to 2012, the main lodge served as a bed & breakfast, but when the new owners purchased the property, they transitioned to a guest ranch with cabin rentals. The lodge is no longer open for rent.
Two cabins on the property are available for bookings. The Ben Cook Cabin (Rip’s cabin in Season 1 and Kayce’s cabin in Season 2—see below), as well as the Fisherman Cabin.
Both places sleep up to 8 guests. Last we checked, rates started at $1,400 per night for 4 guests and $50 per additional guest. Meals aren’t provided, but the cabins are equipped with a full kitchen and outdoor grill, not to forget the washer and dryer.
Ranch at Rock Creek
If you happen to pass through the town of Missoula, Montana, where some scenes from Yellowstone season 4 were filmed, you might be tempted to drive another hour and a half to get to Ranch at Rock Creek.
Here’s a luxury dude ranch nestled in one of Montana’s most picturesque valleys. Ranch at Rock Creek offers a wide range of activities: horseback riding, biking, fishing, skiing, and many more. Watch for special events such as Homestead Holidays at The Ranch, New Year’s Eve in Montana, Revel & Ride Weekend, or even Whiskey & Water Weekend.
Sage Lodge
Located on the banks of the Yellowstone River and just 35 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, Sage Lodge offers the ultimate Montana luxury resort getaway.
Here’s your idyllic headquarters from where you can launch a day of fly fishing, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, or any other endeavor that calls your name. You can also book for weddings and corporate events.
Then after a long day of sports and adventures, you’ll want to relax at the spa or have a glass of wine while enjoying the panoramic views from one of the property’s two restaurants.
Lone Mountain Ranch
For over 100 years, Lone Mountain Ranch has given travelers the true experience of Yellowstone Country. Just 18 miles beyond the northwest border of the park, tucked between the Montana Rockies, rivers, and grasslands, and only 40 minutes from the Bozeman Airport, this is where you’ll find and enjoy the good things in life.
Included in your stay are horseback riding, year-round fly fishing, and all-access tours of Yellowstone Park with lodge naturalists. You can also ski over 80 kilometers of world-class Nordic trails or take a chance on the downhill slopes next door.
Lone Mountain Ranch was rated the best guest ranch for multi-generational families by Top50 Ranches.
320 Guest Ranch
Located between Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone National Park, 320 Guest Ranch honors its rich history and celebrates Montana’s pioneer spirit through lodging, food, and activities.
Cozy log cabins, horseback riding, fly fishing, and river rafting are just a few of the authentic experiences you’ll be offered on-site. Its restaurant, McGill’s, is known valley-wide for its unique and hearty Montana cuisine.
Triple Creek Ranch
Triple Creek Ranch is part of the famous Relais & Châteaux Association. Situated among the towering pines on the southern side of Trapper Peak, the highest mountain in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of Western Montana, this unforgettable retreat merges unmatched natural beauty with plush comfort and exceptional personal service.
From the beautiful, welcoming main lodge, world-class restaurant, and award-winning wine cellar to the deluxe private guest cabins nestled in the trees throughout the property, it is the attention to the smallest details that makes the Triple Creek Ranch experience so memorable.
To get a good idea of what you would experience on-site, see the awards the ranch has received over the years.
Covered Wagon Ranch
Covered Wagon Ranch is one of the oldest operating ranches in the scenic canyon where the Gallatin River and Taylor Fork Creek meet. The ranch is just three miles from the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park.
The current owners purchased the property in the spring of 2013. Their goal was to maintain the historic character of the ranch, provide top-notch riding, and offer a rustic but comfortable atmosphere for their guests to enjoy during their stay.
Bar W Guest Ranch
The Bar W Guest Ranch is ready to treat you to true Montana hospitality from the moment you arrive until long after the sun sets. Located in Northwest Montana and nestled between two pine-covered ridges in an idyllic setting, the ranch is just a stone’s throw away from the town of Whitefish, Glacier National Park, and the Glacier Park International Airport.
Through the Bar W horses, activities, meals, games, music, and dance, you will make friendships and connections that could last a lifetime. This is where you’ll learn new things, laugh, have fun, and create friendships.
There’s no shortage of ranches in the United States. In this article, we wanted to introduce you to those in Montana, particularly around the Yellowstone region, in order to get closer to the series’ locations.
Here’s a list of popular ranches outside Montana, where you’ll find the same types of activities:
- Cibolo Creek Ranch (Texas)
- Triple C Ranch (Tennessee)
- Sorrel River Ranch (Utah)
- Dunton Hot Springs (Colorado)
- Brush Creek Ranch (Wyoming)
- The Hideout (Wyoming)
- Reid Creek Lodge (Wyoming)
- Devil’s Thumb Ranch (Colorado)
- Alisal Ranch (California)
- C Lazy U Ranch (Colorado)
- White Stallion Ranch (Arizona)
- Western Pleasure Guest Ranch (Idaho)
- Drowsy Water Ranch (Colorado)
- Red Horse Mountain Ranch (Idaho)
- Lazy L&B Ranch (Wyoming)
- Cherokee Park Ranch (Colorado)
You can also find the ranch of your choice on these websites:
***
Living out your Yellowstone dream on a ranch is more than just a fantasy, it’s an achievable reality. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the land, the thrill of ranch life, or the serenity of wide-open spaces, there’s a perfect ranch waiting for you.
Yes, the ranch life you’ve always imagined is closer than you think. Have a good stay!