Dude Ranches

By Anne Schlitt

Let's start with one of the oldest and finest ways to attack the Rockies—on horseback. The West wouldn't be the West without wranglers and cowboys and horses, and whether you're the proud owner of your own four-legged mode of transport or a total greenhorn, the Rockies can cater to your every horsey whim. The dude ranch is one of the best ways to experience this part of the U.S., and not only because it helps people fulfill those long-held dreams of being a cowboy. The pleasure of exploring the mountains on horseback can't be matched, and if you visit a working ranch, you get the added excitement of learning how the real cowboys make a living. Be sure to learn about what to expect before you go. Montana and Wyoming offer riders some of the calmest, most spectacular trails, and Colorado and Idaho have ranches and scenery that cater to every taste.

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