Go Horseback Riding in Wyoming

Some of the most beautiful landscape in the world can be taken in upon horseback and instantly made better. There’s something about the steady clop of hooves against dirt, the serenity and unification one feels atop a horse as they travel across a quiet, white beach, navigate a lush forest trail or roam across an expansive plain at sunset that is simply incomparable. Wyoming is a state rich in raw, natural beauty. It’s unbridled wilderness was practically made to be seen from horseback. The Western spirit still thrives in the state, and visitors have a wide selection of options to choose from when putting together a riding expedition. One thing is certain regardless of the route they choose – it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience they’ll be eager to relive once more.

Why Wyoming?

Photo Courtesy of CGP Grey

While it is true that stables and equine centers that offer tours and excursions of some form can be found in almost every state in the U.S., Wyoming is unique in the fact that it is one of the few places in America that has yet to undergo some massive form of modernization. The state’s motto is “Forever West”. The state is one of America’s larges, though it has the smallest population. What this means is that while the major cities and towns all have the modern amenities, the majority of Wyoming remains virtually untouched. From striking mountains, deep canyon valleys to national parks such as the internationally known Yellowstone, Wyoming is a place filled with people who cherish and value it’s natural beauty, and it’s an exquisite site to soak in pure nature from atop one of man’s most beloved and loyal creatures.

Top 5 Horseback Riding Locations in Wyoming

Wyoming has a fine offering of various ranches that offer tours and overnight excursions into the wilderness. Most of them are family-owned, and provide guests with that down-to-earth, genial hospitality of the Old West right from the start. Take a look at the top five ranches to consider when you’re planning to go horseback riding in Wyoming. These places have been selected based on customer reviews, location, prices and services offered that give guests a one-of-a-kind adventure.

5. Paradise Guest Ranch – Buffalo, Wyoming

The land that Paradise Ranch rests upon was first acquired in 1809 by a man named Normal Meldrum. He drove a herd of cattle to the meadow from Colorado, and fell so in love with the land that he decided to call it home. The original log cabin he built still stands today. The ranch has remained in the family for centuries, and was even written about in Aldo Leopald’s A Sand Country Almanac. Today, Paradise Ranch hosts cabins in various sizes, going as large as four bedrooms. They all feature kitchenettes, baths and showers, washers and driers, and each feature an outdoor deck that allow guests to relax and take in the beautiful sunset or chat under the clear Wyoming sky after a long day out exploring the trails.

4. Heart Six Ranch – Moran, Wyoming

In operation since 1914, Heart Six introduces each of its riders to a horse from a heard of over 100 mares and steeds, and children are able to ride a pony from ages three and up. There are several lodging packages to choose from, including seasonal summer and winter packages. The standard accommodations are cabins, available in three different models: the Elk, Moose and Buffalo Valley. Dining is on-site in the lodge, and during the summer there is a steak/salmon cookout held on the lawn Saturday nights. Apart from horseback riding (which includes the opportunity to get comfortable on a horse and refine or learn basic skills in an arena before hitting the trails), Heart Six Ranch offers a selection of fun ranch activities such as fishing, cookouts, snowmobiling and skiing during the summer and trail rides.

3. Spotted Horse Ranch – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The Spotted Horse Ranch in Jackson Hole offers a secluded, idyllic getaway for horse lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The cabins and main lodge are settled across a vibrant landscape, and guests have access to amenities such as a laundry facility, video library, sauna and whirlpool. Three meals are family cooked and served daily, and with advance notice the kitchen can cater to special diets.

The Ranch Plan is their highlight offer, an all-inclusive deal that provides food, daily horseback rides (excluding Thursdays), float trips and access to all other ranch activities.

2. T-Cross Ranch – Dubois, Wyoming

This family-owned dude ranch is located in a peaceful mountain valley near the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park. From fly-fishing, rodeos, square dancing, a kids’ program, pack trips and more, T-Cross offers multiple activities outside of just horseback riding. Their passion and emphasis on family is what placed them so high on this list, and adults and children alike are able to stay at T-Cross and have an experience that’s both education of ranch life and fun at the same time.

1. Bitterroot Ranch – Dubois, Wyoming

Photo Courtesy of BitterRootRanch.com

Featured in 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz, Bitterroot Ranch is a premier vacation spot in Dubois that isn’t just for tourists, but is also a working cattle ranch. This provides guests with the chance to witness real cattle drives and roundups during the summer, and get their hands dirty with actual ranch work throughout the year. The teamwork and hands-on experience adds another dimension to the horseback riding excursions, and truly immerse visitors in the Old West way of life. Bitterroot has been operated by the Fox family since 1971, so it’s relatively young compared to many of the other ranches found in Wyoming. Guests stay in riverside cabins during their stay and serves its meals in the main lodge. The ranch breeds Arabains, and during the spring when new foals arrive, guests are able to interact with the newborns. All the horses are trained using the techniques of Linda Tellington-Jones, who has been teaching for over 20 years. Donna Snyder-Smith, who is one of the country’s most successful Centered Riding instructors, offers a week long session that consists of morning lessons and rides in the afternoon.

Bitterroot’s immersive experience allows guests to experience Wyoming on a unique level that makes their vacation all the more memorable.