Choosing the right ranch holiday: Guest ranch or working ranch?
A hundred years ago, it was considered common courtesy for ranchers in the Wild West to offer weary travellers a place to stay and a taste of genuine Western hospitality. Today, that tradition lives on—elevated, reimagined, and more accessible than ever. Ranch holidays have become a popular way to enjoy the great outdoors, connect with horses, and experience authentic ranch life.
This guide breaks down the main differences between guest ranches and working ranches, so when the time comes to book your holiday, you’ll know exactly what to expect—and what suits you best.
Guest ranch holidays - What to expect
Guest ranches are designed to welcome visitors who want to experience ranch life while still enjoying a level of comfort and convenience. Think cozy rooms, hearty meals, and sometimes even pools or fitness centers. These ranches are a great choice if you're travelling with non-riders or simply want a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Guest ranches are also sometimes known as Dude ranches. There are some small differences between the two. Dude ranches usually have a higher guest capacity than guest ranches, for instance. Most of our ranches offer a smaller, more intimate experience, and (with some exceptions) they can normally only accommodate up to 30-40 guests at a time (or less!).
Activities & Atmosphere
While horse riding is the star of the show, guest ranches often offer a wide range of additional activities. At White Stallion Ranch in Arizona, for example, guests can enjoy rock climbing, archery, and mountain biking—perfect for non-riders or families with mixed interests.
Riding & Experience Levels
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, guest ranches cater to all levels. Riders are usually grouped by ability, with multiple trails and experienced wranglers ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. At Rocking Z Ranch in Montana, rides are kept small and personal—no nose-to-tail trail rides here. The ranch is small, and family-run, focusing on natural horsemanship, offering a deeper connection with your horse and the landscape. In most cases, the team takes care of all the tacking up, so you can just show up and ride.
The Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, not far from Yellowstone National Park, is also a true gem hidden in the most beautiful country. Immersed in the heart of cowboy culture, you will be welcomed by a family of ranchers who will guide you on horseback through the vast expanses of Montana on their home-bred Appaloosas. This ranch stay is suitable for all riders and is perfect for an authentic holiday, taking in the breathtaking landscapes of the American West!
Unique Offerings
Guest ranches are also an excellent way to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes. Cattle work might be part of some packages, but is generally more limited. Trail riding is the main riding activity, and it is always flexible: you can decide to go out on a short ride or enjoy a full-day ride. Some might even offer something different: at Bitterroot Ranch in Wyoming, guests can explore the pristine Shoshone National Forest, enjoy overnight pack trips, and take part in themed weeks—like yoga & riding or horsemanship clinics. Experienced riders can even test their skills on the cross-country course.
Our beautiful, initimate guest ranch in New Mexico is also a wonderful place for those who truly love horses. You will experience gentle, natural horsemanship training methods, and ride rehabbed horses, all rescued from animal shelters
In a nutshell...
A guest ranch should be your top choice if you are looking for flexible riding adventures combined with pleasant western hospitality. These are great for friends and families looking for a comfortable, relaxing holiday and a way to reconnect with nature.
Working ranch holidays with Equus Journeys
If your dream is to saddle up and work cattle under the wide Western sky, a working ranch is where you'll want to be. Here, guests take part in real ranch activities: cattle roundups, horse drives, branding, fencing, and more. You're not just a visitor—you’re part of the team.
Daily life and Itinerary:
Be ready for early mornings and changing plans—this is the real deal. Activities follow the rhythm of the ranch’s needs, so your ride might be a relaxed 4-hour loop one day to check fences, and an 8-hour cattle drive the next. If you choose to go during branding season, you will be on your feet a lot - whereas September/October is a good time to go if you want to ride a lot.
The Dryhead ranch, in the Pryor Mountains (Montana) offers an authentic immersion, where you'll ride alongside real cowboys and contribute to daily operations. They have a large cattle operation, but also offer dedicated horse weeks and horse drives, which are really exciting!
If you're new to ranch holidays but still want something genuine, Kara Creek Ranch in Wyoming is a great choice. Their motto, “Come as a guest, leave as a friend,” reflects the warm, welcoming vibe. With cozy cabins and hearty meals and an on-site saloon, it offers an approachable introduction to working ranch life
Riding experience and participation:
Working ranch holidays are best suited for confident riders comfortable at all paces. While some ranches can accommodate beginners, experienced riders will get the most from the hands-on activities like cattle and horse drives. These may involve moving herds between seasonal pastures or to market—a task that requires focus, agility, and a well-balanced seat. At Dryhead Ranch, straddling the Montana–Wyoming border, guests can take part in seasonal cattle and horse drives, as well as working ranch weeks. You’ll help with branding, vaccinating, and managing livestock, with roles tailored to your comfort level and riding ability. You’ll usually tack up your own horse (don’t worry, help is always on hand), and wranglers will match you with the right horse for the day’s work.
The Silver Spur horse drives are also a lot of fun for riders looking for a fast-paced type of experience. This unique adventure invites experienced riders to help herd over 40 young horses across more than 100,000 acres of stunning Rocky Mountain terrain. Over a five-night journey covering approximately 70 miles, participants ride alongside seasoned wranglers, tackling daily rides of 15–20 miles through diverse landscapes.
Activities & Experience on a working ranch:
Cattle and horses are the lifeblood of the working ranch. Your daily activities will reflect that, offering a deeply immersive, hands-on experience. You’ll live the cowboy lifestyle, complete with real responsibilities and an unbeatable sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.
In a nutshell...
A working ranch holiday is better suited to riders willing to roll up their sleeves and experience life as a Cowboy. This is an authentic ranch experience, where traditions and the heritage of the west are very much kept alive.
Overall, ranch holidays are undoubtedly a great way to experience the outdoors from the back of a horse. It really does not matter which ranch holiday you choose, beautiful landscapes, hospitality and adventure are a given.
More information
For more information, please visit our ranch holidays on our website: Equus Journeys
You can also contact us directly at info@equus-journeys.com or give us a call on +44 (0)1905 388 977