Ever wanted to corral cattle on horseback, ride through untouched landscapes of the American West, and interact with cowboys and girls—but with a side of luxury? These ranch retreats in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming offer authentic experiences that create lasting memories, while ensuring you’ll be pampered—it is vacation, after all.
Dunton Hot Springs (@duntonhotsprings)
This restored 19th-century mining/ghost town Relais & Chateaux property in the Colorado Rockies has just 12 rustic-yet-stylish cabins and one safari-style tent. After a day of horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, or rafting, you’ll want to unwind in its renowned private hot springs, which can be enjoyed in the refurbished circa 1800s Bathhouse, outside at the source, in two pools, and in the Well House spa cabin.
The Resort at Paws Up (@theresortatpawsup)
If you can’t stomach roughing it but love being active outdoors, Montana’s Paws Up is for you. While there are definitely cattle grazing and horses to ride through the 37,000 acres, accommodations from posh homes to designer glamping tents along the Blackfoot River spare no expense—expect a butler to care for your campfire and every detail to be considered. And, June brings a new deluxe adults-only area called The Green O. This resort is also known for its calendar of culinary weekends hosting some of the country’s best chefs—Montana Master Grillers is legendary. And don’t miss Spa Town, which consists of private treatments tents in a lush meadow.
Brush Creek Ranch (@brushcreekranch)
Surrounded by mountains, this working Wyoming ranch has three properties: The Lodge & Spa for families, Relais & Chateaux member Magee Homestead for adults only, and the fish and game-focused French Creek Sportsmen’s Club. All guests can partake in activities like horseback riding, ATV rides, fly fishing, and clay shooting, and in winter a private ski mountain beckons, plus there’s snowmobiling and ice fishing. The Farm debuted in 2019, where produce is grown and cheese, beer, and spirits are made. They are showcased alongside the freshest meat you’ll ever eat at fine-dining restaurant the Cheyenne Club.
