East Yellowstone Dude Ranch Vacations
Out here in the East Yellowstone Valley, life slows down, and the real West comes alive.
Step into a world of wide-open spaces, rugged mountains, and timeless traditions at the East Yellowstone Valley’s historic guest ranches and dude ranches.
Nestled along the scenic road to Yellowstone’s East Gate, these ranches — Shoshone Guest Ranch, UXU Ranch, and Blackwater Creek Ranch — offer more than just a stay; they provide an all-inclusive, immersive journey into the heart of the authentic American West.
Explore the area dubbed “the most scenic 50 miles in the U.S.” by Teddy Roosevelt during three or six-night stays at Blackwater Creek Ranch. Enjoy breathtaking views of Yellowstone Country and the Shoshone National Forest!
View Property DetailsRelax in your comfy cabin for an all-inclusive Western vacation. Enjoy Western dining, horseback rides, pack trips & hunting trips all in the beautiful Shoshone National Forest.
View Property DetailsUXU Ranch offers the ultimate western hospitality experience only 17 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy horseback riding, guided fly fishing, and more!
View Property DetailsWelcome to Yellowstone Guest Ranch Life
These ranches have stood the test of time, some for more than a century, and every corner holds a story. Think rustic cabins that offer the charm of a forgotten time with the comforts you expect today. These all-inclusive guest ranches handle all the details, so all you have to do is settle in and let the adventure begin.
Here’s What’s Waiting for You
- Ride Like You Belong Here - Whether it’s your first time in the saddle or you’re a seasoned horseback rider, the trails are calling. With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll ride through quiet forests, trot across open meadows, and take in jaw-dropping views from scenic overlooks. Along the way, you’ll see crystal-clear creeks and soak in the natural beauty of the West. Every ride is its own unique adventure—peaceful, wild, and unforgettable.
- Unforgettable Trout Fishing - The nearby North Fork of the Shoshone River is an angler’s dream, filled with trout and framed by the peaceful rhythm of nature. Let the background noise of your day fade away as you cast you line into the river.
- Enjoy a Long or Short Hike - Hiking trails around the ranches allow your boots to lead your exploration of the Shoshone National Forest. Wildlife is abundant—elk, deer, moose, and even bears are known to make an appearance. It’s the kind of experience that brings out the explorer in everyone.
- Relax Under the Stars - After the day’s adventures, there’s nothing like gathering around a crackling campfire. Swap stories, make s’mores, and gaze up at a sky full of stars—the kind of sky you won’t find in the city. It’s simple, it’s timeless, and it’s unforgettable.
A Stone’s Throw from Yellowstone
These ranches sit just a short drive from Yellowstone’s East Gate, your entrance to geysers, waterfalls, and one of the most spectacular collections of wildlife in the world. While some entrances may seem crowded, the East Yellowstone Valley offers a quieter experience. Here, you’ll have the best of both worlds: easy access to Yellowstone and the peace of your own private retreat at the ranch.
Next Level Hospitality
What makes these ranches truly special isn’t just the location—it’s the people. The friendly staff will instantly put you at ease as they share the traditions and stories that define the heart of the West. Whether it’s the wranglers leading you along the trail or the cooks serving up hearty, home-cooked meals, the staff makes sure you enjoy all the genuine comforts of Western life.
Start Planning Your Western Experience
If you’re ready to experience Yellowstone the way it was meant to be—peaceful, authentic, and full of adventure—it’s time to book your stay at one of these historic ranches. Explore their websites to learn more and start planning your journey:
Don’t Just Visit the Yellowstone Area — Live It
From horseback rides to campfire nights, these ranches are your chance to experience the West in its purest form. Book your week-long escape today and discover a Yellowstone adventure like no other.
Visit the Ranch Websites Now to start planning your stay and let the East Yellowstone Valley welcome you home.
What is a dude ranch?
Dudes ranches, or guest ranches as they are sometimes known, trace their roots back to the rise of cattle ranching in the American west during the late 19th century. Western cattle ranchers used the term “dude” to refer to wealthy, East coast city dwellers. The first dude ranch was started by Howard Eaton and his brothers in the Dakota Badlands. The brothers, having moved from Pennsylvania, wrote to their friends back East of the wild cowboy adventures to be had out West. As word spread, Easterners began traveling to dude ranches in greater numbers to experience the frontier lifestyle for themselves.
Today, dude ranch vacations still provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the Wild West. Guests at our dude ranches have the chance to explore the Absaroka Mountains, visit Yellowstone National Park and Cody, Wyoming, and relax around the campfire at our beautifully-maintained properties.
