Dude Ranching in the American West

My love of horses led me, in 1998, to seek out a ranch vacation in order to take a break after my divorce finalized. My aversion to trip planning was quickly replaced by relief when a timely article in Sunset Magazine caught my eye. They had published an article on dude ranches in the American West and this led me to Eaton’s Ranch in Wolf, Wyoming. If Sunset Magazine thinks Eaton’s is the best ranch in the country my experience with the magazine led me to believe them. An authentic ranch experience is what I wanted, and that is what you will get at Eaton’s.

Eaton’s Ranch is steeped in history. This location in Wolf, Wyoming has been the home of Eaton’s for over 100 years. It is the oldest dude ranch in the country with the fifth generation of the family still operating the ranch. Eaton’s has the distinction of having invented “dude ranching” in this country. Friends would come and visit the ranch and not wanting to leave, offered to pay for the privilege of extending their stay.

The accommodations at Eaton’s are cabins of all sizes and designs. All of the cabins are rustic, yet comfortable and all are quite different.  I chose a “premium” cabin for my first trip and have continued that tradition. Premium cabins are the larger cabins along the “Gold Coast Cabins” situated on Wolf Creek. You can choose from a one-bedroom cabin for a single person or couple to a multiple room cabin. For the last two years we have travelled with three children and have stayed in the “Jenkins cabin” - a large stone cabin with a 40 ft. long living room and covered porch situated on Wolf Creek. It gives us plenty of room for the kids.

One of the great things about Dude Ranches is that meals are usually included, and this is no exception at Eaton’s. Three meals a day are provided in the family dining room – eight guests to a table with no shortage of anyone to visit or plan a ride with. The food is great and there’s plenty of it. The kids will love the desserts at lunch and dinner with a selection of ice creams and home-made cookies daily. In the course of a week you could also choose from a breakfast or dinner ride- where meals are cooked over an open fire by the wranglers.

Horseback riding is the main event at Eaton’s. When you arrive you will be fitted for a saddle, fill out some paperwork and get matched to a horse depending on your riding level. If you or the kids need a riding lesson- request one- they are provided free of charge and are worth their weight in gold. Last year we travelled to Eaton’s with our two foster children – four and eight - and they both benefited from a couple of lessons in the corral. There is a horse or pony available for every level of rider with over 200 to choose from.

If you sign up for a morning ride, your horse is saddled while you are having breakfast and tied to the hitching post by the time you are ready to ride and off you go. Yes, off you go. Eaton’s is perhaps the only remaining ranch in the United States where you ride WITHOUT a guide. You are provided with a trail map and you are on your own on 7,000 acres of ranch or you can venture into the Big Horn National Forest and enjoy miles and miles of trail riding with every sort of terrain you can imagine. Uncomfortable riding on your own? That’s o.k. too as you can request a wrangler. They are provided free of charge but be prepared to tip them.

If you enjoy bird watching you will be fascinated by the barn owls and great horned owls. Wild turkeys and grouse are common and you will probably spot a king fisher on the creek. We have even spotted curlews in the fields above the ranch along with plenty of hawks.  There are deer and antelope roaming the ranch and if you are lucky and get out for a longer ride you will probably spot a herd elk or a moose.

If you have kids, then Eaton’s should definitely be on your radar for a ranch holiday. There are organized children’s rides, bingo, swimming, hiking and fishing. A large recreation room called Howard Hall is always open and is a meeting place for all the kids staying at the ranch. This is a good place for a game of softball, horseshoes or tag. Babysitters are also available if you want to spend the day relaxing or shopping in Sheridan.

Speaking of Sheridan;this small town was voted the # 1 historical town in the American West and is full of quaint shops and history. Downtown Sheridan is a twenty-minute car ride from the ranch and is definitely a must-see. Be sure to visit the Museum at Kings Saddlery and browse the antique mall for authentic western decor. Main Street is full of interesting shops, bars and restaurant. Have a drink at the Mint Bar; this is where the locals have been throwing one back since 1907. It boasts an impressive array of taxidermy, hand made log furniture, and interesting old west artifacts. Feel free to bring the kids in for a peek - it is a fascinating part of the history of Sheridan.

There is a feeling at Eaton’s that will take you back to an earlier time. This is surely a place to relax, unwind, and take a deep breath. The ranch quickly became my favorite getaway and I think you will feel that same way once you experience this part of our great American West. Eaton’swill stay with you long after you arrive home and you will be planning your next visit before you even leave.

How to get there: You have a couple choices.Book your flight directly into the Sheridan, Wyoming airport. This will usually take you through Denver, Colorado. From Seattle I have found it easiest to fly to Billings, Montana – rent a car – and then drive east on I-90 to Sheridan. This drive takes us about 2½ hours with a stop for lunch.

Blog kindly written by Liz Sanborn of Seattle, Washington

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