Embrace Your Inner Cowgirl at These 7 Ranches

As I perused the hat bar looking for the perfect “cowgirl” hat for the Wildwonder retreat at Alisal Ranch, the variety of shapes and shades made it difficult to choose. With the other women’s input, I found the perfect fit; then it was off to the decorating station strewn with colorful ribbons, wooden beads, dried flowers, and exotic feathers. Luckily, hatmaker Jaime Haskell of Lovely Bird was there to guide me on the creative process.

Across the U.S., ranches and resorts are embracing the “cowgirl-cation,” offering women’s retreats with traditional ranch activities like horseback riding, line dancing, and campfire cookouts. But they are also expanding to include skill-building, wellness, creativity, and connection.

“Women are looking for retreats that allow them to connect with other women, try new things, expand their minds, make time for self-reflection, and learn new skills — from female makers,” says hospitality marketing expert Trisha Cole. “These factors create a transformational experience — something participants might not have even thought about in advance.”

Here are a few places where women can swap spa robes for saddles and immerse themselves in nature while trying something new.

Alisal Ranch, California

 Located in Santa Ynez Valley — central California coast wine country — Alisal Ranch is a luxury ranch that offers experiences such as a rodeo, horseback riding, air rifle shooting, hay wagon rides, and barnyard crafts. Their annual Wildwonder women’s retreat also includes workshops from women who are experts in their fields. Topics can include baking, cocktail making, manifesting, wine pairing, yoga, scent making, and campfire cooking. There’s plenty of free time for retreat guests to take advantage of daily complimentary guided activities on the expansive, picturesque 10,500-acre property. Hike to the lake, get a sumptuous spa treatment, try axe throwing, visit the barnyard animals, play tennis, shoot a bow-and-arrow, relax in the library, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy complimentary soft-serve ice cream — whatever suits your mood. Don’t forget to pack your Western-chic cowgirl clothes for some lively line dancing.

Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana

 Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana offers an all-inclusive, luxury ranch experience in the pristine wilderness of the Northern Rockies. Guest can have a “real Montana” getaway with ranch-style barbecue dinners, a summer rodeo, boot-kickin’ live country music, historic cabins with modern amenities, and horseback riding. The ranch’s Cowgirl Up retreat brings ladies together for six immersive days of outdoor adventures, including excursions to nearby Yellowstone National Park and mountaintop sunset views on horseback. A curated schedule also includes wellness activities like yoga and a sound bath. You’ll feel like a VIP with perks such as daily coffee delivery and access to a private supper club and speakeasy.

Hunewill Ranch, California

Enjoy a High Sierra Cowgirl Vacation at Hunewill Ranch in Bridgeport Valley, located in the central eastern California foothills. At this real working cattle ranch, you’ll have the chance to hone your horseback riding and roping skills while moving cattle and enjoying scenic rides through the valley and along the mountain trails. Bed down in a charming cabin, dig in to meals prepared on the open fire (including s’mores for dessert), join in on a sing-along, or flaunt a unique skill in the talent show.

Diamond 4 Ranch, Wyoming

Women attending the FutureWomenX: The Art of Wilding ranch-based experience in Lander, Wyoming will be in for a transformational getaway. Ten women will bond during the five-day backcountry expedition while slowing down to embrace nature and reconnect with themselves. Time will be spent doing yoga, hiking, horseback riding, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in meaningful discussions. Coaches will guide you on your journey of self-exploration, focusing on leadership and problem-solving skills, and improved confidence and clarity. You’ll leave feeling renewed with a clear focus on future goals.

C Lazy U Ranch, Colorado

Head to Colorado for an all-inclusive luxury ranch getaway at the C Lazy Ranch in Granby, Colorado, about 93 miles from Denver. This historic dude ranch in the Rocky Mountains has been welcoming guests looking for an elevated Western experience since 1919. They offer a four-night Ladies and Lassos Cowgirl Getaway with lots of time in the saddle from their herd of 200 horses. The retreat features happy hours, a Western buffet lunch, nightly live music and dancing, wine tasting, cowgirl cookouts, and horse skills clinics that cover cattle pushing, round pen, and arena riding.

Skyline Guest Ranch, Montana

Established in 1942, the Skyline Guest Ranch in Cooke City, Montana is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park and provides guests with homecooked meals, luxury ranch accommodations, and a variety of horseback riding expeditions — ranging from hours to days — through the Beartooth Mountains. Join a four-day Women’s Retreat for an all-inclusive stay that will let your inner (or outer) cowgirl shine. Days will be filled with fly-fishing, trail excursions on horseback or by foot, yoga, kayaking, meditation, and massage. Bunk in the main lodge, a cozy cabin, or a chic glamping tent. All levels of riders welcome, but must be able to get on and off a horse without using a mounting block.

Red Horse Mountain Ranch, Idaho

The Red Horse Mountain Ranch proves that dude ranches aren’t just for men. They offer all-inclusive Women-Only Weeks throughout the year for gals wanting to embrace the Old West. Located about 30 miles from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in the awe-inspiring Pacific Northwest, the lakes and mountains are the perfect backdrop for activities like riding horses, hiking, fishing, biking, climbing, archery, zip lining, or geocaching.

With my customized hat, new cowgirl duds and improved riding techniques, I’m ready to embark on my next “cowgirl-cation” to join like-minded women for meditative time in nature, meaningful campfire chats, and memorable equine moments.