Teenagers today are always connected – whether in-person with their friends or remotely with one of their many devices. Getting away as a family has never been so important, especially if you can find a place where everyone can “unplug.”
Dude ranches are the perfect spot for families to get away from day-to-day life, enjoy nature, and reconnect with one another. We’ve found some of the best dude ranches for families with teenagers, so put the devices down and get packing.
Vista Verde Ranch, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Vista Verde is a dude ranch disguised as an all-inclusive resort — or is it an all-inclusive disguised as a dude ranch? Either way, your teen and your entire family can get the best of both worlds here. The activities are what you’d expect from a dude ranch, with half- and full-day rides, river rafting, archery, and cattle work. Your teen will be taught by teen wranglers employed by the ranch and have opportunities to spend nights under the stars. When they need a break from roughing it, they can join you back in your cabin, where rustic exteriors give way to luxury when you cross the threshold.
The Home Ranch, Clark, Colorado
Modern ranches like The Home Ranch in Clark, Colorado, have managed to combine upscale amenities with everything you love about staying on a ranch. Your entire family can spend days riding, fly fishing, swimming, hiking, and learning the ropes — literally — before settling into a cozy bed in your posh cabin. If your teen is up for it, send them out camping under the stars. They and the smaller kids can be occupied all day and into the evening by ranch staff, and they won’t even realize they left their phones behind.
C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado
C Lazy U Ranch has been operating as a guest ranch since 1919, so the proprietors know a thing or two about how to make your dude ranch trip unforgettable. The staff balances family time together with independent activities for all age groups. Your teen will gain confidence through learning how to rope, ride, and raft. There are off-site excursions including a mountain exploration on horseback and a local rodeo. You can all meet up after the long, fun day with a family cookout.
Sweet Grass Ranch, Big Timber, Montana
Sweet Grass Ranch started out as a camp strictly for kids and teens, playing host for the whole summer in Big Sky Country. Now, the entire family is welcome to come and experience the unforgettable vistas and memory-making adventures. Because this ranch was initially started for youth, there is no separate youth program — kids and teens are welcome to take part in all aspects of ranch life. That means the riding, horsemanship classes, pack trips, and learning to swim with horses.
Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge
Located on the banks of Flathead Lake and just miles from Glacier National Park, Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge is a family owned ranch with activities for everyone. For teens, there are daily teen-only rides, giving your older kid and opportunity to be independent and socialize with their peers out on the trails. There are water sports like stand-up paddleboards, water skiing, and wakeboarding. Mountain laser tag is a new feature at the ranch, where your teen or your entire family can don camouflage and navigate the wild ranch lands with a laser gun in hand. The entire family can also learn to fly fish and go sailing on the expansive and beautiful lake.
Rainbow Trout Ranch, Antonito, Colorado
Located in Southern Colorado, just a few hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Rainbow Trout Ranch of Antonito Colorado is what you picture when you think of the Old or even the Wild West. The family-owned ranch capitalizes on this, with “wild west adventures” and historic excursions. The teenager in your life will meet up with their teen counselor and peers on Sunday night to plan their week. They have options like riding, hiking, mountain frisbee golf, campouts, and more at their disposal. The ranch is said to combine southern hospitality with the adventure of the old west, and families will no-doubt find their experience here unforgettable.
Colorado Trails Ranch, Durango, Colorado
The Colorado Trails Ranch is located in old silver mining country, just a few miles away from the historic town of Durango. It is nestled up to the San Juan National Forest and features 450 acres of ranch land. The ranch recognizes that teens can be tough customers, and have worked for years to develop a program that will make your older child forget all about social media and their gadgets. They’ll learn to ride, white water raft, power tube, fish, and relax on hayrides or around a campfire. They may come skeptical, according to the ranch, but when it’s time to go, they won’t want to leave.
Written by Anna Schaefer