Those with their finger on the pulse will know that cowboy culture is seeping into practically every corner of modern life. From fashion – where country-inspired style has been seen on the runways at Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Louis Vuitton – to film and TV, with the resurgence of American Westerns via the likes of Kevin Costner’s award-winning Yellowstone and, new this week, a spin-off named Dutton Ranch. 

Add to that Beyonce’s critically acclaimed 2024 album, Cowboy Carter, which won Best Country Album at the Grammys; Vogue covers of supermodels Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid captured on a ranch in Wyoming; and Spotify reporting a 20 per cent global increase in monthly country streams since 2024, and you needn’t look far to immerse yourself in the Wild West. A culture once beloved by our grandparents – who lived during a time when American Westerns dominated mid-20^th century cinema, delivering cowboy icons including John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Randolph Scott – the resurgence of cowboy culture is prevalent not just in modern music, film, fashion but also, of course, in travel. 

Recent data from Skyscanner saw ‘cowboy core’ crowned as one of the biggest travel trends for 2026, with 44 per cent of travellers interested in taking a Western vacation – in fact, demand is so high that Skyscanner has added a horse riding filter to its search engine. Elsewhere, global travel marketplace Tripaneer also reported a 94 per cent increase in searches for horse trail riding. It would seem that we are no longer just obsessed with watching cowboys in Yellowstone, or hearing country stars like Dolly Parton and Morgan Wallen sing about them. We now want to live like them. 

Luckily for you, America’s working ranches and hospitality industry have cottoned onto the trend, opening their doors to guests wanting the full cowboy experience. From dude ranches (meaning guest ranch, for those not versed in Western slang) to all-inclusive luxury resorts spanning America’s north and mid-west, here are the best properties for a country escape. 

The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah

Part of the Auberge Collection, the Lodge at Blue Sky is a modern mountain retreat located in Park City, bordered by Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range. Set on 4,000 private acres surrounded by dramatic soaring peaks, high alpine fields, and a spring-fed creek, the 46-room resort also features award-winning restaurant, Yuta, which has scooped gongs for its incredible wine list, as well as al fresco dining at Wild Kitchen and weekly hacienda nights. 

When you’re not dining or soaking up the panoramic views from the comfort of your bed, there are plenty of experiences to entertain. From stargazing and hiking, to axe throwing and helicopter tours, those who want to live like they’re in Yellowstone should visit the hotel’s impressive 30,000 square foot indoor equestrian centre to experience up-close animal encounters at the Saving Gracie horse rescue sanctuary, founded by Barb Phillips, owner of the Lodge at Blue Sky. Here, guests can learn the skills of Western horsemanship, participating in arena riding, guided groundwork, mindful grooming and breathwork sessions, as well as immersive experiences with rescued and retired horses. 

From £730 per night. 

Tumbling River Ranch, Colorado

Perched high in Pike National Forest, this luxury all-inclusive ‘dude ranch’ has been a travellers’ haven for 80 years, boasting year-round outdoor adventures in the heart of the American West. Following a recent multimillion-dollar renovation, the 23-acre property now features 21 luxury cabins surrounded by protected wilderness in the Colorado Rockies, just an hour from Denver but a world away in every other sense. 

Guests of this Preferred Hotels property can enjoy family-style dining by an open fireplace in the Lodge, with panoramic views of the iconic Twin Cone Peaks, as well as nature-led ranch-style wellness experiences including cedar hot tubs and a creekside sauna. Operating a loose ‘no technology’ policy, there are few better ways to get back to nature than with a range of guided hikes, river rafting, fly fishing and rock climbing. Those who are equestrian minded can get in the saddle to explore the diverse terrains on Tumbling River’s doorstep, from blooming meadows to craggy mountain paths, thanks to the ranch’s roster of friendly, well-trained horses. Committed to the traditions of the land, this property offers an authentic American West experience – cowboy hat included. 

From £630 per night. 

One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana

One&Only Moonlight Basin opened in Montana in 2025, marking not only the brand’s debut in the US, but also its first foray into alpine living, moving away from its traditional tropical and urban footprint. And what a place to start. Set within 240 acres of untamed wilderness in Big Sky, just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, the ultra-luxury hotel boasts the rainbow colours of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the eruptions of the Old Faithful geyser, and wildlife encounters with newborn elk and bison on its doorstep. 

Hidden among the trees, One&Only Moonlight Basin was designed by world-renowned architect Tom Kundig as a low-rise development, with the Main Lodge, East Lodge and West Lodge housing 73 guest rooms, interconnecting family rooms, and spacious king suites with separate screen-free living areas. Seasonal spa highlights include cryotherapy-inspired detox rituals and longevity-focused facials by Augustinus Bader, and, of the six restaurants here, we’d book Wildwood: the resort’s ranch-to-table outpost, where executive chef Matt Dahlkemper showcases locally sourced game, freshwater fish, and produce sourced within a 150-mile radius.

With 15 miles of private trails and light-dappled mountain lakes to hike, bike and explore, the resort aims to showcase Montana in its purest form. Don’t miss the on-site Lee’s Pools, where native trout roam and stand-up paddle board rentals await; fly-fishing at the world-class Blue Ribbon rivers; an 8,000 yard, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course; and guided horseback rides led by expert wranglers to reveal sweeping mountain views. Younger explorers will stay engaged at Kids Only, where scavenger hunts, nature‑inspired crafts, and hands-on outdoor activities immerse them in the magic of the wilderness. 

From £800 per night. 

Triple Creek Ranch, Montana

Nestled at the foot of the Bitterroot Mountain Range in the Montana Rockies, this Relais & Châteaux hotel has been setting the standard for luxury Western hospitality since 1986. Offering a stellar gastronomic experience – complete with one of the best wine lists in the area and fine dining menus by executive chef Jacob Leatherman – and a collection of luxury log cabins, Triple Creek was awarded two Michelin keys last year, highlighting the prowess of this historic ranch. 

The mountain wellness menu, featuring massages and facials, is complemented by a fitness centre, dry sauna, outdoor pool, hot tub and daily guided yoga and meditation classes. Those looking for something more adrenaline-filled, however, can join horseback riding, working cattle drives and a fascinating trail ride following in the footsteps of Western pioneers Lewis and Clark. Tracing one section of the historic 1803-1806 expedition of the Corps of Discovery, guests will meet their guide at Idaho’s North Fork before joining the crossing, culminating in a lunch at the Continental Divide that will reward you with panoramic views of the storybook landscape below. 

From $1,700 (approx. £1,270) per night.

The Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection, Wyoming

Nestled amid 30,000 acres of unspoiled Wyoming wilderness, The Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection is an all-inclusive luxury retreat where rustic refinement meets the spirit of the American West, offering log cabin accommodation, sustainable farm-to-table cuisine, and a sweeping range of adventures from horseback riding to snowcat skiing. Located just 17 miles from the historic town of Saratoga, the ranch is centred around an original 19^th century property which houses 19 keys, alongside further rooms at the adults-only Magee Homestead – complete with a private swimming pool, spa, and grotto – and the remote French Creek, which fringes the river and offers another five rooms. The choice is yours. 

Outside of your yurt, cabin or suite, three farm-to-table kitchens aim to satiate every appetite, while cocktails are served at the Saloon Bar, where you can play billiards and tunes on the jukebox. Holidaying at this ranch means all-inclusive access to a host of activities, with the likes of cattle driving, barrel racing, and horse riding part of daily itineraries, and for those not comfortable in the saddle, float fishing and rock climbing. One thing is certain: you won’t be bored. 

From £2,400 per night. 

Wildcatter Ranch, Texas

Spanning 1,500 acres overlooking the Brazos River in North Texas Hill Country, Wildcatter Ranch delivers an authentic cowboy experience steeped in traditional Western hospitality. The property comprises 35 rooms, with some featuring working fireplaces and private patios, as well as a steakhouse restaurant and Sage Room spa offering a concise menu of facials exclusively using the ranch’s own skincare line. 

The cowboy lifestyle is no gimmick here: guests are encouraged to ride with full-time professional wranglers and enjoy scenic trails, cattle drives, and lasso lessons. There are also daily feeds with the ranch’s Texan Longhorns, while guests can also master clay shooting, tomahawks, or archery. Pro tip: you’ll need a car to explore nearby gems, whether that’s a day trip to Dallas-Fort Worth for a dose of city life, or fishing the Brazos and visiting Possum Kingdom Lake. Yeehaw.  

From £200 per night. 

Bentwood Inn, Wyoming

Just outside Jackson Hole, Bentwood Inn welcomes guests to a hotel as scenic as its surroundings. Its eco-friendly credentials won it a place on the Beyond Green list – a global portfolio of sustainably-driven luxury hotels, resorts, and lodges – having been uniquely crafted with logs salvaged from the historic Yellowstone National Park fire of 1988. Inside, rustic rooms blend modern comforts with artisan décor and Western antiques, the Bentwood Bistro serves four-course seasonal dinners, and the Great Room offers a convivial spot for breakfast. 

At the concierge desk, an array of outdoor adventures – from hiking and skiing to dog sledding and horseback riding – can be arranged at the click of a finger. Elsewhere,  complimentary bikes extend the invitation to explore the hotel’s grounds, the library spotlights the heritage of the Wind River Indian Reservation, and regular excursions to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks showcase the natural wonders on its doorstep. 

From £395 per night. 

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Arizona

Arizona Cowboy College

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

The desert city of Scottsdale in Arizona, often referred to as the ‘West's Most Western Town’, is home to two huge draws for those looking for a dose of country living: the renowned Arizona Cowboy College and JW Marriott’s Camelback Inn Resort. The former is a one-of-a-kind institution that transports visitors into the heart of cowboy culture, teaching the skills and traditions that have defined the American West for generations. More than just a tourist attraction, this working ranch provides hands-on training in horsemanship, cattle herding, and ranching techniques and visitors can participate in various courses, from short introductory sessions to intensive multi-day programmes for those seeking an authentic cowboy lifestyle. 

After a day in the saddle, return to Camelback Inn, set against the stunning Sonoran Desert dotted with boulders and cacti. This luxurious resort features Western-inspired décor within its communal and pueblo-style accommodations, expansive outdoor spaces, heated pools and world-class amenities, ranging from an 18-hole championship golf course to spa rituals centred around the desert’s natural apothecary. With its deep ties to Scottsdale's cowboy culture, the concierge desk will happily assist in organising excursions to the Arizona Cowboy College, as well as experiences including helicopter and jeep tours and trips to nearby Sedona and Grand Canyons, Phoenix Zoo, and, of course, Camelback Mountain. 

From £195 per night. 

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