Who hasn't, at some point, imagined themselves galloping across a prairie, Clint Eastwood-style, decked out in leather and a Stetson? Just us? The growing popularity of ranching holidays would suggest otherwise, as more and more people are opting to swap their usual summer holiday for a bit of Western wish fulfilment. You could say it's just for the children (what youngster wouldn’t want to channel their inner Sheriff Woody?), but really the adults have just as much, if not more, fun. If you’ve been swept up in the ‘cowboy core’ trend, read on as we trot you through the best cowboy holidays around the world, from the Wild West of the USA to the Australian Outback...
Montana, USA
It doesn’t get much more iconic than America's Wild West, and Big Sky in Montana is one of our favourite destinations for cowboy holidays. In the rocky terrains of the Wild West, you’ll typically find ranches that offer a host of activities alongside plenty of riding – and if you’re travelling as a family, then these charming retreats are perfect. According to our USA expert Dave, thorough planning is one of the most important things to consider when preparing for a ranching holiday, especially with children – so Montana’s lively mix of fabulous children’s programmes and varied ranch activities make it a great choice. Whether you want to go horse riding from dawn till dusk or would prefer to sneak in some fly fishing and helicopter tours, Montana boasts a smorgasbord of ranches, each offering a different (but equally excellent) cowboy experience.
Image by Alexander Bailey / Unsplash.com.
Texas, USA
Texas has a long and rich history with cowboys, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to some of the best cowboy holidays in the world. The state boasts a lively mix of working cattle ranches and ‘dude’ ranches – a ranch set up to host city slickers looking to learn about the cowboy lifestyle – so holidaymakers can choose whether to immerse themselves fully into the rustic Wild West or keep a few luxurious home comforts. If you’d prefer the latter, get ready to say ‘howdy, partner!’ to the cowboys at Wildcatter Ranch, a 1,500-acre expanse nestled deep in the heart of Texan Hill Country. Riding is the order of the day here, so saddle up and enjoy a guided tour with a local through more than 20 miles of stellar trails. The ranch also offers clay shooting, archery and axe throwing for the active types, alongside a jacuzzi and infinity pool for those who aren’t too keen on getting their hands dirty – there truly is something for everyone.
Image by Gerhard Lipolg / Pexels.com.
Cordoba, Argentina
Latin America has a rich history of working ranches and is home to the cowboy's southern cousin, the gaucho. This might not be the cowboy holiday of your Spaghetti Western-inspired imagination, but hear us out: Argentina’s estancias (ranches) offer you the chance to stay on real-life working cattle farms. Many of these traditional estancias have been owned by Argentine families for generations, meaning they are positively steeped in history and tradition. While on the ranch, you’ll be able to watch the gauchos at work, get involved with their day-to-day activities and enjoy sprawling rural landscapes dotted with cattle and horses – everyone will be in the cowboy spirit in no time.
Image by Mathieu Richer Mamousse.
East Kimberley, Australia
Half a world away, the Australian Outback, with its untamed nature, is as much cowboy country as the Americas. The region boasts millions of acres of wilderness and awe-inspiring landscapes, and many ranches are extremely remote, meaning each one is a natural haven for those in need of an escape. Due to their isolation and size, many ranches offer helicopter rides or other modes of transport to allow you to look over the entire estate and reach remote springs and fishing spots. At El Questro homestead, for example, you’ll be up bright and early to marvel at the fantastic views as you ride through winding rivers and sprawling valleys with a local guide before hopping into a helicopter to reach the breathtaking Zebedee thermal springs. Each ranch in Australia’s Outback has its own distinctive history, ways of life and atmosphere, so throw on your cowboy hat, soak in the nature and imagine how the first Australian cowboys tried to tame the Outback. Yeehaw!
Image by LuckyViks / Getty Images.
Written by Emma Begley | Header image by Michael Turek.
