After spending five days incredible days road-tripping through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (link to blog post), our multigenerational family (tween boys, us – parents, and grandparents in their mid 70’s) ventured out the east entrance of Yellowstone to explore more of the “Wild West.” Our destination: Blackwater Creek Ranch, nestled in the heart of the Shoshone National Forest.
This historic dude ranch dates back to the early 1900s and invites guests to experience the rugged beauty of Cody, Wyoming. Combining history, stunning natural landscapes, and authentic Western hospitality, Blackwater Creek Ranch offers an unforgettable escape, whether you’re seeking adventure or hoping to unplug and disconnect. It’s perfect for adventurers of all ages, with programming suitable for kids to seniors. During our stay, guests included other families, a group of horse-owning friends on a girls trip, retirees, and a young couple from England. What everyone shared in common was a love for horses, and a love for the outdoors!
We spent three nights at this hidden gem, participating in two incredibly beautiful trail rides, archery, shooting, and white-water rafting. This summer, as a pop-up ranch for the True Ranch Collection, they offered both 3 night and 6 night stays. For those who opt for the week-long stay, there is an option for a day trip to Yellowstone, as well as into the town of Cody to experience the Cody Rodeo. Since we were only there for the half-week stay, we explored Yellowstone on our own prior to arriving, and continued on to Cody for one night, before heading home out of Bozeman.
Our family first experienced a guest ranch (aka dude ranch) in Winter 2021 at Vista Verde Ranch in Hayden, Colorado (link to blog post) . We loved it so much, that we returned to VVR over the holiday season in 2023. Having only experienced ranch activities during the winter, we were excited to visit Blackwater Creek Ranch during the summer. If you’ve never been to a guest ranch, some offer activities and meals a la carte, but many are all-inclusive. Blackwater Creek Ranch is an all-inclusive experience! As the trip planner and organizer of the family, it’s really nice to be able to show up somewhere and just relax – without any worries about what the family’s going to eat or what activities will keep us entertained.
Here’s a day-by-day recap of our stay at Blackwater Creek Ranch:
Day 1: Arrival and Campfire
We were allowed to check in as early as 2 pm, but we arrived around 3:30pm. After filling out some liability forms, we were given a tour of the property and shown to our cabin. As a party of six, we stayed in the Ranch House, which includes two bedrooms (configured as either two twins or one king) and a queen sofa bed in the living room. While our cabin had a kitchen, we had no need to cook anything while there since all the meals were included and it should be noted that most cabins do not permit food due to the wildlife (including bears) in the area. The accommodations were rustic, but very comfortable and styled with Pendleton textiles.
After unpacking, we headed to the main lodge for happy hour and dinner. The food was served buffet style, and eaten at communal tables which fostered conversation and connection.
After dinner, we walked outside to enjoy the campfire with staff and other guests, and made s’mores.
We also checked out the game room/ cabin – where there was a pool table and foosball for all to use.
Day 2: Trail Riding and Archery
We began our first full day at the ranch with a delicious breakfast, featuring some of the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had!
Trail Riding: After fueling up, we embarked on a beautiful trail ride. The ride took us through picturesque river crossings and up and down the scenic trails of the Shoshone National Forest, offering breathtaking views and a true sense of adventure. My parents (in their mid 70’s) were initially hesitant to join us on the ride, but afterwards my mom exclaimed that it was the most “incredible and stunning scenery and horseback riding experience” she had ever had, and that she was so glad she gave it a try!
Archery: In the afternoon, we tried our hands at archery, which was a fun and challenging activity for the whole family. Note: Archery has an age minimum of 5 years old.
After this full day of activity, we enjoyed happy hour, then dinner and dessert! It was a rainy this evening, so we stayed cozy in our cabin and read / relaxed.
Day 3: White Water Rafting and Target Shooting
Rafting: The weather in this area can be temperamental, ranging from sun to rain to sleet/snow in the summer. The forecast showed temperatures in the low 40s for the morning we planned to go white-water rafting in Cody with Wyoming River Trips. Despite our hesitation, we decided to go for it anyway and are so glad we did!
Once we got to town, the sun came out, and it felt warmer. Dressed in fleeces, long pants, waterproof jackets and pants, we were well-prepared for rafting in this weather. We embarked on the “Full Canyon Rafting Adventure”, which covers approximately 12 river miles and lasts about 1.5 to 3 hours on the water, depending on the rate of flow. The whitewater classification for this section of the river is Class I-II (III*), making it a great all-around experience suitable for a wide range of fitness, ability, age, and experience levels. The rafting was both calm and exhilarating, providing a perfect mix of excitement and scenic beauty. Note: According to the Wyoming River trips website, “Requirements include a minimum weight of 50 lbs and a maximum chest size of 56 inches, with considerations for medical devices and potential aggravation of injuries. ” The cost for the full canyon trip is : Adult Ages 14+ $80; Child Ages 4-13 $77, but this activity and the transportation to and from was included as part of our dude ranch stay.
Target Shooting: After lunch, we tried our hand at clay pigeon and target shooting with guided safety instruction for the ranch staff. Minimum ages for this activity is : .22 Shooting — 8 years old, Shotgun Shooting — 16 years old,
We ended the day, and our last evening at the ranch, around the campfire. Our boys made friends with other kids at the ranch, and they shared stories and exchanged contact info with the plan to keep in touch.
Day 4: Trail Riding and Check-Out
On our final day, we enjoyed one more trail ride in the morning before checking out at 11am. It was a perfect end to our stay at Blackwater Creek Ranch. Everyone in our family – from ages 9 to 75 – loved all the activities and enjoyed our overall experience at the ranch, and felt the perfect compliment and follow-up to our preceding National Parks adventure!
*True Ranch Collection took over management of Blackwater Creek Ranch for the 2024 summer season and brought its Yellowstone Pop-Up Ranch to this location from May 26 to September 28. Rumor is that this will likely continue to be one of their many ranch locations in the future. I hope so, because everything about it was amazing!
General Tips for Visiting a Dude Ranch
- Pack for different conditions and activities: Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions, and bring comfortable, durable clothing for outdoor activities. A hat with a drawstring cord is essential for horseback riding to keep it secure.
- Footwear Matters: Bring sturdy boots / closed toe shoes for horseback riding and hiking shoes for other activities around the ranch.
- Stay Hydrated: Outdoor activities can be demanding, so don’t forget to hydrate! Many ranches are at higher elevations, which can also increase your need for hydration. We find adding Liquid IV to our water helps with adjusting to altitude.
- Sun Protection: The sun can be intense, especially at higher altitudes. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from UV rays.
- Prepare for Activities: Check the ranch’s schedule and be ready to signup for activities when you arrive.
- Embrace the Experience: Be open to trying new activities, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s horseback riding, archery, or fishing, dude ranches offer a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors. Although my 75 year old parents were initially hesitant about the trail riding and white water rafting, they ended up having a great time on both! The staff are there to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe.
- Kids Club: Some Ranches have a dedicated kids’ program. Although Blackwater Creek Ranch did not, we enjoyed doing the activities together as a family and our kids had a chance to make friends and play with them between and after activities each day.
- Disconnect to Reconnect: Many dude ranches have limited cell service and Wi-Fi. Use this as an opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and quality time with loved ones. Blackwater Creek Ranch had no cellular service, and some wifi.
- Engage with the Staff: The staff at dude ranches are often knowledgeable and passionate about the area. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek recommendations, or learn more about the ranch’s history and activities.
- Respect the Wildlife: Dude ranches are often home to a variety of wildlife. Keep a safe distance, follow the ranch’s guidelines, and never feed the animals.
- Capture Memories: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes and special moments. Considering having your phone on a lanyard if you’re taking pictures on a trail ride so that you do not accidentally drop it (this happened to me – lessons learned here)
- Plan Ahead: Make reservations early, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak season. Research each ranch’s offerings to ensure it aligns with your interests and expectations.
- Health Precautions: Inform the ranch of any medical conditions or dietary restrictions ahead of time so they can accommodate your needs and ensure a safe experience.
Next Up : Exploring Cody on Our Own
Lunch: After leaving the ranch, we drove east for about 30 minutes to the town of Cody for some self-exploration. We had lunch at Legacy Butcher and Burger Company (1001 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414), where the burgers are all antibiotic- and hormone-free and absolutely delicious! We tried the bison burger, an elk burger, and Angus beef burger. The sides were fantastic too. My children were thrilled they had a boba food truck parked there, and ordered a couple. I was skeptical because we have some of the best boba available in Southern California, but it was quite tasty!
Museum: After lunch, we went to The Buffalo Bill Center of the West (720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414) – a must-visit destination that offers a deep dive into the rich history and culture of the American West. Check their website for hours and pricing. This expansive complex houses five museums: the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, the Whitney Western Art Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, and the Draper Natural History Museum. Each museum offers unique exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. Our kids really enjoyed the Draper Natural History Museum and its interactive exhibits on the animals that can be found throughout the Yellowstone region. They particularly enjoyed the engaging scavenger hunt for kids, making the visit both educational and fun.
Photoshoot: We wanted a multigenerational photoshoot while in Wyoming, so we met up with photographer, Megan Jolley, who I had found after searching for area photographers on instagram. We did an hour-long shoot, and loved how the photos came out! We definitely recommend booking her for a shoot if you’re in the area!
Cody Rodeo: We closed out the day with a night out at the Cody Rodeo. The Cody Rodeo holds the title of Rodeo Capital of the World, since its one of the longest-running and most successful professional rodeos, and the only place in the country that hosts a nightly rodeo performance. If you’ve never been to a rodeo, it is a must do activity when visiting Wyoming! Another popular Rodeo option is the one in Jackson Hole.
STAY: Cody Cowboy Village , 203 W Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY 82414 Phone: (307) 587-7555 , We spent the night here, convenient to restaurants, the museum and the rodeo. Our room was comfortable and reasonably priced, with wifi.
Day 5: Cody to Bozeman, MT, Heading Home!
Chico Hot Springs: Our drive back to Bozeman from Cody would take at least three and a half hours, but since our flight wasn’t until 4 pm, I squeezed in one more adventure for the family! We visited the historical Chico Hot Springs Resort, located at 163 Chico Road, Pray, Montana 59065. Established in 1900, the Chico Hot Springs Resort in Montana is a historic getaway, nestled in Paradise Valley, known for its natural hot springs and charming accommodations. The resort features a pool-side restaurant serving classics like burgers and fries, and guests enjoy complimentary access to the hot springs during their stay, with hours from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Day guests can also enjoy the hot springs for a fee: $14.00 for adults and children ages 7+, $8.00 for children ages 3-6, and seniors 65+, with hours from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Towel rentals are available for $1.00. Visiting the springs meant an extra 45 minute (round trip) off the main road to the airport, but loved spending an hour soaking here and having lunch before our flight home. It was a lovely way to close out our unforgettable nine-day family vacation in Wyoming!
I hope you found this information helpful for planning a trip to Wyoming. While this part of our vacation could be a stand alone trip on its own (especially if you opted to do the 6 night stay at the ranch which includes some of the activities we did on our own), we felt it was perfect to pair with the Yellowstone/Grand Teton visit.
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