What the heck is a Dude Ranch?
The Modern-Day Dude Ranch
Today’s dude ranch is much more than wrangling cows and ranch work. Sure, you can still get your hands dirty, but the experience has evolved into much more than that. Families, couples, and even corporate groups can find themselves immersed in the beauty of the old West in places like Jackson Hole. The wide-open spaces and striking mountain backdrops provide the perfect place for quiet, peaceful reflection. And when you’re ready for some adventure, you’ll have no lack of choices. While dude ranch vacations are still best known for their horseback riding programs, you’ll also find other outdoor adventure including fly fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, stargazing, and numerous other activities to engage all guests.
Welcome To Red Rock Ranch
Since 1974, the Mackenzie-Stimmel family has owned Red Rock Ranch and provided authentic Western experiences. Surrounded by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, we offer breathtaking views from horseback, hiking or the comfort of our lodge porch. We’re proud to host families year after year, watching them grow, and sharing the ranch experiences with new generations.
All Your Bases Are Covered
Because of our remote and beautiful Jackson Hole location, an all-inclusive vacation is necessary to ensure a convenient and stress-free experience. Lodging, meals, and activities held at the ranch are all covered with your stay to make budgeting your vacation easy.
Horsing Around
From stream crossings to exploring high country alpine meadows, horseback riding provides an exhilarating experience for riders of all abilities. Our location provides us with stunning views of the Grand Teton, Wind River, and Absaroka mountain ranges. Wildlife is abundant and trail rides are a great way to see antelope, coyote, elk, bald eagles, and other birds of prey. If you’re lucky you may even see a moose, bear, or bighorn sheep from a safe distance.
More Than Just Horses
While horseback riding is at the heart of a Red Rock Ranch vacation, there’s so much more. Explore the trails on bike or on foot through open wildflower meadows and along our private Crystal Creek. If you’re feeling competitive, the ranch offers volleyball, pickleball, horseshoes, and ping pong. If relaxing is in order, take a dip in the heated swimming pool, or enjoy a good book by the pool as you gaze at the beautiful red cliffs surrounding the ranch.
Kids Corral
Our kids’ program is the cornerstone of Red Rock Ranch and your little ones and tweens can participate as little or as much as they want. From trail rides to a donut eating contest to a kids’ only cookout, we pride ourselves on an engaging, safe, and educational program. They can learn barrel racing, vaulting, and overall horsemanship. While your little cowgirls and cowboys have the freedom to roam and explore the wide-open spaces in and around the ranch, they are completely supervised during program hours.
Ranch Night Life
Evenings at the ranch are the perfect time to shoot pool in our saloon, relax around the fire, tell stories, reminisce about your day’s adventures, and stargaze. Not every night is quiet, however! One of the ranch highlights is our weekly square dance where you can test your skills at this “Official Dance of the West” with friends and ranch staff. This is one of our great western traditions that we enjoy sharing with guests, so don’t forget to pack your boots!
Mountain Fare
Food always tastes better in the fresh mountain air! Whether it’s served up in the main ranch dining room or at an outdoor cookout, the Red Rock Ranch kitchen offers a fabulous mix of dude ranch cuisine with a gourmet flare. You’ll be treated to home-baked breads, desserts, fresh soups and salads, and creative dinner options. Throughout your dude ranch stay, we offer family-style dining, buffet and plated-dinner service, and are happy to work with any food or dietary restrictions.
What Our Guests Are Saying
“Our family of 5 just had the most incredible 3 night stay at Red Rock Ranch. The beautiful and serene ranch alone is worth a visit, but the hospitality and food made our stay one that we will remember forever. Kudos to Scott and staff and a sincere “thank you” for the incredible and safe riding program all of us experienced. I only wish we decided to spend a full week at the ranch. I highly recommend a visit to RRR for anyone hoping to experience something new and different.”
5 Stars – Marc Salafia, July 2022
“What a spectacular ranch to spend seven days with family. The staff was wonderful and became easily considered family by the end of the week. The kids program was perfect for our littles and tears where shed when it was time to leave. We rode horses everyday as much or as little as you wanted, even had a chance to work cattle. The accommodations were perfect with individual cabins for each family. The dining room meals were always delicious. Absolutely recommend for your next trip!”
5 Stars – Mindy Chapman, July 2022
“We came to Red Rock looking for a different type of family vacation. The whole experience was beyond what we could imagine. We all tried new things and had an amazing week as a family while also meeting new friends. It was fun, exciting and relaxing at the same time. My 8 year old even said it was a and better vacation than Disney! We can’t wait to go back.”
5 Stars – Lindsay Weinstein, August 2022
“Our stay at the Red Rock Ranch was the most memorable vacation my husband and I have ever had. It was a surreal experience to be part of this magical place with breath taking views all around us. It was truly a reset on life for us and helps to put everything into perspective. The wranglers were wonderful, so knowledgeable, kind and caring for the horse and the guests! The food was amazing and the chef and staff in the dining lodge were amazing. Carolyn Stimmel is amazing and so very dedicated to the Ranch and her family is wonderful. We so much enjoyed our time with her and meeting her sons and extended family. And a special thank you to Scott the GM he worked with us from the point we booked the trip, answered our many questions before during and after and really made sure our trip was a success. We already rebooked our cabin for next year and can’t wait to come back!!”
5 Stars – Michelle Obert, July 2022
“My family enjoyed our week at Red Rock Ranch. The accommodations and food were excellent. The horseback riding was extremely safe and fun for my entire family, including my 6 grandchildren. I would highly recommend this Dude Ranch to other families, even those with small children.”
5 Stars – John Mares, August 2022