12 Of The Largest Ranches In The U.S. That You Can Actually Visit

Most seasoned travelers have trekked across Europe, sat on numerous white sand beaches, and explored the cities that crowd most bucket lists. But for a unique getaway that combines the old and new, as well as unbridled landscapes, there's nowhere better than a rustic ranch. At these throwback American West destinations, visitors can sometimes stay in historic cabins and ride horseback every day, while enjoying modern and upscale amenities like fine dining and turndown service. Or, if they can't stay overnight, they can still tour a working ranch and get a taste of the cowboy life.

Best of all, these ranches span countless acres, making for a trip that's far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Explore rounded up the largest ranches that accommodate visitors, ranging from one with a whopping 860,000 acres in the Lone Star State to a 100,000-acre ranch that's one of the oldest in the country. Here's where to go for a pastoral retreat that gets you right in the saddle.

At Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch in Yucca, Arizona, guests not only have access to a 400-acre property but can also explore the 300,000-acre land that lies adjacent to the site on horseback. This remote dude ranch is an hour's drive away from the nearest town, making it feel like a true blast from the Western past. 

"An unforgettable and unique experience as spending a few days in this ranch, disconnected, we lived the life of cowboy and cowgirl, within this beautiful family, we rode this beautiful Arizona desert, a wonderful childhood dream come true!" wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch has earned 4.9 stars from 560 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Just like the ranches of yesteryear, the staff here live on-site, allowing guests to enjoy a true ranch experience. Riders get to saddle, groom, feed their horses, and hit the trails twice per day. Everyone from newbie riders to experts can get in the saddle, and even try trotting and loping in desert washes. Plus, guests can watch roping and bullwhipping, as well as gunfights. All that action gets you ready to hit the hay in unique Western-themed accommodations like the Pioneer Wagon. This climate-controlled wagon can sleep five people while allowing access to the starry night above. Other accommodations include the Rodeo Room, the Outlaw Room, and the King Navajo Room.

Spanning 3,000 acres, White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, is one of the biggest privately owned ranches in the state. It wasn't always that way. The ranch was founded well over a century ago, and since then, its acreage and visitor appeal have only increased. It has since been featured in famed Western movies like "Winchester 73" and "The Gal Who Took the West."

White Stallion Ranch has earned 4.9 stars from over 1,000 reviews on Tripadvisor. One past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, "We are very lucky repeat guests of the world-famous White Stallion Guest Ranch. The best recommendation we can give to anyone considering booking an adventure vacation at this amazing 'dude ranch' is that we love it so much we return at least twice every year!"

One of the reasons people head to White Stallion Ranch repeatedly is its abundance of activities, including horseback riding. The ranch is home to one of the largest herds of horses in Arizona. It also offers unique horseback rides paired with meals. Riders trek to various spots and, after dismounting, are served everything from breakfast from a desert kitchen to burgers made over an open fire at lunchtime. Guests can get a taste here of how cowboys let loose, too. Cowboy singers, line dancing, gun-spinning shows, and a rodeo are all forms of entertainment showcased at the ranch.

With 7,000 acres in Wolf, Wyoming, Eatons' Ranch isn't just one of the largest ranches you can visit in America. It's also the best, according to USA Today readers. True to its long history, dating back to 1879, the ranch lacks Wi-Fi and television, helping guests focus on the dude ranch experience. Visitors can choose from 200 horses for the entirety of their stay. This creates a special connection between guests and horses since rides can be taken independently after the initial staff-led trek. Guests can hit the trails twice per day, either throughout the ranch's property or in Big Horn National Forest.

"The wranglers took amazingly good care of us, pairing us with excellent horses, getting our tack dialed in just right, and showing us the beauty of Wyoming on each and every ride," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "If you want a break from the high-tech world, Eaton's is absolutely the place to go." The ranch has earned 4.6 stars from approximately 70 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Guests can unwind from their rides in one of the property's 47 standalone log cabins or three suites, all adorned in a throwback Western theme. Touches include stone fireplaces, leather furniture, and geometric rugs. Or, they can head to the Apartment Bar, the on-site saloon, where local craft beer is on tap.

C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, offers a luxurious dude ranch experience on an 8,500-acre property. This ranch features high-end and recently renovated cabins, a spa, a sommelier, a 400-wine list, turndown service, and hot tubs. Guests will be able to rope in ranch must-haves, too. Twice-per-day horseback riding is the main activity. Each guest is paired with one of the ranch's 200 horses based on riding experience and personality. Even the youngest riders will have fun on the trails with pony rides and donkey cart rides. Other equestrian activities are also available, such as a weekly interactive rodeo competition and a working cattle ranch experience.

"Paradise found in the Colorado Rockies," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "It was so much fun with all the wonderful activities for everyone in the family. The horses were wonderful, the food was amazing, the service was amazing! This is a must do for something out of the ordinary." The ranch has earned 4.8 stars from about 400 reviews on Tripadvisor. Additionally, it's one of the most highly rated all-inclusive resorts in America.

An endless list of other fun activities is also available here. Besides riding, guests can also hike, mountain bike, throw hatchets, zip line, ice skate, cross-country ski, bird watch, and more. At the end of the day, they can relax in one of the property's 38 cabins and accommodations in a plush robe next to a stone fireplace.

It's hard to guess that Alisal Ranch is less than an hour's drive from Santa Barbara. Its untamed 10,500 acres include 50 miles of trails, spanning mountains, a river, trees, and hills. Here, people can engage in throwback Western activities such as a weekly interactive rodeo featuring roping, barrel racing, horseback riding, and kids' corral lessons. Visitors can also book horseback rides; packages include a two-hour group ride, a breakfast ride, and a packed-lunch ride to a lake.

It all dates back to 1946, when the property was founded as an upscale guest ranch. Today, it continues to offer a ranch experience with a high-end flair. All accommodations feature patios, fireplaces, and modern touches like Stagg electric kettles and complimentary bottles of wine. Plus, unlike the cowboys of yesteryear, you'll have a lot more dining options than beans and dried meat. Alisal Ranch offers an array of culinary experiences, including fine dining in the Ranch Room and lunch at the Chuckwagon Grill. Expect to see items like beef tartare, oak-smoked chicken, and braised beef cheek pasta on the menu.

"The food was spectacular, activities enjoyable, small touches such as warm greetings at restaurants, same dinner table each night, anniversary cake, bedside chocolates with note, turndown service, etc were noticed & appreciated," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The staff were all happy & friendly. Ranch is beautiful!" Alisal Ranch has earned 4.6 stars from 450 reviews on Tripadvisor.

The 9,000 acres that fill Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in Emigrant, Montana, have a little bit of everything. Ridgelines, wildflowers, open sage land, and forests are combined with views of Emigrant Peak and the Yellowstone River. It makes for a distinctive location to explore on horseback, which is fitting since it's deemed the most relaxing tourist destination in Montana. Up to twice per day, visitors can saddle up for hour-and-a-half to two-hour rides, as well as enjoy once-per-week all-day rides. They can even head into Yellowstone National Park. Being that the ranch is just an hour's drive from the park, visitors can also take van tours. Plus, guests can learn cattle work or enjoy the great outdoors with whitewater rafting, hiking, and fly fishing.

The ranch has earned 4.9 stars from over 100 reviews on Tripadvisor. "We participated in so many fun and well-managed activities like horseback riding, archery, clay shooting, fly fishing and (my personal favorite) the beautiful spa," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The ranch is well-located, in close proximity to both Bozeman and Yellowstone, and the facility and grounds are the absolute perfect mix of rustic and comfortable luxury ... Highly recommend Mountain Sky if you are looking for a high-end ranch experience that is top of the line!" In accordance with that rustic yet luxurious experience is the fact that every accommodation at the ranch is one-of-a-kind, ranging from rooms with stone fireplaces to those with rustic views.

Spanish caballeros are known as "gentleman on horseback." With high-end offerings on 20,000 wild acres, that's the vibe that Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona, provides. At this ranch in the High Sonoran Desert with views of the Bradshaw Mountains, guests can be a cowboy for a few days while also indulging in golf, three-course meals, pools with cabanas, and jetted tubs. The ranch's sunny, open-floor plan accommodations feature killer views, artisanal furniture, Kiva fireplaces, and private patios.

The feature here is riding one of the ranch's 85 horses. One-and-a-half to two-hour rides are held twice a day. Guests can also book private rides or one-hour horseback riding lessons. Unique experiences, like wine-and-cheese rides and wedding proposal rides, are also available. The ranch has been hosting guests on these types of excursions since 1948. After a long day of saying "giddy-up," head to Rancho de los Caballeros' spa, an amenity that's tough to find at ranches. The spa offers services such as hot stone massages, facials, yoga, and an outdoor stone labyrinth.

"This was a real luxury," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The ranch is beautiful and very authentic. It offers great food and fabulous accommodations. The property also features a first-class golf course and a horse and cattle field. We were hosted for a beautiful barbecue under the stars." Rancho de los Caballeros has earned 4.5 stars from 290 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Visitors to Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, have 60,000 acres to explore via horseback, Jeep, on foot, mountain bike, UTV, and more. It's all within the best U.S. destination to visit for amazing horseback riding adventures. "I cannot say enough good things about the few days we had at the ranch," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "There was something for everyone to enjoy and we got to try most of the activities. The views were breathtaking, every single person we met was so friendly, and the horses were wonderful." Tanque Verde Ranch has earned 4.5 stars from more than 1,000 reviews on Tripadvisor. It was founded in 1868 before being converted into a guest ranch in the 1920s.

Surrounded by Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest, the ranch is a rustic respite with lodging options ranging from a secluded haven to casitas with mountain views. The accommodations include amenities like fireplaces and patios, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the ranch's natural allure. But the best way to do that is to hop on a horse. Breakfast rides, sunset rides, and saguaro rides are all available for booking. Loosen up from a day on the trails at the on-site Carrillo Restaurant, which offers upscale experiences such as wine dinners, all with views of the Sonoran Desert. Or, grab a meal truer to the classic cowboy experience at the Dog House Saloon. Guests can also relax at the on-site spa.

Located along the North Platte River in Encampment, Wyoming, A Bar A Ranch is a 100,000-acre Western paradise with 100 miles of trails. On these trails, everyone from beginner to advanced riders can saddle up on their choice of 130 horses through meadows and mountains. Since 1922, when the ranch was founded, guests have had the opportunity to do just that. Its lodges and cabins date back to that time, too, and still refrain from amenities like televisions and phones to help people take a breather from modern life.

A Bar A Ranch has earned 4.9 stars from more than 30 reviews on Google. "Like heaven on earth," wrote one past visitor on Google. "No cell phone, no internet, just miles of private gold water North Platte to fish, horses, fine dining, and southern hospitality. I can't think of any other place I would like to spend our family vacation at. This is a bucket list place for sure." That Southern hospitality stems from A Bar A Ranch's dining. Its fare utilizes organic fruits, vegetables, and meats. It's complemented by a wide range of wine as well as live music.

The cowboy life probably doesn't come to mind when you think of Waimea, Hawaii. However, that's what you'll get in the Aloha State when you head to Parker Ranch. At 130,000 acres, it's one of the biggest ranches in the country. Visitors can check out the ranch's regular rodeos as well as visit Pukalani Stables. Afterward, cool off at the best beach for swimming and snorkeling on the island.

Although you can't stay overnight at Parker Ranch, you can still get a taste of the ranch life here through self-guided tours. The tours feature a look inside the historic on-site homes, Puuopelu and Mana Hale. See the ranch's rich 200-year history inside these homes, which were once the residences of the past owners.

"I come from a cattle ranch in Canada and was very impressed with the way the Parker Foundation has maintained a working ranch with historical significance and access for the public," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "As contractors we were in awe of the Koa wood in the old ranch house and the architectural details in the 'new' ranch house. The size and scope of this ranch were amazing." Parker Ranch has garnered 4.2 stars from more than 180 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Stretching 560,000 acres, Vermejo Park Ranch in Raton, New Mexico, is nearly the size of Rhode Island. The variety of animals — as well as landscapes — here is just as vast. More than 180 types of birds, as well as elk, bison, mountain lions, and more, call the ranch home. They live among short-grass prairie, alpine tundra mountains, rivers, lakes, and other varied landscapes. One of the mountains in New Mexico even has a purportedly magical healing soil. Visitors can extend their exploration of this eco-tourism destination by staying in one of the ranch's guesthouses or the Costilla Fishing Lodge. Overnight rates, which include food and ranch experiences, are $800 per person.

Even if you can't swing such a high cost, a visit to Vermejo Park Ranch is worth it, according to Tripadvisor users. It has earned 4.7 stars on the site based on over 70 reviews. "This property is simply awesome, from the vastness and diversity of the land, to the guides, service and accommodations, and the incredible wildlife," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "This trip exceeded my expectations. I was able to experience viewing Bison, Elk and Mule Deer, as well as the lakes and the Catskill Kilns. The buildings are beautiful."

Did you know that America's largest ranch is hidden in South Texas? At King Ranch, visitors can see its 825,000 acres for themselves. Various jaunts are held here, including daily tours, nature tours, and motor-coach tours. Hour-and-a-half daily tours cost $20 per adult and $6 per child. They showcase the history of the ranch, as well as the integral parts of the property, like where its 35,000 cattle are kept and tagged. Or, book a two- to seven-hour nature tour, which allows visitors to see more than 350 types of birds.

If the ranch's storied history is more interesting to you, head to the King Ranch Museum to learn about its 1800s founding by Captain Richard King. That long history made King Ranch one of the first ranches to hold cattle drives and develop several of its own cattle breeds. It now also grows crops, offers hunting, and continues to raise cattle.

King Ranch has earned 4.4 stars from more than 1,000 reviews on Tripadvisor. "What an experience!" wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating to the whole group. I saw and learned so much on my full day tour."