Cowboy Experience in Bryce Canyon, Utah

You’ll most likely head to the ranch in Bryce Canyon from Zion National Park, which is around 2.5 hours drive. Along the way, you’ll pass incredible tall, thin spires of brown, yellow and red rock known as “hoodoos” jutting out of the ground and scattered across the deep gorges around you. As you reach the dusty driveway of the traditional ranch, you’ll be greeted by your hosts – real life American cowboys!

Your lodging is as authentic as it comes and you’ll fall in love with the Old-West atmosphere all around you. Your rooms will have their own private bathrooms and wooden bed frames that match the western style of the setting. The ranch itself is spacious and the whole family will be entertained with endless activities available including a games room, a horseshoe pit and a playground. End the day with dinner beyond the swinging doors of the saloon and visit the ice cream parlour for dessert!

It’s an early start today but with so much to do, that’s not a bad thing! The kids are welcome to lend a hand brushing and feeding the horses as they’re saddled up for the day, and the whole family can start to earn their cowboy stripes by learning how to lasso and bucking a (fake) bronco! You can also learn how to barrel race, pole bend, and enjoy plenty of fun cowboy games such as sheep dressing and calf chase. Your whole time at the ranch will be personalised based on your preferences and there really is something for everyone.

In the afternoon you’ll go on a horse ride (from 8 years up), and for the little ones there is childcare available or pony riding. You’ll be led by your experienced guide through flowing streams, past red rock formations and green meadows. Afterwards, take a dip in the lake to wash off the dust before heading back to prepare for the evening’s entertainment. As the sun turns the horizon red, the campfire will be lit and the country band will play songs you just can’t help but line dance to! A truly memorable end to an unforgettable day.

Whether you’ll be ready to leave is another thing but today, you must sadly hang up your lasso and say goodbye to your new found lifestyle.

Double-checking that the kids haven’t snuck out the car in a bid to live out the rest of their days in the Wild West, it’s time to move on to the next stop of your American adventure.