Lake Ranch

8 Days  |  From £1758pp

USA ( Best airport: Rapid City)

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Come and stay at a real working ranch. Lake Ranch covers 30,000 acres of the North-East region of Wyoming in the famous Black Hills, not far from Montana and South Dakota borders. The ranch has around 100 horses, 1200 cattle and an abundance of wildlife, including pronghorns, deers, raccoons, marmots, beavers and prairie dogs. Get stuck in with cattle work, visit local rodeos and enjoy trail rides in the vast wilderness surrounding the ranch.

The Riding

Every rider will have the chance to try several horses and find a suitable match for the week. You may be allocated a different horse depending on the activity you are taking part in.
You will ride for 3-4 hours in the morning, return for lunch and will ride again in the afternoon for another 3-4 hours.

When no cattle work is necessary you will just ride for fun, enjoying the beautiful landscape through canyons, forests and endless prairies, enjoying the freedom and open space of the ranch.

Level of Riding and Fitness

All riding abilities are catered for and there are horses to suit everyone. Beginners are welcome to participate in cattle drives as the cattle are moved slowly and quietly, and there is always someone on hand to assist if needed. A good level of general fitness is beneficial as you could be in the saddle for around 6 hours a day.

Guides and Group Size

The maximum number of guests is 20. Riding out is flexible and dependent on the group and the activities. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by parents at all times.

Any questions?

Contact us now on WhatsApp with any queries you have about this trail.

The Horses

The ranch has 35-40 riding horses between 3 and 15 years old for every level of rider from beginner to advanced.
The herd mainly consists of Quarter horses with a few Paints and Mustangs, all with great cow-sense.
The ranch has an exceptional Quarter Horses breeding programme, and most of the horses are raised and trained by the ranch cowboys, ensuring that they have horses they can trust.

From April to October training begins for the youngsters who will become the new riding horses of the ranch.

Lake Ranch

Accommodation and Dining

The accommodation consists of a lodge with 8 bedrooms (twin, double and triple rooms) all with private bathrooms, a dining room, saloon complete with pool table and bar, and a separate cabin for those wanting a bit more privacy.

The food is plentiful and served buffet-style in the dining room. Your hosts are Italian-American and the cuisine reflects this; expect plenty of meats, pasta and vegetables. Mealtimes vary depending on the activities on the day – this is after all a working ranch!

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Itinerary

Day 1 You will be collected from Rapid City Airport and transferred 2 hours to the ranch. Meet your hosts for the week and get settled into your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time you may wish to take part in some afternoon activities, or simply relax after your travels before dinner.
Day 2 - 6 The day begins with a good buffet breakfast; coffee, fruit, yoghurt, cereal, ham, cheese, cookies, eggs, etc. Around the table the cowboys will explain the plan of the day, which will involve time in the saddle! The cowboys will gather the horses from the pasture into corrals, where one will be assigned to every guest for the day. The schedule for the day will depend on the time of year, but will involve horses and time outdoors! Additional activities you can try are team penning, breakaway roping and barrel racing. After a hard day’s ranching, relax in the lodge bar with a drink before dinner.
Days 7 There will be one day during your stay without cowboys and cattle, where you will have some free time off the ranch. Visits include Devils Tower (First national monument of America), which is a few miles from the ranch, Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, or Deadwood. There may also be the opportunity to go to a rodeo or horse auction.
Day 8 Depending on the time of your fight you may have time for a morning ride or to help the cowboys with their morning tasks. Transfer to Rapid City in time for your flight.
April-June Calving Season. Guests will ride out to the herd to check on the babies every day to make sure that they are ok. At the end of calving season the calves will be branded which is still done in the traditional way of the "old West: horses, ropes, sweat and dust.
July-August During this time the cowboys manage the pasture, which means cattle drives of approximately 1200 head of cattle. The cowboys will explain the technique used for the cattle drive.
August-October This season begins with the roundup of cattle and choosing which ones to keep and to sell before winter. The cattle to be kept will be moved to the winter pasture. This is a period of hard work where you might be riding all day.

Lake Ranch

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days riding
£1758pp

The ranch is open between April and October and offers Wednesday and Saturday arrivals. Check in is at 5pm and checkout is at 11am

£279 single supplement

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

Please plan your flights to and from Rapid City Airport (RAP).

Transfers are included for Wednesday and Saturday arrivals between 10:00am and 8:00pm.

Arrivals outside of these times will need to take the airport shuttle which costs approximately $220, or hire a car.

Price Includes
  • All meals at the ranch
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All activities as per itinerary
  • Transfers at set times
  • Taxes
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Tips
  • Meals on free day off-ranch
  • Alcohol