This Is the Top Destination Families Are Raving About Right Now, According to Travel Experts

Years of pandemic restrictions that kept travelers at home—or perhaps the allure of the fiery cattle rancher's daughter, Beth Dutton, from the popular TV series Yellowstone—have sparked a renewed enthusiasm for the American West among Americans. This trend is particularly strong among multigenerational families, who are flocking to states like Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and California for retreats that provide access to some of the nation’s most stunning landscapes: lush meadows, flowing rivers, snow-capped mountains, and a glimpse into centuries-old ranching traditions. Dinogo's 2023 selection of top 10 ranches and lodges in the American West features some of the best properties in the country.

Since the pandemic, travel advisors have reported a surge in stays at ranches and lodges; ranch experiences are characterized by all activities occurring on-site, while lodges have a smaller footprint and offer programs that connect guests with the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

“It’s truly a dream for a multigenerational vacation,” stated Elizabeth Benson, a travel advisor based in Denver with the Virtuoso luxury travel advisor network and an independent affiliate of travel consultancy Local Foreigner. “My clients have traveled extensively around the globe—the Mediterranean, Europe, Hawai‘i, the Caribbean—but when they return from a ranch stay, they claim it’s the best family vacation they've ever had.”

Benson noted that in 2020, when travel restrictions pushed Americans to explore domestic options, ranches and lodges saw full bookings; guests had such a wonderful experience that they chose to return the following year. Currently, 70 percent of her clients on these trips are multigenerational families, often initiated by grandparents hoping to gather the family for quality time together.

Simplifying group travel

Benson noted that even well-traveled individuals are drawn to ranch or lodge-style getaways in the American West due to their unique blend of convenience (no need for passports or adjusting to new time zones), hassle-free planning (all-inclusive pricing), and a variety of activities suitable for different ages and abilities, whether it’s horseback riding, trout fishing, or simply relaxing on a porch with a book. These trips also alleviate the stress of accommodating larger groups in restaurants, a common challenge in destinations like the Caribbean or Europe.

“If I had to choose two ideal trips for multigenerational families, it would be dude ranches in the American West or a sMytouri in Africa,” she stated. “Both offer exceptional guides and ensure all your needs are met. Some ranches are just as luxurious as the finest lodges in Africa, but you won’t have to travel across the globe to experience them.”

Exceptional kids clubs

Many family-oriented ranches also feature kids clubs that receive excellent reviews from Benson’s clients. She highlighted Wyoming’s Brush Creek Ranch, Montana’s Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, and Ranch at Rock Creek as exemplary models.

“If parents want to go fly-fishing and the kids aren’t particularly interested, kids clubs provide a way to introduce younger guests to those activities safely,” she explained. “You can drop them off, and the staff ensures the kids are well-protected with sunscreen and fully engaged in the activities, allowing parents to unwind.”

Parents can also coordinate with the ranch to find a babysitter for younger children who require more supervision at the kids club, allowing them to enjoy time with their older cousins and siblings who need less attention.

An increase in winter stays

According to Benson, one of the clearest signs that family vacations in the American West are here to stay is that ranches and lodges are extending their seasons beyond summer to meet growing demand. Some retreats are now welcoming guests as late as mid-October, while others that used to operate only during warmer months are now open for winter visitors. For instance, clients at Brush Creek Ranch reported having a fantastic time taking snowcats for back-country skiing, enjoying family snowmobile rides, and sipping cocktails or participating in whiskey tastings in yurts amid a snowy landscape. Cooking classes and wellness programs have also gained popularity during the winter months.

“The winter guests I’m booking are primarily groups looking for a place to gather with fun activities and delicious meals, and all the top ranches offer fantastic spas as well,” Benson noted, mentioning that she has booked numerous milestone birthdays and anniversaries during this season. “You can create a really enjoyable weekend, and while the activities differ, managing a large group is just as straightforward as in summer. It feels much more intimate and relaxing to plan everything there; it’s like having your own private retreat.”