When John “Grief” Hoskin welcomes guests to the UXU Ranch near Yellowstone National Park, he continues a thriving tradition of hospitality that has lasted over 100 years.
The ranch, situated 17 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone, has a storied history that dates back to the late 1800s when it was initially a lumber mill. Cabins were constructed for “dudes” seeking adventure and a connection with nature, using wood from the mill.
Today, the UXU Ranch features 11 cabins, offering overnight accommodations, dining, and various activities for guests who typically stay for three to five nights. The experience is designed to foster connections among guests, who share stories of their daily adventures in a relaxed setting.
Additionally, guests often appreciate that Hoskin is an accomplished fine arts photographer who captures the essence of Western landscapes and lifestyles.
The ranch is one of 17 such properties in the Cody Yellowstone region, encompassing the towns of Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse, and the valley east of Yellowstone National Park. This area is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its significant role in the history of dude ranching in the United States.
Cody is notably the home of the Dude Ranchers’ Association, established in 1926 to create standards for the growing number of travelers drawn to the West by the expansion of the railroad. The association began with 26 ranches in its first year and expanded to 40 the next year. Today, more than 100 ranches are members, each meeting strict criteria to ensure quality and consistency.
The association’s ranches are categorized into working dude ranches, traditional dude ranches, and resort dude ranches. Typically, these ranches require a minimum stay of four nights, with all activities, meals, and lodging included in a fixed price paid in advance.
In contrast, guest ranches in the region offer more flexibility. These ranches provide similar accommodations and activities but allow for shorter stays, often just one night. Meals and horseback riding are optional and priced separately, giving travelers more choices.
The tradition of dude ranching began in the early 1880s with Howard Eaton’s Custer Trail Ranch in the Dakota Badlands. The Eaton family later moved operations to Wyoming, where the Eaton Ranch continues to operate today. Their legacy includes the Howard Eaton Trail in Yellowstone National Park, which has been used by hikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers.
“No matter what type of ranch experience travelers choose, they will be treated to an authentic and memorable Western experience,” the press release indicated.
Beyond the amenities and nature-friendly views, the roads between Cody and Yellowstone National Park are home to a high concentration of guest and dude ranches. UXU Ranch in the Shoshone National Forest offers 11 cabins, horseback riding, fly fishing, and side trips to Yellowstone and Cody. Additionally, 7D Ranch, an hour from Yellowstone, features 10 rustic cabins, riding, fishing, and hiking.
26 miles from Yellowstone, Rimrock Dude Ranch showcases modern cabins and activities such as trail rides and float trips. Additionally, Crossed Sabres Ranch, just eight miles from Yellowstone’s East Gate, provides horseback rides, fly fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Guest ranches include Absaroka Mountain Lodge, located 39 miles west of Cody and 12 miles from Yellowstone, offering 15 cabins. In addition, Bill Cody Ranch, a full-service horseback riding resort halfway between Cody and Yellowstone. Blackwater Creek Ranch, built in 1915, offers ranch-style meals.
Other options include Elephant Head Lodge, Creekside Lodge, Double Diamond X Ranch, Pahaska Tepee, Rand Creek Ranch, Shoshone Lodge & Guest Ranch, Hunter Peak Ranch, K3 Guest Ranch Bed & Breakfast, and KBarZ Guest Ranch & Outfitters.
To learn more about guest and dude ranches, visit codyyellowstone.org.
Featured image by Cody Yellowstone
