8 Luxe Guest Ranches in the U.S.A.

Set among more than 590,000 acres of land that crosses a state line, the topographically diverse Vermejo Park Ranch, which includes short-grass prairies to alpine tundras, is a must-visit for adventure seekers. Owned by billionaire Ted Turner and accessible only through his eco-tourism company, Ted Turner Expeditions, the ranch has three lodges and six guest houses, the most opulent of which is the newly-renovated Casa Grande. The seven-bedroom home brings European luxury (marble, floral upholstery, two Steinway pianos) to the rugged American frontier. (For more on Casa Grande, read our story). Outdoor activities include ice fishing and snow shoeing in the winter, and horseback riding and mountain biking in the summer. Wildlife photography expeditions allow guests to spot bald eagles, southern Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, pumas, bison, and other rare creatures in their natural habitat. Rooms start at $850 for double occupancy; 40 Miles West Hwy. 555, Raton, NM; 877-288-7637; vermejoparkranch.com. —Nikkitha Bakshani

Surrounded by the Mars-like scenery of Southern Utah’s red rock country, Sorrel River Ranch is a relaxation-focused resort equally rich in outdoor adventure. From canyoneering and skydiving to horseback riding and yoga by the Colorado River, there’s enough activity on the property’s 160 acres to satisfy guests of all levels of hardiness. Soothing spa treatments utilizing the local flora (lavender, calendula) are also on offer. Wood is the material of choice throughout the 55 cabin-style suites, whose balconies and patios make for an ideal perch for a private dinner. Most fruits and vegetables served at the hotel’s River Grill Restaurant are grown on-site; gourmands are encouraged to take a walk through the property’s lush gardens.. Rooms start at $590; Mile 17 Hwy. 128; 435-259-4642; sorrelriver.com. —NB

Smith Fork Ranch, surrounded by more than a million acres of national forest and wilderness, is located roughly midway between Aspen and Telluride, where an abundance of alfresco adventures can be had—horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, archery, and biking, among them, all tailored to experience level by one of the expert guides on staff. Back at the ranch, guests have access to cooking classes, as well as farm-to-table cuisine and an award-winning wine cellar. Produce is picked fresh from the organic farmstead garden and nearby farms and lunches come in the form of a prepared picnic basket to enjoy at any one of the secluded spots on the property. Husband-and-wife owners Marley and Linda Hodgson (founders of Ghurka leather goods) adorned the 13 rooms with items from their collection of American antiques, furniture from local craftsmen, and works from artisans nearby. Ranch open to guests from May to November; rooms start at $7,900 for a six-night all-inclusive stay in the summer, and $1,015 per night for a three-to-five night stay in the spring and fall; 45362 Needle Rock Rd.; 970-921-3454; smithforkranch.com. —Katie Shapiro

Set within 60 square miles of untamed wilderness, freewheeling adventure seekers and city dwellers longing for a change in scenery will find what their looking for at the 28 vacation homes (plus 36 seasonal glamping tents) at Paws Up. The resort offers unlimited outdoor adventures, an extensive children’s program, and the largest privately owned equestrian center in the state. The resort offers new glass-enclosed gym and an aerial adventure ropes course. Two restaurants and six dining pavilions serve gourmet fare with Western flare; book ahead to experience a dinner prepared by open-flame, and served by the Blackfoot River. Rooms start at $1,218 double occupancy; 40060 Paws Up Rd.; 406-244-5200; pawsup.com. —KS

Tucked among the San Juan Mountains just over an hour from Telluride, this former mining town was first settled in 1885. Now guests can enjoy myriad outdoor activities before having free rein of the natural hot springs (which gave the resort its name) and the freestanding restored bathhouse—an original building from the 19th century. Dunton accommodates up to 44 people in 12 romantic log cabins and one tent (called Christy's Tent), and in 2013, added Dunton River Camp (eight tents located four miles downriver)—all of which maintain an Old West spirit. Executive chef Basil Yu perfects his organic dishes in the open kitchen of the town’s Saloon. Wines hail from the property’s own Sutcliffe Vineyards. Rooms start at $700; 52068 Rd. 38; 970-882-4800; duntonhotsprings.com. —KS

Set among ten square miles of rugged ranch land, The Ranch at Rock Creek (a Relais & Châteaux resort) focuses on service. The staff makes every effort to cater to requests, from individual food preferences to a special-occasion horseback ride with an alfresco gourmet meal. Accommodations range from guest rooms in the Granite Lodge and cozy log homes to glamorous riverfront cabin-tent hybrids—all decorated in western chic. If opting for the latter, book the Sweet Grass canvas cabin, which is located along the banks of Rock Creek and features two bedrooms, a porcelain soaking tub, pot belly stove fireplace, and a large living room. After exploring the outdoors on any one of the inclusive adventures here, recharge in the full-service spa with a customized treatment. Rooms start at $995; 79 Carriage House Ln.; 877-874-4038; theranchatrockcreek.com. —KS

Fly-fishing enthusiasts love this Orvis-endorsed property for some of the most revered freestone fishing waters in the world. The Brush Creek, North Platte, and Encampment rivers offer more than twenty miles of private access in which to wade or float, and one guide is assigned to every two guests on fly-fishing excursions, ensuring plenty of personalized attention. The resort’s century-old heritage is celebrated throughout the log cabin residences and centerpiece Trailhead lodge. All-inclusive rates start at $800 per person per night; 66 Brush Creek Ranch Rd.; 307-327-5284; brushcreekranch.com. —KS

Both a Relais & Châteaux property and an Orvis-endorsed fishing lodge, Triple Creek Ranch calls the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains home. Focused on adults (children 16 and older are welcome), the ranch has a mature ambiance that is reflected in decor, dining, activities, and service. Executive chef Jacob Leatherman uses his classical French training to create contemporary cuisine infused with flavors of the American West. Guests enjoy the romantic dining room, but parties of up to six can also dine at the private chef’s table, which offers a front row seat of the bustling kitchen. Cell-phone service is spotty, but each refined cabin has its own direct-dial phone number with voicemail and wireless Internet connection. Ranch closed to guests in March; rates start at $1,050 for double occupancy; 5551 West Fork Rd.; 406-821-4600; triplecreekranch.com. —KS