Dude Ranch in Wyoming Outdoor Vacation
I have to preface this post with a bit of an understanding that our family doesn’t necessarily go on vacation. We visit family, we do trips, we go camping, but we aren’t ones to go and just rest for a week. I have zero interest in a boat cruise, thinking about Disney gives me major anxiety, and the more outdoor time we get on a trip, the better.
The CM Ranch has been near and dear to my heart since I worked there 15 years ago after my husband and I first got married. It was an oasis in the high desert of small-town Dubois and I loved the green and calm there. When we were given the chance to visit I jumped at it being the perfect opportunity to share an option for outdoor-loving families who just need a little vacation.
What is the CM Ranch
The history of the CM Ranch is taken from their site, however I can personally attest how much of the historical character has been preserved over the years. There are plenty of photos on the ranch itself – many of which are identical to the current ranch.
Charles Cornell Moore, the founder of the CM, was the son of a trader who grew up in Wyoming on the Wind River Indian Reservation. When he was a young man, he ventured East for law school in Michigan. He absolutely hated it.
Years later, when he returned to his beloved Wyoming, he had a new vision: to open a camp that would introduce the city slickers of the East to the splendor of the wilderness. Thus, he built his first operation, Yellowstone Camp for Boys, at the mouth of the Dunoir.
In search of guests, he travelled to the East Coast to wine and dine high society, convincing families to send their young boys to Wyoming, so they could bear witness to the splendors of the West. He organized and led pack trips through Yellowstone Park for these affluent, teenage boys, all inexperienced outdoorsmen. The boys returned home so changed and appreciative of their time in Yellowstone, that entire families soon wanted their own introduction to the park.
But in 1926, the corrals and facilities on Dunoir burned to the ground. The dude business, at that point, was such a passion for Charles that he abandoned the idea of pack trips for boys and started the CM, build to accommodate parents and family members wishing to join their children on the fringe of the natural environment.
CM Ranch Website
Now under the ownership of the Kemmerer family (who also own Jackson Hole Mountain Resort), the ranch is thriving with big thanks to managers Hunter and Mollie Sullivan.
Where is the CM Ranch
Located about 6 miles outside of the small town of Dubois, Wyoming, the CM ranch is nestled in the foothills of red rocks and high desert. The CM is made up of 3,379 deeded acres, plus another 9,385 acres leased totaling almost 13,000 acres of space to roam.
I love that while you feel like you’re away from everything at the ranch, town is only about a 15 minute drive. When I lived in Dubois and worked there, I used to ride my bike there often. This gives access to in-town bonuses like square dancing, the Dubois Rodeo, shopping, and other entertainment.
What Makes the CM Ranch Special
Unplugged Atmosphere
While WIFI is available (so work in your cabin if you must!), the general environment is very much unplugged. Computers aren’t allowed in any common areas and most guests and staff opt to stay mostly off their phones. It’s refreshing in this plugged-in world we live in and so beautiful.
The CM Staff
There is nothing that makes or breaks a dude ranch experience like the staff. I’ve seen from the inside how incredibly hard it is to get great staff, and manage a group of young people.
I was impressed again and again how kind, thoughtful, and truly caring the staff was during our stay. In fact I didn’t run into one staff member who I didn’t feel like represented the CM ranch well. This is, of course, thanks to the leadership of Hunter and Mollie, and some fantastic staff training done by Kemmerers too.
The kitchen staff went out of their way to help our gluten-free son stay well-fed. They managed our group of 8 (loud) kids graciously and playfully. They helped us celebrate a birthday with an amazing cake, and made everyone feel heard and special.
The wranglers (every single one of them!) were comfortable keeping everyone safe, managing situations as they came along AND kept up congenial conversations. As you can imagine, there is a wide range of guests that visit the CM – they managed everyone with the same respect and kindness.
The housekeeping crew kept our cabin clean (my kids were thrilled someone else would make their bed for the week!) and did a great job when we needed some laundry done.
The kids coordinators worked SO hard to keep our kids entertained and happy all week long. As someone who rarely, if ever, gets babysitters, this was such a treat for all of us. It’s exhausting handling that many kids with different interests and opinions and they did it with grace.
Beautiful Area
As I mentioned before, the CM Ranch is a little oasis in the “Valley of the Warm Winds“. Between the rock formations and the Jakey’s Fork running through it, you feel like you’re in another world. No wonder it was a hideaway area for Butch Cassidy (who played cards with Charlie Moore himself!) In fact, legend has it that Dubois was the only town that Cassidy didn’t rob with the understanding that the residents would keep hush-hush about his location.
What To Do at the CM Ranch
Horseback Riding
One of the main reasons guests come to the CM is to ride horses, of course. While there is an option to pay less and be a “non-riding” guest, I highly recommend taking advantage of every opportunity they offer.
I’ve been on a horse only a handful of times my whole life, and a week riding was plenty for me. The ranch offers a variety of riding options for each day of the week. They are always optional and the head wrangler checks in with guests daily to make a plan.
- Monday: Morning and afternoon rides (about 2 hours each)
- Tuesday: Morning and afternoon rides (about 2 hours each)
- Wednesday: Breakfast ride out to a cookout breakfast. Afternoon off.
- Thursday: All-day rides to a variety of different locations
- Friday: Morning and afternoon rides (about 2 hours each)
- Saturday: Morning and afternoon rides OR team penning and kids rodeo.
While there is the option to ride as a family if you/kids prefer that, the CM does have kid-specific wranglers to ride with the kids on a daily basis. We did opt for this since the kids loved their own program, and they did more “fun” things like playing in a creek, “gold mining”, fishing, etc.
The breakfast ride is the one ride they really encourage families to ride together. This is also a great opportunity for family photos to be taken.
Hiking
Dubois and the surrounding area is full of great places to hike. We lived in Dubois for years so many of the hikes we had done on our own, but there is a hiking guide to take guests on local hikes of their choice.
I personally recommend the following hikes:
- Lake Louise: One of my very favorite in the area. The terrain changes often and includes rock bouldering too. We have done it with small children many times, but it does take some effort to get up to the lake.
- Petroglyphs: There are a few locations with really great petroglyphs within a short drive from the CM Ranch. If you know where they are, the hike is up a short embankment and really fun.
- Anywhere around the ranch. There’s tons of great trails right from the ranch that are easy to just hop on and follow. This is what we opted to do this trip.
Fishing
Our kids had a grand time fishing in the Jakeys Fork which goes right through the ranch. Despite a higher level of water, they managed to catch quite a few. We recommend bringing rods for casual fishing like this.
The ranch also has a fishing guide available for an additional cost. My brother went on a fishing trip and really enjoyed it, so it is an option!
Finally, Pete’s Pond is about a 15 minute drive from the ranch and is a fantastic place for kids to fish for free.
Western Culture Events
The western culture is the real-deal in Dubois and at the CM Ranch. Be ready to embrace it and join in!
Pool
Our family stayed in Hill 1, which happens to be the cabin closest to the outdoor pool. Despite cooler June temperatures, the kids swam almost every day. It is heated and comfortable. The pool is great and there are some floaties and pool toys to play with. There is also a hot tub, which is perfect for post-riding soreness.
Special Events the CM Ranch
Square and Swing Dancing
While square dancing in Dubois has been a staple for years and years, swing dancing was a bonus thanks to a couple members of the crew who were happy to teach others.
Even if you’re not a dancer, GO! It’s so fun to participate or watch.
Local Dubois Rodeo
I always say that the Dubois Rodeo is my favorite in the area. It is just enough small-town to feel more real-western than a total tourist trap, and has a little something for everyone.
Any kids aged 5 and younger and try mutton busting (sign up as you walk in) and all kids are welcome to make a run for some money in the calf scramble.
The dude ranches all compete against each other in some events too.
Dress warm as the night cools off, and plan for a late evening!
Breakfast Ride
This ride cumulates in my favorite breakfast since it’s cooked and eaten outside. Dutch oven monkey bread is the highlight (along with fruit and many other options.) This is also a great opportunity to get family photos taken as you ride with your family this morning.
Cookout
On Saturday night, the cookout is a special dinner that happens just a fire-truck ride down the road. While the weather didn’t cooperate for us during our week to take it away from the ranch, I have gone to many over the years and they’re tons of fun.
Dinner is cooked outside, awards are given, and there’s live music.
The CM Firetruck has been around for decades and is a fun experience too.
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour is a meet and greet opportunity on Monday evening. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres are provided.
Live Music
Two different times during the week there is live music. This is one of my favorite entertainment on the ranch. It’s authentically cowboy and fun for adults and kids alike.
The CM Ranch for Kids
Daily Kid Rides with Kid Wranglers
There are a few wranglers that are designated especially to take kid rides. They stand out as ones who connect well with kids, have tons of energy to keep them happy and entertained, and the kids instantly love. Kid rides tend to be a little shorter or have longer breaks at the creek or another fun spot to explore.
Kid Coordinators + Events
There are two kid-coordinators who specifically are in charge of the kids during the morning and afternoon hours (before and after lunch and before dinner) when they’re not riding. They plan crafts, games, fishing and adventure excursions, and whatever else may work that week for the group of kids.
Our kids made tie-dye bandanas, painted, played a ton of games, and went to Pete’s Pond among a zillion other things.
Kids Cookout
On Thursday evening while the adults have a fancier dinner (which was AMAZING), the kids were all invited to a kids-only cookout. They roasted hot dogs and s’mores, played games, and enjoyed being outside running around.
Kid-Friendly Atmosphere
I have to say one of my very favorite parts of the CM Ranch is how safe and friendly towards kids it is. They run freely on the lawns and between cabins and around the ranch.
There was a general consensus that while, of course, you’re responsible for your children and making sure they’re save and making good choices, everyone just kind of kept an eye out for everyone else. I’m sure this isn’t the case every week, but it worked out great for us. The hardest part was always getting them to come in at night!
Lots and Lots of Outdoor Time
Our family (and all guests there!) spent nearly the entire day outside every day. If not riding, then hiking or playing in the pool, or relaxing on a covered porch in the rain.
We didn’t have the best weather a couple days we were there (June is always iffy), but it just wasn’t an issue.
Food at the CM Ranch
Before I arrived at the CM, I texted my sister-in-law (who came to the ranch with us) when I realized that we wouldn’t have to cook for the entire week. As someone who struggles keeping everyone fed every day, this was the biggest bonus for me.
As predicted, the food was absolutely amazing. Meals are hearty and generous making between-meal snacks unnecessary. I would, however, recommend keeping some fruit or small snacks in your cabin if your kids tend to need something to get them through.
The staff did a great job accommodating my gluten-free son. I also know there were vegetarians the week we were there that were also taken care of. There is a short survey you fill out before you come asking about food restrictions and potential upcoming celebrations they don’t want to miss.
The cooks and kitchen staff went out of their way to make sure the kids had “kid-friendly” food, but our kids are good eaters and loved everything served. In fact my son commented to me that, “this is the sort of food you should cook all the time, Mom!” Guess I better up my game….
Drinks like tea, coffee and lemonade are provided. BYO alcoholic beverages.
CM Ranch Cabins and Houses – Where You Stay
There are quite a few original cabins to stay in at the ranch, along with three larger houses away from the main area just a bit.
Personally, I loved having our cabin right in the heart of the ranch. The beds are comfortable and the cabins clean. They’re log cabins, which can be a feat to keep clean, but they definitely are. I have worked on the spring open-up housekeeping crew at the CM and know how hard they are scrubbed and scoured each year.
When you book your stay, Mollie or Franki will help you find the perfect cabin or house to fit your family. If you are lucky enough to visit year after year, you’ll notice people have their favorites!
See a video tour of our cabin here!
What to Bring to the CM Ranch
Before you arrive, you’ll get a packing list of items to bring to the ranch. However, here are a few more details on items we found helpful.
Jeans – yep, you need them!
I will be the first to say that jeans and I don’t get along. I wear them only if I really, really need to. But, yes, they’re necessary for riding and you’ll want them for the ranch/Western culture too.
Ladies, I highly, highly recommend Dovetail workwear. They let you move in all directions (handy for getting on and off horses), have a high enough rise to stay in place. I went through a ton of different brands before this trip trying to find ones that I felt comfortable in and these were the only ones I didn’t return immediately. They also come in a huge range of sizes and lengths. I also wear and love their Freshley Overalls.
For kids, Target has really affordable jeans or check out the thrift store!
Fishing Gear for Kids
If your kids want to casually fish in the Jakey’s fork that runs right through the ranch, I recommend bringing their own gear. There is a fishing shop in Dubois if needed.
Rain Gear and Layers
The CM Ranch sits at about 7000 feet so the weather can change drastically really fast. Be prepared with layers and good rain gear.
Sunscreen and SPF Lipbalm
The sun at a high elevation is no joke and it’s super easy to burn. Bring sunscreen and use it liberally. I also found that SPF lipbalm is a must (burnt lips are the worst thing). The ranch does provide (really good!) shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion.
Hats and Western Boots
The CM does have hats and western boots (required for riding) to borrow while you’re visiting. However, knowing my wide feet, I brought my own boots.
Visit Dubois – Other Must-Visit Places
Pete’s Pond
Pete’s Pond is a great place to walk around and/or let kids fish. Located right outside of Dubois near the Medical Clinic it is stocked for kids to fish.
The pond was constructed thanks to efforts by the Dubois Anglers and Wildlife Group (DAWGs) and support from the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, Wyoming Game and Fish, and local residents.
Wyoming Game and Fish
Military Museum
Even if you’re not into military things, definitely take some time to visit the National Museum of Military Vehicles. The privately funded $100M museum was founded by Dan and Cynthia Starks. Dan Starks is a former attorney and former CEO of St. Jude Medical who now resides in Dubois. It was opened in 2020 and I love how it has brought some great tourism and jobs to the tiny town. The collection is HUGE and very well-done. Give yourself a couple hours to walk through. After about two I had to take a break emotionally. It covers a LOT of history and is full of personal stories too.
Bowling Alley and Bakery
When polled by Cynthia Starks (the wife of Dan, mentioned above), the town of Dubois said they wanted a bowling alley and bakery. And so a bowling alley and bakery she built! The bowling and attached arcade are amazing for a small town (and rival any we have in Jackson, WY) and are also worth a stop. The bakery has great baked goods too!
Bighorn Sheep Center
The National Bighorn Sheep Center helps educate all about wild sheep, their history in the Dubois area, and their habitat.
There are great areas here for kids to explore and learn and is a must-visit for the local schools.
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