UNITED STATES

Immersion in the life of Wyoming cowboys

4,7/5 (6 reviews)

Réf : UUSA09SR-CAV

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Immersion in the life of Wyoming cowboys

In summary

Sports

Horseback riding , Horse riding camp
Duration
9 days
Level
Confirmed

Levels

Horseback riding

Horse riding camp

Beginner

A ride accessible to everyone—ideal for beginners and families—with no requirement to canter.

Intermediate

For those who know how to trot and are in good physical condition. You hold a Galop 1/2 (or equivalent level) but do not necessarily ride on a very regular basis.

Confirmed

For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.

Advanced

For riders who are balanced at all three gaits and capable of riding across all types of terrain. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 7 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 5/6 certification or an equivalent level of proficiency.

Expert

For independent riders accustomed to riding at all three gaits over varied terrain for several hours a day over multiple days. The route may include challenging sections (stony ground, steep gradients). You hold a Galop 7 qualification or an equivalent level of ability.

Beginner

A course open to everyone—ideal for beginners and families—and no specific riding level (galop) is required.

Intermediate

For those who know how to trot and are in good physical condition. You hold a Galop 1/2 (or equivalent level) but do not necessarily ride on a very regular basis.

Confirmed

For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.

Advanced

For riders who are balanced at all three gaits and capable of riding across all types of terrain. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 7 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 5/6 certification or an equivalent level of proficiency.

Expert

For independent riders accustomed to riding at all three gaits over varied terrain for several hours a day over multiple days. The route may include challenging sections (stony ground, steep gradients). You hold a Galop 7 qualification or an equivalent level of ability.
Destination
America / UNITED STATES
Age
From 13 - 90 years
CO₂-Emissions
265.93 kg CO2
Type of stay

This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.

Type of stay
In a group
Languages

🇬🇧
English

In a few words

Welcome to the ranch! Immerse yourself in the authentic world of the American Wild West by joining the daily life of a working ranch in Wyoming , near the iconic lands of South Dakota . On over 12,000 hectares of wild plains, where more than 4,000 head of cattle graze, you'll experience life at the heart of cowboy culture. This trip is for experienced riders , ready to mount their horses and participate in essential ranch tasks : cattle drives , rounding up , and branding, depending on the season. Each day, you'll ride in step with the farm work, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Along the way, you'll discover spectacular landscapes, even reaching the vicinity of the legendary Devil's Tower . Commitment, nature, and freedom are the key words of this unique adventure, which combines the pleasure of riding with the adrenaline rush of fieldwork.

The highlights

Experience the daily life of cowboys on a ranch
The autonomy of each rider with their horse
The simple, warm and authentic welcome of the cowboys

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Photos

Sport

Level

Horseback riding

Confirmed

For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.

The expert's opinion

Non-riders can be accompanied (with a discount on the stay). The length of the riding days depends on the activity and also on the unpredictable time it takes to find and bring back the herd. It can range from 2 to 6 hours in the saddle.

Activities begin in the morning. If you return to the ranch for lunch and wish to ride in the afternoon, you still have the option of preparing your horse and going for a ride in the surrounding area, accompanied by your guides.

Experienced riders, as full members of the cowboy team, will be expected to actively participate in activities. Less experienced riders will be given simple tasks or, if you prefer, an observation role.

The ranch does not offer lessons or riding instruction for beginner riders but has safe horses.

In figures

Horseback riding

Average duration/day: 2h

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.

Band : 1 supervisor for 2 to 15 people

Languages spoken:

🇬🇧

English

Cowboys

The ranch is a genuine working American ranch and doesn't offer any specific supervision for guests. You'll always be accompanied by cowboys when riding cattle . The cowboys will simply show you the positions and pace to maintain. It's up to you to observe, learn, and become more involved in the work. However, you'll have a great deal of autonomy in preparing your horse and during the rides.

Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1

Days 2 to 7

Day 8

Day 9

Arrival at the ranch
- Transportation Car - 02h - 95km
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Rapid City Airport in South Dakota , followed by a transfer (if booked in advance) to the ranch located in Wyoming , approximately a 2-hour drive away . You'll reach the Black Hills region, the gateway to vast wilderness areas. Depending on your arrival time ( between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM ), check-in, dinner at the ranch , and your first night there. This is a chance to get settled in and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 1
6 days of activities at the ranch
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h per day
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The ranch's main activities revolve around raising horses and cattle, and the work of cowboys . Here, you'll experience the real life of a cowboy : rounding up the cattle, leading them to summer or winter pastures depending on the season, branding the animals, building and maintaining enclosures, caring for the livestock, and more. The majority of the cattle are Black Angus and are raised naturally. At the beginning of the season, you'll primarily care for the pregnant cows; they're fed in the morning and monitored throughout the day. The main activities are related to the daily tasks necessary for running a ranch and also vary depending on the season.
From May to the end of June: during this period, the main activity revolves around the calves born at the end of winter, with systematic marking or "branding." This long-standing tradition is always an opportunity to work and celebrate the new season together. After all the calves have been branded, you lead them and their mothers to the summer pastures for their growth (cattle drive).
From July to mid-September : For departures between July 1st and September 10th, there will be no cattle work. This is because the ranch will have a reduced number of cowboys and staff at that time. During this period, only horseback riding will be available on the ranch land.
Days 2 to 7
End of stay at the ranch
- Transportation Car - 02h - 95km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on the tour operator chosen, transfer (if booked in advance) to Rapid City Airport for your return flight. Arrival in Europe is scheduled for the following day. For those continuing their journey, you are free to depart for your next destination. This concludes your immersion in the heart of the American West.
Day 8
Back in France, my head full of images of the Wild West
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival of your return flight to France , with memories of an intense week of horseback riding , wide open spaces and ranch life .
Day 9

Note

From May to the end of June and from September 9th to the end of October: cattle work
From July to mid-September: no cattle work

The program itinerary is provided for informational purposes only. It may be subject to modifications or adjustments based on technical criteria, safety requirements, or prevailing weather conditions. In such cases, only the program leaders are authorized to make the necessary decisions.

Accommodation

🏠 Bed and breakfast - Days 1 to 7

The main lodge of the ranch is the former personal house of the owner (who built his own a few meters away): it includes a dining room, kitchen, large living room with a fireplace, 4 rustic but comfortable bedrooms: 2 doubles and 2 twins with each a shared bathroom.

This is the gathering place where meals are served, but also for relaxing by the fire or playing billiards. Wi-Fi is available in the lounge.

Next to the main house are 2 small cabins , each with a double bedroom and a bathroom, as well as a larger trapper-style cabin with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

Access

Departure

Aéroport de Rapid City

Day 1 : 15h00

End of stay

Aéroport de Rapid City

Day 9 - 15h00

The ranch is a 2-hour drive from the airport: transfers to and from the airport are not included in the stay, but are available on request ($75 per trip per person).

The end of the stay and departure from the ranch will take place on day 8 with arrival in France on day 9.

Please plan to arrive between 10am and 8pm.

Go to the starting point

Access by plane

The nearest airport isAéroport de Rapid City, Dakota du Sud

The most accessible airport is Rapid City, located in the neighboring state of South Dakota. The journey from the airport takes approximately 2 hours.

You can also reach the ranch from Gillette-Campbell Airport, about 1 hour from the ranch but generally less well served.

Would you like to travel on other dates?

Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.

Price details

The price includes

Accommodation in single or double rooms in the main house or in a cabin
Full board throughout the stay (lunchtime in the form of light picnics)
Horse riding activities and your horse at your disposal for the entire duration of your stay
Transfers during your stay if necessary (excluding airport transfers)
Unlimited Wi-Fi connection in the main house
The provision of the laundry facilities
The financial guarantee of funds deposited with our partner

The price does not include

International flights to Rapid City (included upon request)
Round-trip transfer to or from the airport in Rapid City: $150 per person ($75 each way), payable directly on site
Tips and personal expenses
ESTA registration fees (see country information)
FFE rider's license: annual insurance: €50 / "Green" card valid for 30 days: €15 (to be requested when booking)

Options

Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers

4,7/5

(6 reviews)

At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.

Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order

Luc

october 2024

Translated from French

A truly unique experience, authentic activities on a vast traditional ranch. Accommodation, food, and hospitality of a good standard.

Published on 31/10/2024

Celine

august 2024

Translated from French

I had a fantastic stay at Kara Creek Ranch. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and the Wyoming scenery while being around the horses and experiencing Western riding. Everyone working at the ranch was kind and welcoming. I would definitely go back and highly recommend it!

Published on 27/08/2024

Laura

september 2023

Translated from French

An incredible experience immersed in the life of Wyoming cowboys. Warm and generous hosts, versatile horses assigned based on skill level and compatibility. Highly recommended.

Published on 18/09/2023

Decathlon Travel Partner

The Phoebe, Audrey et Marjolaine team

4.6/5 (326 reviews) • 62 stays

Led by a team of five horse and adventure enthusiasts, our local expert specializes in ethical equestrian tourism. Committed to developing travel that respects local communities, he forges lasting relationships with partners worldwide. His on-the-ground expertise, equestrian know-how, and technical versatility allow him to offer immersive itineraries, meticulously designed with high standards and authenticity, in a friendly and committed atmosphere.

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Immersion in the life of Wyoming cowboys