Are Wyoming Ranches Fairly Represented In Dude Ranch Lists?

I understand that national agencies have to share the love when it comes to ranking the best of the best in the US, but when a list comes out, and only two of the best Dude Ranches of 2026 are in Wyoming, you start to question the list's integrity.

The USA Today's 10Best Dude Ranch list is out, and last year, Eatons' Ranch near Sheridan was #1 on the list, and in 2026, they didn't even make the list. I'm sure it's all about giving the other "kids" a chance to play, and you never want people running around thinking it's not fair, and the important part is that Wyoming was left off the list, just not on the list at #1, where we should be.

The 10 Dude Ranches that make the list are nominated by an expert panel, then voted on by readers as the best. The criteria for making the list are pretty simple: visitors need to be able to enjoy things like horseback riding, fishing, ranch activities like working cattle, hanging around the campfire, and experiencing life on a ranch.

There were two Wyoming Dude Ranches on the list, at #9 & #10.

Coming in at #10 is the Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch near Cody, WY.

Hidden away among the trees and just a hop, skip, and jump from the Shoshone River and Blackwater Creek. Then, it’s off to choose your own adventure, from fly fishing or whitewater rafting at the aforementioned streams to horseback riding, hiking, or even testing your archery skills.

#9 on the list, and up one spot from last year, is the Brush Creek Ranch near Saratoga.

Sits on 30,000 private acres of Wyoming's North Platte River Valley and blends the allure of the American West with the sophistication and comfort of one of the world's best resorts.

#8 Fladhead Lake Lodge, Bigfork, Montana

#7 C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado

#6 Ranch de Los Caballeros, Wickenburg, Arizona

#5 Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, Gallatin Gateway, Montana

#4 Mayan Dude Ranch, Bandera, Texas

#3 Vista Verda Ranch, Clark, Colorado

#2 White Stallion Ranch, Tucson, Arizona

#1 Alisal Ranch, Solvang, California