What a working ranch week is really like
Early coffee, sore legs, and the best kind of tired. What to expect before you sign on with a cattle outfit.
The work follows the cattle
Cattle don't keep a vacation calendar. Spring brings branding and moving cow-calf pairs to summer grass. Summer is checking and moving herds. Fall means gathering cattle off the high country and sorting them to ship.
Kara Creek Ranch runs its full cattle program in May, June, September, and October. Sweet Grass Ranch schedules cattle days as the ranch needs them. If working cattle is the point of your trip, ask what will be happening the week you book.
On Brand Book: Kara Creek Ranch, Sweet Grass Ranch
A typical day
Every outfit is different, but a cattle day often looks like this:
- Early breakfast, then saddle up with the crew.
- A long ride out to find cattle, check fences, or move a herd to new grass.
- Lunch in the field or back at the barn.
- Afternoon sorting, doctoring, or arena practice.
- Supper, stories, and an early night.
Are you ready?
- Riding fitness matters more than polish. TA Ranch has guests pass a riding test before they work cattle.
- Rider weight limits of 225 to 250 lb are common.
- Minimum ages for cattle work usually land between 12 and 18.
- Some trips are true camping trips. Double Rafter guests sleep in tipi tents and move camp with the herd.
On Brand Book: TA Ranch, Double Rafter Cattle Drives
What to pack
- Boots with a heel, and jeans that won't bind in the saddle.
- Layers. Mornings can be cold even in July.
- A brimmed hat, sunscreen, and lip balm.
- Work gloves for ropes and gates.
- A riding helmet if you have one. Some ranches expect riders to bring their own.
Ranches where cattle work is routine
On Brand Book: Dryhead Ranch, Lonesome Spur Guest Ranch, Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle & Guest Ranch, Paintbrush Adventures (Barron Ranch), Diamond 7 Bar Guest Ranch, Klondike Ranch