Dubois, WY
Absaroka Ranch
About the ranch
Tucked away in the heart of the American West, Absaroka Ranch offers true solitude, unspoiled wilderness and breathtaking scenery on a grand scale.
Sitting at the headwaters of Wyoming’s Wind River and nestled at the base of the spectacular Absaroka Mountain Range, this authentic Wyoming guest ranch invites you to experience a genuine ranch vacation where wide-open spaces, rich Western heritage and personalized hospitality all come together.
Looking for a peaceful escape or an active outdoor adventure? Absaroka Ranch offers unforgettable experiences including horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, wildlife photography, wilderness pack trips and seasonal fall hunting.
Surrounded by pristine wilderness and far from the crowds, guests enjoy a secluded yet welcoming atmosphere that feels both exclusive and deeply personal. It’s the perfect setting for those searching for a luxury ranch vacation, all-inclusive dude ranch experience, or a quiet retreat immersed in nature.
Affiliations
Absaroka Ranch is affiliated with the Dude Ranchers' Association
Also offers
Guest capacity
16
Best for
Kids - all ages
Months open
Jun-Aug
History & hosts
A Historic Wyoming Guest Ranch with Deep Western Roots
The story of Absaroka Ranch is woven into the rich heritage of the American West, offering guests not just a ranch vacation, but a connection to over a century of authentic Wyoming history.
In 1911, Mily and Emil Blaha first homesteaded the land, living as subsistence farmers and raising their own food in the remote Wyoming wilderness.
Just five years later, they completed construction of the ranch’s main lodge and the historic Delta Whiskey cabin – both of which remain in use today, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience genuine Western living.
The ranch remained in the Blaha family until 1957, when it was purchased by the Detimore family, who established it as a traditional Wyoming guest ranch. In 1981, the property changed hands to the Delo family, who continued operating it as a dude ranch until 1983.
That same year, current owner Budd Betts purchased the ranch, ushering in a new era. Together with his wife Emi, Budd transformed the property, renaming it Absaroka Ranch and expanding it into a renowned guest ranch and outfitting business in Wyoming.
Their vision combined authentic ranch traditions with warm, personalized hospitality that continues to define the guest experience today.
Budd and Emi raised their two children, Robert and Lindsay, at the ranch, making it a true family-run operation.
Today, Lindsay and her husband Brooklyn serve as ranch managers, continuing the legacy and welcoming guests from around the world to experience the ranch’s unique blend of history, wilderness, and serenity.
From its early homesteading days to its evolution into a premier Wyoming ranch vacation destination, Absaroka Ranch remains a place where history, nature and genuine Western hospitality come together.
Ranch founded
1911
Guest ranch since
1957
Owners
Budd and Emi Betts
Managers
Lindsay and Brooklyn Judd
About the managers
Meet Your Hosts: A Family-Run Wyoming Ranch Experience
Lindsay Judd grew up living and working at Absaroka Ranch, giving her a lifelong connection to authentic Wyoming ranch life. During college she met her husband Brooklyn, who was also raised in Dubois and together they always knew it would be their forever home.
In 2013, they began working at the ranch and are now full-time managers, delivering a warm, personalized guest ranch experience.
With their son Eldon, they embrace ranch life as a family and are passionate about sharing the unique beauty, wilderness and hospitality that make Absaroka Ranch so special.
Your manager
Accommodation types
Ranch rustic
Gene Kilgore's notes
Community
Absaroka Ranch is deeply connected to the Dubois, Wyoming community, regularly hosting public events that welcome local residents to experience the ranch.
The ranch actively supports local charitable organizations and plays an ongoing role in encouraging both youth and adults to get outdoors, explore the Wyoming wilderness and engage with nature.
Through these efforts, Absaroka Ranch remains a valued part of the community, and a champion of authentic Western lifestyle and outdoor adventure.
When to go
The ranch is open from mid-June to the end of August. Any time is a good time!
Why we love it
- Absaroka Ranch is located in a true Wyoming wilderness setting, surrounded by the spectacular Absaroka Mountain Range. The ranch sits at the headwaters of the Wind River, offering guests an authentic, remote Wyoming ranch vacation experience in untouched natural beauty.
- There's plenty of rich history and authentic ranch character. With over a century of history, original homestead cabins and generations of ranch ownership, Absaroka Ranch offers an authentic historic guest ranch stay unlike many modern resorts.
- You'll enjoy real down-home family-run guest ranch hospitality. Run by the same family for decades, this boutique ranch offers a warm, personal atmosphere where guests are welcomed like part of the family and enjoy genuine Western hospitality.
- There is a wide range of outdoor activities for all! From horseback riding and guided fly fishing to hiking, photography and wilderness pack trips, guests can enjoy a full Wyoming dude ranch experience with something for all ages and interests.
What to consider
- Their guest ranch season is very short, June to August inclusive, it's wise to book well in advance as cabins fill up quickly.
- The remote and secluded location should be taken into consideration – Absaroka Ranch is intentionally remote, offering peace and solitude. Guests should be mindful that their trip will be a true wilderness experience away from towns and urban conveniences.
