This is a quite belated review for our trip in July 2023. This was our family's first experience with a ranch vacation. My stepdaughter and I both ride regularly at home and are intermediate riders. My husband can ride a horse, but has no formal training. Horses are not his thing, but he loves nothing more than to see my stepdaughter and I having a great time, so he came along for the ride (pun intended). The trip was such an utter success in July 2023, that we immediately booked another week in August 2024. As I was starting to put together our flights and hotels for the August 2024 trip, I realized I completely forgot to post a review of the Hideout so others can hear about our experience, so here it goes! Your experience begins with your booking. This is done with Melanie, and she is fabulous! The actual ranch vacation starts midway through the day on Sunday. I highly recommend planning your arrival a little early so you have a nice little lunch at the Shell Store, which apparently now has a taproom (which we are so excited to try in August). Check in was a very personalized and smooth process. We stayed in the cabins because we wanted to be closer to the barn and to the lodge (and the laundry because we love doing laundry!). The cabins were adorably appointed and very clean. We loved the welcome bottle of wine, and the little basket of snacks (plus some cookies which were delicious!). Meals: We loved the variety of food choices at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I am pescetarian, and they did an excellent job accommodating that preference because I let them know in advance. Some of the dinners were taken outside, which was really nice, just be sure to pack your mosquito repellant! There is a happy hour before dinner and I highly suggest the margaritas with the tajin rim! Delicious! Riding Prep: First time ranch goers spend the first half of Monday morning at an orientation to learn the ways of the Hideout. I really appreciated this time to learn how things are done with the horses at THIS facility. While I do ride at other barns, a good rider knows to respect the methods used at the facility they are riding at. There are a lot of reasons for this which the Hideout spells out on their website. The trot/loping test was a bit challenging for me since I had only been on my horse for a sum total of maybe 40 minutes, but honestly, even if you don't pass, you will still get chances to trot or lope if the wranglers note that you can handle your horse on the ride. Being able to ride in control is a key aspect of riding safely. I appreciate that this is a core rule at the Hideout. Gear to Bring: The Hideout provides a great packing list. Here are some of my additional recommendations: (1) a helmet with a brimmer to keep out the sun. We did go through some tricky wooded terrain and I did bonk my head so I was grateful for the helmet, (2) riding leggings rather than jeans or riding jean leggings (I found the regular jeans too uncomfortable because the seam moved when riding, (3) padded underwear (it really helps on those long rides and saved my husband's butt (literally), (4) paddock boots (riding in cowboy boots all day is a lot, they are kind of heavy on my ankles so paddocks are nicer for me), (5) half chaps (these go over your boots and zip up. They provided all the protection I needed, (6) a water bottle with a protective cap over the spout (it gets really dusty when out riding). The Riding Experience: All of my horses were well behaved. Some liked to eat the grass more than others, but I have learned that you just need to be the boss from day one with your horse and all will be fine. The tack is high quality and in good repair/clean. The rides are set up the night before during happy hour and you can generally do a half day ride or a full day ride. I did the full day ride each day. The night before you also choose your lunch for the next day (I also selected to bring an extra apple to treat my horse). There are a variety of trails, and in the summer, it is definitely better to truck the horses to some other trails. The ride to these trails is short and it gives you a chance to get to know your wranglers better. The scenery on the rides really varies so there is likely something for everyone. One of the best parts was that our wranglers took TONS of photos of us. I didn't even feel the need to take many of my own. At the end of your trip, you get a link to download all the photos. The riding is NOT nose to tail (though on some portions of trails, there might not be enough room to ride side by side). You are in control of your horse and can go off exploring a bit (within sight of the group) and sort of choose your own way in most of the open areas. We truly loved the Hideout and can't wait to come back this August! Thank you to everyone at the Hideout for making our July 2023 trip such an amazing memory! We can't wait to see what the Hideout has in store for us in August! See you all soon!

I’ve gone to guest ranches in Montana, Arizona and Wyoming but I keep returning to The Hideout, seven times so far. If your focus is riding, I don’t think The Hideout can be beat. Here are the reasons I keep coming back for more: 1. The scenery is spectacular and varied including panoramic views of the Big Horn mountains right from the lodge, fabulous red rock formations, painted hills and vast rangeland. 2. The rides are varied as well. The scenario changes from year to year but you usually get a choice of rides. Half day or all day. Mountain or valley. Riding out to look for mustangs. There usually is a half day option working with cattle once during the week. And a half day horsemanship clinic once during the week. If you are a returning guest the staff will ask you what rides you want to do. The horses are trucked to almost all the rides but the trails are very close to the lodge. Usually less than 30 minutes in the truck. 3. The horses are lovely. Very good natured, well trained and responsive. The horses move out and The Hideout lets you ride. You don’t have to trod in a line. I think The Hideout does a really good job of matching people and horses but if you don’t like your horse for any reason they will find you another. 4. The wranglers are lovely, interesting people you would happily spend a week with and they are talented horse people as well. I always learn by watching the wranglers handle the horses. 5. The cabins and casitas are comfortable and well appointed. I’ve stayed in both. The casitas offer more privacy and your own washer/dryer but the cabins are closer to the barn and lodge. 6. The dining room is beautiful with mountain views. And the food is really good too! It’s not home style, it’s like eating in a nice restaurant. I’m a vegetarian and the staff has always accommodated my diet very nicely. 7. The owners and all the staff are lovely. (I know I’m using that word a lot.) One perk of being a returning guest is that you get hugs. It’s like coming home. 8. The other guests are interesting people from all walks of life, all parts of the country and from around the world. In 2017 I made my first trip to The Hideout as a solo traveler. Since then I’ve been meeting up at The Hideout with people I met that first year and we’ve become close friends. I’m looking forward to next year at The Hideout.

My husband and I got married during COVID and ended up spending time at the hideout because our wedding venue cancelled on us. We had the most amazing time. The Hideout saved the day!! We even fell in love with one of the horses my husband rode. We couldn't get him off our minds and inquired about him annually. The Hideout was gracious enough to let us know when he was retiring and allowed us to give him an easy and living place to retire. They truly care for their animals and show dedication in all aspects of their work.

My sister, two friends, and I just completed another amazing stay at the Hideout. This was the 4th visit for my sister and me. It’s difficult to know where to begin because we absolutely love coming to the Hideout for so many reasons. Like many other reviewers stated, the lodge, cabins, and overall grounds are beautiful and immaculate. The cabins are roomy, comfy, and have everything you need for a more luxurious guest ranch stay. They also have a lovely pool area as well and a nice, centrally located hot tub near the cabins for soaking any achy bones. Our cabin was in a great location to see the wranglers bring the horses up to the barn early in the morning – such a sight to see and hear. We always look forward to cocktail hour with the other guests and delicious meals that are certainly not traditional ranch food. You don’t go hungry by any means, and while we always love the desserts, they were over-the-top-amazing this year (kudos to Chris the Sous Chef). The staff who serve the guests are always very attentive, friendly, and professional. The Hideout owners do a great job with their hiring. We love meeting the other guests, sharing backgrounds, and stories of the day and riding experiences. We had lovely weather all week which allowed us to take advantage of dining outside and some gorgeous sunsets. While the hospitality and accommodations are top notch, it’s the horses and riding that we love the most! We’ve had the pleasure of riding both quarter horses and mustangs. We quickly bonded with a few of them and have been lucky enough to ride them each time we’ve visited the Hideout. There are so many beautiful, well-trained horses that it makes it hard not to want to ride and experience more of them and their special traits. Peter Pan, Pistol, Little Blue, and Mighty Mouse will always have a special place in our hearts. When we consider a guest ranch, the horses and riding are our primary focus, and each time, the Hideout exceeds our expectations in this area. We’ve been lucky to participate in some exciting cattle drives and exploratory rides, for which we are always game. We always enjoy the wranglers who have accompanied us on our rides. Not only are they great riders and knowledgeable, but they are also always welcoming and friendly. We are constantly amazed at how well they manage and handle the big trucks and trailers filled with horses driving up and down the Big Horn Mountains. This year, we met several new wranglers—all very engaging and fun to ride with. As usual, we rode some challenging terrain with breath-taking views of which we will never tire. In our opinion, the Hideout wranglers is one of the main things that sets this guest ranch apart from other guest ranches. Their horsemanship and care of the horses is evident and much appreciated. The Hideout is truly a gem. The only negative is that the week goes by way too fast! But we are so thankful for the great memories (and pictures…ha!) we take home with us.

The Hideout Ranch is an absolute gem in the beautiful Big Horn Mountains close to Shell, Wy. My husband and I are still talking about it. We had trail rides in the mountains, in canyons, and in the valleys that were all uniquely stunning and magnificent. There were magical moments on these rides when we were all moving along a narrow trail, single file, everyone quiet except for the sound of the horses. Relationships with the other guests quickly went from 'never met before' to planning a reunion at The Hideout in 2 years. The food was phenomenal, and my allergies and preferences were well attended. The hospitality and attention to detail was evident in everything at the ranch, from the aesthetics of the pool overlooking the mountains to the flow of Cocktail Hour and Dinner every evening. Peter, Marin, Melanie, the Wranglers and all the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful every minute of every day. I was not a horse rider before I arrived at The Hideout, but the first ride changed all of that. Marin's presentation of Authentic Horsemanship was beautiful and a lesson for all leaders, not just those riding in the saddle. The Hideout gets more than 5 stars from me as I have already booked my next trip back in April.