Living the Cowgirl Life

Destination: Laramie, Wyoming

| Activities: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Dude Ranch

Tucked away high up near Wyoming's Snowy Mountains is VeeBar Ranch, a historic dude ranch. The ranch is a place of peace and quiet, a retreat that combines time in the outdoors with comfortable lodging and hearty meals at night, away from cell phones. The air is crisp and invigorating, and you find yourself relaxing within minutes of your arrival. You can choose to be busy all day, going for long rides, learning or improving your fly fishing, hiking in this spectacular rugged land, and joining in every activity we offer. Or you can decide to put your feet up on the front porch and read a good book, in between soaking in the hot tub. All these are possible - it's completely up to you! Maximum group size: 16. Maximum horseback rider weight permitted: 265 pounds.

Highlights

  • Enjoying the peace and solitude of Vee Bar Ranch
  • Riding on well-trained horses through wide open pastures and rugged landscapes
  • Experiencing ranch activities including trapshooting, fly fishing, and sheep dog demonstrations
  • Enjoying hearty meals in a gorgeous lodge
  • Soaking tired muscles at night while gazing at more stars than you ever knew existed

Departures and Prices

August 31 to September 07, 2024
$5295.00 - FULL
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Inclusions

  • An experienced AGC group leader and multiple local guides depending on group size
  • 6 nights lodging at Vee Bar Ranch (all in single rooms with shared bathrooms) and one night at a hotel near the airport
  • All meals except dinner on night 1, and lunch on day 2
  • Round trip transportation to/from the airport in Denver, CO
  • All activities as listed on the itinerary (Flyfishing in the river and off property requires purchasing a state fishing license)
  • Customary gratuities (15%) and taxes (6%) for ranch and staff

Not included: Travel to and from Denver, CO from your place of origin, dinner on day 1 and lunch on day 2, alcoholic beverages (can be purchased at the ranch), AGC guide gratuities, and travel insurance

Trip Documents

Trip Info

Maximum horseback rider weight: 265 pounds. We have rated this trip as 1, 2, or 3 because of the wide variety of options available every day. You might choose half-day horseback rides with afternoons spent reading a book or soaking in the hot tub; or you might ride as much as possible each day with fishing and hiking taking up the rest of your time. The level of activity is up to you. For trips that are rated 2, participants should be walking regularly at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35 - 45 minutes prior to trip beginning. Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5.

The main draw for this trip is horseback riding. You will be matched with a horse at the beginning of the week that is appropriate for your level of experience and different levels of rides will be offered. In addition to riding, you can learn the basics of fly fishing and then practice in the nearby river or stocked pond. For women interested in some hiking, the nearby Snowy Mountains offer a variety of well marked hiking trails and a couple of hikes will be offered during the week. There are also opportunities to try your hand at skeet shooting, pasture golf, archery, and horseshoes.

There are two cabins and six 2-bedroom Riverside Suites; everyone will get her own semi private bedroom and share a bathroom. Bedrooms are connected by a common door in the middle of the cabin, with separate entrances. The suites are located on the banks of the Little Laramie River, with a porch that invites you to sit and relax while you watch the river go by. The cabins are more secluded and have a somewhat different layout. Both are described here.

Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.

DAY 1
Arrive anytime today at the Denver Airport. We'll be staying at a nearby hotel with an airport shuttle, so you can arrive whenever it's convenient. Our first formal get together will be tomorrow.
DAY 2
We'll meet each other Sunday morning for breakfast and to start getting acquainted. We'll then depart for the 3 hour drive up to Laramie, stopping along the way for lunch (not included) and a possible opportunity to visit a cowgirl store where you can purchase western wear, boots, hats and any forgotten items as well as those must-have ones (depends on store hours)! We'll get to the ranch about 2:30 and will have time to settle in, before meeting with our host for the week. We'll learn about the history of the ranch (it's third generation) and then get a tour of the ranch and buildings. Obviously knowing where the hot tub is located will be of prime importance! We'll then enjoy the first of many hearty and delicious dinners, home-cooked from scratch and served buffet style. Our western or gourmet meals are supplemented with fresh salads, fruit, homemade breads, pastries, and desserts at every meal. Obviously if we're going to eat like ranch hands, we'll need to work up an appetite like them! After dinner we'll meet for an orientation to the ranch and our activities for the week. (B,D)
DAY 3
We'll start our week with a "Meet and Greet" - with our horses for the week! We'll learn a little about how horses think and how we can out-think them, setting our week-long relationship on firm footing. We'll get our saddles fitted, learn trail etiquette, and receive some riding instruction that will help whether you're new to riding or an experienced rider. After this introduction, most of the rest of our rides will be based on experience level and everyone will have the chance to improve her riding skills.

Each day will be full of riding, fishing, hiking - and relaxing. Every evening we'll review our options for the next day and everyone can choose what sounds good to her; with lots of flexibility built in. Horseback riding is one of the main delights here. The horses are well cared for and well trained. You will be matched to a horse at the beginning of the week that is appropriate for your experience level, and you will have the chance to improve your riding skills over time. We'll split into groups based on experience; nose-to-tail rides are minimized and loping rides are available for those who are interested.

The terrain varies greatly: at the beginning of the week we'll ride directly from the ranch through lush meadows near the river and up onto high plateaus. Later in the week we'll head for more mountainous country. There will be morning and afternoon rides offered each day and at least one day we'll have the option for an all day ride up in the mountains. All rides are adapted to any level of experience. In addition to trail riding, once we are comfortable with our horses we'll get to try team penning, learning how to get cattle to go where we want. The Vee Bar's horses are turned out to pasture each night and rounded up each morning. If you want to meet the wranglers at the barn in the morning to help groom and saddle your horse, and/or help unsaddle and turn horses out, you are most welcome to. (You are equally welcome to leave your horse with your wrangler and go back to your cabin for a hot shower!)

There will be also optional activities each day for those who choose not to ride or only ride half the day. The Little Laramie River flows right through the ranch and is perfect for fly fishing, and there is also a stocked pond which is ideal for learning. Those who are interested can attend a demonstration from a local guide who will teach the basics and cover topics such as techniques, equipment, flies, and fish. Those who are really interested in improving their skills or going for guided expeditions can hire the guide - he's always on call.

For those who want to do some hiking, the nearby Snowy Mountains offer a variety of well-marked trails. For those who want to relax, you can go for a quiet walk on ranch property, read your book while listening to the river, soak in the hot tub, and take naps.

Other activities to look forward to include trapshooting, working sheep dog demonstrations, dance lessons, happy hour with live music, outdoor barbecues, evening campfires, roasting marshmallows (yes!) and singing wranglers!

After a full day of activity, we'll gather for a relaxing drink at the John Wayne Saloon or in the lodge in front of the large river rock fireplace. We'll enjoy a delicious hearty dinner, served buffet style. Our meals are cooked from scratch and supplemented with fresh salads, fruit, homemade breads, pastries and desserts at every meal. Before retiring to your comfortable bed each night, you can sit outside in the hot tub, soak well-used muscles, and gaze up at the stars that may be brighter than any you've ever seen before.
DAY 4
See "Day 3" for a complete description!
DAY 5
Yup, more of the same (see Day 3)
DAY 6
Yup, more of the same (see Day 3)
DAY 8
The week is over way too quickly! We'll pack up this morning, eat our last breakfast, and then get a shuttle back to the Denver airport. We'll be back by 1:00 PM and you can plan to fly out anytime after 3PM (B)

4.8

(90 reviews)
4.3 Food
4.5 Lodging
4.6 Safety
5
(75)
4
(14)
3
(0)
2
(1)
1
(0)

*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.

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Janine G.
5 months ago

The other participants, the food and the incredible scenery! Also, the opportunity to experience life on a ranch. The hosts, from wranglers to kitchen staff, were welcoming, professional and always helpful.

Ann F.
6 months ago

it provided numerous activities that were enjoyed. Was able to choose what was desired .

Barbara M.
6 months ago

The HUGE variety of activities that were offered at the Ranch and the fact that you could choose at what level you wanted to challenge yourself in any given activity!! and ALL with safety in mind!!... It was Great to discover that I had it in me to push myself in awesome Fun and see such AWESOME Vistas!!! Brent and Kari and EVERYONE work as a great team, Making it a very Family-like enjoyable Adventure.

Sharon S.
6 months ago

Getting away from my usual routine. Sunshine. Riding everyday. Friendly environment.

Linda B.
6 months ago

Variety of activities. Willingness of all staff to help us enjoy our vacation safely.

Page S.
6 months ago

The Vee Bar Ranch is so special. They make you feel part of the family. My dream came true!! The AGC made sure we were taken care of and having fun. What an adventure!

Marybeth G.
6 months ago

The atmosphere of the ranch was very warm and welcoming. The owners, wranglers and crew and our guide were very supportive and encouraging. Everyone in our group got along and supported each other during our activities.

Deborah S.
6 months ago

Connecting with women from all different backgrounds.

Donna G.
6 months ago

The moment I arrived, I felt like part of the family. Very welcoming, helpful. It was a great trip al the way around!

Annette D.
1 year ago

Karin D.
1 year ago

Such a relaxed environment with friendly people. The horseback riding was the highlight for me, especially learning to lope!

Felicia L.
1 year ago

Kathy E.
1 year ago

The ranch and all of the activities. It was so unique and the people were so accommodating.

Terrie V.
1 year ago

Definitely riding! The varied riding experiences were perfect for all and all ability levels were respected. I loved the relaxed atmosphere, great food, and friendly staff.

Sharon S.
1 year ago

The authenticity of the working ranch

Babs B.
1 year ago

No complaints whatsoever...all good

Sharon S.
1 year ago

The trip was designed such that all skill levels could have a great experience. No single person could keep the group from reaching their potential. That made for an amazing experience.

Jennifer N.
1 year ago

Location, activities and fellow travelers

Nuria H.
2 years ago

Gilah T.
2 years ago

Chance to learn to ride horses some. Vee Bar hosts, family, wranglers and guides, warm personal environment Great attitudes of wranglers and Doug. There was a bit of clique-ishness in the group amongst several of those who were experienced riders and/or had done this trip before . Found myself feeling a bit of an outsider..It didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the trip; I just didn't come away feeling I'd made any new friends, or really gotten to know anyone new, which is unusual for me. Great music.

Taylor M.
2 years ago

Great to spend time with family and disconnect from reality. Beautiful view, great group of women, and lovely weather.

Cindy S.
2 years ago

Gracious hosts, beautiful setting, many options of things to do, great food

Sarah W.
2 years ago

The women, the folks at the ranch, the flexibility of activities and the variety of activities.

Carole G.
2 years ago

Of course being with my two granddaughters. Everything about the trip met my expectations.

Mary H.
2 years ago

The overall trip was wonderful, especially since I was able to ride BlackJack, who was my horse every year during my travels. I met a wonderful group of traveling companions, especially my roommate Laurel, who provided a great deal of help at the end, especially since I had some struggles following my involuntary exit from BlackJack!

Donna G.
2 years ago

The lodging and ranch staff were very good and the AGC guide was excellent and I felt taken care of. The lodge/ranch owners took a very hands on approach to making our stay enjoyable. Most planned activities went well. Most of the meals were very good (a few were just ok).

Meg K.
2 years ago

Something I've always wanted to do and finally did it.

Rebecca S.
2 years ago

Got to see a moose...yeh!! I had a blast on the cattle drive. The mountain ride was fantastic.

Judy N.
2 years ago

The staff and owners of the Vee Bar Ranch. The culture and environment they foster on the ranch is exceptional. The best hospitality!

Maryjane L.
2 years ago

Different experiences, great venue

Laurel F.
2 years ago

The level of hospitality that the VeeBar provides as well as the excellent choices of rides and other activities.

Diane P.
3 years ago

wish the weather had been better but overall the trip was what I expected.

Laurel F.
3 years ago

Lani D.
4 years ago

Christine H.
4 years ago

The riding experience was great. Liked the flexibility the trip provided to take part (or not) in lots of activities.

Laurie L.
4 years ago

High level of staff interaction, trying to accommodate diverse needs Obviously incredible environment, but program allowing exposure to several aspects, not just one

Rebecca S.
4 years ago

This is the 4th time I've been on the Living a Cowgirl Life....have a lot of fun on this trip

Susan C.
4 years ago

This was such a great trip with the best bunch of girls. There was so much to do, or if your choice, do nothing but relax.

Laurel F.
4 years ago

Carol I.
4 years ago

The highlights...The riding experience was fantastic. Wranglers were very helpful (

Charlotte L.
4 years ago

Learning to fly fish. Practicing trap shooting. Hiking in beautiful scenic locations.

Lani D.
4 years ago

Great ranch - the staff is amazing! The mountain horseback rides were the highlights for me.

Dominique B.
4 years ago

The owners and wranglers could not have been more pleasant or helpful. For me the highlight was the wagon ride and the family atmpsphere.

Jennifer G.
4 years ago

Margaret T.
4 years ago

This year I got to canter to my heart's content! I got matched with a perfect horse. I think the food this year was not as good as last year. Loved getting golden horseshoes the last night. That was sweet.

Laurel F.
4 years ago

I was very impressed with how the ranch gave so many activities to choose from!

Marsha B.
4 years ago

Loved the cattle drive, field trip to the Wyoming FederalPrison when I couldn’t go riding. The hospitality of the Ranch, the wagon ride with live music

Mary H.
4 years ago

Each year I go on this trip, I can hardly wait to get on the wonderful horses at the ranch.

Bonnie V.
5 years ago

I was impressed with the Vee Bar's entire family. The family involvement (especially the children) in our activities was extra special. The entire experience was so authentic and genuine.

Christine H.
5 years ago

The riding experience was phenomenal. It was great to not have nose-to-tail rides. All the activities available were fun and interesting and having the option to do nothing was also appreciated.

Jean G.
5 years ago

Deborah R.
5 years ago

Enjoyed the various activities and especially all the special attention the owners, wranglers, guides, and cook gave us. From watching the horses come in at 7 to the wagon ride or sheep dog demo in the evening they were so good to us. One of my favorite evenings was swinging alongside the campfire and listening to Brent sing and play his guitar and we all had a good time and laughed.

Mary H.
5 years ago

I was on this same trip in 2017, and I had such a wonderful time, I just had to come back again. Riding a horses every was a dream vacation for me! Plus,this was a wonderfully cohesive group of women this time around, and we all had a great time together.

Nancy S.
5 years ago

Riding horses every day! Flexible schedule.

Sarah K.
5 years ago

The Vee Bar Ranch was very organized and took care of all my needs and desires. I just needed to sign up for the activities I was interested in and show up! Kari, Brent, and the entire staff were extremely friendly and accommodating; they truly made us feel like family. The cabin was lovely and it was very convenient to have a washer and dryer in the cabin. The food was also excellent. I looked forward to every meal. The evening entertainment, especially the three nights of music, were a highlight as well.

Kathryn L.
5 years ago

Loved this trip! Hard to say what was the best because I loved every minute of it! The riding and horses were amazing, the guides were great, I want to go again!

Jean M.
5 years ago

Sylvia B.
5 years ago

Variety of activities Mainly fly fishing

Margaret T.
5 years ago

Loved the ranch staff and all the riders nf

Joann P.
5 years ago

loved the horseback riding. Staff was very accommodating for my physical limitations.

Janet K.
5 years ago

Learning to ride a horse and lope!

Jean G.
5 years ago

Bernadette B.
6 years ago

Jean W.
6 years ago

The setting was beautiful and the diversity of activities they offered was fabulous as well as the demonstrations. The cattle drive was probably my most favorite although I thoroughly enjoyed every activity. Sitting by the brook practicing my new fly-fishing skills was another great time--caught a fish!!-- big surprise! The wagon ride with the musicians

Kathleen P.
6 years ago

I've never been on a tour let alone an all girls trip and thought I wouldn't like it, bit much to my surprise and delight. I enjoyed the trip and the participants immensely

Bernadette B.
6 years ago

The horse I rode made me feel safe so I was able to enjoy the rides.

Ginny W.
6 years ago

I liked that we had our own rooms and the flexibility with the schedule. We could ride, hike, fish, read or just enjoy being in nature.

Deborah M.
6 years ago

Highlights were the quality of horses, being able to ride every day (

Barbara C.
6 years ago

Susan H.
6 years ago

The location, all of the people at the VeeBar ranch, the horses, the food, the variety of activities !! All of the trip was fantastic !!

Naomi B.
6 years ago

Well organized. Itinerary was as planned.

Mary H.
6 years ago

I went to the VeeBar Ranch to ride horses, get cold (a break from the blazing temps in Arizona all summer), and meet other like-minded women. My expectations were not only met, they were exceeded!

Kim G.
6 years ago

all the horseback riding and hiking offered

Rebecca S.
6 years ago

I was able to ride everyday

Dixie M.
6 years ago

The trail ride and picnic in the mountains. The hike in the snowy mountains. The family atmosphere and camaraderie of the owners, staff, and women on the trip. It was a peak experience. Everyday was a treat. Loved the variety and choices!

Anonymous
6 years ago

As my first trip with AGC, I had few expectations and a very open mind! I was a little concerned about an all-women trip, as I've never done group travel, nor anything with just women. What a lovely bunch, a great experience, and The Ranch, oh The Ranch! Wyoming and Vee Bar is exactly what I needed and it didn't disappoint. Everything was perfect. Just perfect. One glitch with my original roommate and a Wrangler, which I believe Lisa already filled you in on. The silver lining? Two wonderful women came to my aid and generously invited me to move in with them. Their cabin was not as nice, mine was riverside with the MOST comfortable queen bed, and just phenomenal overall. Theirs was a two-story, with very smelly water, a toilet covered in iron, and the twin bed sucked. Fine for a kid, not for me.

Deborah C.
6 years ago

Riding, especially the cattle drive and team penning; hiking in mountains, food (delicious!), interacting with trip participants; extras like wagon ride and live music.

Christy D.
6 years ago

The horse back riding was a highlight for me.

Elizabeth H.
7 years ago

Highlights were riding the horses along the prairie, moving the cattle to a new pasture, as a gust of wind perfumed us with the scent of sagebrush - heavenly! The stars overhead at night, the running of the horses each morning, The hike to Medicine Bow Peak!!!

Barbara D.
7 years ago

The engagement withour guide Karen and Vee Bar staff was exceptional...I was a little apprehensive of the riding ...both made the week a wonderful experience.

Joann S.
7 years ago

Susan R.
7 years ago

This is a tough one to answer because while I had an amazing time and tend to remember only the good stuff, there were issues during the trip that definitely rated a 1 or 2 response. (addressed below under guide) I simply loved the ranch, the hospitality, the food, cabins, participants and activities The riding was spectacular and when I returned home to the stable I ride at, they noticed a difference in my skill level!

Sandra P.
7 years ago

Everyday was fantastic

Susan Y.
7 years ago

the ranch was amazing. also, the hiking gave a nice change to the horseback riding. both were super!

Carol C.
7 years ago

Too hard to pick one highlight. Great wranglers, nice to have music 3 nights, great food, wonderful hike to 12,400 ft., great horses, great accommodations, etc. etc.

Christine D.
7 years ago

Having the moose pass our cabin every evening was the best idea AGC ever had!

Michelle P.
7 years ago

Can't pick just one thing. But riding the horses everyday...twice a day...was perfect!! Loved the wranglers and their easy-going nature towards us on horseback. They had great confidence in us.

Sue V.
7 years ago

The beautiful location of the trip. The excellent hospitality of Vee Bar Ranch. The true Western experience. The cattle drive was my favorite. The horses are wonderful and well taken care of and matched perfectly to the riders experience. I can't say enough and could go on and on. Each day just got better then the day prior. Our guide, Karen, was wonderful, kind and considerate.

Judy K.
7 years ago

I wanted more hiking, but loved everything

Alisann P.
7 years ago

I can't think of any negatives. The location and accommodations/facilities were great. Activities were balance through the day and there were enough options to fill free time. I would have liked to have been more successful in the riding aspect but know there are a lot of things to factor in there. Hike locations were spectacular.

  1. Where do we eat?

    All your meals will be served family-style at the ranch.
  2. What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?

    If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring additional protein bars and supplemental snacks; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.
  3. Do I need to bring a horseback riding helmet?

    Horseback riding helmets are not mandatory as per the ranch's rules but AGC recommends wearing one. There are helmets available for borrowing but the ranch may not have enough for everybody and may not have the correct fit for your head. If you would like to bring your own helmet, be sure that it is specific to horseback riding (no bicycle helmets!)
  4. What do I need for flyfishing?

    The ranch has all of the equipment you need for flyfishing and an instructor to teach you the basics. If you would like to flyfish in the river or off property, you will need to purchase a Wyoming fishing license. If you would like to try flyfishing in the ranch's stocked pond on property, you do not need to purchase a Wyoming fishing license. More information regarding a fishing license will be available in documents in your portal, closer to departure time.
  5. I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?

    All the rooms on this trip are singles with shared bathrooms.
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