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.
Good time to go
The ranch is open from mid-June to the end of August. Any time is a good time!
Children at the Ranch
Great for children aged 0 and over
Children of all ages are welcome at Absaroka Ranch, however they must be at least six years old to ride a horse.
Minimum age children can ride
6 and over
Arts & Crafts
coloring, sketching
Activities
hiking, picnics, outdoor play area, cookouts, Basketball, lawn games, foosball, game room
Games
scavenger/treasure hunts, soccer, badminton, waffle ball, frisbee, lawn games
Environmental & Social Practices
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.
Ranch History
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.
Your Manager, Lindsay and Brooklyn Judd
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.