Saddle up, cowgirls! These dude ranches offer the perfect wellness escapes

Perched high atop a dappled-colored horse at Alisal Ranch, I stroked the equine’s coarse hair in an effort to bond before sauntering off to an authentic cowboy breakfast. I was with a group of like-minded women in search of a wellness weekend — but we chose to trade our spa robes for cowgirl hats and forgo mani-pedis for dusty trail rides. This was not a typical “dude ranch” experience. It seamlessly blended nurturing self-care, enriching workshops, nourishing meals, and fostering friendships.

These days, at least half a dozen California ranches are offering such immersive getaways with an added bonus: a taste of the American West. With a surprising range of settings — from heritage cattle ranches in the Sierra foothills to luxury guest ranches in Wine Country — urban and suburban women can challenge themselves to ride horses, shoot air-guns, rope cattle or try square-dancing and learn new skills from female master artisans. In the process, they get to reconnect with nature, and themselves, in meaningful ways.

“A women’s retreat in a ranch setting is the perfect place to experience a women’s retreat because it blends the grounding rhythm of ranch life, nature and animals with deeply thoughtful, women-led experiences,” said Nicole Cline, who attended the WILDWONDER Retreat at Alisal Ranch. “Each time I’ve gone I’ve left feeling completely supported, inspired and re-energized with the confidence to try something new or push myself outside of my typical comfort zone.”

Here are a few places across the Golden State that are hosting Western-themed women’s retreats that offer a restorative ranch escape for the perfect “cowgirl-cation,” whether you’re traveling solo, with your mom or daughter, or with a group of besties.

Rankin Ranch, Caliente, March 8-19

Head to the Tehachapi Mountains this spring for a Crafty Getaway at Rankin Ranch, a 31,000-acre cattle ranch dating back to 1863. Guests will experience true Western hospitality at this family-run establishment. The retreat includes horseback rides twice a day, hardy ranch meals in fresh mountain air and free time to explore the grounds through hiking, swimming, fishing or bike riding. After the sun goes down, enjoy the company of the small group of women while square dancing, playing horseshoes or relaxing by a fire under a starlit sky. Choose from a private or shared mountain cabin. The ranch also offers ladies a chance to bond over common hobbies during their scrapbooking and quilting retreats.

Women Rising Wild, Julian, June 16-19

For a unique outdoor experience with other women, the CowGirl Wild retreat in the mountains of San Diego County, is a mix of hiking, horses, wolves, music and meditation. The retreat starts with a meet-and-greet in the charming mountain town of Julian. The animal-centric experience features therapeutic horseback riding, a tour of the California Wolf Center, wildlife viewing and a volunteering opportunity at Villa Chardonnay ranch animal rescue.

Guests will immerse themselves in nature through activities such as forest bathing, drumming, participating in a sound bath and practicing archery. They will also engage in earthdance, which Women Rising Wild visionary Melissa Lynn Reed describes as, “moving mindfully and rhythmically, barefoot on the earth, while interacting with and expressing nature’s elements of fire, water, air, forest, flowers, animals.” Organic meals are included, and guests can choose to spend the night in a guest room at the lodge or opt for tent camping.

Hunewill Ranch, Bridgeport Valley, Sept. 17-21

Join the ladies-only High Sierra Cowgirl Vacation at Hunewell Ranch for an all-inclusive horseback retreat at the base of the High Sierra, for all riding abilities. Experience what life is like on a real working cattle ranch. Spend days bonding with your horse — and other women — as you explore the stunning terrain and learn ranching skills, like roping and moving cattle. Evenings include delicious cowgirl cookouts and lively campfires featuring a talent show,  sing-alongs and s’mores. After an exhilarating day on the ranch, lay your head to rest in a cozy country cabin.

Alisal Ranch, Solvang, Sept. 27-30

The WILDWONDER women’s retreat at Alisal Ranch in Santa Ynez Valley merges the Wild West with immersive activities, seasonal California cuisine and relaxing time in nature. Here, attendees can ride horses through picturesque fields, try challenging activities like axe throwing and air-gun shooting, connect with other women from around the world and learn from women “makers” who are at the top of their fields — chefs, wellness experts, artisans.

The luxury ranch, situated on 10,500 acres, also features a relaxing spa, pool, tennis courts, lake, barnyard animals, hiking trails and delicious ranch-style cookouts. Sleep soundly in luxury Western-themed guest rooms, cottages and houses with private patios and wood-burning fireplaces.

Casari Ranch, Santa Rosa, Oct. 23-25

Casari Ranch in Sonoma County is the perfect backdrop for the transformational Freedom Cowgirl Retreat. Start your day with intention and gratitude, utilize the natural environment and healing time with horses to slow down and be present, and dare to dream in a supportive gender-neutral community. Whether you’re looking to let go, regain focus, increase creativity or set new goals, this time and place is a safe space to share and grow. Nourishing, organic meals keep guests fueled throughout their time on the ranch. A variety of offsite accommodations are available.

Sweetbeau Horses, Creston, October

The name says it all in the For the Love of Horses retreat taking place this fall in Central California Wine Country. This is for women who are enamored with horses and are seeking a restorative interaction with these majestic creatures. The Sweetbeau Horses ranch employs rescued wild Mustangs to help women embrace their empowerment, revive their creativity and make space for stillness. Sleep over in the Bunk House for an authentic Western experience that includes “The Duke” saloon. The goal is that attendees leave the journey with a newfound sense of confidence, self-love and independence, as well as long-lasting friendships created through transformative conversations and experiences.