The Old West

Cowboy From majestic alpine mountains to rugged redrock canyons, Utah typifies the classic Old West. Some of the most colorful figures and outlaws of the Old West have claimed Utah as home. Utah's prime location between California and the middle of nowhere created a sparsely populated landscape from which cattle rustlers and bandits could steal their way into western legend. The wide-open area sheltered some of the West's most reviled and revered cowboys. Old West outlaws including Butch Cassidy, Billy the Kid, and the Rough Riders all set up camp within Utah's borders. Most of the territory once dominated by the great cowboys is still untouched and can be conveniently visited today. Experience the living history of the Old West!

The Old West way of life is still strong within Utah. Modern-day cowboys still ranch on Utah's soil and Native American tradition and present-day customs have a strong influence on Utah's overall cultural climate.

Western Entertainment

Ruby's Inn - Ruby's Inn is all Western! They offer trailrides, rodeos, chuckwagon dinners, hiking, and more. It's the perfect location for an adventure-filled glimpse into the Old West - or even for just hanging up your boots and hat for a little relaxation!
Utah Trails Resort (Indian Village) - Utah Trails Resort is 257 acres of primitive land, surrounded by majestic vermillion cliffs, dotted with aromatic sage, pinion, and pine. We offer lodging, meals and plenty activities with an 1800's theme.
Bar M Chuckwagon - Moab's Bar-M Chuckwagon offers an authentic, high-energy western dinner show full of folklore, humor and audience participation. Join in the fun! Come early and enjoy Gunfights, Games, Western Village, Gift Shop, Saloon and More!
The Sundown Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner and Wild West Show - The fun starts when you arrive at 5:30 pm to check in and browse through the gift shop and ghost town. After an introduction, you will be escorted by the town sheriff (in case you encounter wild indians along the trail). Once at camp, a dutch-oven dinner is served which includes bbq chicken, roast beef, corn on the cob, salad, rolls and Brad's famous baked beans. For dessert they serve up peach cobbler. Once dinner is finished, the Spirit of the West Band will entertain you with favorite old-time and original cowboy songs and poems.

Guest Ranches

Wind Walker - Experience the spirit of the West through horseback riding, skeet shooting, Tai chi classes, massage, guided meditation, native American spirituality, interpretive tours of ancient local sites and more. Wind Walker western motif accommodations offer the comforts of an intimate spa retreat with a full spectrum of perks. Come and revel in a revitalized you, with sublime opportunities for the spirit to soar. Venture beyond the ordinary to experience the extraordinary!
The J/L Ranch - This beautiful Ranch is located in a remote area surrounded by Ashley National Forest and Ute Indian Reservation. Some of the many activities provided at the ranch include: excellent fishing, spectacular bird watching, extensive hiking trails, Alpine mountain scenery and nearby access to mountain biking, golfing, river rafting, boating, Dinosaurland Quarry, and Fremont Indian rock art.
Rockin' R Ranch - Escape to a Real Old West working cattle ranch near Bryce Canyon with horseback riding, stagecoach rides, cattle drives, exotic mountain trail rides, and other activities.
Red Rock Ranch and Outfitters - The Real West at its Best! Horseback riding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, hayrides Dutch Oven dinners and catered gatherings. Every Friday night the Western Music Association Jam Session is free to the public. Bring your instruments and join in, or just come and listen to our local talent.
The Bar 10 Ranch - Spend a weekend or a whole week at the Bar 10 Ranch. Experience a variety of western ranch activities including ranch demonstrations, hiking, skeet shooting, horseshoes, billiards, table tennis, and volleyball. Explore rarely visited areas accessible only by Horseback or ATV. ATVs give access to amazing overlooks of the Grand Canyon, and will take you to some of the most astounding sites on earth!
Boulder Mountain Ranch - We offer a beautiful, rustic lodge and full service multi-day horse pack trips through some of the most rugged and wild country in the great American Southwest.

Heritage Experiences

American West Heritage Center features a 1917-era working farm, pioneer site, mountain man encampment, native American village, with seasonal hands-on experiences in farm living and more. It is located 6 miles SW of Logan on U.S. 89/91 (435-245-6050).
Red Rock Ranch and Outfitters - Mountainman Rendezvous weekends scheduled every spring and on July 4th weekend. The ways of the old west are relived in full authentic period dress. Enjoy crafts, contests, black powder shoot, Dutch oven cookoff, knife and hawk trail, frying pan toss, poker shoot, candy cannon, kids games, and the Mountainman Run. Daily horseback riding.
Utah Trails Resort (Indian Village) - Utah Trails Resort is 257 acres of primitive land, surrounded by majestic vermillion cliffs, dotted with aromatic sage, pinion, and pine. We offer lodging, meals and plenty activities with an 1800's theme.
Bar M Chuckwagon - Moab's Bar-M Chuckwagon offers an authentic, high-energy western dinner show full of folklore, humor and audience participation. Join in the fun! Come early and enjoy Gunfights, Games, Western Village, Gift Shop, Saloon and More!

Trail Rides/Horsepacking

The best way to experience the splendor of Utah may be on horseback. View a list of trail ride and horsepacking guides and outfitters, organized by destination.

Utah's American Indian Tribes

Native Americans from five major tribes live within Utah's borders: 1) Ute; 2) Dine' (Navajo); 3) Paiute; 4) Goshute; and 5) Shoshoni. The name of our state, Utah, comes from the Utes or Yutas, a Spanish derivative. These tribes played a profound role in our state's past, and continue to influence our modern culture.

Ghost Towns

Once thriving locations, some old western cities are now nothing but Ghost Towns.

Where's Jeff? - Jeff, our travel writer, has gone to quite a few of Utah's unique events. Read about his travels!