Wyoming Ranches Underrepresented in Dude Ranch Awards

Only two Wyoming ranches make the USA Today 10Best Dude Ranch list, raising concerns about fair representation.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:05am

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The USA Today 10Best Dude Ranch list for 2026 has been released, and only two Wyoming ranches - Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch and Brush Creek Ranch - made the top 10, raising eyebrows among local enthusiasts who feel the state is underrepresented on the prestigious list.

Why it matters

Wyoming is known for its world-class dude ranches, so the lack of representation on the national list is seen by many as an oversight that doesn't accurately reflect the quality of the state's ranch experiences. There are concerns that the selection process may be biased against Wyoming properties.

The details

The 10Best Dude Ranch list is determined by an expert panel's nominations followed by a public vote. Criteria include offerings like horseback riding, fishing, ranch activities, and the overall ranch experience. In 2025, a Wyoming ranch - Eatons' Ranch near Sheridan - was ranked #1, but this year they didn't even make the list.

  • The USA Today 10Best Dude Ranch list for 2026 was released on March 23, 2026.

The players

USA Today 10Best

A national media outlet that publishes an annual list of the top 10 dude ranches in the United States, as voted on by an expert panel and the public.

Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch

A dude ranch near Cody, Wyoming that was ranked #10 on the 2026 USA Today 10Best Dude Ranch list.

Brush Creek Ranch

A dude ranch near Saratoga, Wyoming that was ranked #9 on the 2026 USA Today 10Best Dude Ranch list.

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What they’re saying

“I understand that national agencies have to share the love when it comes to ranking the best of the best in the US, but when a list comes out, and only two of the best Dude Ranches of 2026 are in Wyoming, you start to question the list's integrity.”

— Drew Kirby, Author

What’s next

The organizers of the USA Today 10Best Dude Ranch list have not indicated any plans to re-evaluate their selection process or criteria to ensure better representation of Wyoming properties in the future.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges that regional destinations can face in gaining national recognition, even when they offer world-class experiences. It raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the selection process for these types of awards, and whether they truly reflect the breadth of quality options available to travelers.