Blackwater Creek Ranch Review in Cody, Wyoming

Are you looking for a horseback riding vacation near Yellowstone National Park? You’ll want to read my Blackwater Creek Ranch review in Cody, Wyoming. Why select Blackwater Creek Ranch over other Cody, Wyoming dude ranches? If you’ve read some of my guest ranch reviews, you’ll know that I love horseback riding in beautiful locations. All the better if I’m able to visit our gorgeous national parks and national forests while on holiday.

Cowgirl on roan Quarter Horse in a western saddle. She is wearing a teal blue shirt and red silk scarf with blue jeans and cowboy boots. Her horse is wearing a western bridle and has his ears pricked forward. The geography is rocky with small shrubs in a sparsely forested Cody, Wyoming landscape.

What to expect at Blackwater Creek Ranch in Cody, Wyoming

Did you know that Yellowstone National Park and the Shoshone National Forest were America’s first national park and national forest? Teddy Roosevelt called this part of Cody, Wyoming “the most scenic 50 miles in the United States.” Mr. Roosevelt and I see eye-to-eye on that statement. I’ve had the privilege of horseback riding in Wyoming on several occasions. Blackwater Creek Ranch is a beautiful place to relax and play even if you don’t plan to horseback ride.

In speaking with fellow Blackwater Creek Ranch guests, most used Google to learn where to go horseback riding near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Whether you are flying into Billings, Montana and renting a car, or flying into Yellowstone Regional Airport, my advice is to select the six-night stay package. Airport transportation to and from Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming to the ranch is available for 3 and 6-night stays. On my visit, the ranch shuttle, a 45 minute drive from Cody, was complimentary for a 6-night stay.

I always opt for the free shuttle if I don’t need a rental car. I met Dottie Larue and her husband, visiting the ranch from Lakeland, Florida.

“We enjoyed the lovely, relaxing cabins. Not only did we have sight seeing on horseback, we were able to spend time watching and being with the horses while they were in the corral,” said Dottie. “The food was superb. My husband is not into horses, yet he enjoyed the food and many other activities.”

Our dude ranch vacation was in July, an ideal time to enjoy the Shoshone River and the Shoshone National Forest. Blackwater Creek Ranch is operated seasonally from late May to late September, weather permitting. There’s a helpful packing list on the Blackwater Creek Ranch website. The ranch is a member of Dude Ranchers’ Association and is a member of the True Ranch Collection. I’ve reviewed some of their Arizona dude ranches.

Western hospitality in the Shoshone National Forest

With 12 guest accommodations, including a Ranch House, Blackwater Creek Lodge had a family-friendly dude ranch feeling. Hosting a maximum of approximately 35 guests, you’ll have a chance to get to know fellow cowboys and cowgirls during your horseback riding vacation in Cody. Don’t miss the early morning and late afternoon wrangling of the horses, coming from or returning back to their overnight corral.

Cowboy with cowboy straw hat, wearing blue and black Western pattern shirt. He is sitting in a western saddle with a 22" rifle in a leather holder. He is wearing denim jeans, cowboy boots & spurs. His bay Mustang horse is wearing a western bridle and looking towards the camera, with his ears pointed forward. Cody, Wyoming rocky landscape behind horse in Washakie Wilderness.

Horseback riding at Blackwater Creek Ranch

Beginner, intermediate and advanced equestrians were welcomed at Blackwater Creek Ranch. It should be noted that all trail rides at the ranch are walking-only due to the mountainous terrain. An introductory ride took place at the beginning of the week, to match horse with rider. With 42 horses at the ranch, there was a horse for every riding ability and weight capacity. There were morning and afternoon trail rides, as well as all-day rides offered. All rides used western saddles.

An experienced equestrian and horse owner, David Jones of Borden, Indiana had this to say about horseback riding at the ranch.

“The Elk Creek trail in the Washakie Wilderness was spectacular! There were great vistas and creek crossings to keep us in awe. This was the best 6 hours spent in the saddle all week!”

Artist Point Lower Falls waterfall, deep in the canyon. Pine trees, sandy loam and rocky shale slope into the canyon of Yellowstone National Park.

Dude Ranch activities

From horseback riding to archery, hiking, fly fishing and white water rafting, there was plenty to keep guests entertained. White water rafting on the Shoshone River was offered during 6-night stays and Sunday to Wednesday, 3-night stays at Blackwater Creek Ranch.

A guided tour of Yellowstone National Park was included with the 6-night stay. Guests were driven in a ranch van for an all-day excursion into the East entrance of the national park. We were fortunate to have two knowledgeable ranch employees with us on our visit to Yellowstone. We spotted a young juvenile gray wolf, from the Wapiti pack, in Hayden Valley. We hiked into Cascade Lake and ate a picnic lunch under the canopy of trees. Finally, we ventured over to Artist Point Lower Falls and admired Yellowstone’s answer to the Grand Canyon.

The Cody Nite Rodeo was another option offered for cowboys and cowgirls at Blackwater Creek Ranch. Guests were able to purchase t-shirts and sweatshirt branded merchandise at the ranch, as well as baseball hats and silk scarves to blend in with the Cody, Wyoming locals.

Wood log cabin with Wrangler plaque, right of front door. Wood desk with double wood bench chairs & table, all-in-one. Right of front door is wood Adirondack chair. A small potted plant of daisies is on the corner left front porch.

Dining at Blackwater Creek Ranch

All meals were included at Blackwater Creek Ranch in the all-inclusive style Full American Plan. Happy hour took place in the bar area, next to the dining room in the ranch lodge. The chef took great care with his appetizers and dinner menu planning. We enjoyed the crab cakes and duck confit. Don’t miss the complimentary welcome cocktail. On our visit we were treated to a huckleberry vodka cocktail.

The bar operated on an honor system. Prices for beer, wine, spirits and top shelf spirits were noted on a ledger. Guests recorded their drinks during their stay and settled their bar and/or clothing merchandise tab upon check out.

A large yellow white water rubber raft and white rubber raft where on the Shoshone River. Each raft held 7 passengers and a white water river guide. Class 2 rapids on blue water with brushy trees along the river. Forested Wyoming mountain range beyond river with boaters.

Breakfast was served buffet style. Menu items ranged from cheesy scrambled eggs to bacon, pancakes or French toast, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy. Coffee, juice, tea, dry cereal and yogurt with fresh fruit were always available. Lunches included hamburgers, chicken tenders, and sandwich fixings if guests opted for an all-day trail ride or excursion into Yellowstone National Park. S’mores around the campfire were a highlight, as was the breakfast trail ride.

Cowgirl on horseback with blue western shirt and white straw hat. She is holding the American flag in red, white and blue colors at the rodeo.

If You Go:

Blackwater Creek Ranch (734) 890-1980

1516 N. Fork Highway, Cody, Wyoming

Blackwater Creek Ranch review in Cody, Wyoming, YouTube video and all photography by Pacific Northwest travel writer Nancy D. Brown. Nancy received a media rate from Blackwater Creek Ranch for review purposes. All opinions are her own.