Cowboy Up: Live the Childhood Dream for One Unforgettable Week
If you’re up for an adventure where you can channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl then you need to sign up for this ride. There is nothing staged about this cattle drive, run by the Kerns family, who have been grazing cattle in the Big Horn National Forest for generations.
Trip Highlights
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Falling head over heels in love with your nifty quarter horse as you race after a breakaway beast
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Watching a wrangler-clad cowboy rope a steer in the blink of an eye
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Sitting around the campfire in the evening spinning yarns
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Wandering through fields of wildflowers as you trail the mob of cattle
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Learning the tricks of the trade from guides who have been driving cattle for generations
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Collapsing into your tipi tent each evening, exhausted but exhilarated beyond comprehension
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Relishing the freedom that comes from wide open spaces as far as the eye can see
Details
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Riding levels
Caters for all riding abilities.
As a beginner, you need to be physically fit and be prepared to spend up to 11 hours in the saddle when required.
Please note: If you suffer from vertigo or are terrified of heights, this is NOT the ride for you.Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
Western saddles and bridles.
- Horse breed
Quarter Horse and Quarter Horse cross.
- Accommodation
Two-man teepee tents. Long drop toilet facilities are available, but there are no showers.
- Pace
Variable depending on the terrain. You will spend a lot of time walking behind the cattle, but there will be opportunities to chase after a breakaway beast.
- Weight limit
A maximum of 102kg / 224lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
A maximum of 20 guests.
- Minimum age
12 years of age
- Time in Saddle
On average 6 to 10 hours a day, sometimes 11, depending on the cattle.
- When to go
July. The temperature can vary greatly in the Big Horn Mountains, even in the summer.
- Weather
In July, the Big Horn Mountains have classic high-country summer weather, warm and sunny at lower elevations (20–27°C / 68–81°F) and cooler higher up (15–22°C / 59–72°F), with evenings and mornings dropping to 5–10°C (41–50°F), so layers are essential.
Afternoon thunderstorms can roll through but usually pass quickly, leaving crisp air and stunning visibility.
- Languages
English
Departure dates and prices
Instalment plans available
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Per person
2027
July Cattle Drive
June 27 to July 3, 2027
July Cattle Drive
July 18 to 24, 2027
We'll email you — you'll be among the first to hear when new departure dates are released.
Things to know
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of $165 USD
- All bookings and associated fees are charged in the currency of the ride.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
Please note
Unfortunately vegan dietary requirements cannot be catered for on this ride. We apologise for any inconvenience.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- Ground transportation within the itinerary
- All food, soft drinks, beer and wine.
- Accommodation
- Saddle, tack, horse lease and guide service.
Excluded
- International and regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Alcohol other than beer and wine (BYO is welcome)
- Transfers to/from Sheridan
- Staff tips
Itinerary
Please remember, working with cattle and Mother Nature requires fluidity, so suggested itineraries don’t always go according to plan and are subject to change at the discretion of your guides.
Please note: throughout the week you’ll be riding at elevations from 4,200 feet up to over 9,000 feet. If you live at sea level or have concerns about altitude, we strongly recommend speaking with your doctor about high-altitude medication before departure.
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Day Before: Arrival
You must arrive into Sheridan the night before your ride begins. Accommodation this evening will be at your own expense. We recommend the Ramada Plaza or the Sheridan Inn.
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Day 1: Horsemanship Clinic
5 to 6 hours in the saddleWelcome to Wyoming, globetrotters! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Sheridan around 8am and transferred out to cow camp where cowboy life will kick off with a horsemanship clinic, giving everyone time to settle in and be matched with the perfect mountain horse for the adventure ahead. These surefooted cow horses are your partners for the week to come – strong, sensible and born for the high country.
You’ll then set off on your first stretch of trail, easing into life in the saddle as anticipation builds for what lies ahead.
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Days 2 to 5: Cattle Round Up
7 to 10 hours in the saddleDuring this trip, you’ll trail the mother cows and their calves high to their summer range at the top of the Big Horn Mountains, up Little Horn Canyon and through the National Forest.
There are generally three different camps throughout the week, ranging in elevation from 4200 feet to over 9000 feet. The camp will have to be taken down and set back up at the next campsite. You’ll ride your horse close to 160km throughout the week. It’s a saddle up rain, hail or shine scenario and the day ends when you get to the destination for the day with the cattle.
Breakfast for the first couple of days is generally around 4am and you’re in the saddle by 5am. Since there is no electricity in the camps to cook with, the cooks generally start preparing breakfast at around 2.30am. You won’t have a day of less than 6 hours in the saddle, and could spend as many as 10-12 hours in the saddle.
Once you’re in the mountain with the herd, breakfast can be delayed to around 7am to allow you and the cooks to catch up on some much needed sleep, and to allow the horses to get a full belly of mountain grass. It will be much cooler in the mountain, so layers are a must.
By the end of the trip you’ll be exhausted, dirty, exhilarated beyond comprehension and craving a hot shower and a real bed.
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Day 6: Return to Civilisation
6 to 8 hours in the saddleAfter one last mountain morning, you’ll ride down off the range, officially completing nearly 100 miles in the saddle across six unforgettable days.
From there, it’s off to Bear Lodge Resort for hot showers, real beds (oh the luxury!) and a well-earned banquet dinner. Tonight is all about celebrating an epic achievement, swapping favourite moments, and reliving the magic of one of the most authentic cattle drive experiences on Earth.
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Day 7: Departure day
Non-riding dayAfter breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Sheridan for your onward adventures. Flights from Sheridan can be booked after 12 midday today.
Transfer information
For international guests we recommend you fly into either Cody, Wyoming or Billings, Montana a day or two before the ride begins. So you’re not suffering from jet-lag when it comes time to throw a leg over the saddle. If you’re happy and comfortable to hire a car (driving on the other-side of the road) its a straight-forward two hour drive from Billings to Sheridan or a three hour drive from Cody to Sheridan.
Guests can also fly to Sheridan via Denver (Denver Air Connection) and if you have a spare few days you can hire a car and visit Yellowstone National Park or drive east to visit Mt Rushmore and the Black Hills.
Please note
Please note, all guests MUST arrive and stay in Sheridan (at their own expense) the night before the ride begins, so that you’re ready to be picked up around 8am on day 1 and be transferred to the cow camp.
Departure from Sheridan can be anytime after 12 midday on the last day.
Accommodation
You’ll stay in two-man teepee tents throughout the cattle drive. Tents are shared unless a single supplement has been purchased. Long drop toilet facilities are available, but there are no showers. On the last night, you will stay in cosy lodge accommodation and welcome a comfortable bed and a hot shower.
Tack
Western saddles and bridles.
Reviews
Valerie P
Stacy U
Karl B
Mady W
Melissa B
Ellen C
Lucy R
Nichola H
8 reviews
Valerie P
‘The Kerns’ are extraordinary ranchers who open their ranching operation to folks like us in order to keep doing what they love. That they have done this with such hospitality, grace and patience is a testament to the American Cowboy ethic and should be recognized as a bedrock of true American values. In addition, the last day was “picture perfect”…gorgeous day in a beautiful horse, riding through magnificent scenery to the summit of Little Bighorn where the view was spectacular, lunch at a historic gold mine site, finding the cattle we were looking for and herding them back to camp, under the competent, diligent and friendly company of Tyler and his crew…perfection at its finest.’
Stacy U
‘The Big Horn Cattle Drive was an exceptional experience! With long miles over beautiful, rugged country, exactly as promised! It’s not often life combines gourmet cooking (the best beef I’ve ever had!) and superlative horses with tents and drop toilets, but this is this ride does! I rode Bananas; that horse was responsive, brave, and energetic hour after hour. The whole string of mountain ponies was just incredible. I absolutely can’t wait to go back!’
Karl B
‘This was my first Globetrotting Holiday, and what an incredible adventure it was! The Big Horn Cattle Drive is an absolute standout—majestic scenery viewed from incredible horses while mustering some 400 head of cattle in the mountains of Wyoming. The evenings are spent sitting around the campfire, exchanging stories about the day’s adventures while sampling nourishing meals, washed down with a cold beer or a glass or two of wine. Dana and his wonderful family, assisted by a team of ranch hands, have crafted an experience of a lifetime. At the end of 6 days, we all felt like seasoned American cowboys!’
Mady W
‘I mean where do you start? The Kerns family is as genuine and authentic as they come. Nothing about this trip was sugar-coated, and I have more respect than I could ever say for that. Their love for their family and their cattle is unparalleled. If you don’t walk away from this trip with a greater sense of understanding about what it takes for us to eat and the passion it takes to keep it going for generations, something is wrong! It was so fun getting to see the youngest family members tagging along and growing up in such a unique environment. The patience and kindness they have with folks who have never even been around cattle or understand the process is mind-blowing. It was a pleasure to watch and be a part of. The world needs more cowboys (and girls)!’
Melissa B
‘I would definitely recommend this cattle drive! All of the horses on this trip were very fit for this type of mountain riding. I rode Cobb, and he was great. Very reliable and sweet. Our guides were the best riders I have ever seen, and all the staff were very knowledgeable. Every meal was excellent! Cowboys definitely know how to cook. This trip was definitely out of my comfort zone, but the guides made it look so easy! My favourite part was when I got to give a sick calf a shot of antibiotic after a cowboy roped it. I’m a nurse, so I’m used to giving shots, but this was not my typical patient! A very exciting moment.’
Ellen C
‘I wanted an authentic cattle drive and that is exactly what I got! I particularly enjoyed watching the wranglers, their experience with riding, and the love they obviously have for their animals and their way of life. I rode Quickdraw and he was the perfect choice for me. I especially loved riding through the Little Horn Canyon – the views were spectacular. I would definitely recommend this trip if you want to experience the real deal, the spectacular scenery, and meet some new interesting and fun people.’
Lucy R
‘The perfect adventure escape! The best part was just being in the middle of nowhere (with no cell coverage), surrounded by amazing mountain terrain (the real deal). You could go as hard as you wanted or sit back and chill.
Our hosts were the most lovely family and wranglers. Accommodating, warm, helpful and fun. They had amazing food and accommodated my dietary requirements as best they could.
I had the most amazing horse – he listened super well, wasn’t spooked easily, was quiet when you wanted him to be, yet could go when you asked. I felt so at ease, even in the times when we covered some pretty rough terrain. I would definitely recommend this ride!’
Nichola H
‘Do this ride, it’s amazing! The scenery was breathtaking and the company was even better. If you are prepared to rough it a little, it’s an experience you will never forget and one you will want to do over and over again.
The Kerns family made us feel like part of the team and that really made the experience great. Dana and Alice, their sons and partners all accompanied us on the trip. You could see their genuine love of the animals and the area, and many stories where shared. The meals served by Alice were amazing and well beyond expectations. All of the horses where fantastic. Each had their own personality and Titus in particular was so surefooted and gentle on the ride down the canyon.
My favourite day was riding down through the Bighorn Canyon – the scenery was spectacular. We picked up cattle about halfway down and there was a great sense of camaraderie. It all finished off with a night in the Double Rafter barn due to the snow setting in on the mountain.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and was well worth the price. It’s definitely not a standard one-behind-the-other ride and each trip will present different opportunities and activities.’
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
Stories from the saddle
Meet Our Guides: Dana & Alice Kerns
Dana and Alice Kerns, together with their sons, run the Big Horn Cattle Drive in Wyoming — a working ranch experience shaped by generations of tradition. For the Kerns family, this isn’t simply a commercial operation; it’s a way of life. Their roots in the region stretch back to 1889, when the family first began…
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