A dude ranch, also known as a guest ranch, is a type of ranch that caters to visitors or tourism. It is a form of agritourism that offers an all-inclusive immersive vacation that includes lodging, meals, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and other activities. The term "dude" originally referred to urbanites or big-shot city slickers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. When city dwellers from the East Coast discovered that ranch visits in the wide-open West made for great vacations, ranches started hosting them and eventually charging them for their stays. Ranches that opened up to the tourism business were called guest ranches or "dude ranches".

Dude ranches are different from B&Bs, cabin rentals, and hotel stays because they are all-inclusive and offer activities as well as three meals a day. They also usually require a 6-7 night stay, which is the perfect length to take advantage of these types of accommodations. Many ranches have a required 3-night stay as a minimum. Working dude ranches give guests the opportunity to work alongside the cowboys of the operation, which could include moving cattle, fixing fences, and other involvement in day-to-day operations. The extent to which guests want to be involved is completely up to them, but working dude ranches are a great destination for people wanting to see and participate in the behind-the-scenes activities of a ranch.

Dude ranches are perfect for any and all travelers, especially those who want to try something new. They cater to beginners and experts and all levels in between in all activities, so prior experience is not necessary. The Dude Ranchers Association represents almost 100 member dude ranches that offer unique experiences, from small, intimate ranches to large resort-style ranches, with a specialty in horseback riding over unique terrain, cattle work, and/or luxury amenities.