WHAT TO EXPECT
From the moment you arrive at Steens Mountain Guest Ranch, you become part of the O’Crowley family and join the cowboy crew. You'll start your day by catching your horse and saddling it up for the work ahead. Get ready to immerse yourself in cowboy life, which will vary each day. Check out our “Experiences” menu to see all the activities you might engage in!
Whether it's herding cattle across the rugged terrain, learning the art of roping, or simply enjoying a leisurely trail ride through breathtaking landscapes, every moment promises an adventure. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire under a canopy of stars, sharing stories and laughter with fellow guests and seasoned cowboys. Indulge in hearty meals prepared with love, featuring locally-sourced ingredients that capture the essence of ranch life. At Steens Mountain Guest Ranch, it's not just a vacation; it's a journey into the heart of the American West, where traditions are honored, and unforgettable memories are made.
Warm Hearty Dinners
Lunch is typically packed in your saddlebag, while a warm, hearty dinner is served around 6 pm. We say “around” because the day's events or the livestock sometimes have a mind of their own! Guests and crew gather at the same table to share meals, fostering friendships and recounting stories and laughs from the day's adventures.
In the evening, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the tranquil country living atmosphere of the O’Crowley homestead or cow camp. Relax on the front porch, spend some quiet time on the back deck, chat with the O’Crowleys, or learn a new buckaroo skill—such as roping, braiding, or leather tooling. We're here to help you learn!
Part of the Crew
As part of the crew, expect no “nose to tail” riding—we ensure a genuine cowboy experience! You'll receive personalized attention, working alongside cowboys in their daily tasks. Ever helped treat a calf or rounded up a stray cow? Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to do so—that’s what your experience is all about. We understand that not everyone wants to participate in every activity. At Steens Mountain Guest Ranch, you can dive in wholeheartedly or simply observe the action—you set your own comfort level.
For us, it’s all about sharing our beloved lifestyle with others—we cherish where we live and what we do! We believe you’ll love it, too.
We prioritize your enjoyment and safety while creating lasting memories and cherished friendships. We eagerly anticipate meeting you and the wonderful time we will share together.
Other important items
We plan on you having a safe and fun experience at Steens Mountain Guest Ranch. However, cowboying is a lifestyle that doesn’t go without risk. Steens Mountain Guest Ranch does not assume responsibility for injury, loss of personal belongings, or time lost or expenses incurred incident to injury. Prior to arrival, you may individually purchase vacation trip insurance, which may cover cancellation, personal property, and personal injury. You will also be required to sign a Waiver/Release Agreement (click for a print and mail copy or an online fillable form) before beginning your activities at Steens Mountain Guest Ranch.
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All guests should have immediate access to personal transportation while at the ranch, in case they would like to visit other recreational or historical attractions in the area, etc.
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Children coming to the ranch must be at least 12 years old and mature enough to handle and ride a horse on their own (with training). This age restriction is necessary for the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
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Steens Mountain Guest Ranch does not provide child care.
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We are very family oriented. If your family exceeds our limit of four guests per week please contact us so we can make accommodations to allow your family to enjoy this experience as a family event if we can.
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As part of the crew, guests will work with or be in close proximity to large, strong animals, heavy farming equipment, and other ranch/cowboying implements. With your personal safety in mind (and ours!), alcohol is prohibited during cowboy working hours—that means as long as we’re working—and alcoholic beverages are not provided or sold on the ranch. You may bring your own, but please respect our concern for safety if we ask you to confine alcohol use to “after hours.”
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Designated areas exist for smoking, but we reserve the right to amend or adjust these if weather conditions result in increased fire risk on the ranch. If we ask you to refrain from smoking in certain areas, please know that it is for the safety of all—we do not offer “range fire” as one of our ranch experiences, and you do not want to be found in the middle of one!
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Gas – We are 45 miles from any gas stations. You will want to make sure you fill up before you come out so that you will have plenty of gas to do any site seeing you might want to do!
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Cell Phone Service- There is no cell phone service here at the Guest Ranch. However, you are welcome to use our phone to make any necessary calls. There is limited cell service at the Cow Camp if you have Verizon Wireless as your provider.