THE WEST AS MUSE

Domestic travel is back and here to stay. As such, there’s never been a better time to rediscover the United States’ own backyard. Just as it spoke to early settlers, the West has continually drawn travelers toward its wide-open spaces, fresh air, and varied landscapes, from sprawling prairies and deep canyons to red rocks and towering peaks. Answer the call of the wild with these two experiences capturing the true spirit of the West.

HAUTE HIDEAWAY: BRUSH CREEK RANCH

Spread across 30,000 secluded acres in Saratoga, Wyoming, Brush Creek Ranch is an authentic dude ranch gone luxe—think cowhide rugs, leather chairs, fireplaces, and fur throws alongside elevated amenities like 400-thread count sheets, plush bathrobes, and nightly turndown service.

During the day, choose your own adventure from the property’s long list of year-round ranch activities. Summertime endeavors include horseback riding, ATV driving, fly fishing, bird hunting, rock climbing, outdoor yoga, and mountain bike riding. Come winter, take full advantage of the snow with cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing—or simply warm up indoors with a relaxing massage at the Trailhead Spa. You can also carve fresh tracks on the private ski mountain, accessible to only 18 snow enthusiasts per day via heated snowcat. Younger cowboys and cowgirls will experience horseback rides, ecological trail explorations, and more during the Lil Wranglers Program, a fun and educational introduction to ranch life tailored to kids ages four to nine.

Dining at the Ranch is more than the expected barbecue, burgers, and fries. Wind down after a day on the ranchlands with exceptionally rare, small-batch whiskeys and bourbons served in the Stave Room (accessible via secret entrance) before savoring seed-to-table dishes featuring ranchsourced ingredients and produce grown in the greenhouse. Expect a true culinary immersion, as Brush Creek is also home to its own brewery, a wine cellar with 1000-plus bottles, and a bakery. Custom culinary experiences include learning the fine art of cheesemaking in the Medicine Bow Creamery and crafting fresh-baked breads with the Executive Pastry Chef. Between luxurious amenities, epic experiences, and a serene setting, it’s no wonder Brush Creek Ranch has been named a Top U.S. Resort by Condé Nast Traveler for the past eight years.

ROAD TRIP: UTAH with ALL ROADS NORTH

No other state has such a concentration of geological wonders as Utah. Explore it all—from Arches to Zion—on an adventurous, family-friendly road trip through the “Mighty Five” national parks: Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Zion, and Canyonlands. Hike, mountain bike, rappel, and whitewater raft your way through the ultimate week with scenic viewpoints at every twist and turn. Plus, you’ll enjoy private, guided excursions custom tailored to your family’s interests and abilities with Exclusive Resorts’ partner All Roads North. Stay in luxury accommodations along the way, complete with restaurant recommendations and off-the beaten-path stops. Each personalized road trip features a customized itinerary, curated playlists, and 24-hour support, all loaded into a custom app for easy navigation from start to finish.