Why You Should Head West for Your Next Great Adventure

This article was published in partnership with Pendleton Whisky

The promise of gold may have originally drawn pioneers to the Wild West, but these days, intrepid travelers venture westward hoping to strike it rich in the form of unforgettable adventures. If you’re on the hunt for daring, off-the-beaten-path experiences—with a dash of rugged flair—there’s no better place than the American West.

Impressive in every sense of the word, this iconic region is steeped in heritage and time-honored traditions. Dramatic terrain and jaw-dropping views unfold at every turn. Sawtooth mountains. Rolling plains. Spacious skies that stretch to the horizon. There’s room to roam and a little something for everyone.

From hands-on experiences that’ll get your heart pounding to laid-back outdoor pursuits deep in the untamed wilds, your perfect adventure is waiting out West. Just don’t forget to pack your cowboy boots, a well-worn pair of Wranglers, and your favorite bottle of whisky for those celebratory toasts beneath the stars. Word to the wise: Pendleton Whisky gets the job done every time. Saddle up as we explore some of the top experiences calling your name.

Roll Up Your Sleeves at a Working Dude Ranch

Burwell, NE

If you’re looking for a Western-themed retreat where you can kick back and cosplay as a cowboy, this definitely isn’t the place for you. Rowse’s 1+1 Ranch is an authentic working ranch where guests are put to work. The whole concept is to give folks a real taste of the cowboy way of life—but these guys also know how to cut loose once the dirty work’s done.

Day-to-day activities change based on the actual needs of the 7,000-acre compound during your stay. Every guest is assigned their own horse at check-in to help complete the various tasks at hand. You can expect to break a sweat and lend a hand rounding up livestock, sorting pairs, checking windmills and water tanks, branding calves, repairing fences, and more. To unwind, just do as cowboys do: Embark on sunset hikes through the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, enjoy Western-themed home-cooked meals, and check out local events.

This family-owned-and-operated working ranch is not like the traditional luxury dude ranches you may have seen before. Cowboys-in-training can spend the night in the main lodge with shared facilities or choose from multiple log bunk houses for a more private stay. After a challenging day, unwind with a strong drink.

Specifically created to celebrate the bold spirit of independence and unwavering work ethic of the American cowboy, Pendleton Whisky makes for a fitting nightcap after a long (but rewarding) day on the ranch.

Experience the Legendary Pendleton Round-Up

Pendleton, OR

Whether you’re a city slicker or a country boy at heart, there’s just nothing like experiencing a good old-fashioned rodeo. One of the quintessential cornerstones of cowboy culture, rodeos represent Americana at its finest. And while there are plenty to choose from throughout the year, the legendary Pendleton Round-Up is one of the best.

This week-long September celebration has been kicking up dust in the weathered hills of Oregon since 1910. Over the generations, it's grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious rodeos in the world, luring spectators from all walks of life. The multi-faceted tradition combines classic Western rodeo events (like bronc riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling) with Native American culture, parades, parties, pageants, concerts, competitions, and so much more. But one of the most iconic things born from the Pendleton Round-Up is Pendleton Whisky.

Originally intended to be sold exclusively at the annual rodeo, the spirit’s popularity quickly exploded, and demand for its year-round availability grew. Crafted using time-honored methods of oak barrel aging, the whisky boasts a rich, complex flavor and an uncommonly smooth finish. So, the next time you attend the Pendleton Round-Up, pack a bottle in your travel bag. Pendleton 1910 Rye Whisky is aged for 12 years and pays homage to the rodeo’s roots and features rich notes of tobacco, butterscotch, maple, and a hint of peppery heat.

Explore a Western Ghost Town

Beatty, NV

Looking to get a real-life glimpse of the Wild West? If so, you’ll want to add Rhyolite Ghost Town to your bucket list. The forlorn buildings and crumbling remnants of the once-bustling boomtown will instantly transport you back to a time when the Gold Rush frenzy ruled the U.S. Even better, it’s situated just minutes from Death Valley National Park, making for a truly one-of-a-kind day trip.

Like many other ill-fated towns scattered throughout the West, Rhyolite was born in 1904, fueled by the discovery of gold in nearby mines. Tucked away in the Bullfrog Hills of Nevada, investors poured money into the development, and flocks of hopeful laborers followed. The town instantly sprung to life, boasting multiple hotels, storefronts, foundries, saloons, electric plants, a school, and even an active red-light district. Unfortunately, the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 disrupted the region’s rail service, and a financial panic ensued shortly after, shuttering banks, devastating businesses, and closing countless mines. Rhyolite’s success was short lived, and the town was completely abandoned by 1916.

Today, visitors can still explore the remaining ruins, including a three-story bank, various general stores, the jailhouse, and more. The well-preserved ghost town also features a few modern additions, like the Tom Kelly bottle house. Constructed using more than 50,000 beer, medicine, and whisky bottles, it was restored by Paramount Pictures in the 1920s as a prop for a Western flick. Be sure to swing by the Goldwell Open Air Museum located on the town’s southern entrance. The sculptural park covers nearly eight acres and features several larger-than-life pieces created by a troupe of well-known Belgian artists.

Try Heli-fishing in the Uinta Mountains

Wanship, UT

The cowboys of yesteryear were known to travel light through the harsh, unforgiving terrain. They always carried a few essential supplies, including a gun, a good knife, and a canteen of water. But another must-have was a hook and some fishing line for when they camped out by the water. Once a necessity, fishing quickly became a favorite pastime for pioneers out West.

Channel that sense of adventure during a visit to The Lodge at Blue Sky near Park City, UT. The polished retreat sits on 3,500 acres in the Wasatch Range, surrounded by lush forests, alpine lakes, and winding trails. For an unforgettable experience, try your hand at heli-fishing. The resort will set you up with a private helicopter flight over the majestic Uintas Mountains before dropping down in a secluded high-alpine field. After a scenic trek, you can spend hours fly-fishing for trout in remote rivers, streams, and lakes that have rarely been fished before.

Back at the property, there are plenty of other unique experiences and packages to check out, including “the Cowboy Way,” where equine experts will teach you the basics of natural horsemanship. Archery, cycling, and wildlife tracking are all popular programs. And in the winter months, take advantage of epic adventures like heli-skiing, dogsledding, and fat biking along snow-covered trails.

Embark on an Authentic Cattle Drive

Whitefish, MT

Cattle drives have become an iconic image synonymous with the American West. The art of cattle driving is the process of moving herds of cattle from one place to another, typically done by cowboys on horseback. It’s a vital job that requires skill, patience, and extreme diligence. And you can master the tradition of cattle driving during a stay at Bar W Guest Ranch.

This authentic dude ranch is located in Northwest Montana, nestled between the pine-covered ridges at the base of Spencer Mountain. Just 30 miles from Glacier National Park, this Whitefish outpost offers six-night, all-inclusive stays. The rate includes your accommodations plus all meals, guided trail hikes, horseback riding lessons, and other favorite ranch activities, like skeet shooting, hatchet throwing, and UTV rides. But the cattle drive is the real draw. Throughout the week, you’ll learn classic cowboy responsibilities such as roping, branding, inoculating, and castrating the calves before moving the herd miles across Big Sky Country.

Evenings are spent under the twinkling stars, gathered around a crackling bonfire. As you swap tales, uncork a bottle of Pendleton Whisky Midnight. Made with pure glacier-fed spring water from Oregon’s Mt. Hood, a portion of this blend is aged for six years in American brandy barrels. It’s an exceptional whisky that embodies the soul of the American West with notes of leather and spice on the nose and a palate-pleasing flavor profile of coffee cake, caramelized bananas, and candied figs.