Top 20 Places to Live the West
by Kevin Carmody
From Cheyenne to Winnemucca, we’ve scoured the West to round up
top picks for an authentic Western experience.
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How do you live the West? Interesting
question. That depends on one’s
perspective, and one’s relationship
with the frontier, barbed-wire fences,
and American folklore. For some,
living the West entails much more
than just dressing the part—and the
sure wannabes sure are easy to pick out.
It’s all about experiencing life, simplified—riding a horse,
sleeping under the stars, and getting away from civilization.
As our cities become even more congested, those with a thirst for the Western way of life can still find that oasis, that utopia, where livestock roams free, the air and water are clean, and troubles of suburbia are temporarily put on hold. It’s hard to define what’s authentically Western—you know it when you see it. From small cities barely found on a map to others you can fly straight into, here, in no particular order, are a few destinations that definitely fit the bill as being authentic Western treasures. Enjoy the ride.
 Cheyenne, Wyo. You already know about the world-famous Cheyenne Frontier Days, but Wyoming’s state capital offers much more. Blow off some steam by visiting Old Number 4004 (aka Big Boy), the world’s largest steam locomotive. Western entertainment and hospitality takes center stage at the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch, such as trail rides, dinner shows and music. Cheyenne’s rich railroad heritage comes alive at the Cheyenne Depot Museum. For a different kind of horsepower, ride a trusty steed or take a tour through a herd of buffalo at the Terry Bison Ranch. This is a classic cowboy town where one can truly step back into the Old West. www.cheyenne.org |
 Tucson, Ariz.
The Old West once came alive here, starting when mining shaped the area. Today, the Old West heritage lives on. Walk where the stars did in Tombstone, the site of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the filming of countless Hollywood movies, such as McLintock! starring John Wayne. It’s still untamed out here—watch for railroad depots and mines, saloons, jails, gunslingers and dance-hall singers. Live the history on horseback, or in the nearby towns of Bisbee, Benson, and at such places as the Arizona Folklore Preserve and Trail Dust Town, to name just a few. www.visittucson.org |
 Toppenish, Wash. Billed as “The City of Murals and Museums,” this vibrant town with easy access to the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River offers eye-catching visuals with Old West and Native American tradition. The city’s pride and joy are 70 painted outdoor murals. In the summer, take a horse-drawn wagon tour around town to see them all. The American Hop Museum is the only one of its kind, and the Yakima Valley Rail & Steam Museum is the jewel of the restored Toppenish Depot. See Native American heritage at the Yakama Nation Museum and Cultural Heritage Center and view a stunning number of waterfowl at Toppenish Wildlife Refuge. www.toppenish.net |
 Gunnison-Crested
Butte, Colo. Long before becoming a ski mecca, this area thrived as Old West supply towns to surrounding gold, silver, and coal mines. Take a step back in time at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, and see the evolution of ranching heritage through hats dating back to the late 1880s. While Gunnison is home to the state’s longestrunning rodeo, the Cattlemen’s Days, just 30 minutes away is Crested Butte, gateway to a variety of outdoor activities, such as trout fishing, horseback riding, hiking, biking and even stargazing. Laid-back and uncrowded, the area offers nearly 2 million acres of public land. www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com |
 Ruidoso, N.M.Before it became a resort town nestled in the Rocky Mountains of southern New Mexico, this was a battleground of the 1878 Lincoln County War, when the notorious Billy the Kid and the Regulators duked it out with the owners of the county general store. Much remains from that time, even today, such as Billy the Kid’s hideaway in nearby Dowlin’s Historic Old Mill and preserved Civil War artifacts from Fort Stanton. Today, Ruidoso has become a favorite of horseback riders, mountain bikers, and outdoors enthusiasts. The Lincoln National Forest is known as the birthplace of Smokey the Bear. www.ruidoso.net |
 Stephenville, TexasCowboys and cowgirls have flocked here for years and the area has produced 19 world champions (PRCA and PBR) and six cowboys in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, including Ty Murray. A whopping 140 PRCA members live in a 50-mile radius of Stephenville, located 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth and two hours from Abilene. Why? Stephenville embodies the West—wide-open spaces, cattle, and the cowboy way of life. The Cowboy Capital Hall of Fame recognizes the area’s Western heritage. For those with a sweet tooth, take the short drive south to Dublin’s Dr. Pepper Bottling Company and Old Doc’s Soda Shop. www.stephenvilletexas.org |
 Calgary, Alberta
Ten days every July isn’t nearly enough cowboy for Calgary. Although the Calgary Stampede is billed as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” it’s the day-today life here that embodies the cowboy lifestyle. For those who just want to ride, or really make a go of it and step back in time, Calgary delivers. Start at Fort Calgary, where it all started in 1875. Eat an authentic cowboy meal at Homeplace Ranch and take an easy-going, or days-long, trail ride at Boundary Ranch. Don’t forget Highway 22, the historic Cowboy Trail, featuring more than 400 miles of ranching country and nearly boundless adventures. www.tourismcalgary.com |
 Lander, Wyo.
Take a hike and get away from it all with spectacular views of the Wind River Mountains. Lander saw its first trappers in 1811, became a small military post in 1869, and borders the Wind River Indian Reservation, so get ready to powwow this summer. Really live it up with the help of Lander Llama Company, which uses a different four-legged animal to help one experience the wilderness and true West. Don’t forget the Pioneer Days Parade and Rodeo, the oldest paid rodeo in the country, or “hang” out at the International Climbers’ Festival. www.landerchamber.org |
 Prescott, Ariz.
Once a mining town and territory capital, this city 90 miles south of Phoenix hasn’t forgotten its past. Most of the downtown buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Whiskey Row, once home to 40 saloons— including The Palace, frequented by Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Virgil Earp, among others. Prescott is home to the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” which dates back to 1888. Wild West traditions are celebrated at the Folk Arts Fair in June and the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering in August. Great trail rides and campsites await nearby at Prescott National Forest. www.cityofprescott.net |
 Bartlesville, Okla.If cowboys made the West, then oil was the lifeblood that kept most of it going. In 1897, this frontier town in Indian Territory became the site for the first commercial oil well in Oklahoma. Frank Phillips, a barber turned bond salesman, hit the big time, striking 80 consecutive wells, and the rest is history with the creation of Phillips Petroleum Company. Phillips’ former home in Bartlesville, the Frank Phillips Home, is now a museum maintained by the Oklahoma Historical Society. On the property lies the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, home of a variety of animal species, fine art, and Colt firearms. www.visitbartlesville.com |
