Dude Ranch - Wyoming

Graham Parker on 29 June 2016
We had arranged our road trip around the north western US states primarily to experience a stay at a Dude Ranch, and wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

We left Jackson Hole early afternoon to drive deep into the Wyoming countryside. Soon paved roads made way to tracks, and a very scenic 45 minute drive brought us to the entrance to the ranch. It comprised seven log cabins, all with a view of the corral and the countryside beyond. After unpacking we made our way to the paddock for the 7pm running of the horses, some ridden and some running wild. Following the gallop they made their way to the side of the paddock to meet and greet the new residents, the horses were very healthy looking and very friendly.

There is a large restaurant where all meals were served. You stay here on full board basis, with packed lunches supplied if you take one of the longer horse treks, as we did. The food was a very high standard, with several choices at every sitting and you certainly didn't leave the canteen hungry.

The ranch offers several activities to try, apart from the extensive horse riding program. Each cabin has its own off-road vehicle at their disposal, which allows you to go off the beaten track and take some time to explore at your own pace. There is also target shooting with .22 rifles or BB guns, Geo-caching, hatchet throwing, archery, horse games, fishing instruction, themed trail rides, wagon rides, team penning, unguided tubing the river, unguided hiking, unguided mountain biking, and roping practice. So time is never boring, though if you do want to kick back and enjoy the ranch, there is an outdoor pool and a spa at your disposal.

We signed up for some skeet shooting and tomahawk throwing, it’s not every day you get a chance to try that. We also took the ATV out for a run on both afternoons to see the amazing countryside and wildlife.

We decided to ride both the full days we stayed. I was paired with a large grey mare called Charlotte, who was so laid back. First ride was a short orienteering ride of around four hours. It was a gentle introduction to the area, and an opportunity to get to know your horse. In the evening after dinner, guests gathered round the open camp fires (it does get a little chilly even in summer) to chat and share stories.

We had signed up to a longer ride on our second day, and only the two of us accompanied Abby our guide for the six hour trek around the hills and waterways. It was an interesting experience, fording water on horseback (and not falling in). We saw several of the local wildlife and just before we stopped for lunch an eagle flew by giving us the eye, amazing.

After a short break, we made our way back to the ranch, via a circular route over some hills and through rivers, once again "Charlotte" (my horse) paused at every thistle to nibble at the fruit.

On getting back to the ranch after six hours in the saddle, it was commented by the cowgirls that we had fitted in so well, we were starting to walk like cowboys.

On the third and last evening, after dinner, all the guests made their way to the ranch entrance for sunset selfies, after which down to the campfire to toast smores and chat some more.

Breakfast the following morning was quiet, new friendships had been made, and even though it was early some guests had to leave to catch flights home to other parts of the US for their own July 4th celebrations.

We didn't really know what to expect visiting the ranch, and what we experienced was way over what we ever imagined.