General Info

Ride horses at an authentic dude ranch in the beautiful Shoshone National Forest 

Visit an authentic dude ranch in the beautiful Shoshone National Forest two hours east of Jackson Hole. While at this historic ranch, guests enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, relaxation in the great outdoors and short pack trips that can be incorporated into your stay or tacked onto the beginning or end of your vacation at the ranch in July and August, giving you a taste of the Wyoming wilderness. 

The ranch has been family owned since it was first opened in 1918, when it was called the Hermitage. It began as a hunting and fishing camp, later evolving into the guest ranch of today. Today the owners maintain the proud heritage of the this historic ranch. Both Mark and Gretchen were born into the rich tradition of ranching and outfitting. Together they are raising Kameron Alayna and Ethan Marcus Cardall – the fourth generation. Despite 90 years in operation, the ranch is well preserved and maintains much of its original character, continuing to offer unforgettable experiences and motivating generations of families to return. Once you cross the main gate, you’ve left the modern world behind and magically stepped back into the old West with the rugged and beautiful Absaroka Mountains and historic ranch buildings nestled in a quiet, secluded meadow. This is old school, traditional guest ranching at its best.

The ranch has been on a conservation easement since 1978 to ensure that this beautiful place always stays in its original setting. A vacation spot that is unspoiled and environmentally friendly, you will have the original “green” vacation, either by spending a week at the ranch riding trails daily and enjoying evening entertainment, or taking off on an authentic pack trip. The ranch lies at an elevation of 7,800 feet and very much off the beaten path. Guests enjoy a calm and peaceful way of living, without modern day distractions. There is no TV, phone and no cell phone service here. Ride out in a different direction each day and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views, abundant wildflowers, and a variety of bird life, as the rugged mountain trails reveal a myriad of wildlife, seen only in the greater Yellowstone area. Your hosts will help you discover a pristine wilderness and untouched country of pine forests and open meadows, trout-rich streams and small lakes, and endless vistas rising well over 11,000 feet.

The nearest town is Dubois, Wyoming, set in the upper Wind River Valley. Not much has changed in Dubois since frontier times. Butch Cassidy's haunting Dubois Badlands rise to the east, the stark, stunning Absaroka Range to the north, and the majestic Wind River Range to the south. Main Street, still appointed with boardwalks, yields a taste of Wyoming's Old West flavor. Log buildings, saloons, charming shops, and even tipis welcome the visitors to relax and enjoy the Western flavor. Often called the Gateway to Yellowstone, Dubois is located a short drive from Yellowstone’s South entrance, along one of the old trapper routes to the Jackson Hole country.  It is in the heart of some of the state's best hunting and fishing country.

If you’re venturing to this ranch, ask us about adding on a couple of days in Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons or Jackson Hole.

Awards & Accolades
Featured in the Equitrekking Wyoming epiosde from season one of Equitrekking on Public Television. 

Member of Wyoming Dude and Ranch Association and the Dude Ranches Association

Listed as one of the 100 Best Ranch Vacations in North America.

Green Initiatives
Ranching has always been green. But this special ranch has taken a few more steps in that direction, naturally:

• Once you reach the ranch, most transportation is done on horseback. 
• The ranch always follows the principle of treading lightly in wilderness areas and practices leave no trace behind exploration.
• The ranch raises its own beef to ensure a high standard of quality meat: no hormones, and no steroids.
• As of 2008, the ranch is powered from a wind turbine; harnessing the wind and conserving energy.

Packing

Packing for your Wyoming Dude Ranch Vacation

Please see Equitrekking Travel’s General Packing List.

The temperature can vary 40 degrees from day to night so layered clothing is best.

Laundry facilities are available.

Ranch attire is casual, but skirts, collared shirts, vests, or jackets are encouraged at dinner. T-shirts, shorts, and athletic attire are not worn at dinner, and all hats come off in the dining room.  Old tennis shoes, shorts, and t-shirts are recommended for creek walking, fishing, tubing, or mud sports and swim suits for the hot tub. The wind blows energetically on the high plateaus, so a windbreaker or slicker (no ponchos), a parka, vest, or sweatshirt for cool evenings and high country riding are also recommended.

For the trail riding you will need: a silk or cotton bandanna/scarf, and a cowboy hat, blue jeans, riding pants, cowboy or riding boots with a heel, hiking boots, water bottles with an attached lid, sun screen, chap stick, and insect repellent.

If you have booked a horse pack trip, the ranch supplies all camp gear and tents, food, riding and pack horses, wranglers, and guides. Each rider should bring a small duffle with personal gear that a pack horse will carry along with a washcloth/small towel, a flashlight, and fly fishing gear if desired. Overnight camps are at high altitudes, so nights and mornings can be below freezing in the middle of the summer.
 

About the Horses

The dude ranch owns around 60 horses that are half draft and Quarter horses, each hand-selected to suit the ability of different riders. The sure-footed horses are bred and raised in the mountains. As your horse walks the familiar trails, the guides will help you gain the confidence you need to enter the lofty retreats. Many of the horses have been used with cattle They are used in a variety of settings, such as hunting, and in all seasons to stay fit. They are kept in a herd setting, giving them manners while riding, as well as on the ground.

Activities/Events

In addition to the trail riding, this dude ranch offers the occasional game of sagebrush golf, fishing, roping lessons, target shooting, and mud soccer, all favorites with the families. Yellowstone and Teton Parks, and Jackson Hole are area favorites to visit before or after your riding trip. Fishing is steps away from on Horse Creek. While wonderful fly-fishing can be had throughout the season, July through September offers the best of conditions. The ranch’s policy is catch-and-release along with the purchase of a Wyoming Fishing License. Every Friday night, guests can enjoy the Dubois rodoe. Every Tuesday, there's a sqaure dance. Consider adding an overnight pack trip into your week at the ranch or before or after your week stay.

The ranch lies just outside of he Western town of Dubois, population 92. Dubois hosts Friday night rodeos and summer events. It's historic downtown has shops, restaurants and the Dubois Museum, the Wind River Historical Center. For the 4th of July, T Cross takes guests into Dubois to ride in the town's parade.

For Kids

This ranch is a great place for the entire family. The Kids Program has been developed to ensure a fun, eye-opening experience. Children will have the time of their lives as they explore, learn, and see a whole new world. What child hasn’t dreamt of riding like the cowboys? Here is their chance. The riding program can be specifically tailored for all ages and riding experience. The Kid’s Wrangler works with children to teach them the ropes and rules of riding. The Kids Wrangler also keeps the rides interesting, and at the right pace; so you don’t have to worry.

Thursday brings the legendary Gymkhana (games on horseback). Whether you are nine or 90, Gymkhana brings out the child in everyone. Compete with your trusted steed in barrels, pole bending, and relays. There are no rides Thursday morning so everyone can take part. Prizes included.

With the shallow creek running through the ranch, no child can resist the chance to get wet! Upon request, kids can gang up with the help of the staff and go tubing. One evening during the week, S’mores are provided around the campfire down by the teepee. It’s a great time for the kids to get to know each other, too.

Kids are carefree and spontaneous. The Kids Program is too. From lawn games in the evenings to water fights in the hot afternoon. The ranch also offers the occasional game of sagebrush golf, fishing, roping lessons, target shooting, and —the legendary— mud soccer. Fun guaranteed.

Wagon Rides

Taste the flavor of the West Wednesday evening on a wagon ride to the campfire cookout. Join head teamster Mark as he skillfully handles the ranch's beautiful Amish raised horses, Pete and Queen. This is the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy the beauty of Wyoming and share in the rugged transportation of the frontier. Ask Mark for your chance to learn the lost art of being a teamster.
 
A beautiful buckskin pair, Pete and Queen work together and individually on the ranch. They are often used for logging and harrowing as well as the weekly wagon ride. These horses are known for their size: 17 ½ hands high. See for yourself the splendor of teamwork and the impressive power of these two horses.

Fly-Fishing

Generations of fishermen return every year to access its prime fly fishing running through the ranch at Horse Creek, which is steps away from the cabins. Anglers will find rainbow, brook, (22-24 inch) cut-throat trout, as well as mountain white fish. Described as a “Class A Stream,” guests are known to catch up to 50 fish in an afternoon.

Out the back gate, the river runs eight miles to the head waters in Five Pockets. The ranch also offers high mountain lake and tributary trips only accessed by horseback.

While wonderful fly fishing can be had throughout the season, July through September offer the best of conditions. The ranch’s policy is catch-and-release along with the purchase of a Wyoming Fishing License. Simply stated – the fishing is incredible.

Pure Nature

This dude ranch is literally at the end of the road. Head out in any direction and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views, abundant wildflowers, and a variety of bird life. Some examples include the Mountain Bluebird, Golden and Bald Eagles, Western Tanagers, and Red-Tailed Hawks. Years ago, Garey Neal placed hummingbird feeders near the lodge. Gretchen, who owns the ranch, continues the tradition now with little Kameron, her son. It is an exciting moment to hear the buzz of a fast winged hummingbird and to catch a glimpse of their speedy color.

Dusk is a great time to spot wildlife. The grass-filled bench located south of the ranch attracts herds of elk and deer. In the nearby forest and river, lynx, badgers and beaver reside. Moose are right at home, eating the willows in the pasture.
 
Bear, whether black or grizzly, frequently pass through the ranch. Mountain lion are also in the area, but rarely seen. Yellowstone’s wolves are also established and can be heard howling in the nighttime along with the coyote. Ask Mark, the ranch owner, or the wranglers to point out prints and signs of wildlife.
 

Accommodations/Food

Accommodations
The Lodge is the heart of life at the ranch. This designated historic treasure was built by hand in 1930 with local materials. Rates include cabin accommodations, that each sleep 2 to 6 people, all with private baths and porches, ranch gourmet meals, your own horse for the week, fly fishing including loan of equipment, daily housekeeping, laundry facilities, use of hot tub, and all ranch activities and entertainment. On the trails, you will sleep in heavy canvas tents that you can stand up in. Air mattresses and sleeping bags are provided. There is no smoking inside any of the facilities nor can pets be accommodated.

Food
Your stay includes three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner is family style. The cuisine is hearty ranch food with a touch of elegance. The ranch raises its own beef to ensure a high standard of quality meat: no hormones and no steroids. Home made breads and desserts are a specialty.  Meals are served in the Lodge dining room except for the Wednesday supper cookouts on Horse Creek. Hors d’oeuvres and happy hour in the lodge living room are followed by dinner. At dinner, long pants and a collared shirt are required and as in Western tradition, all hats come off.

Drinks
The ranch does not have a liquor license but guests may bring their own beverages. Cabins have a designated refrigerator compartment on the kitchen porch. Soft drinks, beer, and wine can be bought in Dubois but Jackson and Moose stores have more selection.
 

The Ideal Traveler

Families, groups, singles and those looking for an authentic dude ranch experience in an off the beaten path, peaceful setting. Many guests come seeking peace and quiet. Most will be family oriented, but that will not be always the case. People who love the outdoors, like to ride or fly fish and who want to learn the art of conversation again really enjoy this ranch.

For those who crave increased adventure, the overnight pack trips in July and August offer the chance to get to high altitudes and camp in a beautiful, secluded setting for a short stint. The riding program can be specifically tailored for all ages and riding experience.

Ranch Vacation

Dates & Rates 2012
Summer and Fall Season (June 12-Sept 10) Adults Only Week Sept 1- 15
7 days/ 6 nights
Adults- $1608* per person per week, Sunday through Saturday
Children- 12 and under- $1504* per child per week

4 days/ 3 nights
Adults- $804* per person per week. Arrive on Sunday or Wednesday.
Children- 12 and under- $752* per child per week

*Plus 15% service charge and Wyoming sales tax of 5%. Rates include cabin accommodations – all with private baths and porches, ranch gourmet meals, your own horse for the week, fly fishing including loan of equipment, daily housekeeping, laundry facilities, use of hot tub, and all ranch activities and entertainment.

During your time at the ranch, you’ll truly be away from the modern world. Riding instruction is given at the beginning of each week. We want to make sure personalities match, so you will meet your assigned horse for the week first thing. From there, the friendship between you and your horse begins. The Kid’s Wrangler works with children to teach them the ropes and rules of riding.  Upon request, kids can go tubing with the staff. One evening during the week, s’mores are provided around the campfire down by a teepee. Mutton Busting, a miniature bareback riding event, is yet another fun activity in which even children under the age of 6 can participate.

If you’re venturing to the ranch, ask Equitrekking Travel’s preferred provider of travel services, about adding on a couple of days in Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons or Jackson Hole.

Sample Weekly Itinerary
Sunday: Arrival at the Ranch
New guests arrive by 3:00 pm followed by hor d’oeurves and an orientation at 6:00 pm, where horses will be assigned for the week.

Monday: Day Rides & Cowboy Entertainment
The ride starts at 9a.m. returns back to the ranch around 11:00 a.m. or 11:30 for lunch. Later enjoy another ride starting at 2:00 p.m. and returning around 4:30 p.m. For the evening entertainment, enjoy a cowboy guitarist, as you discover the gentle melodies of Dick Fredrickson’s century-old Western songs. Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. are followed by a 6:30 p.m. dinner.

Tuesday: Riding by Day/ Square Dancing by Night
A half day ride for morning and afternoon is the day’s itinerary. Experience true entertainment of the West by Square Dancing in the town of Dubois this evening at 8:00 p.m. at the Rustic Pine Tavern.

Wednesday: All day Ride to Wagons and Cookouts
An all day ride with a sack lunch up on mountain. As the ranch is at 8000 feet, you’ll  get up above timberline, enjoying views of the Bighorn sheep country. 

Thursday: Gymkhana
A Gymkhana (games on horseback) is held every Thursday morning starting at 9 a.m., where children and adults can compete in barrels, pole bending, and relays. There are no rides on Thursday mornings, so everyone can take part. A half day ride is in the afternoon. 

Taste the flavor of the West this evening with a wagon ride pulled by Amish horses to the campfire cookout. This is the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy the beauty of Wyoming and share in the rugged transportation of the frontier.

Friday Day Ride & Evening Rodeo
An all day ride to a high mountain location with a sack lunch atop the mountain. Friday offer a full evening of the Dubois Rodeo. Teams of three are needed to register for the Ranch Ribbon Roping. This is open to all ages.  A calf is released into the open arena with a ribbon attached to its tail and a long rope around its neck. The goal is to chase down the calf, grab the dragging rope, remove the rope, remove the ribbon and run it back to the starting line. The Scoop Shovel Races are also geared for all ages. This event includes a wrangler and guest duo. While sitting in the scoop of a shovel, a whistle blows, the wrangler ropes the shovel handle. You are now dallied to a fast moving saddle horse mustered with a whole lot of ambition to cross the finish line first. Dinner is at 6 p.m. on the ranch.

Saturday Good-byes
As guests have their photos taken on the front porch, everyone says their good-byes. Check out is at 10 a.m.

* This itinerary is just a sample. Itineraries are flexible and subject to change based on the weather and trip guide's discretion.
 

Horse Pack Trip Add On

Dates & Rates 2012

Overnight pack trip: $260* per person per night
1 night or more it’s up to you
June 25- Aug 20

*Plus 15% service charge and Wyoming sales tax of 5%. 

Customized short pack trips are offered during the summer months. These may be incorporated into your week at the ranch, but if you don’t want to miss out on any ranch activities, you might consider adding this on before or after your week stay.

These pack trips allow you to experience the Wyoming wilderness and get away from it all. Ride all day amid high mountain peaks and return to your mountain camp at night to enjoy the crackle of a campfire. Admire a scenic vista by taking in the Tetons, Cody Country, views across to Wind River Valley, mountains and dramatic cliffs. Toss rocks in a clear lake, and relish the morning’s frosty sunrise. Whether you are a first timer or a veteran, these pack trips allow you to ride up to 11,600 in elevation, from the grassy peaks and ride according to your schedule, just wherever the horse and you want to go. Pack tripping is about exploring, setting off alone in the wilderness, and getting away from it all. 

The ranch supplies all camp gear, including sleeping bags, air matresses and tents, food, riding and pack horses, wranglers, and guides. You’ll sleep in a heavy canvas tent that you can stand up in. You’ll sleep on an air mattresses in a sleeping bag provided by the ranch. Each rider should bring a small duffle with personal gear that a pack horse can carry along with a washcloth/small towel, personal toiletries, a flashlight, and fly fishing gear if desired. Overnight camps are at high altitudes, so nights and mornings can be below freezing in the middle of the summer.
 

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Traveler Reviews

We have been guests of the Neal’s for twenty-five years. We have found, from stays at other ranches, that the managers make the ranching experience. The Neal’s and now their daughter, Gretchen, and her husband, Mark Cardall, have established a tradition of a pleasant and laid-back ranching experience at the ranch. They always staff friendly and competent personnel, from cabin girls and wranglers to cooks. In particular, the cooks tend to be exceptional! The ranch seems to attract interesting and personable guests, and we have developed long-lasting friendships. The physical environment of the ranch, nestled in the valley of Horse Creek, is idyllic and physically impressive in its natural beauty. The weather at the ranch has usually been consistently sunny with pleasant temperatures, with the expected nip in the air in the early morning and evening from its high elevation. The fishing and the horseback riding vistas are exceptional. Other ranches may tout their size or elegant accouterments. None provide a more pleasant or rewarding experience.



--Ted and Mary Ann, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Our Family has been coming to the ranch for the past 6 years, and we all love it! It gives all of us a chance to decompress from our busy lives and schedules and get back to the lost art of conversation. Our children (now ages 9, 12, and 13) think of the ranch as a second home, and over the years they have met other children from across the country and developed strong friendships, which are renewed every summer at the ranch. The entire staff is enthusiastic and helpful, with their goal to make your stay a pleasant and memorable experience, while preserving a part of the “Old West.”



-- The Reeves Family, San Diego, California
 


The ranch is always such a pleasure, feels like home. Every year we have a wonderful experience and also meet the nicest people from many different places. Such beauty, wonderful people and fabulous staff compels us to return every year!.
 


-- The Joyce Family, Vero Beach, Florida
 


Words can hardly describe our experiences at the ranch. We began visiting ranches in Wyoming several years ago, and happened upon the ranch four years ago. Our only regret is that we didn’t start our ranch experience earlier. The accommodations are perfect for us-- slightly rustic, yet comfortable. The meals are “home-cooked”, naturally, since we consider the ranch our “home away from home”. At the end of each summer visit (which we have extended to 2 weeks), we start counting the months until we return. After only four summer visits, we consider the folks at The ranch to be part of our extended family. That goes for many of the guests we have met there, who schedule return visits together. Last, but certainly not least, is riding over the tremendous landscape and unbelievable vistas. In our opinion, it is truly the most beautiful place on earth.
 


-- Cathy and Mark, Cookeville, Tennnesse

 

Reading List

General Guidebooks, Travel Narratives & Cowboy Tales

Compass American Guides: Wyoming, 5th Edition (Paperback) by Nathaniel Burt
The guide that has it all–spectacular photography, evocative prose, insider tips, and detailed color maps to help you make the most of your trip. Written by a longtime Wyoming resident, Compass American Guides Wyoming provides in-depth coverage of the history, culture and character of one of America’s most spectacular destinations! Follow your Compass to “get” there.

The Solace of Open Spaces (Paperback) by Gretel Ehrlich
From Publishers Weekly-- Like many before her, poet Gretel Ehrlich discovered the therapeutic qualities of the West. In 1976, a time of personal crisis, she moved from the East to a small farm in Wyoming where she ultimately found peace of mind and inspiration. Originally, she had gone west to make a film for PBS; she returned to work with neighbors at cattle- and sheep-ranching, taking pleasure in open spaces. Ehrlich writes with sensitivity and affection about people, the seasons and the landscape. Whether she is enjoying solitude or companionship, her writing evokes the romance and timelessness of the West.

Cowboy Stories (Hardcover) Barry Moser- Illustrator, Peter Glassman- Introduction
From stampeding cattle to steadfast sheriffs, there is something irresistible about a good cowboy story. Cowboys are the quintessential American heroes and their exploits have inspired some of the greatest American writers to craft some of their finest work. In this roundup of the most thrilling, action-packed cowboy tales, you'll find adventure, courage, and suspense, and you'll sample the work of such masters as Louis L'Amour, O. Henry, Elmore Leonard, Annie Proulx, and Dorothy M. Johnson. Coupled with award-winning artist Barry Moser's stunning engravings, these magnificent stories are sure to delight the whole family.

A Century of Great Western Stories-An Anthology of Western Fiction (Paperback) Editor- John Jakes
From Publishers Weekly-- Although most outlets for the western short story vanished with pulp magazines, where the westerns were "10% myth and 90% horse apple," there remains great nostalgic interest in this literary Americana. Jakes, the prolific bestselling author of historical sagas like North and South and the Kent Family Chronicles series, and an avid fan of the true western, has put together a superb anthology of 30 western short fictions written in the last 100 years, including pieces by such earlier well-known writers as Owen Wister, Zane Grey, Max Brand and Luke Short, as well as contributions from modern-day authors like Bill Pronzini, Brian Garfield and Elmer Kelton. Though each story is unique in style and delivery, all reflect the color and adventure of the Old West.

Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at Amazon.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.



Equitrekking DVD's featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes, available in the Shop section of Equitrekking.com 

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS. 

Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.

Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Season Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

    

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.