Bitterroot Ranch

Bitterroot Ranch

The Bitterroot Ranch offers some of the best and most diverse horseback riding in North America. The Bitterroot is a working ranch and during your vacation you will have opportunities to help drive cattle, which graze in high mountain meadows during the summer. The Shoshone National Forest borders the ranch and Yellowstone National Park is just fifty miles away across unspoiled, mountainous wilderness.

Unique Features: The ranch has been featured in “1,000 Places To See Before You Die.” The Bitterroot Ranch maintains a herd of about 135 horses under saddle for around 25 clients, making it easy to provide suitable mounts in top condition throughout the summer vacation season. Rides are kept small and guests are grouped according to their horse riding skill levels.

Accommodations: The Bitterroot Ranch is located along the East Fork of the Wind River and guests stay in private log cabins situated on either side of the stream. An attempt has been made to retain the authenticity and rustic charm of a bygone era, which is reflected in the atmosphere of the cabins and old main lodge with its huge stone fireplaces and broad porch where guests gather for meals and relaxing evenings.

As Suite As It Gets: When money is no object, go for any of the cabins. They are equally as nice. Aspen cabin was originally located up Bear Creek at the old Dennison Ranch and was moved to the Bitterroot in 1975. The Corral cabin was transported from Togwotee Lodge in the late 1970s and renovated for guests in 1992. The Pine and Sage were constructed on the ranch in the 1980s. The last cabin to arrive was Willow, which was moved in from Pinedale in the 1990s.

Dining: A healthy culinary enjoyment is a vital part of ranch life. Salads come fresh from the garden, ranch raised beef and lamb are served, and bread is baked in the kitchen ovens. They are also happy to cater to special diets. Guests can start the day with a breakfast of eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage and toast, if they wish. There are also fresh fruit, muffins, cereals, orange juice and a house favorite, traditional steel cut oats cooked overnight.

Activities: Providing interesting, well-paced trail rides is the main focus of riding on the ranch. Trail rides include cantering on open plains, winding through pine and aspen forests, clambering up rocky gorges and crossing rushing streams that pour out of the mountains. In addition to the equestrian program the ranch offers hiking, fly-fishing, yoga and more.

Spa & Fitness: There is no spa or fitness center but the ranch offers several yoga classes each week in the yoga yurt to any guests who wish to take part. The well-rounded, flowing classes she teaches take into consideration the muscles that are engaged when riding horses. The goal is to utilize legs, arms, core and back in a different way, as well as to stretch the muscles most heavily used when riding.

Location: The Ranch is located in northwest Wyoming 50 miles southeast of Yellowstone National Park and bordering the Shoshone National Forest. The nearest town is Dubois, a small western town 30 miles away. It’s best to fly into Jackson Hole. The drive is beautiful and takes less than two hours. A taxi service to the ranch can be arranged with advanced notice or a car can be rented at the airport.

Closest Airport: Riverton, WY is 1 1/2 hours, or Jackson, WY is 2 hours.

Children’s Programs: No, the wranglers will take the kids on short rides, but they do not have any special programs for children. Arrangements can usually be made to get baby sitters in the afternoons if they are needed.

Pet Friendly: No, unfortunately pets are not allowed.

Weddings: No, they don’t normally host weddings, although they may by special request.

Meetings: No, they don’t have the facilities to handle large business meetings or conferences.

Extra Info: A fascinating hike to an old Sheep Eater wickiup takes about two hours. It is tucked away up the river in a very remote, sheltered canyon. Another interesting destination is an old hideout used by Butch Cassidy in the 1890s, which is concealed in a thick stand of spruce beside a small stream. It is an ideal location for a hideout due to the lookout point with expansive views of the surrounding country.

www.bitterrootranch.com