Flat Creek Ranch

Flat Creek Ranch

For decades Jackson Hole’s Flat Creek Ranch has carried a mystique inspired by its raucous history, its remoteness and its epic wild beauty. Getting to the ranch is your first adventure. Guests travel on a 15-mile route across the National Elk Refuge and into the mountains over a rigorous 4-wheel jeep track. At the end of the road you reach a true haven. Come to hike, to ride, to fish, to experience the backcountry. Come to meet an array of wildlife from bald eagles to moose and deer, scores of ducks, owls and visiting osprey. Scan the cliffs above the ranch for mountain sheep. Fish for trout in an acclaimed stream and private lake.

Unique Features: Many dude ranches have 50-60 guests at a time. At this ranch, there are only five guest cabins. That gives an intimate ambiance with a capacity of just 12-14 guests. You are never part of a crowd. The Flat Creek Ranch is surrounded on all sides by the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Gros Ventre Wilderness Area. Any path you choose to hike, rigorous climb or easy amble, will cross elk trails and meadows brilliant with wildflowers.

Accommodations: There are five log cabins, with creekside or lake views. They feature antique clawfoot bathtubs and woodburning stoves. Cozy flannel sheets and down comforters, unique art and pristine views make each renovated cabin a singular experience. Each is a suite consisting of a bedroom, a living room with wood stove, a bathroom and a sitting porch. Electric power comes from a state-of-the-art solar system, a symbol of the determination to preserve our environment and promote low impact eco-tourism. They also offer a backcountry camp with wall tents for the more adventurous.

As Suite As It Gets: When money is no object, go for the Cissy Cabin. The Countess of Flat Creek had this roomy cabin built for herself in the 1920s. Its big living room has space to sprawl, and the bedroom is outfitted with a queen-sized bed. The bathroom’s antique claw-foot tub has a view onto pristine woodlands and Flat Creek Lake. Offering a wood-burning stove for chill mornings, the Cissy Cabin has a porch looking out at the lake. The living room is furnished with a single-sized day bed and trundle bed, as well as a futon that converts into a double bed.

Dining: From traditional to decadent, the kitchen is supplied by local, organic meat and produce whenever possible, including fresh greens from the garden. The daily menus reflect seasonal bounty at the hand of an experienced and imaginative chef. The day starts with coffee delivered to your cabin followed by a gourmet breakfast with seasonal fruit, homemade granola and yogurt, fresh squeezed orange juice and something special and piping hot from the kitchen. A hearty lunch with fresh baked cookies and a four course dinner will finish off the day.

Activities: Many Wyoming dude ranches feature horseback riding as their predominant daily activity. They offer riding, too, memorable half-day trail rides on rugged mountain trails. But they don’t provide horseback activities every day. They find that in Jackson Hole, the typical visitor wants to experience a full range of activities. At this remote hideaway, fly-fishing and hiking are as popular as riding, if not more so.

Spa & Fitness: There is no spa or fitness center. The sauna house is a log cabin that extends out over Flat Creek. Crank up the wood stove, throw some water on the rocks, take advantage of the essential oils and when you’re parboiled, step outside for an icy shower or if you are really brave, dip into the creek. You might also want the try the Snorkle 6 man hot tub. This is also wood fired and is an amazing way to rid yourself of aches and pains from riding and hiking, not to mention one of the best ways to take in the stars at night.

Location: Jackson is a town in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole valley, home to 3 ski areas: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee Resort. The Town Square features arches made of shed antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge. The National Museum of Wildlife Art has works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. North are the peaks of Grand Teton National Park, as well as vast Yellowstone National Park.

Closest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport, JAC. You can drive yourself to and from Jackson. (This requires a four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle and a lot of patience.) Or, ride with the ranch in a ranch-owned Chevy Suburban between the ranch and Jackson (or the Jackson Hole Airport). They run free shuttles to and from town at the normal changeover times on Mondays and Fridays.

Children’s Programs: No. They don’t have supervised children’s programs or television. They don’t have fishing equipment for children under 11. They don’t allow children under 11 to ride unless they are sure they are experienced riders. Families are welcome. Kids can go hiking or learn to recognize a moose track. They can play ping pong or horseshoes.

Pet Friendly: No, unfortunately pets are not allowed.

Weddings: Yes. This is the place for a very special wedding. From the rustic charm of the beautifully appointed cabins, to the natural splendor of the stunning views, Flat Creek ranch most certainly serves as the perfect setting for this memorable event. They can offer a full weekend getaway for you and your small group of guests. Make that a week long stay if you really want to enjoy the outdoors before the ceremony.

Meetings: Yes. Make Flat Creek Ranch your own private wilderness by requesting the personalized service and endless mountains to hold a meeting or corporate retreat. Rent the whole ranch and bring your group of 10-14 people for an unforgettable trip. All on-site recreation is included for everyone, as are meals, wine and beer and transportation.

Extra Info: The backcountry surrounding the ranch is the Gros Ventre National Wilderness Area. Horseback riding is inherently risky in the wilderness, which is made up of 287,000 acres of pine forests, mountains and steep valleys. But if you are up for it, they are ready to take you on memorable trail rides that usually last from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Guests often ride on the little-used Forest Service trail past Flat Creek Lake, through pristine forest and verdant meadow, and on to an outfitter’s camp for lunch.

www.flatcreekranch.com