Transfer and Other Options:

We are passionate about bringing you a memorable cattle ranch vacation and outdoor adventure. You will be able to submerge into a different world far away from your everyday life and mass tourism and discover a getaway with personalized attention ideal for relaxing, fun and adventure, and surrounding yourself with astounding beauty.

You can get involved in the ongoing ranch and cattle work as much or as little as you like- e.g. sorting, branding and doctoring cattle or even fixing fences if you like to get an hands on experience. Or just kick back and enjoy watching the wranglers do the work or stay home and relax on your front porch. It is your vacation and you do what ever you like to do as long as you enjoy yourself. If you like to learn more about cowboy skills you can participate in roping and cutting practices with our wranglers. They will be happy to show you how to handle a rope and how to work cattle with your horse. You may arrive as a city slicker, but you'll have the chance to leave as a Cowboy or Cowgirl after a week of unlimited riding.

The ranch offers a unique ranch adventure with personalized attention and the opportunity to step back in time and experience the real West as it has been and can still be today. No matter if you plan on coming alone, bringing your family or group of friends, planning a reunion or corporate retreat, you will find this ranch to be an ideal setting for a unique getaway. If you have an appreciation of beautiful western scenery, wildlife, horses, good home cooked food and a simplistic way of life, this is the place for you. 

There is plenty or riding to do. All pastures are watered by springs, creeks or lakes. To make sure that the pastures are grazed evenly, we move the cattle within each pasture at least once a week to a new water source and put out salt and minerals. At the same time we check the herd for their health. A sick or injured animal gets either treated right on the spot or we bring it back to the headquarters to keep it under watch.

You will see a wide selection of wildlife during your rides. At the same time, though, the amount of wildlife has also quite some effect on the fences. And cattle have an incredible talent in spotting holes in the fence - the grass on the other side of the fence always seems to look greener. Therefore, it is also one of our daily chores to check fences, repair if necessary and bring back strays. Overall, days on an operating cattle ranch are always filled with work as well as excitement. The ranch staff loves to share this experience and lifestyle of the old western tradition with the guests and friends from all across the country and around the world.

Next to the cattle work we take you on scenic rides to the Seminoe State Park or Pathfinder Reservoir and other local points of interest. Those rides take you cross country over wide prairies, through rocky canyons or on top of mountain hills. You will enjoy the endless views, the vast uninhabited open spaces around us and the absolute absence of any signs or noise of modern day life. The squeak of saddle leather, the smell of horses, combined with the quiet serenity, the aroma of the sage and wild flowers, creates an indescribable sense of care-free cheerfulness and well being. A working cattle ranch vacation is not so much about work, as about relaxation, fun and adventure.
Sometimes we even go on a two day ride with an overnight camp. No matter what ride we go on, you can always relay on the assistance of our accomplished wranglers if desired giving you tips and hints on how to improve your riding skills and become an accomplished cowboy or cowgirl. You are encouraged to pick their brains on general horsemanship, cattle and range management, local history and points of interest or any other related topics.

If you just like to kick-back and enjoy the ranch atmosphere, you find plenty of cozy and comfortable places to wind down. Enjoy the afternoon reading a good book on your front porch, relax in the hot tub after a long day in the saddle, or settle in front of the wood stove in our living room and share your day's adventure with fellow guests.

In the evenings we often have cook-outs or gather around the camp fire swapping cowboy stories. Of course, there is always room for yard games like volleyball and softball or you can practice your roping skills or throw some horseshoes. Card and table games are out at all times for play time and the pool table is a popular gathering place. If you enjoy some more private time, you can take a leisurely sunset walk watching the magical colors over the horizon or just sit out in front of your cabin and enjoy the peaceful, cool nights with the creek flowing by and gazing at spectacular star-filled skies.

On average, the warmest month is July.  The highest recorded temperature was 104°F in 2006. January is the average coolest month. The lowest recorded temperature was -41°F in 1990.  May is the average wettest month.

• Cowboy hat or other hat with stampede string to protect from the weather
• Jeans (plan on getting dirty). If you get sore easily, you might want to wear long johns or stockings under your jeans
• Long sleeve shirt (not only protects from the sun but also from branches when getting cattle out of the willows and trees or from barbed wire when doing fence work if you like to get a real hands on experience.)
• Cowboy boots (break them in before you come to avoid blisters) or other boots with a heel and a smooth sole are a must have to ride, other shoes or a deep rubber ridged sole are not safe on a horse!!!
• Boot socks
• Riding gloves
• Scarf/Bandanna to protect from the dust if you move cattle
• Light wind protective jacket, warm jacket in spring and fall as well as warmer clothing for the evenings and mornings - temperatures drop quite a bit at night
• Rain gear might not hurt to bring especially in the spring and fall

It is best to plan for a couple of layers of comfortable clothing that you can peel off since weather and temperatures can change quickly around here.
Special Tip: Wear bike shorts under your jeans - guests swear by them and they sure do save your backside if you are not used to a lot of riding!
Swim Gear: if you plan on going to the lake or using the hot tub, don’t forget your swim wear!

Saddle / Chaps
Chaps are not necessary, but if you have some you probably want to bring them. Bring a saddle only if you prefer to use your own. All tack is provided.

Toiletries
We are located at high altitude (6,000 to over 8,000 ft) and have low humidity. So make sure you bring your lip balm, plenty of sunscreen, and anything you need for allergies or medication in addition to your common personal care items. Hair dryer and plenty of towels are provided.

Sleeping Bag
If you plan on participating in an overnight cow camp, please bring your own sleeping bag.

Canteen / Water Bottle
You want to be able to carry plenty of water on your rides! Dehydration is a common problem in our altitude and we will be out for long rides at a time. We do provide water bottles that are in common use and we also offer water bottles for sale. However, If you prefer to bring your own water bottles put them on your packing list.

Fishing Gear
If you plan on going river or lake fishing it would be best if you could bring your own pole, flies, bait, a few hooks or a couple of shiny lures depending on what you plan on fishing for. The next bait shop is in Alcova (33 mi. from the ranch).

Snack food/beverages
Meals, snacks and beverages are provided. Bring anything we may not have that you can't live without. If you are not sure, ask us! We will try to have your special brand of soda pop here for you if we know what you like, the same with snack food.

Alcoholic Beverages
If alcoholic beverages are desired, please bring your own. We do not serve alcohol on the ranch. Also don’t forget your camera. You might also want to bring binoculars if you like to go wildlife and bird watching and your own flashlight for evening strolls.

From the moment you arrive we promise nothing less than real, down-home hospitality in a very personal and family oriented setting. The atmosphere is relaxed and you will enjoy a sense of freedom from stress. The main ranch house, a beautiful log home, is open to the guests at all times for family style dining, entertaining and relaxation. The atmosphere is casual and you can enjoy your evenings relaxing in front of the fire place sharing you day's adventures, reading a good book or shooting some pool. Also, you find a hot tub for your relaxation after a long day in the saddle or exploring the scenic country side.

You will stay in comfortable and cozy duplex log cabins with private bath. From your private front porch you will enjoy incredible and undisturbed views in all directions. All rooms are individually furnished with western décor, a stove and sitting area. You can choose from either a king size bed, two twin beds or two full size bunk beds for larger groups or families. After a full day of fun and adventure and with the smell of clean, fresh air, you'll never get a better night's rest!

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter horses and cross
Pace:		4-6 + hours in the saddle per day all gaits | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(1 to 4 out of 5)    All riding levels
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 12 riders

The riding program will invigorate riders of every ability. There are excellent horses for novice as well as experienced riders. Depending on your experience, we walk, trot, and canter across tens of thousands of acres - there is no nose to tail riding on the ranch. You will enjoy the companionship of a good horse, the variety of terrain, beautiful vistas, interesting geologic formations and abundant wildlife. Beginners will be made to feel comfortable on the most gentle of horses and we offer short rides as well as instructional rides and give you special attention on our regular rides.
In order to fully participate and enjoy your cowboy or cowgirl vacation you should be strong and agile enough to get on and off the horse by yourself and stay well balanced on the horse for hours at a time.
Each pasture stretches over a couple thousand acres of rugged and diverse terrain, and we often have to back-ride pastures to find all the mavericks. Driving cattle from one pasture to another means long hours in the saddle and sometimes we even go for two days with an overnight cow camp. 
All pastures are watered by springs, creeks or lakes. To make sure that the pastures are grazed evenly, we also move the cattle within each pasture at least once a week to a new water source and put out salt and minerals. At the same time we check the herd for their health. A sick or injured animal gets either treated right on the spot or we bring it back to the headquarters to keep it under watch.

If you like one or two horses in particular, you can keep them for the whole week and take care of them if you wish to do so. You may get your horse from the corral in the morning, groom and saddle it and spoil it with some treats. We will be more than happy to teach you all you need to know about taking care of your horse. Otherwise, our wranglers will have your horse waiting for you while you sip your last cup of coffee on the front porch after a wholesome ranch breakfast.

You can get involved in the ongoing ranch work as much or as little as you like- e.g. sorting, branding and doctoring cattle or even fixing fences if you like to get an hands on experience. Or just kick back and enjoy watching the wranglers do the work or stay home and relax on your front porch. It is your vacation and you do whatever you like to do as long as you enjoy yourself. If you like to learn more about cowboy skills, you can participate in roping and cutting practices with our wranglers. They will be happy to show you how to handle a rope and how to work cattle with your horse. You may arrive as a city slicker, but you'll have the chance to leave as a Cowboy or Cowgirl after a week of unlimited riding.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.