Cochran Ranch

Introduction
Wyoming USA

This working cattle ranch is located in the heart of Wyoming. "The Cowboy State" is situated along the Seminoe-Alcova Scenic Backway at an altitude of 6,000 to over 8,000 ft. and is surrounded by the foothills of the Seminoe and Shirley Mountains. The ranch is in the middle of open range cattle country. Out here cattle have the right of way, even on the road, and they make use of it. You can go on endless rides and all you will encounter are cattle pastures, mountains with beautiful natural rock formations, creeks, lakes, abundant wildlife and rugged beauty all around.
This is an authentic working cattle ranch. Together with the neighbor ranch, they run about 500 pairs (1,000 head) on a total of 40,000 acres. Mid May the cows with their calves are shipped back to the ranch after they wintered on a farm in a milder climate. They are branded and vaccinated before  moved to their spring pasture. The whole season from mid-May to mid-October the ranch rotates the cattle approx. every two weeks to a new pasture as grazing conditions and water dictates. Between taking care of their own cattle and helping neighboring ranches, there are plenty of cattle drives every single week.
Each pasture stretches over a couple of thousands of acres of rugged and diverse terrain and  often the ranch hands have to back-ride pastures a couple of times to find all mavericks. Driving cattle from one pasture to another means long hours in the saddle and sometimes it even takes two days with an overnight cow camp. During the scenic rides you will enjoy the wide open spaces and solitude, breathing the clean air, feeling the warm sun while discovering a peaceful and unhurried countryside.

Accomodation

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.

Riding

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.

Itinerary

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.

Rates and Dates for Cochran Ranch

Dates Note: Weekly from Sunday 5 PM to Sunday 10 AM

Other Info
Meeting: Hanna WY
Airport: Casper
Transfer: Natrona County International Airport in Casper

Climate:

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.