It’s no wonder John Wayne spoke fondly of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The movie Big Trail was filmed in Jackson Hole back in 1929. It was the Hollywood cowboy’s first speaking role and his first time to ride a horse!
I recently went on a Grand Teton horseback riding vacation at Jackson Fork Ranch and rode with cowgirl Alix Crittenden into the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the second largest national forest in the lower 48 states. While we didn’t ride all 3.4 million acres of land on horseback, we never did see another person during our half day trail ride.
Grand Teton Horseback Riding at Jackson Fork Ranch
Truth be told, Jackson Fork Ranch specializes in fly fishing. They are not about horseback riding vacations, but that doesn’t mean that the ranch doesn’t offer access to excellent horses or pleasure horse riding. Their 13,000 acre bison ranch includes easy river access to the Upper Hoback River. That’s good news for fishermen and the numerous animals that are kept on the ranch.
Jackson Fork Ranch contracts with top notch fly fishing guides. I’m proud to say that I caught (and released) my first native cutthroat trout at the ranch on a fly rod thanks to the expert guidance of Mike Kaul of Two Rivers Emporium. I also experienced a scenic half day horseback ride to Shoal Creek, between the Wyoming Range and the Gros Ventre Mountain Range with Sleeping Indian Outfitters.
The ranch will either bring in horses for riding on the property, or point guests to Sleeping Indian Outfitters, a short drive from the Bondurant, Wyoming ranch. That’s what makes Jackson Fork Ranch special, they know how to deliver a seamless vacation to guests. From providing gourmet meals to comfortable rooms at The Lodge at Jackson Fork Ranch and hours of outdoor activities, there is something to keep the everyday athlete and the weekend warrior happy.
Percheron carriage ride
Even guests that are not horse crazy will enjoy an old-fashioned carriage ride around Jackson Fork Ranch. The ranch has a Percheron breeding program with 11 mares. They also have multiple hitches for driving competition carriages, as well as two horse teams for casual rides on property.
While I have not stayed at the ranch in the winter time, there are 25 km of groomed cross country ski trails and snow shoeing, too. I would love to experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride and see the bison in their winter habitat.
Jackson Fork Ranch has plans underway for an additional 20 room lodge. I guess I’ll have to come back to experience Wyoming in the winter!
If You Go:
The Lodge at Jackson Fork Ranch (866) 953-1290
670 Upper Hoback Road
Bondurant, Wyoming 82922
Cowboy Living at Jackson Fork Ranch article written by, video and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Jackson Fork Ranch, but all opinions are my own.
I lived in Montana for a couple of years and while these photos are from WY, they bring back beautiful memories. Definitely great places to experience nature and relax. Thanks.
@Maria
As a California girl, I could live in Montana…but not in the winter!