Goosewing Ranch Amenities - Goosewing Ranch

Life on the Ranch: October Update

October 18, 2018/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch Amenities, Goosewing Ranch News /by [email protected]

Wow, what a 2018 season! The snow is flying today, and Goosewing Ranch is now closed for the summer 2018 season. The horses are out to pasture, the playground is empty; the rangers are parked, and it is strangely quiet around here.

To Start With, Thank You!

Most employees have headed to their next adventure, and we are taking some time to reflect on this past season. We would like to start with a BIG thank you to all our staff and guests. Our staff are what make Goosewing Ranch so special, and we can’t do this without each of them. They each play an important role and are irreplaceable. Our guests, you are so appreciated, and we know how fortunate we are that you chose to share your family and vacation time with us. So a huge THANK YOU! You are why we are here and doing what we love.

I have been asked, “Why are you in this business?” Well for me, it is being able to share this beautiful country with all of you. I love seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they learn how to really ride their horse, and the joy this brings to their parents.

I love taking our guests to see some of the world’s most amazing scenery and sharing with them the moment they are brought to tears while experiencing these mountains on horseback. For me, it is sharing in all of these moments and helping people gain confidence, relax and reconnect with their family, and make memories that they will forever cherish. This isn’t just a job; this is a lifestyle, and I want to thank you all for being a part of our adventure.

A Year of Changes

This year, I had a new adventure: motherhood. Randy and I welcomed Jack Ray to the ranch life, and now we can’t imagine the ranch without him. Thank you to everyone for your understanding and patience with us as we adjusted to parenthood and its balance.

This season also brought us many other challenges from motherhood to Mother Nature. We experienced the damage and destruction of her fury. In June and July, the Gros Ventre River raged through the ranch, cutting a new river channel through the property, taking our tack room and riding arena with it.

First and foremost, we are so fortunate to have only lost things and that no one was hurt. Though this was an emotionally and physically difficult experience, we have emerged stronger and with an overwhelming sense of pride.

We are so proud of our staff members for enduring and persevering. The greatest praise we received was from guests that would say, “Wow, you wouldn’t know you had just experience a destructive flood. We have had a wonderful time here, and your staff make it seem as nothing negative has happened.”

What’s We’re Up to Now

We are in the process of rebuilding and protecting the ranch from the mighty Gros Ventre River’s fury. We will have a new tack room, riding arena, livestock area, petting zoo area, and activity area ready for the 2019 season. This season might have challenged us, but with the help of our friends, neighbors, staff, and wonderful guests, we will return better than before.

Thank you all for your understanding and encouragement through this difficult time. We will be sure to keep you updated on our progress. Until then, thanks for another great season at Goosewing Ranch.

-Amy

Goosewing Ranch General Manager

Try Glamping in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

February 27, 2018/0 Comments/in Glamping, Goosewing Ranch Amenities /by [email protected]

Have you ever dreamed of sleeping under the stars, having meals cooked over dutch ovens and spending your vacation days like cowboys on horseback trail rides? Does spending the night in a covered wagon sound appealing? Ever wanted to escape from reality for a few days and try your hand at flyfishing, archery, or skeet shooting? Then a Jackson Hole glamping vacation may be the perfect fit for you and your family. Goosewing Ranch invites you to try our glamping camp for a unique adventure. We answer our most frequently asked questions to give a sense of what glamping in a picturesque Wyoming location is truly like.

Glamping has become one of the hottest travel trends. In 2017, Goosewing Ranch expanded our dude ranch to include a glamping experience called Goosewing Rendezvous. The glamping camp allows guests to have a customized, truly unique western experience. Perfect for those seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort.

For those not familiar with glamping, it’s a newly created word that means glamorous/luxury camping. Some common threads to glamping:

Nature is usually a stone’s throw away from where you sleep;
Glamping is typically in a unique structure like a treehouse, yurt, tent, or covered wagon;
Accommodations include a bed and indoor plumbing. More likely than not, the glamping destination has upped the luxury quotient and could rival resorts and hotels on the amenities.

Since the definition of glamping can vary, the first step is to do your homework and research the glamping location. Read the reviews, see what’s included, and get a sense of what it will be like to stay there. This is key to align expectations with what is available.

Welcome to Goosewing Ranch’s Glamping Camp

Our glamping camp is named Goosewing Rendezvous after the French word “rendezvous” meaning to come together or gather. We are certain this vacation experience will bring you closer to nature and close together with one another.

If you want to try something unique for your next adventure, consider Goosewing Glamping. Our hand crafted, custom made wagons are perfect for your next family adventure. Be the envy of your friends and family when you return home with grand stories of horseback riding, wildlife spotting, hiking, fishing, explorations, and much more.

You will have many opportunities to search for wildlife, learn survival skills, learn about Dutch oven cooking, learn how to tack and care for your horse, fish, ride, hike, and explore the Gros Ventre area. This is a remote location and the main focus is for you to have a unique Western experience.

Goosewing Glamping FAQs

Q. What can we expect from our glamping experience?

A. Your Goosewing Rendezvous Glamping package will begin at our Resort Guest Ranch, Goosewing Ranch, located approximately 4 miles below the glamping site location. However, this is not the same package as our guest ranch packages.

Upon arrival you will be checked in by our reservation staff, and then a Ranch Hand will help you with moving your luggage from your car to your Polaris Ranger UTV (utility terrain vehicle). A Goosewing employee will escort you from Goosewing Ranch to the glamping location. Once at the glamping site, our wrangler will give you a personal tour and show how to use the amenities around the site. You will have full days of horseback riding, exploring, and activities in your package. Your checkout morning is for relaxing, packing, and completing your experience. You will head back down to the main Goosewing Ranch where checkout will take place, return your Ranger, and we wish you happy trails. There is NO cell coverage and internet is limited.

Q. What’s different about glamping camp compared to the resort ranch?

A. The Goosewing glamping site is located about 4 miles northeast of the Goosewing Ranch and sits at about 8,400 feet.

There are generally fewer guests at the glamping camp, so in that way it becomes an incredibly personalized, tailored for you and your family vacation. With 4 covered wagons, the glamping camp has a maximum of 17 guests.

You will enjoy a vast amount of guided horseback riding and equine adventures, horse drives, hayrides, non-guided fly fishing in both trout ponds, rivers, streams and lakes, you can take a refreshing dip in one of the mountain waters, or tube down the Gros Ventre River. Hiking is abundant with varied difficulty. Many of these activities are self-guided, but we can provide the instruction, gear, and location.

Q. What is included in the glamping package?

A. Glamping packages are minimum 2 night packages. These rates are all per person based on the occupancy of the wagon. Included are the glamping accommodations, meals, and on site glamping seasonal activities. Rates do not include 22% taxes and gratuities; off glamping site activities, excursions, or accommodations; transportation; alcohol; UTV fuel; fishing licenses; or any Goosewing Ranch amenities and other incidentals.

Q. Are we at the glamping site by ourselves? Any staff there with us?

A. At the Goosewing glamping site, there is a chef, a wrangler/guide, and an event coordinator/helper. These folks work together to provide you with all your meals, services and information. They also live at camp to provide you with a safe and enjoyable vacation experience.

Have fun on the glamping camp and the surrounding property We have trail maps available for you, wranglers/guides for your equine adventures, fishing gear, tubes for the river, and Polaris Ranger UTVs. Many adventures and activities will be self-guided with instruction and information provided by staff members.

Q. What is the food like?

A. This is a true Western culinary experience. We expect you will be impressed with the food given the scale of our Rendezvous kitchen. Expect Dutch-oven meals, grilled meals, or open fire cooking.

Our chef and staff members prepare and serve breakfast and dinner. Meal times are flexible depending on the day’s adventure and groups desires. Hearty breakfast fare typically includes fruit, eggs, pancakes, sausage, and bacon.

Lunch is typically a sack lunch out on the trail horseback riding, hiking, UTVing, or enjoying a number of other adventures. Snacks are available in the afternoon, and dinner is served family style in the dining tent or around the campfire. Meals are hearty, home cooked from fresh meats, breads, and veggies. Some dietary restrictions can be met with advanced notice.

Q. What are the wagons like?

A. We have four custom, handcrafted wagons available at the glamping camp. Three wagons will sleep a maximum of five people, with a king bed and three twin beds set up like bunk beds. The fourth wagon is perfect for just a couple, with a king bed and seating. Wagons have storage for luggage and dressers. All linens and bedding provided. There is a safe box located in the bath cabins for valuables and your convenience. There is NO daily housekeeping. On Monday, linens are changed and the trash emptied.

Additional propane lights, lanterns, and solar or battery operated lamps are provided for your use. Wagons do have outlets and USB ports for charging. Propane stoves provide the heating in bath-cabins, wagons and around camp. There is no air conditioning as it is not needed in our mountain climate. Special instructions will be provided upon check-in for all features of your wagon, bath-cabin and other aspects around camp.

Q. What are the bathrooms like?

Each glamping wagon has a detached bath-cabin, with full amenities of shower, commode, vanity with sink and running hot and cold water. Towels and some Eco friendly toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bar body and face soap, toilet paper). Bath-cabins have power with lights and outlets.

Q. Do I have to be an expert rider?

A. Absolutely not. We welcome riders of all levels and experience. With over 60 horses in our stable, we can match guests with the most appropriate horse for them. Riding age is 6 years old and up. Riders must be able to listen and follow instructions for our seasoned wranglers.

Q. What other activities are available besides horseback riding?

A. While with us, you will experience true Western Hospitality, learn the cowboy way of life, help us with our environmental stewardship, and connect with nature. We encourage our glampers to engage in helping around the site with horses, meal prep, all while learning about the Western lifestyle. Evenings consist of campfire songs and stories, stargazing, s’mores roasting, and relaxing while reflecting on the day’s activities. Activities available may include archery, hatchet throwing, knife throwing, roping (not on horseback), and wildlife spotting.

Each day you will experience a different part of the Western culture and have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills. These range from dutch oven cooking lessons, equine care, horse tacking and packing instructions, wildlife tracking skills, fire starting and more.

Additionally, activities vary from guided and instructed, or to being available for self service. Either way, we suggest that glampers be healthy and in good physical health so you can enjoy the remote experience.

Q. Will we get bored without electronics/wifi?

A. Well, that is really more of a personal answer depending on your family. Does the idea of not needing phones for anything (except for photos) sound appealing? Would your family like to take a break from social media and texting and get into outdoor activities, games, and hay rides? Or does not having email and phone coverage make you twitchy?

The main focus of Goosewing Glamping is to enjoy nature, the wilderness and reconnecting with family and friends in a unique setting. So if you’re up for a disconnect and an escape from the “real world”—this is it!

Q. What should I pack?

A. Don’t go overboard, but also prepare for a range in temperatures. Think lightweight and layers. The glamping camp is at 8,400 feet elevation in the Gros Ventre Mountains, the sun can be intense, and the weather can change quickly. Here are our packing recommendations:

For horseback riding: Jeans, cowboy boots or slick soled enclosed shoes with at least a 1 ½” heel, wide brimmed hat or cowboy hat with stampede strings, long sleeve/lightweight shirt, gloves, fleece or extra layer.
For hiking/fishing/biking: Shorts or lightweight easy dry pants, river shoes or sandals that strap to your feet (no flip flops), lightweight easy dry shirt, walking or hiking boots/shoes, hat, and sunglasses.
Essential items: Sunscreen, camera, bathing suit, lightweight jacket or extra layer for cool mornings and evenings, lightweight packable rain gear, warmer clothing for early or late season visitors and pack trippers. Additionally, the ranch does have a gift shop where many of these items can be purchased. We have a full Packing List to help you get ready!

Q. What’s the weather like since we’ll be in covered wagons?

A. Typically the summer months in Jackson Hole are very enjoyable, with mild temperatures and a dry climate. Expect warm and dry days with chilly temperatures in the evenings.

Average temperatures:

June: 68/35; July: 76/42; August: 67/43; and September: 65/33

Moreover, there is no air conditioning, but it is not needed in our mountain climate. We will provide you with rain slickers, but we suggest you follow our packing guidelines for additional gear.

Q. How long will it take to get to Goosewing Ranch?

A. Allow at least 1 ½ hours from downtown Jackson, Wyoming or the Jackson Hole airport.

We recommend you print directions and use them along with your GPS devices. GPS devices are not always accurate in the mountains. Also, use the physical address of 24440 East Cottonwood Creek Road, Kelly, Wyoming, 83011.

Q. What are check-in and check-out times?

A. Goosewing Glamping Check-in time is between 2:00pm and 6:00pm, while Check-out time is 9:00am – 11:00am. (check-in and out times are strict, we cannot accommodate early or late arrivals or late checkouts). On your arrival or check in day, please have lunch before you arrive, there will not be a meal for you until dinner. Breakfast is provided on your departure on checkout day.

***

Glamping is a unique experience. Whether the cabins or the glamping site, we’d love to have you. Or try a combination stay including both glamping and the main ranch. Best of both worlds!

We have a dedicated website just for Goosewing Glamping. We’d love for you to check it out!

Top Six Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

November 4, 2017/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch Activities, Goosewing Ranch Amenities, Goosewing Ranch News /by [email protected]

Dude ranches are one of the best vacation experiences around. From couples to families to groups, all who wander onto a dude ranch are in for an unbelievable vacation. The biggest dilemma may be which dude ranch to choose. If Wyoming is on the travel list, then consider Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Nestled in the Gros Ventre River Valley adjacent to the Grand Tetons, our dude/guest ranch is in a prime location to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Here are the Top 6 reasons to stay at Goosewing Ranch.

Goosewing Ranch is a place to disconnect from your daily struggles and reconnect with what is really important: Family, friends, nature, and your inner self. Here at Goosewing Ranch, we combine the lifestyle of ranching in the Wyoming wilderness with many of the modern refinements that make your visit with us especially enjoyable.

At 7,400 feet, the valley is the host to some of North America’s most spectacular game: elk, moose, mountain sheep, antelope, bear, eagles, geese, cranes, and much more. The Gros Ventre River, home to native cutthroat trout, runs through the meadows of our historic ranch.With many different package options, we can truly customize the perfect all-inclusive vacation option for you. From pack trips to nights in Jackson, let us help make this year’s vacation the best ever.

We invite you to come share this corner of North America’s wildest country just as it has been for over a hundred years – a working ranch reborn as an isolated retreat deep in the Gros Ventre River Valley. Here are the Top 6 reasons why Goosewing Ranch should be on your travel list.

Top 6 Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

1. Access to Yellowstone National Park

Stay at Goosewing Ranch and include a visit to our nation’s first National Park: Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park is not far from Goosewing Ranch, and we can help you plan your self or guided tour of this historic and amazing National Park. From wildlife viewing to hiking around thermal features, there is much to see and do.

2. Proximity to Grand Teton National Park

Let’s not forget about Grand Teton National Park. With many spectacular Grand Teton views from the Goosewing Ranch trails, you won’t have to leave your saddle to experience this mesmerizing mountain. I can already imagine your new profile picture…you on a horse with the Grand Tetons towering behind you. With Grand Teton National Park nearby, plan to incorporate some park activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, or even a wildlife safari, whitewater rafting, or a scenic float,

3. Hello, Jackson Hole

Historic Jackson Hole is a great place to stay before or after your package with Goosewing Ranch. While in town, shopping, dining, and history surround you. Don’t forget about a white water rafting trip or a scenic float trip. There’s also the rodeo and the old west shoot out on the town square. We’ll take care of the planning so you can relax and enjoy your true Western Vacation.

4. All-Inclusive and Exclusive

Our dude ranch is an exclusive and all-inclusive vacation. Goosewing Ranch is a small unique property that offers all-inclusive packages including lodging, meals, ranch seasonal activities, taxes and gratuity. Being all-inclusive makes planning and organizing your vacation much easier; just tell us what you want to do and we can arrange the details. You won’t have to make dinner reservations, plan daily activities, or think of things to do that will please everyone–we have you covered!

Goosewing Ranch has a wide variety of adventure based activities for all abilities and age ranges. From flyfishing, skeet shooting, trail rides, and archery, the possibilities are bountiful. And did we mention the Polaris UTVs to get around? These mean endless hours of exploring the surrounding Bridger-Teton National Forest.

5. Something for Everyone

Goosewing Ranch offers a chance to experience the Wild West and get a taste of it all. This is an ideal spot for multigenerational travel, family reunions, and special occasions. Being a small guest ranch means the focus can be on the guests and their needs. Whether kids or kids at heart, the ranch has a full list of activities sure to please both thrill seekers and chill seekers. We have a great package that offers a bit of everything: from a luxury night in Jackson Hole, a one night/two day spectacular pack trip, and three nights of rustic charm and all-inclusive activities at the ranch. Customize the vacation of your dreams.

6. Memory Making at Its Best

Make memories through adventure and experiences. Goosewing Ranch offers guests many opportunities to create life long memories and new family traditions through adventures. This is a place where you can disconnect from distractions and truly relax and recharge.Don’t fight the summer crowds escape to beautiful Goosewing Ranch. The Tetons are at our doorstep and nature surrounds us. Immerse yourself in fun and the freedom of multiple activities and make memories sure to last a lifetime.

7 Reasons your next Family Reunion should be at a Jackson Hole Guest Ranch…

March 6, 2015/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch Activities, Goosewing Ranch Amenities, Goosewing Ranch News, Guest Travel Blog, Our Pool Area, Outdoor Hot Tub, Outdoor Pool, Shaded Cocktail Area, Spa Treatments, Summer at Goosewing Ranch /by [email protected]

Planning a family reunion for any size gathering can be stressful. With such a wide range of ages and diverse interest, it is hard to choose a venue that will please everyone. Well, we believe we have found the solution to pleasing all. Goosewing Ranch, in Jackson Hole Wyoming, has something for everyone; no matter their age or interest.

1. Activities: Having something that can keep everyone entertained is key. Goosewing Ranch has activities for all ages and abilities. There is horseback riding for beginners and advanced riders. Target shooting, archery, UTV exploring, hiking, wine tasting, pool and spa facilities, arts and crafts, and even cattle work. Let us handle the details and you can just relax and enjoy your family. All these great activities are found right on the ranch.

2. Menu planning: From the young to the refined to the just plan picky…we have a menu option to that should satisfy all. We know that you all want to eat together and enjoy each others company over a savory meal, but that not everyone enjoys the same type of foods. At this Jackson Hole guest ranch you can eat together and enjoy the food of your preference. With a menu for children, adults and the ability to accommodate dietary requests and restrictions, we have something hearty and delicious for all taste-buds. The dining experience is also second to none, with breakfasts made to order, adventure based lunches, plated dinners and even cookouts, you will get a variety culinary options and dining experiences.

3. A Place to Disconnect to Reconnect: A family guest ranch is a great place to bond with your extended family through activities you might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience. Goosewing Ranch allows for families to talk without the constant distraction of phone calls and text messages, a place to escape the daily grind. This is a place where you feel safe letting the cousins run free, while the adults reminisce their childhood around a glowing fire with a glass of wine. This is a place where kids can be kids and adults can disconnect and reconnect as a family. Embrace each other and enjoy growing as a family through the various ranch activities and experiences.

4. Making Memories through Adventure: What better way to bond and embrace each other than through the many adventures you will experience on and around a ranch. Watch each other shine while trying something new. You might just find an adventure based activity you can’t live without.

5. An exclusive all-inclusive Family Vacation: With so much included in your package you won’t have to worry about what is for dinner, where you will explore tomorrow, or who is paying for the activity. Goosewing Ranch is an exclusive guest ranch with all-inclusive package deals. You will have meals, lodging, activities, and spa treatments for the entire family included in one package rate.

6. Give the gift of Memories: The world we live in seems to be all about staying connected and instant gratification. A family reunion at a guest ranch is a gift you give yourself and your family, it is a gift that will last for generations. The gift of memories! We have been fortunate enough to watch families grow as they return year after year, generation after generation. This is a special place made for creating special family memories.

7. Educational Fun: From the historic western frontier town of Jackson Hole to our nations first National Park, Yellowstone. You are sure to leave with many fun facts. The best learning environment is a fun and activity one, so what better place to get a little vacation education then in Jackson Hole Wyoming at a Guest Ranch. You will learn about the wildlife, the cowboys and Indians, and the mountain men that were as wild and free as the wind blowing across the top of the Tetons.

Come join us at Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole Wyoming for your next family escape!