What to Expect in Wyoming Dude Ranch Weather

Dude ranch reservations? Check. Travel arrangements made? Check. All the boxes are being marked. The one variable in a dude ranch vacation that can be less predictable is the weather. We haven’t quite figured out a way to control the weather, but we do have suggestions on how to prepare for ranch life and Wyoming dude ranch weather.

Wyoming Dude Ranch Weather can change on a dime, but good news is the storms usually roll in and out quickly.

When thinking of the Wild West one tends to imagine hot sunshine, beautiful mountains, majestic wild horses, and dusty old cowboys. While some of those things are true and others have been somewhat tamed, Wyoming’s western weather still remains untamed and unpredictable.

Foggy morning on Goosewing Ranch shows just how varied the weather can be on a Wyoming dude ranch vacation.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of those places that is still a little wild, yet filled with wonderful adventure. Being in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, the area is prone to diverse weather patterns.  One thing you can count on with the weather in this vast area is that no matter the season, it could always snow on you.  Now, don’t let this turn you off and make you start thinking about that sandy beach vacation again. Just because it could snow in July in Wyoming doesn’t mean that your experience will be any less amazing.

What to Expect in Wyoming Dude Ranch Weather

Yes, that's snow around our teepee at Goosewing Ranch.

Snowy Teepee at Goosewing Ranch

Weather in any mountain region can be difficult to understand. Mountains produce their own weather and also make it difficult to see weather moving in; you just never know what to expect when setting off for a fun day hike or family horseback ride. Most of the summer months are filled with warm, arid (dry) days and clear, cool evenings.

If weather moves in, it is usually gone as fast as it arrived. Some thunderstorms may only last about 10 minutes, and just because it is storming doesn’t mean the sun won’t still shine. Then after the storm has passed, all is right in the Gros Ventre river valley again. The dust is gone, the air is fresh, and the grass is green.

This diverse weather pattern can turn the average day into a great story making adventure. Just think about what the real cowboys and mountain men went through year after year, and take the weather in stride. The horseback riding and many other activities can still be enjoyed even when the weather is less than favorable.

Average Temps at Goosewing Ranch:
June High and Low: 68 / 35
July High and Low: 76 / 42
August High and Low: 75 / 43
September High and Low: 65 / 33

A fiery sunset over the Gros Ventre Valley shows how beautiful the weather conditions can be.

Fire in the sky at Goosewing Ranch.

A snowy June day can also give you a chance to relax by the fire, catch up with family and friends, and a reason to treat yourself to a soothing massage. So next time you are planning a vacation to the Jackson Hole area, remember to pack a bit of everything, leave for activities prepared for anything, and take the weather in stride. After the storm comes the most amazing rainbows!

After rain showers comes a rainbow-the horses are the proverbial pot of gold at the end of this rainbow!

Remember our guides and wranglers at Goosewing Ranch are trained to keep you safe. They have gear available for you to help you stay warm and dry, and will do their best to always make the best out of any situation. We also have links that will help with packing and planning a Jackson Hole vacation.

When thinking of the Wild West one tends to imagine hot sunshine, beautiful mountains, majestic wild horses, and dusty old cowboys. While some of those things are true and others have been somewhat tamed, Wyoming's western weather still remains untamed and unpredictable. Get ready for a Wyoming dude ranch vacation by being informed about what to expect with the weather and how to get ready. #Wyoming #thatsWY #JacksonHole #duderanch #weather

Three Reasons to Choose a Wyoming Vacation

Are you searching for new travel destinations? Checking new states off the bucket list? Then Wyoming should be way up there on the priority list. From Jackson Hole’s attractions to the nearby national parks and Goosewing Ranch dude ranch, this is the trifecta of reasons to try a Wyoming vacation.

A Wyoming vacation wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Grand Teton National Park to see the Grand Tetons.

Wyoming tends to fly low on the radar when it comes to vacations. However, there are several gems that make this state stand out. In the northwestern corner lie Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park, which attract tourists in the summer and avid skiers and snowboarders in the winter. As a result of these famous spots, Jackson Hole has flourished.

Wyoming: Just the Facts

Capital: Cheyenne

Nickname: Cowboy State, Equality State

Motto: Equal Rights

Admitted to Union: July 10, 1890 – 44th State

Size: 97,914 square miles, 9th largest state

State Sport: Rodeo

Highest Point: Gannett Peak, 13,804 feet

Lowest Point: Belle Fourche River, 3,100 feet

Average Annual Precipitation: 14.5 inches

Population (2010 Census): 563,626

Three Reasons to Choose a Wyoming Vacation

1. National Parks

The national parks draw a big crowd to Jackson and the Greater Yellowstone area. Yellowstone alone entices about 4 million people per year; the heaviest concentration falls between May and September.

Wyoming is home to two national parks: Grand Teton and Yellowstone, as well as national monuments, historic sites and trails.

Did you know? 96 percent of Yellowstone National Park is in Wyoming!

With 563,000 residents among 62+ million acres, there’s one resident per every 111 acres. 

The Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone is one of many reasons to travel to Wyoming this year.

Learn more about Yellowstone National Park:

Grand Teton links:

2. Jackson Hole

You may have heard about this region named Jackson Hole. Did you know it is just a popular nickname for the entire Wyoming valley and not an official location on a map? Back in the late 1800s, Davey Jackson was a famous tracker, and people referred to a valley surrounded by tall mountains as a HOLE. So that’s how Jackson Hole’s name came to be.

The antler arches in Jackson's Town Square are a sight to behold on a Wyoming vacation.

The town of Jackson is a historic Western town. Its Town Square and its famous antler arches are the hub of the town, along with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Learn more about the area at Wyoming Office of Tourism and read more about what sets Jackson Hole apart from other destinations.

3. Goosewing Ranch

Aside from being close to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, our ranch sits on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and is the perfect entry point into the Gros Ventre Wilderness. (True to its name, the wilderness has remained untouched by all motorized vehicles – accessible only by foot, horseback, or UTV.)

So if you ask us why you should pick Wyoming, or why you should pick Jackson Hole as your vacation destination, just take a look at this piece of country that is still truly wild. Not many people get to experience our isolated paradise.

Learn more about Goosewing Ranch:

Checking new states off the bucket list? Then Wyoming should be way up there on the priority list. From Jackson Hole's attractions to the nearby national parks and our dude ranch, this is the trifecta of reasons to try a Wyoming vacation. #Wyoming #thatsWY #vacation #duderanch #nationalparks