Grand Teton National Park

What to Expect in Wyoming Dude Ranch Weather

August 31, 2019/0 Comments/in Dude Ranch Vacation Tips, Goosewing Ranch Activities, Jackson Hole, Summer at Goosewing Ranch, Wyoming /by [email protected]

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.

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.

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!

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.

Why Jackson Hole: Yellowstone, Tetons, and Ranches

January 18, 2019/0 Comments/in Grand Teton National Park, National Parks, Yellowstone National Park /by [email protected]

Winter is one of the best times to make plans for a vacation destination. Whether a young couple, mature couple, large family or small, the Jackson Hole area has something offer each diverse traveler. Make this year’s vacation an adventure filled with new experiences while exploring this educational and historic area. Here’s why Jackson Hole (hint: Yellowstone and Grand Teton might have something to do with it).

Why Jackson Hole

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming is home to our nation’s first National Park, Yellowstone National Park, founded in 1872. However, Yellowstone is not the only park that neighbors Jackson Hole-there is also Grand Teton National Park. Jackson not only has two historic and magnificent parks in its backyard, but is also home to many guest ranches and summer attractions.

Grand Teton National Park has much to offer as well. This is a great area to enjoy the water or spend the day hiking. Grand Teton has hiking trails suitable for those looking for an easy family picnic and hike to the more adventurous climber and backpacker. Grand Teton has many great opportunities to view wildlife and is a photographer’s dream.

Dude Ranch as Home Base for the Parks

Guest Ranches such as Goosewing Ranch are a great way to visit the area with the ease of an all-inclusive package. While staying at a ranch you can enjoy many different activities from hiking, horseback riding, line dancing, spa treatments, rodeos, cookouts, off-roading, and more. But, make sure you save some time to visit Jackson Hole for some shopping, rodeo, rafting and a quick history lesson, and then head into Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

There are many outfitters that will guide you through the parks in all fashions, but if you are a do-it-yourself kind of person here are a few tips. I would suggest leaving your accommodations early in the morning and hitting the trail. You should allow for a full day or more in each park, 12+ hours.

If you only have one day I suggest driving the Lower Loop of Yellowstone. You will see such features as Old Faithful, boiling paint pots, hot springs and swimming holes, waterfalls, grand canyons, and hopefully some wildlife. There are many different boardwalks taking you safely around various features of the park, and you may find park rangers on site to answer questions.

Remember obey all warning and safety postings and keep a vast distance between yourself and ALL wildlife. Yellowstone might have park behind its name but that doesn’t mean it is safe to play or recreate anywhere.

Between Jackson, the national parks of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, the Jackson Hole area has a lot to offer a diverse group of travelers. With a history, adventure, and science rich environment, you will return home with more than a vacation. You will return home having had an experience. When visiting Jackson Hole, expect to experience the Wild West!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming Family Reunion at Goosewing Ranch

May 29, 2018/0 Comments/in Dude Ranch Planning /by [email protected]

Planning a family reunion? A multi-generational trip to Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming will allow your family to disconnect from daily distractions and reconnect as a family, making memories together. Here’s how we can help you plan and pull off a family reunion

Family time has always been important, but getting together for an extended family vacation now is as important as ever. Families are living farther apart than ever before. Yes, we have the technology to stay connected, but is that really enough? It is no longer the era where cousins are spending entire summers together at the grandparents’ farm. Sometimes we are lucky to even get together during the holidays.

This is why multi-generational vacations are so needed. We need our children to know how fun it can be to play for endless hours with siblings and cousins making connections through experiences. Not to mention how cool and adventurous grandparents can be. Opportunities to grow as a family and create lasting memories through adventure, education, experiences, and time spent together are invaluable. A family reunion at Goosewing Ranch will allow your family to disconnect from daily distractions and reconnect as a family, making memories together.

Family Reunion at Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

There are a few key points to consider when planning a family reunion. Here are a few that make this the best vacation and are actually quite easy to achieve. Making lasting impressions and memories is the end goal, but we want this to be great for the planner. We love hosting family reunions and have had a many great experiences bringing families together from all over the world.

Why Choose a Dude Ranch Reunion

A dude ranch is a destination that has something for everyone. From horseback riding to fly fishing and spa days to exploring days, there is something for all ages and abilities. We have a wide variety of activities that are great for all ages. For kids 6 and under, they can enjoy a nature walk, a UTV(utility terrain vehicle) ride, pony rides, finger painting the horses, wagon rides and Indian arts and crafts.

For older kids, archery, target shooting, horseback riding, team penning, hatchet throwing, hiking, and UTV exploring are on the menu.

We are also able to organize a family photo shoot. This can be a group picture with matching tee shirts or cowboy hats, or a costume party for the holidays. Believe us when we say this will be a stress free holiday where everything is taken care of for you.

Trust your family with our family. Dude ranches were founded on the idea of bringing families together and opening our home to you so you can become a part of our extended family. These family excursions are important for child development and building of family relationships. If you have never experienced a dude ranch vacation, let us show you some true Western hospitality and help you plan your next adventure.

Planning a Family Reunion

This can seem very daunting task. How am I going to schedule 10 – 30 people a vacation and ensure all will have something they will enjoy? The best part of planning an all-inclusive family reunion at Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is that the planning ends when your vacation begins. Once you are on the ranch, everything will be taken care of for you. From meals and lodging to activities and equipment. Family members simply choose their activities for the day and the fun starts.

How We Can Help You Plan a Family Reunion

Choosing Dates

Once you have the list of family members who are interested in attending, you will need to have a list of the dates that they are available. Don’t forget that we are a small property and can book out 6 months to a year in advance. Something else to consider is the season you wish to visit. If you have young children (infant-15 years) we recommend visiting us in July or August. For more mature families you might be able to find great options in either June or September. Each season comes with different weather and activities. Also, consider how long you should stay to make the most of your time together.

Gathering Details

We are happy to send information via mail or email about what to expect, weather, activities, packing tips, food details, and more to all members of your family or for the planner to disperse. We feel the more information provided the better to ensure everyone’s expectations are met.

Choosing Accommodations

Depending on your group size, you might have the entire ranch to yourself or you might need just a few cabins. We are here for you to help arrange the best accommodations possible. What we will need would be: age, gender, and desired lodging accommodations for each immediate family.

We have eight private guest cabins and three larger 2-bedroom cabins for bigger families. For a totally different experience, we also have a dedicated glamping site with covered wagons.

Other Helpful Information We Need and Suggest

Additional Information about Your Family

It is very important for us to know as much about each family member as possible. We are interested in know if there are any dietary restrictions, allergies, medical conditions, special needs/requests, horseback riding level/interest, other activity interest. Additionally, if there are any special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations, we’d love to know. Finally, we can assist in arranging unique activities (National Park trips, photographer). All of these details will ensure that you are provided with True Western Hospitality and all your needs will be met.

Go With Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend travel insurance to all our guests, but when you are dealing with multiple generations traveling together, we feel it is even more important. When making a reservation with us, you can opt into additional travel insurance that will cover all members of the traveling party and extended family member emergencies. It is always better to be prepared so you can be worry free.

Let us help you plan an extraordinary family reunion. We’d be honored and believe it will make for the most memorable family vacation ever.

Why You Should Plan a Goosewing Ranch Vacation in June

April 11, 2018/0 Comments/in Dude Ranch Vacation Tips, Summer at Goosewing Ranch /by [email protected]

Rejoice-summer is on the horizon! Our ranch doors will soon open, and we are excited to start a new season with guests that are soon to be part of the Goosewing family. June is considered our early season, so there are definite advantages to booking your ranch vacation in that month. Think wildlife, fewer crowds, and discounted rates. Learn more about the upside of a June dude ranch vacation in our Jackson Hole, Wyoming location.

Summertime is just around the bend, and that means…vacation time! Whether you’ve already booked a trip to Wyoming or are still in the planning stages, summer is a delightful time to visit Wyoming. Since our season at Goosewing Ranch begins on June 1, we thought we’d chat about the benefits to having a dude ranch vacation in June. Between the weather, the crowds, and the animals, June can be one of the best times to explore our corner of the world here in Jackson Hole.

Why You Should Plan a Goosewing Ranch Vacation in June

1. Price advantage

Rates for early summer travel are discounted off our peak season. Shoulder season runs June 1-16, followed by the Low Season rates from June 17-July 7. Both are more advantageous in pricing that our peak season. Our Summer 2018 Rates will be properly reflected on our website. Or feel free to call us at (307) 733-5251.

2. Great for Wildlife Viewing

June is quite an opportune time to see all kinds of wildlife as they get active from their winter slumbers. From bison to grizzy and black bears, moose, elk, mountain goats, foxes, and eagles, animal sightings are especially plentiful during the month of June.

Since the road to our ranch doesn’t officially open until June 1, the upside is that wildlife roam free and virtually undisturbed during this time. So the possible animal sightings are heightened. Between elk, moose, bears, they have all been spotted on our property during June. Although the tradeoff is a bit more unpredictability in terms of weather, the advantage is a season filled with wildlife. Antlers and sheds are also plentiful during this time.

It’s also a time where animals are starting to have their babies, so you may even see those.

Photography buffs, June may be more ideal because the sun is not as strong as it is in July and August.

3. Fewer Crowds Than in Late Summer

Crowds in the national parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone swell at the peak of summer. The National Park Service reports that from 2012-2017, the average number of visits to Yellowstone per summer months as follows:

Month	Average # of Visits (2012-2017)	% of Average Annual Visits

June	743,361	19.39%
July	922,018	24.04%
August	822,021	21.44%

So wildlife buffs, photography fans, and those craving fewer crowds in the national parks, come check us out in June!

Dude Ranch: The Ultimate Vacation for Kids and Parents!

November 22, 2017/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch Activities, Summer at Goosewing Ranch /by [email protected]

Ask a kid and their parent about their idea of a perfect vacation and you will likely get two very different answers. While a parent’s idea of fun includes the chance to wind down, rest and recuperate, kids tend to want to do more, see more, and experience more. Why would you want to rest on a vacation, kids say! Packing the days with as much fun as possible equates to a fun summer vacation. Here’s why a dude ranch vacation at Goosewing Ranch meshes the two for a unique and satisfying experience for everyone in the family, parents and kids alike!

Where should we go on vacation? The question may get very different answers from everyone in the family. Kids typically want action, excitement, and adventure. But parents might have more leisure and relaxation in mind mixed in the with the hustle and bustle. Let Goosewing Ranch combine the two for the ultimate dude ranch vacation for kids and parents.

Dude Ranch Experience: The Ultimate Vacation for Kids and Parents

At Goosewing Ranch, the ultimate kids’ vacation is easy to achieve in the Jackson Hole area. Most importantly, kids and teenagers alike have the chance to experience some independence, roam free on the dude ranch and explore their deep sense of adventure.

Dude Ranch: A Hit with the Kids

Autonomy is important for anyone, and in today’s world it can be difficult to give your children these types of opportunities to taste that freedom. The ranch is safe and offers an environment where kids have a natural boundary to explore within. In addition, a wide range of activities and experiences keep kids of all ages entertained. This gives parents some much needed time to relax around the ranch. Like the pool and jacuzzi!

Adventurous and artistic, athletic or active, there are activities designed to meet every kids personality. Scavenger hunts, geo-caching and track/scat identifying activities bring out the adventure. Arts and crafts activities include bracelet and dream catcher making, river rock and face painting, and even some horse painting.

There is target practice, roping, archery and hatchet throwing, and fire making. Wagon rides and horse feeding give kids a taste of ranch life and when its time to cool off, kids can float the river and swim in the pool.

Dude Ranch: Activities Galore

And if that didn’t seem like enough, there is a Kids Town complete with foosball, ping pong, and shuffleboard. Kids can also use their imaginations to their hearts’ content in the playground and tepee. An evening kids cookout gives kids a chance to have fun together and learn about cooking. The children’s program operates from mid-June through the end of August. There are daily activities that last anywhere from 2-4 hours. Most activities are suited for kids over the age of six.

One more unique feature you won’t find in too many places is a teepee that can be reserved for family or kids nights. Sleeping under the stars in a teepee is something you and your kids will not soon forget.

We hope you’ve got a keen sense that Goosewing Ranch has considered all the amenities your family desires. Parents, this is the ultimate vacation your family will talk about for years to come. Questions? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you every step of the way.

You Might Also Like:

https://goosewingranch.com/2017/11/04/top-six-reasons-stay-goosewing-ranch-dude-ranch-jackson-hole-wyoming/

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.

Horseback Riding Vacations in Jackson Hole

May 11, 2016/0 Comments/in Horses and Riding, Jackson Hole /by [email protected]

Ever dream of being a cowboy or cowgirl, but couldn’t seem to swing it in the city (or suburbs) where you grew up? Here is your chance to test it out with an all-inclusive vacation to Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming! We feature three to seven nights deep in the beautiful Gros Ventre wilderness only accessible by horseback—just like in the old days.

Horseback Riding Vacations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

How it works:

You will arrive on the ranch, check in, and then head down to the tack room to meet your horse for the week. Having your own horse lets you become comfortable with your mount and develop a bond that will have you saying “Remember Josh? He was a great horse,” for years to come.

From beginners to more experienced riders, we have a horse for everyone. This wide variety ensures guests can enjoy all aspects of riding, both on the trails and in the arena, as well as feeling safe and secure with their horse partner. Plus, our kid horses take their job very seriously—the quintessential babysitter when a child is out on a ride.

Catch a glimpse of the impressive landscape surrounding the ranch on different length trail rides, and either return to the ranch for a hot lunch or eat a boxed lunch on the trail with unbeatable Wyoming views.

For people wanting to spice up their trail rides and have the necessary riding experience to do so, we offer advanced rides. Get a chance to go on a loping ride or swim with your horse in the river! And if you don’t think you’re capable of loping or riding bareback, take a lesson from one of our experienced wranglers and work up to it.

Whether you’ve never been on a horse or were riding before you were walking, this horseback riding vacation is the perfect getaway if you want to experience the vast remoteness of the Jackson Hole Wyoming region from the saddle.

–This post was written by Sara Massery.

Need more information about Jackson Hole or riding? Check out these resources:

See Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce

Horseback Riding

Celebrate Your National Parks with Goosewing Ranch!

May 4, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by [email protected]

This year, the National Park Service celebrates its 100^th birthday, and to celebrate, fourth graders are being given free park passes for them and their families.

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest park in the United States. It was established in 1872 as an Act signed by President Grant. It wasn’t until August 25, 1916 that the National Park Service was created to protect and preserve our beautiful parks, and since 1916 over four hundred parks have been created. The NPS has grown tremendously over the years. They rely on 22,000 employees and 221,000 volunteers to maintain the parks—and no wonder they need so many people, as Yellowstone alone draws over 4 million visitors a year, usually between the months of May to September.

Goosewing Ranch makes an ideal location to stay while visiting the parks. Not only can you take advantage of the free park pass given to your fourth grader—visiting the parks with ease from our location—you can enjoy the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the beautiful, untouched wilderness that surrounds the ranch, as well. The UTVs available for guests are a fun way to get off the ranch and explore everything nature has to offer.

This is a historic year for the parks. By celebrating 100 years of service, the NPS campaign has shifted public focus to the future, and preserving National Parks for another 100 years to come. This will be a celebratory year to visit Jackson Hole.

For your child to receive his or her park pass, go to everykidinapark.gov. Passes are valid until August 31, 2016. This year’s third graders are eligible to receive their park pass starting in September 2016.

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This post was written by Sara Massery.

The Whiskey Gentry meets Goosewing Ranch

September 10, 2015/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by [email protected]

The Whiskey Gentry

Just over a month ago we had a very special band come visit us at the ranch. The Whiskey Gentry boasts an excellent collection of covers and original songs which they serenaded our guests with while they were here. It started with Jason, guitarist and overall band savant (on occasion referred to as “head honcho” if you will), and his arrival at Goosewing Ranch nearly two months prior. Then, he did not come as a rising superstar, but as one of two sons celebrating their father’s birthday.

Jason with his guitar and cowboy hat

It was easy to befriend Jason and Tim, as well as their enigmatic father, Bob. Soon enough, we learned of the Atlanta-based band, whose music shines a modern and edgy light on the blend of bluegrass and traditional country, and Jason’s casual mention that they would be in the Jackson area in a mere handful of weeks. Bob and his sons departed the ranch a few days later (not without style: never did I imagine my job would include banging on their cabin door at four thirty in the morning so they wouldn’t miss their shuttle to the airport), and three weeks passed before it occurred to me that The Whiskey Gentry should be passing through our area soon.

Price, quite happy about the double rainbow

A few emails later, and we shook electronic hands that they’d come stay with us for two nights and give our guests some good entertainment. The ranch quivered with excitement; most of the staff recalled Jason and Tim with fondness, and knew the company he kept couldn’t be that bad. We were greeted with grins, and quickly introduced to the five strangers spilling out of the van after Jason; Lauren and Rurik, Price, Sammy, and Jeremy. Their energy was infectious, snaking through the ranch as they took it all in; it carried through to their performance.

Lauren and Jason

We took them on a trail ride; besides being good musicians, they were funny, kind, and easy to get along with. They took goofy pictures and one brought home a souvenir: a baby elk leg we found along the trail next to some wolf prints. Overall, these were some pretty cool dudes, and you should check them out.

——

This post was written by Sara Massery, who is experiencing her first season at Goosewing Ranch,as the Office Assistant. She hails from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and has just completed her B.A. in English Writing and Literature at Emmanuel College. She was looking for an adventure, and she found one.

Survival of the Fittest

June 3, 2015/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by [email protected]

Gros Ventre Slide seen from Shadow Mtn.

On June 23, 1925, a landslide on Sheep Mountain dammed up the Gros Ventre River with a high tower of rocks and dirt. Lower Slide Lake was born in the following flooding, only six miles from the town of Kelly, Wyoming. Over the next two years, the lake filled in, and the nature-made dam held. But in May of 1927, just before a huge election between Kelly and Jackson, a portion of the dam broke. The town of Kelly—which was favored to win—suddenly found itself under six feet of water, at least temporarily, and Jackson “won by a landslide.”

When you drive by Slide Lake, the scar of earth is still apparent on the mountain; an ugly welt of naked dirt among a landscape of crisp green pines. At the edge of the road above the lake you can see the gravel and rocks that were pushed as far as they would go and then abandoned, broken and forgotten about. Long-dead trees stand in solidarity near the center of the lake, barren and eerie but still very much present. There were things interrupted here, and the land can’t forget it yet.

Coming to Goosewing Ranch, I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to fall in love with the area, but I wasn’t sure if it was possible. I dreamed of being so happy here that I would stay, and that has a lot to do with where my life is headed: straight into a tunnel of Unknown, where thinking of my future is exactly like being caught in a landslide. When I got here, it almost felt like this was life pushing the pause button. Work here… and then what?

There is a group of trees at the base of Sheep Mountain that were not always there. Their place of origin was at the top of the mountain. When the landslide happened, the trees went with it. But instead of dying, uprooted, they replanted themselves. And we’re not talking a few trees, but a square mile of them. They found a safe place and stuck with it. The trees you can see today are the same ones from 1925, and that says something about these trees’ commitment to existence.

That’s the thing about sliding down a mountainside, or flying across the country to live in a new place: it’s foreign, it’s terrifying, but it’s most definitely survivable. And maybe it’s better than where we started, even if we don’t know how long this haven is going to last.

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This is Sara Massery’s first season at Goosewing Ranch, where she is the Office Assistant. She hails from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and has just completed her B.A. in English Writing and Literature at Emmanuel College. She’s very excited for the summer ahead!

Posts

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.

What to Expect in Wyoming Dude Ranch Weather

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

Why Jackson Hole

Yellowstone National Park