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Why Jackson Hole: Yellowstone, Tetons, and Ranches

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.

Black Pool Hot Spring in Yellowstone National Park

 

Grand Teton National Park

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!

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

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.

Top 6 Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch, a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming includes national parks, horses, and diverse activities 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.Top 6 Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch, a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming includes national parks, horses, and diverse activities 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, WyomingTop 6 Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch, a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming includes national parks, horses, and diverse activities

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. Top 6 Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch, a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming includes national parks, horses, and diverse activities

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,

Top 6 Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch, a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming includes national parks, horses, and diverse activities

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.Top 6 Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch, a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming includes national parks, horses, and diverse activities

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.

Top 6 Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch, a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming includes national parks, horses, and diverse activities

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.Top 6 Reasons to Stay at Goosewing Ranch, a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming includes national parks, horses, and diverse activities 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.

Belt Buckles…A cowboys story…


I am sure many of you out there have wondered what the deal is with the BIG belt buckles that cowboys and cowgirls wear… Of course the practical purpose of the belt buckle is to keep your belt closed, but it also can tell a story. Belt buckles come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, designs, and are unique from one to the other.
Belt buckles are sort of a cowboy’s resume, name tag, and family history all put onto a piece of silver plated metal. Some people will wear a buckle with their name on it, others like to have their favorite tractor or truck, and some their favorite sport or animal to hunt. But, for a cowboy it is usually a trophy to be worn with pride, and to show others their accomplishments. The family history comes in when it is time for a young man or lady to start their own rodeo career, but they haven’t a buckle of their own so Mom or Dad will pass along a buckle of theirs for them to wear.
Belt buckles are given for accomplishments in the “cowboy” world for such things as barrel racing, bull riding, team roping, tie down roping and more. At the local Jackson Hole rodeo contestants compete throughout the season for a chance to win a buckle. At Goosewing Ranch many of our employees wear buckles that they have either won or purchased. You can even buy a buckle with a picture of “Old Faithful” in Yellowstone National Park, or one with the Tetons on it.  Even guest ranches and working ranches have buckles made up with their brand on them.
Whatever your style or choice of buckle wear it proudly! Love live Wyoming’s Cowboys!