Posts

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

Horses stampede at Goosewing Ranch

Great people sharing a common passion

Goosewing Ranch is excited to be involved with the Dude Ranchers Association, or the DRA.  We recently returned from the DRA convention in Cody– where we met and mingled with fellow “dude ranchers”.

The DRA has been around since 1926.  Being a part of such a great organization brings us pride.  To become a member – the ranch must go through a two year inspection and approval process.  All DRA ranch members are required to represent the highest quality of western hospitality, while ensuring that all guests have a wonderful western ranch experience.  DRA ranches are also kept to the highest safety standards.

It was nice to get off the ranch and enjoy Cody Wyoming in January.  We enjoyed the company of our fellow ranchers – and shared knowledge of the industry, and of course good cheer!  We visited the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, the DRA headquarters at the Heritage Center, and other historic hotels.  Cody Wyoming is a wonderful place… It is full of history, great hospitality, and located just outside the East entrance of Yellowstone National Park.   From wild mustangs to big horn sheep – Cody also has amazing opportunities for viewing wildlife.

Throughout the convention we enjoyed guest speakers from all around.  Some spoke about horse safety, and how to better prepare our wranglers for the summer, others about marketing and the latest trends.  We also meet with different venders that all have our guests’ best interest in mind.  They shared information on products such as cozy towels and linens, belt buckles and  souvenirs, as well as travel insurance.  (Look for our next blog on travel insurance).

The core principles of the Dude Ranchers Association are the “6 H’s”: Horses, Hats, Hospitality, Heritage, Honesty, and Heart.  Each one of the previous words beginning with “H” represent what dude and guest ranches are about.  Though our guests’ expectations have changed over the years, and we have evolved with them, the core principles of dude ranching remain the same.

We hope that with Goosewing Ranch being a part of this great association we can provide our guests with the best possible experience.  Remember dude ranches aren’t only about horses and rustic cabins; they offer many adventurous outdoor activities, classic culinary experiences, and modern amenities.  Come and let us share with you our passion for horses, hats, hospitality, and adventure, all while making lasting memories.

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!