Yellowstone National Park

Three Reasons to Choose a Wyoming Vacation

June 2, 2019/0 Comments/in Wyoming /by [email protected]

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.

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.

Learn more about Yellowstone National Park:

Visiting Yellowstone National Park: Tips for What You Should Know

Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Grand Teton links:

Grand Teton National Park Things to Do

What to Expect on a Jackson Hole Wildlife Safari

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 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:

8 Reasons to Take a Dude Ranch Vacation

Jackson Hole Glamping

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

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

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!

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.

—

This post was written by Sara Massery.

The Beginning of a Journey

May 26, 2015/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by [email protected]

I graduated from college on May 9^th, and six days later I was on a plane headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The time I spent in the airport—a total of about four hours across two layovers—didn’t feel real, and my impending adventure was suspended above my head. I had flown alone before to visit family, and this didn’t feel any different. When the plane touched down in Jackson—that was when it hit me: I was in for one unique summer. I walked off the ramp and almost stopped short.

Growing up in the western part of Massachusetts, I was used to the way the mountains encircled the town. We were in the foothills of the Appalachians, after all, and I liked their rounded tops and the way they protected my town from bad weather. These were different. These mountains were so sharp they could cut the sky if it got too close. Home, spring was in full bloom. Here, the air was crisp and light and there was still snow on the mountaintops.

On the day I arrived, the trees clung to the fog. The tops of the mountains were obscured by fat clouds that yearned to touch the ground. We passed Slide Lake and the Grey Hills, and around every corner I kept wondering, how close are we?

I know the distance of forty miles. On a highway, it would take less than forty-five minutes to drive. I thought the wilderness of the Gros Ventre River Valley and the Grand Teton National Park might be exaggerated, but nothing could have prepared me for the trek to Goosewing Ranch. The road passes the small town of Kelly and climbs upwards into the park. From there, it could be equated to a mild roller coaster ride. Sometimes you can see the road extend into the distance for a mile; other times you might question if it even continues after this hill; it is always winding and twisting. And my perception of forty miles changed—it took nearly an hour and a half to drive that distance here. Finally, there it was: the ranch spread out in front of us, as glorious (even in the rain) as the pictures that I had pored over during the previous months.

I wake up each morning excited for the day ahead, for the work we’re doing to make this ranch the best it can be for our guests. I am nearly bursting with excitement waiting for the guests to arrive, because they’ll make my new home come alive with activity. I’ve been here for almost a week, which is the same amount of time most of our guests will be here, and I know that’s not enough for me; I’m not done with this place yet. And I can bet you will feel the same.

——-

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!

Romance on a Dude Ranch: Weddings, Anniversaries and Honeymoons

February 12, 2013/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch News /by [email protected]

With it being Valentine’s Day and all we thought it was a good time to talk about Romance on a Dude Ranch. Yes, a Guest Ranch in Jackson Hole Wyoming can be very romantic in many ways. Goosewing Ranch has been host to just a couple of very special weddings, but have embraced many honeymooners and couples looking to escape and enjoy each others company in a very beautiful place. We aren’t talking about the mushy stuff here, we are talking about experiencing new adventures together, horseback riding, wine tasting and relaxing by the pool and spa, treating yourselves to couples massage, dancing, photography and more.

Romance on a Dude Ranch

While at the ranch we encourage couples to get out and explore the area. Whether on one of the Polaris rangers for a picnic lunch in the National Forest, or to either Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks. No matter where you explore there are endless options when it come to photography. This is a great way to make those special moments last, we can also arrange for some spectacular couples photos with a natural backdrop that you must see to believe.

What could be more relaxing and romantic than spending a long weekend filled with exciting days and warm evenings cuddled up with your sweetie, and a glass of wine by the fire. That is what you get with a romantic weekend at a Jackson Hole dude ranch. BUT Goosewing Ranch is more than just a great place for couples, it is also a great place to celebrate your true love with the entire family. This is a great way to make lasting memories that all your loved ones will cherish for years to come. With lots of daily and evening activities, everyone is bound to be fully entertained. This is a great way to get the family together to celebrate and anniversary or reunion. We will even prepare your favorite cake for all to enjoy.

Try something different this year; do something that your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers will be jealous of. Embrace your love in a beautiful area, filled with natural beauty and adventure. We can provide all your meals, lodging, ranch adventures, and a romantic setting for any occasion. Let us help make your dreams come true at Goosewing Ranch.

Jackson Hole Guest Ranch Bound…

November 7, 2012/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch News /by [email protected]

Jackson Hole here I come!

I recently received an offer from Goosewing Ranch to join their team for the 2013 summer season. It is a herd of horses, pack of dogs, flock of sheep but what do you call a bunch of cowboys and cowgirls-Wranglers, and wranglers are what we are!

It is my pre-conceived idea that Wranglers grew up riding horses, and dreaming of being a cowboy on a dude or cattle ranch. Why would anyone want to do anything else? However, life didn’t lead me down the road to the West, only in my thoughts. Marriage, corporate life, and children temporarily changed my focus. However, I always kept a horse and stayed active in a few events when the kids didn’t have something going on.

As the kids grew, I at least got to enjoy a Western life style. They competed in youth, high school, college and pro rodeos. Barrel racers, goats, breakaway and the boys rode bulls. Kept putting them on horses but they liked riding bulls. As a family we traveled and made wonderful, long-lasting friendships and memories. But there was always a part of me that wanted to be the one on the horse, not the spectator, cheerleader, chauffeur or rodeo secretary. When my daughter headed off to college she took my barrel horse to compete in college rodeo. That was about twelve years ago and I’m still waiting to get the horse back!

Now, the kids are grown; independent, hard workers with families and careers of their own; spread all over the country. For me, retirement is fast approaching. To supplement my income I could work part-time in the office that is so familiar. Then out of the blue, the idea to follow my own dreams, try to recapture fantasies of riding the range alongside people with the same interest. So I took a leap of faith and started applying, Wrangler, cook, housekeeper, just give me a chance. Goosewing Ranch is giving me that chance and I could not be more excited. The opportunity to work at the ranch will fulfill a lot of my bucket list goals but it has given me a lot more to add. Guest Ranches have opportunities to employee all types of individuals, old, young, experienced horseman/women, cooks, novice horseman and more, just apply and find the dream job you have been waiting for. Jackson Hole is an area that is full of adventures just waiting to take place with both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the local area.

To my surprise/delight, I have actually had a couple of ranches contact me but none compare to Goosewing. Reviewing videos, talking to the manager, looking at the history, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of this quality outfit. Friendliness, caring and a genuine commitment to the guests, show in the comments from visitors and staff. I look forward to sharing experiences, the beauty of the location, friendships and being a part of fulfilling not only my dreams but those of the guest.

Now the down side! I’ve got to get in shape, lose some weight so I don’t look like I am scaling Everest getting on my horse. Besides my daily job, I run a stable of 12 horses, which require attention before and after work. So even though I am in pretty good shape, a little more preparation won’t hurt. Read up on the history of the country, the native plants and wildlife. Get my first aid and CPR certification. Like I said, my bucket list just keeps growing with more challenging and exciting adventures. Looking forward to my Wyoming Guest Ranch experience.

You can apply at https://goosewingranch.com/the-ranch/employment/ or email [email protected] or call 1-888-733-5251. Join the Goosewing Ranch team and ride for the brand!

Jay

Posts

Wyoming: Just the Facts

Three Reasons to Choose a Wyoming Vacation

1. National Parks

2. Jackson Hole

3. Goosewing Ranch

Why Jackson Hole