ACTIVITIES

It is not necessary to know how to ride before coming to the ranch. It takes but a short time to learn, and excellent instruction is provided as needed. Each person is furnished with a horse matched to his ability, and a comfortable western saddle. The CM has an exceptionally fine string of horses, both gentle and spirited, suitable for the beginner or the expert rider. They are well adapted to mountain terrain.

Riding is available twice a day every day except Sunday. The ranch foreman does a very good job of dividing riders into small, compatible groups. You will enjoy riding in the company of colorful wranglers who are happy to share their knowledge of the history and geography of the area. Qualified riders may trot and lope with their wrangler in appropriate areas. During your stay you may want to participate in the weekly gymkhana, or join other guests for an early morning breakfast ride.

A variety of day rides with picnic lunches is part of the weekly program. You can climb to different high elevations, enjoy dramatic views and fields of alpine flowers, and have a chance to see several species of big game animals. Whiskey Mountain, adjacent to the ranch, is home to the largest herd of Big Horn sheep on the North American continent. You might take a fishing expedition on horseback up the valley, or cross the Wind River, and spend a fascinating day exploring the colorful sandstone mesas and canyons of the Badlands.

CHILDREN

Children of all ages are welcome at the CM. For children 5 years and older there is supervised riding with the kiddy wrangler, who makes sure that they have a lot of fun while learning western riding skills. Children will experience flavorful ranch traditions and may even try their hand at roping the "dummy" steer. As well as riding, a variety of other activities keep children and teenagers well entertained and occupied. They may spend an afternoon exploring nearby ancient Indian petroglyphs or a visiting the local fish hatchery. Ping pong tournaments, lawn games, and overnight campouts are frequently organized. Our large recreation building provides an abundance of space for crafts, games, music, and mingling with others. The CM staff works hard to make sure everyone has the most enjoyable ranch experience possible.

SWIMMING

There is a heated swimming pool and hot tub on a rise near the ranch buildings, with a wonderful view across the meadows to the Badlands. Swimming is available at all hours, but parents must supervise their children, or arrange for a babysitter to be present.

FLY FISHING

The ranch's home water, Jakey's Fork of the Wind River, runs fast and clear. The CM owns four miles of the stream, allowing guests to fish privately for native brown, rainbow and brook trout. Surrounding waters are the famous Wind River and its tributaries, and glacially carved Torrey, Ring and Trail lakes. All are short drives from the ranch, and nonresident permits are available at the office.

The CM country is filled with productive, uncrowded water in which to test your skill. Whether you are a beginner, or a seasoned angler, the CM offers the opportunity to experience western fly fishing in beautiful wild settings. The Ranch has a tackle shop, and an experienced fishing guide, who is very knowledgeable about local waters. Catch and release is encouraged.

DAY TRIPS

There are many beautiful areas that can be included in a day’s excursion from the ranch. The south entrance to Yellowstone Park is an hour’s drive, and from there it is a short distance to Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and numerous geyser basins. Jackson Hole, adjacent to Yellowstone Park, is the headquarters for both white water and more leisurely float trips on the Snake River.

There are also many scenic side trips in the Dubois Area. Dubois is a classic small western town with an interesting history. It was a meeting place for trappers and fur traders, and around it were the wintering grounds for the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes. There are two small museums devoted to the history of the area, and information about the local Big Horn Sheep herd.