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DIRECTIONS
TO DICKINSON PARK: From
Lander drive 16 miles NW on Hwy 287 to Hine's General Store, then
turn left and go 4.5 miles to end of pavement. From here on it is a
dirt road which winds up two different groups of switchbacks gaining
3,000 feet of elevation in 15 miles. This scenic 35 mile drive usually
takes 1½ hours from Lander to our ranch in Dickinson Park. From
Riverton add another 45 minutes.
TRAVEL
& LODGING: Riverton,
Wyoming has an airport served by commuter flights from Denver. Larger
groups may find it economical to rent a car from Denver or Salt Lake,
either is a 6½ hour drive to Lander. Riverton airport has both Hertz
and Avis car rentals. There are several motels in Riverton and Lander:
(Riverton to Lander 30 mi.) Dickinson Park campground is free. Joe
Malek at 332-9333 has indicated he is available for airport to
Dickinson Park shuttles, so call him and make your transportation
reservations.
CLOTHING:
The only thing between
you and the elements is your clothing. Plenty of layers (including
wool or polypro and dacron) and GOOD QUALITY 2 piece rain suits
are essential. Ponchos are extremely dangerous because they
spook horses when it's windy; don't bring them. The mountains
are noted for unpredictable and changing weather and at 11,000
ft. elevation with no timber (Bears Ears trail esp.), high winds
and sideways rain and sleet storms are not an uncommon occurrence;
but so is lots of sunshine! Sorry we cannot guarantee the weather;
please come prepared for either extreme! Please see clothing list
in our color brochure. We encourage catch & release fishing.
Use barbless hooks or flatten barbs with pliers. Don't Bring Worms
.
We
suggest putting your name on all your gear and on outside of your
bags, we cannot be responsible for lost items. Please do not bring
dogs because they can
harass wildlife & spook horses, endangering your safety. We
do not provide alcoholic beverages but you may furnish your own.
SAFETY
& EMERGENCIES: To go
on any of our trips you must be in good health and not adversely
affected by high altitudes. You should bring an ample supply of any
medication that you normally use. Riding experience is helpful but not
necessary. You should be old enough to get on the horse and young
enough to stay on. You should be aware that there are certain risks
associated with all wilderness travel. Such as but not limited to high
rivers, rocky narrow trails; horses spooked by other users, i.e.,
llamas, dogs & backpackers; high altitude sickness, snow,
rockslides, falling trees, lightening, and hungry black bears who'll
steal your groceries unless properly hung.
We
can, for our regular rates, provide assistance in case of emergency or
evacuation. Expenses resulting from helicopter evacuation are also
your responsibility. Cell phones usually don't work in camp due to
high peaks & ridges, however we recommend them. In case of
emergency, you can climb a ridge to gain line of sight.
All
trip participants are expected to follow all applicable Forest Service
rules and Game & Fish laws while with us. It is your
responsibility to have a fishing
license, follow creel limits & practice camping 200 feet away from
lakes, streams and trails.
BEST
SEASON: People often ask
when to come. Summer comes late to the high country and leaves early,
so our season is late-June thru mid-September. Ice-out marks the
beginning of good fishing and it comes to the highest lakes as late as
mid-July. Snowdrifts can also block trails above timberline until
then, but there are some beautiful lake basins accessible before that.
July has abundant wildflowers, great fishing, and mosquitoes. August
also has great fishing, no bugs, but more visitors. September is
autumn with red and yellow leaves on the aspen and willows, great
stream fishing, no people, but always the threat of snow. Proper
planning and equipment will help you enjoy any season. You can
generally expect daytime highs of 60° to 70°, nighttime lows of 30°
to 45°.
GUIDED
PACK TRIPS: Begin at 8 am
and include lunch on the first day thru lunch on the last day. We
suggest you reserve a cabin and meals with us before your trip in
order to meet your guides and acclimate. Normally, the guided trip
itinerary includes a comfy wilderness base camp with daily riding
and/or hiking excursions, however a progressive travel itinerary can
be arranged for those rugged enough to handle decamping and packing
every day.
SPOT
PACK TRIP INFO: Please
be at our Dickinson Park ranch by 7:30 am when we will begin putting
your gear on pack horses and adjusting stirrups for riders. Keep
out everything you will need for the day's ride, in a day pack
or to be put in saddle bags on your riding horse: lunch, water
bottle, good raingear, extra layer (warm jacket for Bears Ears
trail), hat, gloves, sun protection. Weekends are busy so if you
want more flexibility in booking your Spot Pack Trip with us,
plan to ride in and out midweek. PACKING YOUR GEAR: All
your gear will go into our cordura panniers, which will hang equally
on either side of the pack horse, with some room on top for sleeping
bags or tents etc. People sometimes misunderstand the weight/bulk
ratio. Light, fluffy items fill a pack horse quickly, often resulting
in a full load weighing less than 140 lbs. so, to be humane to
our horses and fair to our valued clients, 140 lbs. is an upward
limit, not a point worth haggling over on your vacation. Several
smaller bags are best for packing and balancing. Call 1-800-CAMPMOR
for 12" x 24" "Outdoor Products" Nylon Duffle
Bags at $12.00 each. (Large army duffels and long tent poles do
NOT fit) Frame backpacks are okay if you need them, one on either
side of the horse. We charge for each pack horse you use, so pack
light and save $$. PACKING YOUR FOOD: Nylon zipper bags
work well for most of your groceries. Fragile or smashable items
(bread, eggs, jars) can be packed in small boxes (12" x 24" max.)
wrapping jars and egg cartons with newspaper and packing snugly
for protection. We also have hard panniers if needed. Soft insulated
coolers are great for your frozen meat and other cold or smashable
items available from L.L. Bean, 1-800-221-4221. ''Playmate'' size
coolers are also okay, we can NOT pack any large ice chests. Fragile
items (ex. lanterns, fishing rods) should be in case. WRANGLERS:
Your wranglers will turn around and bring the empty horses
out in the same day you ride in, making a long day for horses
and wranglers, often getting home after dark. So help them and
yourself get to a campsite early by moving right along on the
trail. A 15% gratuity, split among your wranglers, is customary.
Thanks!
MOUNTAIN
RANCH VACATION: In tradition of the old west, the Diamond Four
Ranch is named after Jim & Mary Allen's horse brand. We breed,
raise and train our own sturdy, gentle mountain-wise horses for your
use on the ranch. With only 4 guest cabins and a capacity of 10-15
ranch guests per week, we offer you a friendly, personalized dude
ranch experience. The Diamond Four is the highest ranch in Wyoming and
the only ranch at the edge of the 100,000 acre Popo Agie
(pronounced Puh-Posia) Wilderness Area. If available during your stay,
you can upgrade your Ranch Vacation to include a Pack Trip or Cattle
Drive by paying the cost difference. You might also consider driving
to the Oregon Trail, Yellowstone Park or Wind River Indian Reservation
while you're in the area. Check-in time 4:00 p.m. - Check-out time
10:00 a.m. WELCOME TO WYOMING!
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