Barking squirrels, buckle bunnies and gully washers
Fondly known as “The Cowboy State”, large parts of Wyoming feel like a scene from a cowboy movie. Here, spending time in the saddle and getting as close to nature as possible is the quintessential outback experience.
Nestled in the western base of Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains near Hyattville, the recently opened Paintrock Canyon Ranch sits on 80,000 acres. Here breathtaking terrain with abundant pine forests, diverse wildlife and magnificent top-of-its-class trout fishing are out the front door—of your tent that is. Suites here are luxury tents with full size beds, dressers plus chairs and almost all the comforts of home.
Boasting typical Wyomingite ranchers, sandstone hills and high mountain meadows, Paintrock promises to be an ace-high haven of dude ranch authenticity. Locally sourced meals are served beside the bubbling creek. And, perhaps best of all, there’s the opportunity for wanna-be cowgirls and boys to ride the range, it’s a vacation that’s fun for the whole family regardless of riding level.
A five-night stay includes four days of riding amongst the varying ecosystems the area: a casual canter to the top of Lumen Canyon, rides through the cattle herd, lessons on ranch management, a visit to the nearby petroglyphs or a day of fly fishing nearby.
P.S. Look out for the hypnolopes. Watch the silk as you climb the fence and please don’t get busted off, or squat with your spurs on.
If you go…
Located 15 minutes from Hyattville, Wyoming, the Paintrock Canyon Ranch is at 5332 County Road 49 ½, Hyattville, WY 82428. Most guests fly into Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming and rent a car for the scenic one and a half hour drive to the ranch. Some guests arrange a taxi service from the airport for their arrival and departure days.