Absaroka Ranch

ABSAROKA RANCH

Here in the West, very few places remain that offer both solitude and beauty on a grand scale. The Absaroka Ranch, located at the headwaters of Wyoming's Wind River and at the base of the spectacular Absaroka mountain range, is such a place.

We invite you to come and enjoy all that this fabulous hideaway has to offer: horseback riding, fishing, hiking, cookouts, photography, wilderness pack trips....everything the complete guest ranch can be......secluded within the beauty of the wilderness, and among the most friendly and personal of surroundings.

Absaroka Ranch Slide Shows

Video formats available for MAC or PC.

GUEST RANCH MAC Users ~ PC Users

PACK TRIPS MAC Users ~ PC Users

HUNTING MAC Users ~ PC Users

Warning: video content may be offensive to non-hunters.

The Ranch

The Absaroka Ranch is located 16 miles northwest of Dubois, Wyoming, on the slopes of the Absaroka mountain range, overlooking the immense Dunoir Valley.

Wildlife abounds here - elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, bear, eagles, beaver, and badger. The valley is surrounded by National Forest and Wilderness, offering the peace and solitude that is rare to find in the West today. This area is unspoiled and unchanged.

At an elevation of 8,000 feet, the ranch enjoys one of the most delightful spring, summer, and fall climates to be found anywhere. The air is crisp, the nights cool, and the days pleasantly warm. This is a small guest ranch accommodating no more than 18 guests at a time. We like to emphasize the personal touch.

Snow - capped peaks, lush alpine forests and meadows, rolling, sage-covered hills, secluded lakes and streams, wildflowers, wildlife.....this added to the ranch's beautifully rustic, sap-stained barns, cabins, and main lodge make a stay at the Absaroka Ranch one of those once-in-a-lifetime vacations for everyone.

The atmosphere here is rustic and comfortable. Cabins are snug and cozy; each is individually heated with two bedrooms and adjoining bath. The living room and fireplace in the main lodge is always a gathering spot and there's a recreation room for the kids.

Meals are served family style in the main lodge. Cooking is gourmet quality with the freshest ingredients, always delicious. Wine is offered with dinner. All activities and meals are included in our weekly rates. Our season runs from mid-June to mid-September.

Ranch Activities

Horseback riding is the mainstay of your visit here. Miles and miles of trails take you through this special country of high meadows and dark, cool forests. Our experienced wranglers will select a horse for you based on your ability and past experience. An evening cookout ride with Western entertainment will undoubtedly be a high point of your vacation.

In addition, guided fishing excursions to nearby lakes and trout streams are offered. Some of the finest flyfishing in the West is found in the Dubois area. Cutthroat, brown, brook, and rainbow trout abound in crystal clear mountain waters.

For those who prefer to hike, we have numerous guided and unguided opportunities. For the photo enthusiast, we offer 360 degrees of unobstructed scenery. The Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are short drives away.

Evening activities vary. We have slide shows, cowboy poetry, horseshoes, campfires and rodeo. A Saturday night in the old west town of Dubois is a must! We also offer Wilderness Pack Trips, Walking Trips, and Fall hunting. 

The Pack Trip

There is a place in Northwestern Wyoming to the Northeast of Jackson Hole and adjacent to Yellowstone National Park that is the largest intact Wilderness area in the lower 48 States. By virtue of the Wilderness Act of 1964 this area has been set aside as a place where the only possible means of transportation within are by foot or upon a horse. There are no permanent structures allowed. You come and go leaving nothing, save the matted earth where you lay down the night before and the dampened campfire.

Travel with us by horseback into this special country, home of many of the great mountain ranges of the West: the Tetons, the Wind Rivers, and the Absarokas. The scenery is nothing less than spectacular - crystal clear mountain streams, awesome snow - capped peaks, cool green river valleys, lush alpine forests. The activities are varied and exciting - riding in search of wildlife: deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, trumpeter swans, eagles, bear, beaver; picnicking upon the grandest of high country, the Continental Divide; hiking into a patch of Rocky Mountain wildflowers as multi-colored as an artist's palette; fishing for cutthroat, brook, and rainbow trout in the cool, dark holes of the nearby river or creek. This is the land of many famous Mountain Men and many Indian tribes - an America past. But, unlike its predecessors, you'll enjoy the Wilderness in near luxury; clean, dry, spacious tents, warm soft sleeping bags, hearty and varied campfire cooking, and, be guided by some of the most experienced guides and packers in the region. Our horses are mountain wise. A rider of any age, with little or no previous experience, can learn quickly and easily.

The days are all yours in this Rocky Mountain solitude for fishing, hiking, flowers, warm sunshine, and evenings huddled around the campfire gasping at the canopy of stars. 

Absaroka Outfitters,

Robert B. Betts, Jr., owner and head guide of Absaroka Outfitters, Wyoming Outfitters' License # 174, has been taking Pack Trips into the Wilderness areas of Northwestern Wyoming for over 20 years. He has worked for some of the most reputable outfitters and guide services in the region, followed the rodeo trail, and lived and worked on various ranches throughout the West. He started Absaroka Outfitters out of a deep respect for the rejuvenating effects of Wilderness on the mind and spirit. He was educated at Bowdoin College and the University of Wyoming, and holds a degree in American Studies.

The Absaroka Ranch offers superb elk hunting with licensed, trained, and fully experienced guides using the most able and gentle of mountain horses. 

Hunting

Our hunting area is the most magnificent Dunoir Valley located northwest of Dubois, Wyoming. The Dunoir remains one of the last truly abundant wildlife and virtually hunter - free areas in the state, if not the entire West.

We provide nearly everything for your hunt such as saddles, rifle scabbards and saddle bags, and you will enjoy a comfortable, modern cabin and excellent, hearty meals. All you provide is license, rifle, ammunition, and other personal hunting gear.

Please don't hesitate to call or write us for additional hunting information. You'll find the hunting excellent, the crew superbly qualified, and the country spectacular.

We'd love to have you along for the fun, excitement, and sheer pleasure of a true Rocky Mountain big game hunt! 

Transportation

By Auto: On U.S. Highway 26/287, 10 miles west of Dubois, Wyoming and 45 miles east of Grand Teton National Park. Ranch is located 6 miles up the Dunoir Valley Road.

By Air: Daily jet service from Denver and Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole Airport is provided by major carriers. Air service is also available to Riverton, Wyoming. Transportation to the ranch can be provided for a fee. 

Reservations

Rates and reservation contact information: 

ABSAROKA RANCH

P.O. Box 929

DUBOIS, WYOMING 82513

EMAIL: absaroka@wyoming.com

CALL or FAX (307) 455-2275