North America ~ Wyoming

The Bitterroot Ranch in north west Wyoming lies in a remote valley between the Wind River and Absaroka mountain ranges. Bordering miles of untouched National forest it is the ideal place for those who want to experience the dramatic, breathtaking scenery of the west, with the reassurance of a good horse and exhilarating riding. Sage covered hills and grassy meadows, rocky gorges hiding trout filled rivers, craggy mountains and thick forest where moose, elk and grizzly bear freely roam - spectacular, unlimited riding country. The Bitterroot is both a guest ranch and a working cattle ranch and on most weeks you can try your hand at cattle work, rounding up and sorting cattle or at certain times, moving them to seasonal grazing. Camping trips in the hills are another option and there is also wonderful fishing in the ranch's rivers, ponds and neighbouring streams. Each night your base is a comfortable log cabin where you'll sleep deeply, refreshed and invigorated by the mountain air and soothed by the gentle sound of the rushing Wind River. Bayard and Mel Fox who own the ranch, breed and train their own Arab horses and The Bitterroot has been granted British Horse Society approval - it was the first and is one of very few ranches in the States to get this.

The Bitterroot is open from the end of May to the end of September and stays are for 7 nights, Sunday to Sunday, with daily riding except on Sundays with half week stays available in certain weeks. There is usually a spring cattle drive in June/July and an autumn cattle round-up at the end of September. 2010 dates are every week from 23rd May to 1st October. Please contact us to check availability.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 3 - 6 hours a day (flexible).

Horses: Arab cross, Quarterhorse cross.

Pace: varied to suit riders, up to moderate/fast.

Riding ability: all standards from novice to experienced riders.

Weight limit: 91kg (14st 4 lbs).

Accommodation: comfortable log cabins.

Group size: the ranch can host 32 guests, but riding is in small groups according to ability and the maximum riding group size is about 8.

For Bitterroot Ranch testimonials click here

The horses are Arabs, Arab / Quarterhorse crosses and local ranch bred horses of mixed blood. Many are home bred. There are about 190 on the ranch in all, including foals, yearlings and youngsters, and with over 100 riding horses, there is a wonderful selection for novice to advanced riders. The horses are of a kind, sensible temperament and are fit, forward going and responsive to ride. Guests are normally allocated three horses to ride during a week's stay which means the horses are always fresh, enthusiastic and well rested and riders have the challenge and variety of trying several different mounts.

Hours: You will generally ride for about 3 to 6 hours a day, riding out from the ranch base in the mornings and afternoons.

Pace and experience required: There is a large selection of different horses and the riding can be tailored to suit different riding abilities from the novice to advanced rider. This is an excellent ranch choice for the experienced rider who will be able to enjoy fun, fast riding across good terrain.

Accommodation at the ranch is in comfortable log cabins each with private bathroom with shower, bath and loo. The cabins are built along the banks of a clear mountain stream and are extremely well situated and well separated to ensure maximum seclusion. All have wonderful mountain views and a wooden veranda outside with chairs to relax on. Evenings at the ranch are spent at the main lodge where meals are also eaten. The lodge has a large dining room, a sitting area to relax in with comfortable sofas and chairs set around a large open fireplace, a library and also a games room with pool table.

Rates 2010	Prices are seasonal: 23rd May to 13th June - USD 2055 per week 13th June to 19th September - USD 2415 per week 24th September to 1st October (autumn cattle round up) - USD 2415 single supplement - USD 345 per week Child Rates (children under 16yrs): 23rd May to 13th June - USD 1450 per week 13th June to 1st October - USD 1810 per week (all rates include a compulsory 15% gratuity) There is a 20% discount on the following weeks: 6th to 13th June, 11th to 18th July, 22nd to 29th August Rates include - all riding, guiding and equipment, 7 nights twin bedded cabin accommodation, meals, wine with dinner, some soft drinks and a mandatory 15% service charge which covers gratuities and taxes; a laundry service is also available at the ranch. Rates exclude - flights to the US, transfers to the ranch, personal medical insurance (compulsory), extra drinks, supplements for a pack trip, any visa fees etc. Prices are quoted in US dollars as the ride prices in Wyoming are set in this currency. Payments to us can of course be made in pounds sterling if you wish and we can give you a sterling rate at the time of booking.
Dates 2010	Sunday to Sunday throughout the season
Season	May to September

The nearest airports to the ranch are Jackson Hole and Riverton (both about 100 miles from the ranch) and we can arrange for you to be collected from and returned to either for an extra charge. There are several flight options - both United and Delta Airlines fly to Jackson via Denver and Chicago. For flights from London budget around £450 to £600 economy return depending on season and availability.

Day 1	Transfer to The Bitterroot Ranch. Settle in before dinner and the night at the ranch.
Days 2-7	Six full days to explore the wonderful riding country surrounding the ranch, usually riding out for 3 hours in the morning and 2 or 3 hours in the afternoon. Rolling sagebrush hills and open grassy meadows allow long canters if you wish and cattle work is an option. Each night in a comfortable cabin at the ranch or join a pack trip camping for a night high in the National Forest (extra charge).
Day 8	Breakfast and depart. In late September cattle are moved down from the hills and you can join the autumn cattle round up.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions