CM Ranch, Dubois

Back in the 80's and 90's I went to the Ranch at least 10 times and thought the people and the scenery made it one of the greatest places to visit ever. Back the Kass was the cook at Simpson Lake and it was terrific to see her return as a Manager. This is a place everyone should experience and I hope to return soon.

CM Ranch is a great family vacation if you enjoy the outdoors, horses, and "roughing" it just a tad. It is just a short drive through the mountains from Jackson Hole. You join 6-10 other families and by the end of the week, you are all part of the CM Ranch family. Accomodations are either bedroom cabins or fully furnished homes. The "roughing" it part is that there is no air conditioning, TV, phones, or high speed internet access in your cabin. This is one vacation where you can truly "get away from it all". There is internet access at the office and the mountain air is your personal air conditioner. If you have to have a phone, bring your cell or use your calling card at the office. Food is all cooked family style and is fantastic. The Saturday night campfire cookout tops it all off very nicely. The horses are great and riding is geared to your ability. You can lope through the Badlands or climb 14,000 ft to the top of Whiskey Mountain. The kids have more than enough to do and get the chance to be real "cowpersons". They can ride, rope, team pin cattle, swim in creeks, find glistening stones at Diamond Cave, and nothing beats the Candy Store ride. If your child only enjoys sitting in front of the TV playing video games and eating Ho-Ho's, this is not the vacation for them. If they want to learn about horses, the wildlife and vegetation of western Wyoming, learn to be responsible for themselves and their horse, and just have a great time, this is the place for them. I would generalize and say that kids 9 or over have the best time. Last, the managers, Mike and Kass, the wranglers, the chef, kitchen help, and cleaning crew are the nicest bunch of people that you would ever want to meet and spend a week with. We have gone 2 yrs consecutively and are again going this summer. My two daughters would sacrifice anything to spend a week at the CM Ranch and both are trying to find a way to live there permanently. There are not too many things that bring out this degree of devotion and dedication when you are 12 or 13. They cry when they leave because they do not want "to give up this kind of lifestyle". If your kids have never ridden a horse, they will be so proud of their accomplishments by the end of the week. Go... and have a great time.