Medicine Bow Lodge & Guest Ranch

We are from Berlin in Germany. In February 2008 we planned a trip to the USA in our summer holidays and searched on the Net among other things for a guest ranch in Colorado or Wyoming. We came across the web site of the Medicine Bow Lodge and at this moment we knew for sure: That’s it! It will be a tremendous experience for the whole family, both parents and our 10-year-old daughter Crissi. And it came true: We were overwhelmed by the charming lodge, Debbie, Tim and the friendly staff, the well-trained horses, the cosy cabins and the beautiful countryside – dreamlike. Not forgetting the wranglers – very experienced, always helpful and in a good mood. It didn’t make any difference to them if you were a good rider or a beginner. Also fly-fishing with Josh was for Crissi an interesting experience and a lot of fun in the creek. And in the evenings Karen offered pottery classes. Great. When we left Medicine Bow Lodge after a week we again knew for sure that we will definitely come back.

I came to Medicine Bow Lodge, not knowing quite what to expect. What I found was a truly peaceful place in a tranquil but rugged location. The air is clear and it is amazing the number of stars you can see at night. The log cabins are comfy, cozy and very clean. Our hosts, Tim and Deb made us feel very much at home and the food was great! And the best part was the horseback riding - Tim took us on long rides morning and afternoon to different trails and the scenery was different each time.

The Medicine Bow Lodge was so amazing, I'm not even sure where to begin. My husband and I stayed there for two nights in the middle of a two week road trip in Sept. of 2007. Driving into the mountains from Cheyenne, WY took our breath away. We couldn't help stopping every 10 minutes to snap photos. And then we had smiles pasted on our faces as we pulled into the ranch. Tim and Debbie were so kind and welcoming. The cabins were clean and quaint. Meals were delicious -- I am a vegetarian and my husband has a dairy allergy and everyone was so helpful in making sure that we still had such delicious food. They even made the yummy cinnamon breakfast rolls with oil instead of butter so my hubby could eat 'em! (and they were sooooo good!) The horseback riding was great. We went twice in one day. And Tim gave us a great location to see moose in the morning. We saw a mom, her calf and then a giant bull!! This is a great place if you want to go and relax. We weren't sure what to expect, but everything was well above and beyond anything we would have expected. The lodge is fantastic, the area is beautiful, the people are kind and nearby Saratoga is a blast (stop in the Rustic Bar for a good pint and some great company). We can't wait to get back there someday, hopefully sooner than later!

When we first mentioned to our children about going to a dude ranch in Wyoming they were not excited. What will we do at a dude ranch???? Well, they will not ever say that again!!!! From sledding, to line dancing, sitting in front of a fire with a cup of hot cocoa and talking to friends, to riding snow mobiles and that just is the tip of the iceberg (no pun intended):) But even more than the entertainment was the going back to how it use to be...TIME for talking with your friends, time to relax, awesome time to spend with God and all His Creation ( I can't name all the animals we saw, it would take the whole page) and time with your family. Words do not do Medicine Bow justice.

Medicaine Bow owners and staff were very warm and friendly, they all made us feel like family. We had the opportunity to ride alot and various types of rides we never had the same one twice. The cabin was spacious and comfortable. The meals were really good and the baked good are superb. We are planning to return again in future. We highly recommend Medicine Bow as a great experience you will never forget.

This was a great week for my wife, our 18-year old son, his buddy and me. We rode horses (as much as our bums could tolerate), hiked, took MANY pictures and ate like Wyoming cattle barons. The Bishops have created a wonderful retreat on the Snowy Mnts. Tim, Debbie, their family and staff all worked hard to make our stay at Med Bow Lodge relaxing, entertaining and truly memorable. It was a great vacation, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes the out-of-doors. P.S. One of the other reviews had a concern about the cost. I would recommend you carefully research other guest ranches in the area. I think you will find that other ranches are at least as costly (most are more pricey) and offer less. I know the way guests are treated and fed could not be better for any amount of $$!

We loved it! Hard to rave about a place you want to keep all to yourself-but I can't help it! My daughter and I loved the majestic landscape and variety of activities that shadowed my expectations. The Bishops are genuinely great hosts and made us feel at home...no, better than home since I didn't have to cook, clean or do much more than relax. The food-YUM. The horseback riding-YEEHAW. The relaxation-AHHH. The staff even held a pajama party for my daughter as they popped popcorn and watched G-rated movies with her! I was surprised by how fair the rates were considering I had looked at a dozen or more other lodges/ranches. You really can get great values in the world-you just have to look in the Medicine Bow National Forest. I was already planning my return trip for next summer on my second day there!

Our family has now been to Medicine Bow Lodge four times in the last year, and every visit has been more breathtaking than the last! We have had so many special experiences thanks to the Bishop family and their staff. The horseback rides have never been on the same trails, and this weekend we crossed over frozen streams and passed crystal lakes. It was the "ride of a lifetime" according to Tim, and he was right. We just could hardly catch our breath it was so beautiful! Of course the food is FABULOUS, and our girls love to play waitress and help Debbie while we are there! Everytime we leave, the girls tear up in the car.... why can't we just move here they cry! I agree... I wish we could move to this beautiful spot.... I always feel such peace when I am there. I am looking forward to winter.... last year we went on an awesome smowmobile ride and the guides, Tyler,Darrah, and Dakotah stopped in the middle of the mountains, fresh snow everywhere, it was stunning. Tyler ran up and down an untouched hill and created our own personal sled hill! It was so long he had to pick us up a the bottom and ride us back up to the top on the snowmobile. We will never be able to sled anywhere else... and we live in Colorado! Book your trip now, you will LOVE every minute of it!

I stayed there last summer with my son, his wife and my two small grandsons. First of all the food there is beyond description. Hot cinnnamon rolls on the table each morning, fanstastic meals and snacks when you feel the urge. If you don't gain a pound a day you're doing something wrong. Tim, Debbie and their kids did anything we wanted or needed whenever we wanted it to keep us and the little guys entertained. I felt like family. The cabins were clean and comfortable, the horses and fishing were great. I can't wait until next Thursday when I'm going back for more. craig Loomis Centennial,Co

My wife and I just got back from 5 days of peace and quiet. Everything here is meant to be unobtrusive and relaxing ... from the cabins to the endless eats (I gained 5 lbs). The horses and trails brought us to great scenery with different options on length of ride. Everything is done for you at a pace you dictate, although meals are served at same time. Since this is a family affair, everybody pitches in and contributes. Tim, Debby, and family are great hosts and really want to make your stay relaxing. Tim even shared his family 'secret' balm for my saddle sore! The Lodge has plenty of things to keep the family busy with puzzles, games, foosball, pool table & TV. But,if I could add anything to capture my other Wyoming experiences, I would like to see some campfire entertainment (poetry, stories, music). But, as I said, this is a family affair and they barely have enough time to sleep before they're cooking breakfast again and rounding up horses. We did get a lovely harp solo from Derrah (sp?) after dinner one night --- don't miss out as it coincided with dessert (which were all fabulous). The only deterring factor could be cost, once you figure in tax & tip, but you won't get a better taste of life in Wyoming, especially when you get to really do nothing!