T Cross Ranch (WY)

Wyoming

In Depth

T Cross Ranch sits in its own secluded valley at 7,800 feet elevation. The ranch welcomed its first guests in the 1920s and has preserved the authentic dude ranch experiences of adventurous riding, wrangler skills, wildlife, fishing, good food, and western hospitality.

T Cross’s property includes a large meadow bisected by Horse Creek — rich with rainbow, brook, and cut throat trout and mountain white fish. The ranch is surrounded by the Shoshone National Forest, established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Four miles to the north is the Washakie Wilderness area that partly surrounds Yellowstone National Park. There are no vehicular roads north of the ranch, which is at the edge of the largest roadless area in the lower 48 states.

T Cross owns 60 head of horses, all handpicked for their mountain abilities and calm dispositions to handle the rugged terrain. Depending on guests’ taste for adventure, wranglers tailor the speed and challenges of the rides to their preferences and skills.

T Cross comfortably accommodates 25 guests in log cabins built in the 1920s and 30s from hand-hewn lodge pole pines felled on the homestead. They have been scrupulously maintained as modern conveniences have been added over the decades.

The historic Lodge is the heart of life at T Cross. This designated historic treasure was built by hand in 1930 with indigenous materials. Meals are served in the dining room and guests gather in the living room.

In 2005, T Cross established a Washakie Wilderness camp in Five Pockets, one of the most beautiful sub alpine meadows in the Absarokas. Five mountain streams converge to form the headwaters of Horse Creek. Fly fishing is superb and the opportunities for exploring on horseback many.

During July and August T Cross outfits a limited number of progressive pack trips through the Wind River Mountains and Washakie Wilderness. This is a rare opportunity to ride through remote and breathtaking terrain.

Closer to home, a weekly highlight is the Friday morning gymkhana — games on horseback including calf penning. Dubois, 15 miles to the south, has a Friday night rodeo that attracts competitors that sometime include T Cross staff and guests.

Wildlife is abundant on and around the ranch. Elk calve a few miles east of the ranch summer few miles northwest. Big horn sheep live in the high Absarokas to the north. Moose make their home on and around the ranch as do numerous deer, smaller animals, and a wide range of birds. Bring cameras!

Activities

Fishing, Ranch Work, Hiking

Additional Activities

Barrel Racing, Bird Watching, BYOH- Bring Your Own Horse, Children’s Programs, Golf (nearby), Hunting, Hot Tub/ Jacuzzi, Ranch, Trail Riding, Western Riding, Vegetarian Friendly, Weddings, Wagon rides, Rodeo, Square dancing, Massage, Western singing, Rifle range, Cookout, Fall guided hunting.

Accommodations

8 unique private log cabins with hand built furnishings and authentic western décor, wide covered porches, and full baths; furnished in charming western; several with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms — perfect for family vacations.

Food

T Cross cuisine is hearty ranch food with a touch of elegance. Home made breads and desserts are a specialty. Meals are served in the Lodge dining room except for Wednesday supper and Friday breakfast cookouts on Horse Creek.

Area Attractions

Dubois – a classic ranch and logging town from the 1800s, Yellowstone National Park, Grand National Teton Park, and Wind River Indian Reservation.