Saddle Up, Step Out, and Dive In:
Your Summer of Adventure Starts Here
At Elk Creek Ranch, our summer camp experience is more than just a getaway—it's an opportunity for teenagers to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of Wyoming while developing lifelong skills and friendships. Our carefully designed programs offer a balance of adventure, responsibility, and personal growth.
Whether it's the thrill of horseback riding across mountain trails, the challenge of backpacking through unspoiled wilderness, or the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful ranch work, each camper plays an active role in shaping their summer. Our small, close-knit camp community fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration, where campers support one another and embrace the spirit of the Old West.
Throughout the summer, campers will experience a wide range of activities, from thrilling outdoor adventures to practical ranch skills. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a complete beginner, Elk Creek Ranch offers the chance to step out of your comfort zone, connect with nature, and discover new strengths.
Horseback Riding
Ride Into the Heart of the West
At Elk Creek Ranch, western horseback riding is more than just an activity—it’s a rite of passage. From the moment they arrive, each camper is paired with their own horse, learning the fundamentals of horse care, including grooming, feeding, and saddling. As the summer progresses, riders advance to more challenging tasks, such as wrangling and participating in barrel races. Our horseback riding program is designed to build confidence and resilience, culminating in a four-day pack trip through the rugged wilderness of the Northern Absaroka Wilderness Area. This unforgettable journey allows campers to experience the deep connection between horse and rider, an experience that resonates long after the summer ends.
Backpacking
Embrace the Wilderness, Discover Your Strength
Our backpacking program offers campers the chance to explore some of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in the continental United States. The Absaroka and Beartooth Mountain Ranges provide a stunning backdrop for these challenging expeditions, where campers will ascend peaks over 12,000 feet and navigate through rugged terrain. Under the guidance of experienced staff, campers learn essential outdoor skills, including low-impact camping, wilderness navigation, and high-altitude survival techniques. The small group size ensures that each camper plays an active role in decision-making and problem-solving, fostering a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. These experiences not only challenge campers physically but also encourage personal growth and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Work crew
Build Together, Grow Together
At Elk Creek Ranch, we believe that the ranch experience wouldn’t be complete without getting your hands dirty and contributing to the life of the ranch. Our Work Crew Program allows campers to experience the satisfaction of hard work, teamwork, and accomplishment as they tackle a range of essential projects. From daily chores like feeding horses and maintaining tack, to larger, more ambitious tasks such as log cabin building and fence construction, campers take pride in knowing they are leaving a lasting impact on the ranch.
The work goes beyond just manual labor—it's about building life skills. Campers learn the value of responsibility, develop practical skills like carpentry and horse training, and foster a deep appreciation for their surroundings by working with natural materials from the land. Each summer, new challenges await, with recent projects including constructing a new barn, extending the dining hall, and training young horses for the trail.
This program doesn’t just help maintain the ranch—it also builds character. By working together on meaningful projects, campers develop a strong sense of community, cooperation, and achievement. To recognize their contributions, each camper receives a small refund of tuition at the end of the session—a reward that often feels like their first real paycheck.
At Elk Creek Ranch, the Work Crew is more than just an activity—it’s an opportunity for personal growth, teamwork, and connecting to the pioneering spirit of the West.
Discover Even More
Unforgettable Adventures Beyond the Trail
At Elk Creek Ranch, the adventure extends far beyond horseback riding and backpacking. We offer a variety of additional activities that enrich your summer experience and create unforgettable memories. Whether you're eager to learn a new skill or simply looking to have fun with friends, there's always something exciting happening at the ranch.
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Square Dancing: Kick Up Your Heels
Kick up your heels and join us for lively square dancing sessions! Guided by experienced local callers, you'll learn traditional steps and moves passed down through generations. It's a fantastic way to embrace local culture, enjoy great music, and bond with fellow campers in an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy.
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The Yellowstone Caravan
One of the most memorable experiences at Elk Creek Ranch is the Yellowstone-Teton Caravan, a three-day adventure through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Campers will explore the geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife that make these parks legendary, all while bonding with their fellow travelers. The highlight of the trip? A heart-pounding white-water rafting expedition down the Snake River, adding an extra dose of excitement to this unforgettable journey.
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Fishing: Cast into Adventure
Our fishing excursions take campers to some of the region’s most scenic streams and lakes, offering the chance to catch trout in pristine mountain waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, this peaceful yet rewarding activity is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of the wilderness.
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Glissading: Slide into Fun
For a truly unique adventure, try your hand at glissading—sliding down snow-covered slopes with just your boots. This exhilarating activity is as fun as it is thrilling, giving campers a chance to experience the mountains in a new and exciting way. Glissading is a favorite among our more adventurous ranchers!
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Shooting: Sharpen Your Aim
For campers who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, our shooting range offers a safe and controlled environment to practice marksmanship. Under the guidance of trained staff, campers will learn gun safety, improve their focus, and develop precision—all while having a blast with their fellow ranchers.
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Swimming: Cool Off, Dive In
On hot summer days, nothing beats a refreshing swim. Campers can cool off in one of our local swimming holes, where the natural beauty of Wyoming provides the perfect backdrop. Whether you’re swimming, floating, or just enjoying the cool water, it’s the ideal way to relax and recharge after a day of activities.