Each First Session at Elk Creek Ranch, campers take on a unique summer adventure—glissading on the snowfields of the Gardner Headwall.

At Elk Creek Ranch, moving horses to greener fall pastures turns into a stunning display of speed, grace, and pure joy as the herd runs and bucks through the tall grass.

After a hiatus, Elk Creek Ranch’s legendary Trek Program has returned! Discover how Oliver Kendall revived this challenging backpacking experience through the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains in 2024, offering stunning views, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable adventures.

Each summer, Elk Creek Ranch campers take a pack trip to Damnation Basin, where grizzly bears feast on moth larvae in the scree fields. In 2024, the Ridgway family had their own encounter with around 30 bears. A dramatic moment unfolded as a mother bear defended her cubs from a male, showcasing the wild beauty and power of the Northern Absaroka Mountains. Read on to learn how this fierce mama reclaimed her home.

In April 2024, a cow moose found her way to Elk Creek Ranch and claimed the ranch pond, much to the dismay of its usual residents—a pair of nesting geese. Read about the unlikely standoff between moose and geese in this humorous and nature-filled story from Elk Creek Ranch.

After nearly 30 years, Elk Creek Ranch’s beloved Trek Program is making a comeback in 2024! Explore the history and adventures of this three-week trek through Wyoming’s high mountain ranges, filled with snowball fights, alpine lakes, and the thrill of conquering mountain peaks.

Explore the rich history of Elk Creek Ranch through a nostalgic look at a historic cabin featured in a recent Cody Enterprise article. Learn about the early travel routes and the significance of the cabin as a stopover in the wilderness before it was lost due to the Wilderness Act.

Continuing from last month's theme, we reflect on the incredible contributions of Elk Creek Ranchers to building and maintaining the Ranch. This chapter focuses on the construction of the Senior Counselors' cabin, built over three summers, and updates from 2023, including wildlife sightings during a retreat to the Northern Absaroka Mountains.

Elk Creek Ranch has a long tradition of ranchers contributing to the upkeep and improvement of the Ranch’s facilities. This post reflects on the evolution of the ranch’s cabins, from their beginnings in 1957 to their transformation into key structures used today, thanks to the hands-on work of generations of Ranchers.

Admire the beauty and energy of Elk Creek Ranch horses as they move to new pastures. Check out photos from our fall pasture moves and witness the excitement of the horses on the run, heading to greener grass on the other side of the fence.

At Elk Creek Ranch, adventure comes with a splash of fun! From rafting the Snake River to daring dives into mountain streams, our 2023 ranchers showed off their skills and humor in unexpected challenges. Dive into our latest post to catch the action.

At Elk Creek Ranch, trail rides aren't just about the journey—it's about the stops along the way. From summits with stunning views to playing games and practicing yoga by a creek, these moments make every day on the trail memorable.

Elk Creek Ranch had three foals join the herd this summer: Stella, Summit, and Chico. They found or invented many ways to entertain us, to be entertained, and to keep their mothers on their toes.

April, when the Fates favor us, offers a wonderful snapshot of newborn horses and just how quickly they get their legs underneath them. Summit was born exactly one week ago and appeared the helpless innocent we would expect. One week later, we put Shy Anne, her mother, and Summit out, and watched the magic.   

At Elk Creek Ranch, we are lucky to share our surroundings with some incredible wildlife. From the majestic mountain sheep descending from the peaks to our mischievous mule deer, Lop, and the ever-present coyotes, life at the ranch is filled with unforgettable animal encounters. Learn more about the wild friends that make Elk Creek and the surrounding Shoshone National Forest their home.