An Authentic and Unmatched Dude Ranch Experience
The Darwin Ranch, a historic dude ranch near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is like nothing else in America. Drawing inspiration from safari lodges of East Africa, we offer unparalleled experiences and unforgettable hospitality at our secluded high-altitude oasis.
At the most remote guest ranch in the lower 48 United States, surrounded by national forest in every direction, you will find a herd of horses dotting a spectacular green river valley amid a collection of 100-year-old cabins. The Darwin Ranch sits beside the mountainous Gros Ventre Wilderness, a hidden gem of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem across the valley from Grand Teton National Park.
We are remote and rugged, yet luxurious and comfortable. Choose an all-inclusive dude ranch vacation where you ride on horseback in wild terrain by day, and sit down to a farm-to-table meal in the evening. We have built a community at The Darwin that keeps guests returning for decades. Find out why staying at our Wyoming ranch feels like family.
Top of the List: America’s Best Dude Ranches by Travel & Leisure (2023)
“Located about a three-hour drive from Jackson, Wyoming, Darwin Ranch calls itself the most remote guest ranch in the contiguous 48 states. And while peace and quiet are definitely on the menu, so is a delicious roundup of fare sourced primarily from Darwin's sister property, the Ishawooa Mesa Ranch. After you've eaten your fill, head out for a day of adventure, which can include anything from fly fishing, hiking, and horseback riding to relaxing in the wood-fired sauna and hot tub.” (Travel & Leisure, America’s Best Dude Ranches, 2023)
With a ranch vacation at The Darwin, you can spend the day horse riding and hiking across mountain ridges without a soul for miles in any direction. You might wet a line or settle into an afternoon with a book. Savor extraordinary meals prepared by our farm-to-table kitchen that sources directly from our family farm. Gather for cocktails on the porch of the main lodge overlooking the twists and turns of the Gros Ventre River, or watch the sunset while soaking in our wood-fired hot tub. Drift off to sleep in our stunning hand-built cabins, whose modern style blends gracefully into the bones of 100-year-old structures.
Our Wyoming guest ranch near Jackson Hole offers unparalleled access to the epic remoteness of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Gros Ventre Wilderness; the freedom to make the adventure your own; the best food out West: fresh, local, organic, homemade, and delicious; and dedicated service that quietly assures that your experience is unforgettable.
Family Run and Family Friendly
Perfect for a family dude ranch vacation, The Darwin is run by the mother-son team of Kathy Bole and Oliver Klingenstein, in a fairly tidy indoor-outdoor split.
Kathy oversees bookings, cabins, lodge operations and the kitchen. She is a passionate cook, and spent most of her working life in retail food and restaurant kitchens.
Oliver's early love for horses and Western lands led him to the study of environmental history, and he is a wilderness EMT and a farrier. He is responsible for the physical infrastructure, hydropower system, and the rotational grazing program. Oliver also oversees guest recreation and manages our herd of horses, including the purchasing and training of the mustangs.
Testimonials
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Our family has been fortunate to travel many parts of the U.S., Central American, Europe and other parts of the world together. After spending six nights at The Darwin, we can honestly say it is a world-class destination. The setting is gorgeous (breathtaking on horse rides and hikes); the animals are friendly and treated so well; the fly fishing is top notch and secluded; the food is gourmet, creative, and only "farm to table" ingredients used; the wood-fired hot tub and sauna was an incredible way to be in nature by the river after a day of adventures and before Happy Hour; and the staff made us feel like family from the moment we were greeted by Laura upon arrival.
Krista P, August 2023
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As much as I had read how fabulous Darwin was, the whole experience went above and beyond my wildest expectations. The scenery is spectacular but what makes Darwin truly magical is it offers the perfect combination of fabulous location and warm hospitality.
The setting and views are majestic, remote and breath-taking, the atmosphere peaceful relaxed and chilled. The staff are all amazing; welcoming, talented and friendly.
The accommodation, while seemingly rustic, with beautiful log cabins, is charming, stylish and super comfortable with top quality linens and completely spotless. The main ranch house where you eat, party or chill is also charming– books, maps, musical instruments, large crackling fires – and, of course, spectacular views on to the river and mountains. The food, which is largely stocked from their other ranch, is sustainable, healthy and beyond delicious.
You can do as much or as little as you want and there is so much on offer from hiking, to fly fishing, horse trekking or just chilling in front of a log fire
The riding and the views from the mountain tops will live with me for a lifetime. The horses are utterly fabulous and there is something for everyone.
Ollie and his mother Cathy are quite simply the ‘hosts with the most’ and make sure your every request and requirement is taken care of.
If you are looking for the experience of a life time and a chance to breathe and get away from everything and you love the big outdoors in a very real sense -then this is the dream for you – don’t hesitate. I have travelled from the Himalayas to the plains of Africa and this is quite simply right up there.
Gigina, June 2024
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We've been to a half dozen guest ranches and Darwin has raised the bar for any future ranches we're considering. This is not your typical trail ride/cowboy cookout stay, it's an authentic, genuine, heartfelt experience that is transformative. Every single staff member told us "this is the best job ever" and "I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to work here". Oliver and Kathy are truly vested in your stay, they both joined us for meals and were ever present to ask how our day was going and even joined in with us during an impromptu dance lesson on the porch. They talk the talk and walk the walk. The food was beyond superb, fresh veggies, eggs and meats along with gourmet presentations and unique and hearty selections. I've worked with James Beard award winning chefs and the crew in their kitchen was comparable in every way!
Camelback, A., August 2024