Adventures at Flat Creek Ranch

Hiking

The Flat Creek Ranch (elevation 7,400 feet) is surrounded on all sides by the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Gros Ventre Wilderness Area. Any path you choose to hike — rigorous climb or easy amble — will cross elk trails and meadows brilliant with wildflowers. You can hike the Teton Overlook trail that climbs to a panoramic view of Grand Teton National Park, stretching from the base of the Grand Teton to Jackson Lake. Or, if you’re in the mood for a bigger challenge, you can pursue the old Poachers’ Trail up to the Nose of the Sleeping Indian Mountain (elevation –11,106 feet). Almost as challenging is the shorter South Ridge trail leading up toward Table Mountain. Many gentler trails also crisscross our ranch and the surrounding terrain. We’ll sketch out a route for you to follow on your own. Or if you would prefer, you can join one of our guided hikes. We hold an outfitting permit from the U.S. Forest Service that allows us to provide guided hikes into the wilderness area.

“Nature came alive for us at the ranch with wildlife and scenery unmatched”

Horseback Riding

**No horseback riding before June 2nd and after Sept. 25th. Camp goes from 6/21 – 9/1**

The backcountry surrounding our ranch is the Gros Ventre National Wilderness Area. Horseback riding is inherently risky in the wilderness, which is made up of 287,000 acres of pine forests, mountains and steep valleys. But if you are up for it, we are ready to take you on memorable trail rides that usually last from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Our guests often ride on the little-used Forest Service trail past Flat Creek Lake, through pristine forest and verdant meadow, and on to an outfitter’s camp for lunch.

“This is NOT your average trail ride…you are actually going through streams, up and down mountains and through some of the most beautiful scenery I ever seen. A+”

Fly Fishing

We own a mile-and-a-half stretch of upper Flat Creek’s challenging waters and the 50-acre Flat Creek Lake. And you’ll have access to another five miles of fast riffles and deep pools on public land just west of our ranch. Our rule is: Fly fishing only, catch-and-release. Our favorite spot on the ranch is the “Curt Gowdy hole,” a deep and placid bend in Flat Creek where wily cutthroats and scrappy brook trout congregate. Some of our guests prefer stalking the big cutthroats that hide in the clear, deep channel that winds through the lake. Luckily for dry fly purists, Flat Creek is blessed with prolific hatches of mayflies, caddis flies and a host of others. We can lend you fly rods, reels, nets and waders; we also provide a free fly-fishing clinic for those who want to learn or brush up on fishing techniques.

“The highlight of the trip was fishing in the creek with a couple of moose watching me.”

Water Activities

Some intrepid souls dare to swim in the chilly waters of Flat Creek Lake, there is a floating dock that gives you easy access for a quick dip or to practice your fly casting.  We also have canoes, tandem sit-on-top kayak and stand up paddle boards so that you may enjoy our 50-acre lake.  We also have a McKenzie style all wood boat for fishing or perhaps getting a glimpse at a moose at the far end of the lake.

Wildlife

Sit on your porch and watch a longtime resident pair of bald eagles soar over Flat Creek Lake in search of fish. Hear the piercing cry of ospreys. Watch for mink, moose, deer and an occasional big horn sheep. There could be bears around too. So before you go walking in the woods, ask us to loan you a can of pepper spray.

“There are a few places in the world where you can stand in absolute silence and appreciate all that Mother Nature has to offer. FCR is one of those places”

Hot Tub and Sauna

The sauna house is a log cabin that extends out over Flat Creek. Let us crank up the wood stove that we imported from Finland. Throw some water on the rocks, take advantage of the essential oils and when you’re parboiled, step outside for an icy shower — or if you are really brave, dip into the creek. You might also want the try the Snorkle 6 man hot tub. This is also wood fired and is an amazing way to rid yourself of aches and pains from riding and hiking, not to mention one of the best ways to take in the stars at night.