Your Own Private Wilderness: Guided Luxury Camping

The Gros Ventre Wilderness Area is an unspoiled gem of Jackson Hole.  Not receiving the summer crowds like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the Gros Ventre Wilderness Area is exceptionally beautiful. It is vast place filled with rugged mountains, quiet forests, babbling brooks, and lush wildflower meadows, and in my eyes, one of the truly special places in Wyoming.

The perfect place to cool off and enjoy a dip after a long hike.

The perfect place to cool off and enjoy a dip after a long hike.

There is no better way to experience “The GV” than by joining us for a horseback pack trip and guided hiking adventure at our luxury backcountry camp. Our 2 night trips give you an opportunity to see parts of the country seldom seen by other visitors.

“And this, our life exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.”

-William Shakespeare

Getting away from all of the noise of everyday life, and spending some quality time in the woods, is incredibly invigorating and clarifying.  Rarely do we have the time, space, and state of mind to appreciate the natural world, but it is such a worthwhile exercise.  I believe this is what Shakespeare is getting at with these words. Being able to have this experience in private and intimate setting allows you to fully engage with Mother Nature.

OUr talented guides will take excellent care of you as you explore Mother Nature's pristine surrounds

Our talented guides will take excellent care of you as you explore Mother Nature’s pristine surroundings

The Wilderness awaits you at our backcountry camp.  There is plenty to explore:  hidden waterfalls, mountaintop vistas, and gin-clear alpine lakes.  There are meadows that seem straight out of “The Sound of Music”, and even an historic abandoned trapper’s cabin…

Who said that a wilderness pack trip has to be like “The Revenant” or “Into The Wild” style?  Our guests rave that this is more Glamping than camping!  At our backcountry camp, we like the idea of coming back from an afternoon adventure to a comfortable seat next to a crackling fire, with a delicious warm meal and maybe even a cold beer or two (our “Creek Cooler” right next to camp stays at a consistent 45 degrees).  After a full day, sleep well in your soft bed, knowing that hot coffee or tea is coming your way, delivered to your tent in the morning.

Roughing it in the Wilderness just got a whole lot easier.

Roughing it in the Wilderness just got a whole lot easier.

 

 

 

Does a luxury camping vacation sound right for you?  Visit our Backcountry Trips  page to learn more, and visit our Rates page to book today!

 

 

 

Incorporating Patagonia roots into Guest Ranch cuisine

The Beauty of Chimichurri

Eighteen years ago I boarded a plane heading south for Argentina to guide fly fishing in Tierra del Fuego. I had little knowledge of the country, its system of government, geographical boundaries, or economy. What I did know, was that Argentina is famous for towering peaks, vast deserts, bountiful cropland, large trout, and of course it’s beef! The allure of guiding fly fishing in Patagonia took control of me, and for the next 13 seasons, Shelby and I loaded up in the fall and flew south for the winter. We moved around a little, working several seasons in Chile, and then permanently settling in the less wet, but often more windy side of the Andes, Argentina.

The culture was intoxicating. Everyone happy to hug one another, share the same bombilla (straw) while drinking Mate, share a beer, but most importantly, sit down and share an Asado. Asado is the Spanish equivalent of the English word Barbecue, but in South America, going to an Asado takes on almost more of a mystique than that of going to a barbecue. Maybe it was because it was all new; The smell of the smoke from the Patagonia beech wood while you eat a chori-pan (chorizo sausage and baguette) while sipping another glass of Malbec while you wait for the Bife de Chorizo to cook so slowly on the parilla (grill) that you almost lose interest in it. Then, like every good barbecue, there’s the sauce, called Chimichurri in Argentina. Chimichurri, is the all purpose, tastes amazing on everything, pretty healthy, easy to make, star of the Argentine asado! I could rant all day about what it takes to cook a beautiful steak, but the truth is, this sauce will make almost anything taste good.

I have always wanted to bring the cuisine of Patagonia back to Wyoming with we. Chimichurri now frequently accompanies our steaks at Flat Creek Ranch. Guests often rave about the flavor this simple sauce has. It’s simple to make, and I hope you enjoy this recipe from the book “Siete Fuegos” by Francis Mallmann.

siete-fuegos

Seven Fires cookbook focuses on the culture and cuisine of Argentina

Francis Mallmann’s Chimichurri

1 cup water
1 tbs. coarse salt
1 head garlic, separated into cloves and peeled
1 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 cup fresh oregano leaves
2 tsp. crushed red- pepper flakes
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the salt, and stir until it dissolves. Remove from heat, and allow to cool. Mince the garlic very finely, and put in a medium bowl. (1) Mince the parsley and oregano, and add to the garlic, along with the red-pepper flakes. (2) Whisk in the red-wine vinegar, then the olive oil. Whisk in the salted water. (3) Transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and keep in the refrigerator. Let the flavors mingle for at least a day, and serve with grilled meats. The sauce can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 weeks

 

Cooking on a Wyoming Ranch, Ranch Cuisine

Chef for a Summer on a Wyoming Ranch, Wyoming Ranch Cuisine

I arrived two months ago to Flat Creek Ranch to create wonderful Ranch Cuisine.  This Wyoming ranch can easily be referred to as a place of serenity, peace and beauty.  I am wrapping up my final days here at Flat Creek Ranch with bittersweet emotions.  The image I had in my mind as I left my cozy spot in the Caribbean is nothing compared to the majestic beauty that is this little ranch tucked up under the protection of the Sleeping Indian mountain.
Wyoming Guest Ranch Food
Some of the greatest qualities this Wyoming ranch has is the unparalleled amount of professionalism and the amazing service that is provided here by the young athletes, scholars, and world travelers that make up the staff at Flat Creek Ranch. I can only say that it has been my extreme pleasure to have worked with such incredible people, from management to housekeeping and everyone in between.

Creating Ranch Cuisine

I had the distinct honor to cook for groups of guests from New York to California; we have hosted guests from abroad, from the city and from the country.  The food really is undescribable, from French and Italian cuisine, to country gourmet.  I count myself fortunate to have worked with two chefs who have traveled the world, I have learned, I have taught, and I have tasted food that easily compares with some of the best restaurants in anywhere.

So as you cross that bridge that takes you up to the lodge, breathe in the quiet serenity, take in the picturesque beauty of the lake and the wildlife that call it home.  Feel the comforting welcome that comes from the crew as they welcome you into this summer home for them.  Bring your appetite because “the cook” is sure to have something amazing ready for your every meal that is sure to please your palate and satisfy your hunger.

I am sending out a huge Thank You to Trey and Shelby for bringing me on as the weekend Chef; I will cherish this experience for the rest of my life.

Sincerely,
Chef Tami
Puerto Rico/Oregon

 

Oven Roasted Salmon
4 6-8 oz center cut salmon filet
1 Tbsp fine smoked sea salt
1Tbsp fennel pollen
Fresh cracked black pepper
Line a baking sheet with tin foil, lay out salmon, skin side down, up to an hour before roasting, mix the smoked salt and the fennel pollen together. Sprinkle fennel pollen mixture on the top, lightly and evenly. Top with fresh ground pepper to taste.
Roast in oven 15-18 minutes.
Serve with herbed fingerling potatoes and grilled asparagus.

Roasted Salmon

Chef Tami creating Oven Roasted Salmon . Another 5 star meal from the Flat Creek Kitchen.

Flat Creek Ranch kitchen

Chef Tami, always with a smile.

 

Flat Creek Ranch Griddle Cakes

Flat Creek Ranch Griddle Cakes

1 large Egg
2 cups buttermilk
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 1/3 cups AP flour
1/3 yellow corn meal
1/3 cup wheat germ
¼ cup bran
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp kosher salt
¼ melted butter
2-3 soft bananas
Smash bananas, mix with melted butter, buttermilk, maple syrup and egg.  Mix well with wooden spoon.
In a separate bowl whisk all the dry ingredients together completely.  Add dry ingredient mixture with the buttermilk mixture – mix just until combined. (Do not over mix)
Ladle onto a hot (med-high) griddle.

Enjoy!!  Tami McMurrian

Trail Running, an Alternative Guest Ranch Activity

Trail Running in Jackson Hole.

An Alternative Guest Ranch Activity

As everyone who visits Flat Creek Ranch soon comes to realize, there are plenty of activities around the ranch that allow you to immerse yourself in the wilderness. From hiking, to horseback riding, fly fishing and water sports, Flat Creek Ranch has an activity for you. There is also a new activity that has been growing and requires only a sturdy pair of shoes.  Trail running is a great alternative to the ordinary Jackson Hole guest ranch activities.

Trail running in Jackson Hole and elsewhere has taken on a life of its own with the birth of trail marathons and ultra-marathons. But you don’t have to run twenty six miles or even 6 miles to enjoy the beauty and connection with nature that trail running at Flat Creek Ranch can give you. We offer many options to personalize your trail running vacation.

For those who prefer to travel by foot, your stay can start by running up to Flat Creek Ranch. We will bring your luggage to the ranch, and you can choose to run the 9 mile Elk Refuge section, the 6 mile jeep track, or both. On the Elk Refuge you have the chance of seeing everything from Pronghorn Antelope to Bison and a magnificent view of the Tetons and Sleeping Indian. Coming across the plains and up to the ranch on foot can also give you a little insight to the way the people who homesteaded the area had to travel, and send you back to the Wild West of days past if only for a moment.

Bison on the way to Flat Creek Ranch

Trail Running at Flat Creek Ranch

If you are just too anxious to get up to the ranch and would rather take the car ride up there are still plenty of running opportunities once you reach your cabin. All of the classic hikes at the ranch are fair game for trail running at our Jackson Hole guest ranch. The Teton Overview trail is a great rolling run through the high sage brush with a few good hills to challenge yourself.  The Teton Range vista that greets you at the halfway point is guaranteed to take your breath away if the run up doesn’t.

View of the Sleeping Indian

Trail Running the Teton Overview Trail

If you’re looking for a little bit flatter run on a slightly more technical trail with equally great views, the Hunting Camp trail may be for you. This trail has traditionally been reserved for horse travel coming from the ranch but has become one of my personal favorites to run. After meandering along the banks of the lake as well as Disappearing Lake, the trail finally reaches a large meadow surrounded by rugged Wyoming peaks and cliff faces with a waterfall cascading from one side of the valley and Flat Creek running through the middle of it. Mule deer, moose and the occasional bear are all possible sightings on this run. This trail continues past this meadow and gradually climbs up the canyon.

For the ultimate test of your fitness, take in the most beautiful high alpine running terrain.   Challenge by running up to the nose of the Sleeping Indian. Four miles and 4,000 feet of vertical gain is not for the casual jogger, but if a challenge is what you’re looking for, this trail has no shortage of incline or awe-inspiring wilderness views.

After your run, you can return to a cold beer or lemonade and some high quality muscle relaxation in our rustic, river front, wood burning sauna. When you’re done relaxing in the sauna and rested up, refuel with our chef’s gourmet and healthy meals. So next time you’re looking for a place to not only relax in the wilderness of the great American West, but also enjoy world class trail running, cuisine, and many other activities. Come visit us at Flat Creek Ranch, and test your trail running at our Jackson Hole guest ranch.

To learn more about other great trail running opportunities in Jackson Hole, check out Teton Trail Runners for up to date information on trails and conditions in the Jackson Hole area.

Adventure Leadership Workshop Comes to Jackson Hole

Adventure Leadership Workshop

Tired of the run-of-the-mill, hotel ballroom-held, corporate retreat where you don’t remember anything you learned a week after you return back to the job? This September 2-5 we are proud to be hosting a new style of management workshop, an adventure leadership workshop, led in conjunction with Leadership Adventures Inc., is designed to develop leadership skills through experiential adventures, all in the setting of our world-class ranch.

Leadership Adventures Inc. provides accelerated experiential learning to their clients in order to improve leadership skills. Their courses and values are rooted in the idea that putting everyone on “even ground”, in a wilderness setting, with immersion into new leadership roles and skills, creates a hands-on learning environment in which the learning process is accelerated, retention is improved, and the upon-return impact is greatly increased.

This adventure leadership workshop is focused on becoming a more inspiring leader. You will be led through modules which utilize horseback riding, skills related to handling a horse, as well as navigating National Forest and Wilderness land on horseback. Our adventure guides will be there to support you every step of the way, and no horse experience is required. Within these modules of working with a horse, we will uncover themes which directly relate to becoming a more inspiring leader. There is an unspoken “language” between rider and horse, as the rider must be confident and treat the horse with respect. Just as well, adventures in the wilderness require higher-level critical thinking skills, as one must always analyze and respect the environment. All of these skills are vital for leaders to acquire, and are just as applicable in the workplace as they are in the wilderness.

All of this is provided right here at Flat Creek Ranch, which includes world-class fly fishing, gourmet fare at each meal, stunning views of Wyoming landscape, and beautiful nicely appointed cabins. Join us on Sept 2-5,and let your adventure leadership workshop begin!

Trail Ride in the wilderness

Enjoying the views and learning from your horse on a trail ride in the Wilderness

 

Jackson Hole Dude Ranch Reviews

Jackson Hole Dude Ranch Reviews

With the snow thawing, long spring days, and the grass greening up, we’re getting ready to open Flat Creek Ranch.  In preparation, we always check out past reviews of our Jackson Hole dude ranch.  We always look at other Jackson Hole dude ranch reviews, and our own to try and meet our customers expectations and make improvements for the next season.  It’s also very flattering when you read positive reviews of your business.  A positive affirmation is a great pat on the back, and makes what we love to do all the more worth while.  With that being said, we wanted to share with you some reviews from the past few seasons that sum up exactly what the staff at Flat Creek Ranch is trying to achieve, which is making your stay with us memorable.

Flat Creek Ranch Josephine Cabin

Jackson Hole Dude Ranch

“Never loses its magic”

5 of 5 starsReviewed July 9, 2012

Our third trip in 3 years, and already booked for next year. If you are curious about visiting, check with the ranch – last minute cancellations in August freed up some availability.Consistently strong staff – all deserve to be named – owners Joe and Marcia, Managers Trey and Shelby; Alex, Ariel, Brielle, Elena, Eric, Linda, Randi, Seth – hope I named everyone. Their local knowledge, energy and hospitality makes you feel like you are part of the family.

  • Great activities – if you love hiking, you can find 7 days’ worth of trails. If you love fishing, 7 days’ worth of trout. Horses, boats – or just sit around. Complete and utter peace. For more details on the cabins, etc., see my past reviews.
  • Excellent at catering to special diet needs (vegetarian, gluten-free) but also a meat eater’s favorite, it seems, from watching the other guests. You won’t lose weight no matter how much you hike (unless you have more self control when presented with great food).
  • Try it – you will love it (unless you love cities, too many people, shopping and noise, none of which you will find there …)

Source: Trip Advisor

A+++

This place is the best. My wife and I spent 4 days fishing, hiking, horseback riding and stuffing ourselves with gourmet food.

  • It’s like camping but with all the comforts of a resort. Joe and Marsha run the place with the help of Trey and Shelby their managers. The entire crew, chief, guides, etc. exceed expectations.
  • Hike to the top of Sleeping Indian, learn to fly fish, enjoy a sauna, take full advantage because you’ll be back at work before you know it.
  • I’d suggest letting the staff pick you up at the airport or in town….the road up is not exactly smooth….

This place is worth every penny.

Source: Yelp

We’ll keep up the hard work, with the hope that great guest like these continue to appreciate our efforts.  We love what we do, and are happy to share our love with you.  To book your stay with us check out our ranch packages and book your stay today!

Horseback Riding Jackson Hole WY Dude Ranch

Horseback Riding, Jackson Hole WY

A Note on Horses and Trail Rides at Flat Creek Ranch

Shelby Scharp, Co-Manager

Being in Wyoming conjures up all sorts of images about cowboys and horses. We hope that horseback riding on our Jackson Hole dude ranch will solidify that image. A trip to Wyoming just wouldn’t be the same without hitting the trail with a trusty steed. To make sure that you have a memory that you will enjoy, I would like to share a few horsemanship tools. With just a few pointers on attitude, language, and communication you will have a much more enjoyable time.

Horseback Riding Jackson Hole Dude Ranch, Activities Jackson Hole Dude Ranch

Horsemanship is a language, no less than English, Spanish or French. Horses do not understand very much of any verbal language. They are, however, very sensitive to attitude, position, touch and pressure. We can use this sensitivity to communicate. Your horse is always listening to ‘the language’ whether you know what messages you are sending. Attitude toward your horse will determine how you ‘get along’ with your horse. Those who are fearful, intimidated or overly aggressive are going to have a difficult time. Those who respect their horse, communicate, and work as a team will be regarded with a new friendship and a lasting memory.

Horseback riding here on our Jackson Hole dude ranch should really be called horseback driving. You are truly in the driver’s seat, not riding in the passenger seat. If you stop ‘driving’ the cruise control does not kick in and keep you going on your merry way. Likewise, I will use some common car terms to get across the language of horsemanship. The reins are the brakes asteering wheel. Your legs are used as the gas pedal.

In the saddle you should sit ‘upon’ the saddle seat, which means about the same position you would be in if you sat on a dining room chair, not sprawled or slouched as you would be in a sofa. The hips, waist, chest, shoulders, and head should be stacked in one straight line, like a stack of bricks we don’t want to fall over. If there is not at least a finger width of space between your rear and the back of the saddle, you are most likely sitting back, leaning back, or slumping, none of which is right. Your legs should hang straight down next to the horse’s side. The feet are placed in the stirrup tread at the widest part of the boot sole. To put only the toes in the stirrups will usually result in the stirrup being lost the first time the horse makes an unexpected move. If the shoes have little or no heel, a special effort must be made to keep only the sole of your foot in the stirrup. Lift your toes as high as you can without strain. Do not rely on your seat bones to carry all of your weight. Imagine a line from your head, to your waist, and heels. Finally, have a realistic expectation as far as comfort is concerned. You are going to use muscles which you don’t use on a regular basis, and they will get tired quickly.

Placing your feet in the stirrups has brought the calves either close to the horse’s ribs or resting on them. To get the horse to move forward you use the first driving aid which is to increase pressure with your whole leg. If the horse doesn’t start walking, we go to step two. Remove your calves from the horse’s sides and then bring them in with a thump against his ribs. Repeat as often as needed. Don’t do it just once and then sit there wondering if it will work. On the other hand, don’t give the horse an extra thump for good measure after he is moving. If the horse tries to stop and graze along the way, it is important to keep the forward motion going before he comes to a complete stop. As soon as the horse drops his head and slows down, apply pressure first or a thump if needed.  Sometimes it is correct for children to use their heels as a primary driving aid. A child’s heels often are at the widest point on a horse’s rib cage. This is where an adult’s calves naturally lie.

Now that your horse is moving, you would like to be the one who decides where to go. The most common rein grip on our rides is one- handed. Take both the reins in your left hand just below the knot in the reins. Use your right had to adjust an even length. Don’t look at the free ends; it is the distance from your hand to the bit that needs to be even on either side. Each rein should always touch the side of the horse’s neck when riding straight forward. There should be a slight sag in the reins to allow for the natural head movement of the horse. Your left hand will be in front of the saddle horn, resting on the horse’s neck. This hand must be carried exactly over the horse’s neck with the reins adjusted to the same length. If this instruction is neglected, your horse will turn when you attempt to regulate speed. You will have asked the horse to turn; even through you didn’t mean it. Our horses primarily ‘neck rein.’ Use ‘direct reining’ only after neck reining has failed. If a left-hand turn is desired, then move your hand from the center position on the horse’s neck and put a slight stretch on the rein. Increase the tension until the horse moves his head to the left.

The reins are also used for braking. Braking is the same in horsemanship as it is in a car. You use the brakes to slow down and also to come to a complete stop. When asking your horse to slow down, take up a slight stretch on your reins and maintain pressure. Stretching the reins lightly causes the horse no discomfort, and it gently reminds him that you could cause him discomfort, and will if need be. Take a stronger stretch on the reins and hold it, if lighter pressure was completely ignored. Again, it is very important you have very little slack in your reins. If there is too much slack you will end up moving your body back in the saddle or pulling the reins up above your head. Both are very dangerous and will make you off balance. If at this point there is still no reaction, use short and rapid surges of strong pressure. Do not jerk on the reins, which will only cause your horse to throw his head. Once a response is felt (the horse is slowing down), soften the rein pressure immediately, but do not throw away the reins. If a complete halt is wanted, you will maintain the appropriate pressure until the horse has stopped. If you continue to ask for a halt after the horse has stopped, you are inadvertently asking him to back up. If you wish to back up, ask for one step backward at a time, no matter how many you want. You want the horse to be attentive to the cues you are giving him. You must also be aware of the messages you are sending.

When you arrive at the barn, you should be wearing long pants that are fitted (not baggy) and a sturdy pair of shoes. Bulky, deeply lugged soles are unsuitable for safe riding. We ask that you don’t wear a backpack or fanny pack that will interfere with how you sit in the saddle. Most saddles have saddle bags for your belongings.

On the trail there is a certain etiquette that must be recognized by everyone. Our trails are rocky and steep in places, and we don’t allow any gait other than a walk. It does not matter how much experience you have! This is for your safety and that of the other guests. I like to see long spacing between riders. This shows that each rider is paying attention and regulating his horse’s pace.

We encourage you to be a ‘quiet rider’ which means that your upper body has little movement. If you are turning back and forth to talk to people behind you, you are sending messages to your horse where you want to go. If you need to get something out of the saddle bag, bring your horse to a complete stop, then reach around for it. As I have mentioned before, being off center in the saddle is very dangerous.

We want everyone to have a good time horseback , no matter their level of experience. So enjoy a ride within your own abilities. It is my hope that the effort put into this note will make your horseback riding on our Jackson Hole dude experience a good one. Maybe it will also convince an inconsiderate rider to treat horses as people rather than objections. So in the words of one of the greatest Wyoming cowboys who ever lived:

“Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high,

Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky

 Don’t be scared, just enjoy the ride” – Chris Ledoux

To learn more about our horseback riding on our Jackson Hole dude ranch, check out more on our activities page.  We hope that you’ll join us at Flat Creek Ranch.

Spring Wildflowers at our Jackson Hole Guest Ranch

Spring Wildflowers. Abundant Bloom at Flat Creek Ranch

We all hope that spring is fast approaching, and one of the first signs are spring wildflowers.  We wanted to take a moment at give you a taste of what you might see at Flat Creek Ranch if you come early enough to catch the wildflowers in full bloom.  June is a great time for hiking and taking in the sights, and to catch the start of the spring wildflower season. To help you take advantage of this time we are offering an extended spring rate on all weekend stays through June.  There are plenty more flowers to see, but here are just a sample of what you might find in spring and throughout the summer season. For a very through list, check out the Forest Service Wildflower page, where we gathered the descriptions of the wildflowers below:

Indian Paintbrush

Indian Paintbrush

Indian paintbrush (Castilleja linariaefolia) was designated the state flower of Wyoming in 1917.  The species of Indian paintbrush adopted as a symbol of Wyoming occurs on rocky slopes and arid plains and is associated with sagebrush scrub and pinyon pine or juniper woodland. It is native to Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.

Oregon Grape

Oregon Grape

Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium) A low growing plant, the Oregon Grape is native to much of the Pacific Coast and found sparsely east of the Cascades. Its year-round foliage of pinnated, waxy green leaves resembles holly. The plant bears dainty yellow flowers in early summer and a dark blue berry that ripens late in the fall.  Plants in the Barberry family are sometimes called “living fossils” because they were very common in Colorado millions of years ago. The Oregon grape has compound, evergreen leaves with small slender teeth, and short stems. The fruits have been used to make jelly.

Sugar Bowls

Spring Wildflowers include Sugar Bowls

The blossom of (Clematis hirsutissima) looks like a silvery-purple upside down vase. The shape gives it one of its common names – Vase Flower. The silvery sheen is caused by the many hairs on the blossom – referenced by the Hairy Clematis common name, and the species epithet – hirsutissima.

spring wildflower Arrow-Leaf Balsam Root

Arrow-leaf Balsam Root

Arrow-leaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) This plant’s Latin name corresponds with its common name, which in turn well describes the plant. Arrow-leaf balsamroot, a plant of the Asteraceae (sunflower family) is fairly common in cold, dry areas of the West, from the Sierra Nevada west to Colorado, and into Canada. It may be found most abundant in mountain fields, but can also be a common plant in the understory of conifer forests.

spring wildflower Silky Phacelia

Silky Phacelia

With its thick stalks of dark blue or purple flowers and silvery-pubescent fern-like leaves, the Silky Phacelia (Phacelia sericea) is one of the handsomest wildflowers of western North America. No surprise then that it is often sought for cultivation in the home garden, not just in its native range from southern Canada to northern California, Utah, and Colorado, but elsewhere with sufficiently cool temperatures to promote germination.

Leopard Lily

Leopard Lily

Lilium pardalinum, also known as the Leopard Lily or Panther Lily, is a flowering bulbous perennial plant in the genus Lilium which is native to Oregon and California in the United States, where it usually grows in damp areas. Its range includes California chaparral and woodlands habitats and the Sierra Nevada.

photo of spring wildflower, Calypso Orchid

Calypso Orchid

Calypso Orchid  (Cypripedium acaule Ait.) is a showy wildflower belonging to the orchid family. It has two opposite basal leaves with conspicuous parallel veins and a large flower at the end of an erect stalk. The flower is magenta to whitish-pink; sometimes the whitish pink flowers will have darker pink venation. Rarely the flower may be all white. This plant grows 3 to 6  inches tall and flowers generally between May and July. The species name acaule is Latin, meaning, “stem less”, referring to the plant’s leafless flowering stem.

Sticky Geranium

Sticky Geranium

One of our native geraniums, (Geranium viscosissimum) this plant is perennial which means it is able to survive the harsh winters in Colorado to bloom year after year. It has sticky hairs covering much of the surface of the plant, which provide the common name.

There are many many more beautiful spring wildflowers to see at Flat Creek Ranch. We look forward to sharing the sights with you.  Book your early season stay today to take advantage our special weekend pricing through June!  We hope to see you soon at our Jackson Hole guest ranch!

Private Fly Fishing in Jackson Hole

Fly fishing on Flat Creek Ranch, Private Fly Fishing in Jackson Hole at it’s best!

There are few opportunities for private fly fishing in Jackson Hole.  Flat Creek Ranch offers private access  fly fishing on some of the most coveted private waters in Jackson Hole.  The gin clear waters of Flat Creek sustain healthy populations of native Snake River Fine Spot Cutthroat Trout and wild Brook Trout.

Fly fishing Flat Creek Ranch

Fly fishing Flat Creek Ranch

To fish Flat Creek and the lake effectively you must be observant of the trout and their feeding behavior. Watch to see if the fish are either rising or just sitting in the runs, moving occasionally to eat a nymph. This is a great clue to whether you should fish a wet or dry fly. If you observe fish rising, try to also observe what type of fly their feeding on. Watch the surface of the water; look in the air of on streamside vegetation for a clue to the insects form and try to match your fly to the real insect.

There is a diverse variety of aquatic insects in Flat Creek Lake and Flat Creek. They range from small Midges to large Golden Stoneflies. Midges tend to be most common in the lake. The larvae, the pupae, and winged adult provide a important, year round food source for the large trout that resides in the lake. In addition to the Midges, there are Mayflies, Damselflies, and Dragon flies that inhabit Flat Creek and the lake. The most prolific Mayfly activity occurs in early to mid-July when the large Grey Drake emerges from the muddy shallows and provides excellent forage for the trout. In addition to the Grey Drake there are also Blue Winged Olive, Callibetis, Pale Morning Dun, and Mahogany Dun found both in the creek and the lake.

Caddis flies make up an important source of food for both the fish in the lake and creek. They range from micro Caddis, to large October Caddis. The October Caddis tend to emerge late in the season and give the fish an important source of food before the long Wyoming winter. There is a variety of Stone Flies to be found in Flat Creek. The small Black Stoneflies then tend to hatch in the early and late parts of the summer, while the Yellow Sally hatch continues through the hot mid-summer days. The Golden Stonefly is usually not abundant but may be seen from late June to mid-July. The Golden Stonefly is of particular interest to anglers because its large size brings the fish to feed on the surface and makes fishing a large dry fly enjoyable. In addition to aquatic insects, terrestrial insects make up an important portion of the trout’s diet. Grasshoppers, Ants, Beetles, and even the occasional Cicada can be a great meal for a trout.

Flat Creek Ranch is happy to provide its guests with quality equipment to use fishing during your stay.

Flat Creek Ranch enforces a strict FLY-FISHING ONLY/CATCH – AND – RELEASE ONLY policy. We also ask you to please PINCH THE BARBS of your hooks thus making it easier to release the fish unharmed.

We provide a free fly fishing clinic on Tuesdays and Saturdays. For those who in addition want to book a private fishing guide, the rates are $275 for a half-day.  We also work with Grand Teton Fly Fishing, a fly fishing outfitter who can provide world class fly fishing opportunities throughout Wyoming.

Contact us today to book your stay at Flat Creek Ranch and enjoy your own private fly fishing in Jackson Hole.

Good Luck and Good Fishing!!