FAQ's about Ring Lake Ranch

Is this just a religious dude ranch?
Sort of. The founder of the Ranch, Maggie Kahin, said, “All are really God’s children. All will be received.” We are an ecumenical retreat center and many of our guests hold religious affiliations, but all are received here. We offer trail rides and hikes in the mountains each day, people fly-fish, some square dance on Tuesday night. If that means we’re a dude ranch, maybe we are – but, so much more. Guests come because of our programs given by renowned speakers, the community, and the chance to renew their spirits.

How come the rates are so low?
Our guests help with dishes and clean and re-make their cabins at the end of sessions, allowing us to keep a smaller staff. Generous donations cover a third of our operating expenses.

I'm not Roy Rogers. Are the horses friendly?
Yup. Each horse has his or her own personality, gifts and quirks, but they are well-adapted to mountain rides and green riders. Our wranglers match up riders to horses suitable to their experience and will answer questions like the next one.

What is the secret to horseback riding?
Keeping the horse between you and the ground.

What’s to do if I don’t want to gallop off into the sunset?
Only two activities are required of guests: helping your dish group and cleaning and remaking your cabin before departure. All other activities—riding, canoeing, reading, hiking, fishing, napping, seminars, etc. -- are up to you. Every day an organized hike will be offered or, if you like, you can challenge the mountain trails on your own or just take a leisurely stroll. Anglers come from all over to sink a line in the waters around here. Fishing guides can be contacted in Dubois.

Why do you say Ring Lake Ranch is "sacred wilderness?"
We believe that the Creator’s touch is on all things, thus making all creation sacred ground. The American Indian rock art or petroglyphs attest to the fact that the tribe that lived here for centuries before us saw the land as sacred too.

Can I bring my family?
Mostly definitely. In fact, families have been coming to the Ranch from the beginning. Children 12 and under come at no charge!

Can I bring Fido and Fluffy?
Please leave your pets in the safety of their own homes.

What can I expect to learn from my western experience?
Some examples --

• Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction.
• An onion can make people cry, but there's never been a vegetable that can make people laugh.
• Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
• Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
• If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
• Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.
• Don't squat with your spurs on.
• If everyone had a horse, the country would be more 'stabilized'.
• Murphy's Twelfth Law: You can't lead a cavalry charge if you think you look funny on a horse.
  

What if I’m a vegetarian in Wyoming – the land of beef? What’s the food like?
“The food is so good that I ate too much” is about the only complaint we hear. We received so many requests for recipes that we published Cooking at the Ranch filled with favorites. Let us know your special dietary needs from vegetarian to gluten intolerance; we always help.

What are the cabins like?
We recommend that you check them out for yourself. Click on The Ranch, and then the link to Cabins.

What’s the weather like?
The weather is variable, so it’s good to be prepared for either warm or cool weather.

What's the best way to get there?
Driving from the west takes you through the magnificent Rockies, from the east through the Great Plains. We’re seven hours from Denver, 20 hours from Minneapolis, and about the same from Seattle. We shuttle passengers to Jackson Airport, which is served by major airlines. Check the Travel link for more.

Are there any activities in the surrounding area that we can enjoy?
Many guests find the Dubois Museum and the Big Horn Sheep Center interesting and informative. Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons are, of course, magnificent and two to three hours away.

What if I or one of my children gets hurt or sick? Is there medical care available?
Twenty minutes away, Dubois Clinic provides basic health care from M-F, 8-5. Otherwise, hospitals in Riverton and Lander – 90 minutes away – are the closest. The majority of the staff are certified in CPR and trained in first aid.

What sort of clothes should I bring? Is a laundry available?
Weather is variable – warm days and cool nights are the rule. So, bring layers. When you register, we’ll send more details about what to bring. We have two washing machines and two driers – a machine we almost never use and the best drier of all – a clothes line.

Can someone come and stay a few days for a private retreat?
Depending on availability, we do offer a daily rate for guests who can only stay for a few days.

What if I have more questions?
Give us a toll free call at 888.458.5253. Send us an email at HYPERLINK info@ringlake.org.