Tucked away in the vast, golden expanse of Wyoming’s Wagonhound Ranch, Reid Creek Lodge is where the old American West meets modern-day comfort. Named for the infamous Wagonhound Creek — once a challenge for pioneers on the Oregon Trail — this hidden gem invites families to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with the land and each other.
From private UTV rides across 300,000 acres to stargazing by the campfire, this was a week not just of adventure, but of shared moments — the kind that become lifelong memories.
Authentic Wyoming welcome at Wagonhound Arena
A Wyoming Welcome
Our EXP Guides met the family upon their arrival at Converse County Airport, and after a short private transfer, the warm and welcoming spirit of Reid Creek Lodge greeted them. Without wasting any time, the family was taken to the Wagonhound Arena. This world-class equestrian outfit, renowned for breeding award-winning American Quarter Horses, was the perfect Wyoming introduction to the family.
As a commercial cattle ranch, the horses aren’t just for tourist shows; they are part of everyday life and are expertly trained. The family got familiar with the horses, and the trusted wrangler helped them saddle up and taught them some of the basics.
Each saddle is carefully selected and fitted for our guests to ensure comfort and readiness for the days ahead
The afternoon eased into the evening, where they enjoyed a relaxed welcome reception, with our EXP Guides introducing themselves and outlining the wide range of adventures on offer for the week.
Back at the Lodge, the family settled into the 8,000-square-foot home for a week of rustic charm and modern amenities. With seven bedrooms, all wildlife-themed as a nod to the residents they were sharing the landscape with, the space was ideally suited to all. The evening welcomed the first of many private chef-prepared meals, indulging in the seasonal flavors of the West.
EXP Guides offering expert instruction and support to all our guests — whether they’re first-time or seasoned shooters
Embracing the Spirit of the West
All activities at Reid Creek Lodge are personalized and designed to maximize family time, ensuring every moment is well spent on the land, from sunrise to sunset. Mornings begin with a delicious breakfast, followed by guided adventures tailored to each family member’s pace.
The morning called for a privately guided shoot for the whole family. Under the watchful eye of the EXP Guides, the group tested their aim on skeet, sporting clays, and a dueling target tree, which made for a great, friendly competition.
Discovering Reid Creek Lodge via private UTV tour
In the afternoon, the adventure continued with a privately guided UTV expedition for the more active members of the family. The guides took them on an adrenaline-pumping drive across the vast 300,000-acre property, awarding them panoramic views and utter privacy, as they were the only vehicles seen all day.
As dusk fell, the family regrouped for dinner and to enjoy a ‘Night Out’ at Headquarters Lodge. This was another opportunity for them to witness how the ranch works hard to preserve and raise awareness about its traditions. Beginning with a creekside cocktail wagon ride, the family was taken to the Lodge. Upon arrival, they explored one of the region’s finest private collections of Western art and memorabilia while the kids headed off to the game room, which, to the teens’ delight, even featured a mechanical bull.
Through Reid Creek Lodge at Wagonhound, you explore your own national park, your way
Stepping Back in Time
The family had settled into the rhythm of ranch life, and their energy levels and timeline dictated each day. Today, after breakfast, enthusiasm was high for new activities, so they headed out on a climbing and rappelling excursion. With all the family being first-timers, they received an in-depth safety briefing, and then the EXP Guides were on hand to provide instructions throughout, guiding them both up and down the rock faces.
Conquering the climbing routes
After a successful morning adventure, they refueled with lunch, and next in store for them was time spent relaxing at the lake with alpine waters nearby, where members of the group enjoyed paddleboarding and kayaking. After the earlier success with the shooting competition, the teenagers and the grandfather embraced another friendly competition, but this time with rods in tow as they cast fishing lines.
The family gathered again for another chef-prepared dinner tonight featuring Red Angus steak from the ranch. The evening was finished off with s’mores around the campfire, where they enjoyed the stars above without the typical digital distractions. It was this kind of slowness and a connection to the bygone era that made Reid Creek Lodge a truly special place for families to stay.
A private e-bike ride exploring the vast 300,000-acre property
Mountain Rides
After a nourishing lunch crafted by our private chef, some family members opted for an e-biking adventure from the Lodge through the trail, a gentle route in the backcountry, which provided them with yet more panoramic views of the mountains. Meanwhile, others sat back and enjoyed the scenery from the back porch of Reid Creek Lodge, watching the wildlife go by.
Swapping stories of their experiences over the week, the family enjoyed a final dinner together. The adults stayed up as the wine flowed while the children entertained themselves with a last billiards game.
Invaluable time together as a family full of adventure; core memories made
Western Wonders
Wrapping up the journey, the family gathered for one last breakfast and reflected on an incredible week, enjoying authentic ranch life, plenty of adventures, and the opportunity to slow down and just breathe. It was a family vacation, creating memories that they would not forget anytime soon, telling stories of the beauty and legacy of Wagonhound Ranch for years and generations to come.
