Trail Creek Ranch includes approximately 270 acres of land with eight rental units in total. The first owner of the land, Elizabeth Woolsey, opened the ranch to guests in 1946 as a "dude ranch", which is how the property's western, countryside theme was first created. The majority of visitors come to participate in outdoor attractions and events near the ranch. An array of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and fly fishing can be available to guests during their stay. Some events near the property include the Old West Days and the Fall Arts Festival. Hiking trails for backpacking or mountain biking are a relatively short distance from the ranch. Trail Creek Ranch provides many amenities and basic necessities such as dishes, utensils, and bathrooms, each of which are included in every cabin.
Trail Creek Ranch is located in the lower northwestern region of Wyoming. The property takes up approximately 270 acres of land and features eight rental units. One of the cabins can house up to six people, although the majority of the cabins generally house 2-4 people. The overall theme of the ranch is western, which dates back to the 1930s when it was first built. The cabins have a wooden exterior, two of which are built with authentic logs. An extensive amount of space surrounds each cabin, creating a front yard for the participation of activities such as horseshoes or cornhole, which are both provided on the ranch. The property itself is surrounded by national forests on three sides of the grounds, additionally with numerous trees and mountains. Much of the wildlife roaming through the area include moose, squirrels, deer, elk, foxes, and ravens.
The names of the eight units featured at Trail Creek Ranch are Alex's Cabin, The Ritz, Wyllis Cabin, Betty's Suite, Sargent Room, Chivers, Ellie, and Edelweiss. Alex, the current owner, remarked that the most popular out of all eight is the rental called "Alex's Cabin". It was built in the 1990s and includes a living room, a full kitchen, utensils, dishes, washing machine, dryer, deck, bath, and gas grill. The larger cabins contain cooking facilities, and the majority of all cabins have weber grills or gas grills. In addition to Alex's Cabin, Betty's Suite is the most requested by guests. Betty Suite and Sargent Room, in particular, both have kitchenettes and weber grills. Every cabin has a private bathroom, coffee makers, utensils, and dishes. The Wyllis Cabin is a two-bedroom log cabin that was built in the 1930s. It has a porch area, picnic tables, and a gas grill on the outside, and a small kitchen, bathroom, and custom log furniture on the inside.
During the summer the property holds about 20-25 horses that are available to guests to pet or feed apples and carrots to. Additionally, the gardens and flowerbeds that dot the property can flourish during this season. The ranch also opens a heated swimming pool for guests to swim in. The ranch is open year-round, featuring an array of outdoor activities such as skiing snowmobiling, backcountry touring, hiking, rafting, fishing, and horseback riding, to name a few.
The atmosphere of the area tends to be generally laidback and quiet, due to the rural location of the property. Many visitors come for a wide range of outdoor activities around the area such as fly fishing, hiking, rafting, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Walking and hiking trails are a short distance from the ranch. Some of the towns near Jackson Hole include Kelly, Moose, Moran, Wilson, and Teton Village. Jackson is mainly known for the western feel that comes from the surrounding environment, as well as the events held around the area such as Old West Days and the Fall Arts Festival. The area frequently draws in guests who prefer being active outdoors.
Many guests have commented about the cleanliness of the rooms at Trail Creek Ranch and the hospitality from the owners. One specific guest said, "The cabin was very clean and comfortable for two (we didn't even use the "extra" room with two twin beds at all), and Alex, Bill, and the rest of the crew were excellent hosts." The central location of the ranch could be considered by many visitors to be conveniently located near several attractions and activities. Another guest mentioned, "It was a short drive into Jackson and Grand Teton National Park."
The historical barn's western theme dates back to the 1930s, when the very first owner of the land, Elizabeth Woolsey (also known as "Betty"), purchased the property in 1942 when she noticed the powder skiing possibilities that led down to what is now Trail Creek Ranch's main lodge. Ten years before owning the property, Elizabeth Woolsey competed in the 1936 Olympics as the captain of the first women's Olympic ski team. She officially opened the property to guests in 1946 and made it a "dude ranch" that rapidly expanded into the 270 acres that it is currently. Some of the aspects of owning the ranch at the time entailed serving guests three meals per day and horse rides with the assistance of her wranglers. Due to the expenses, the ranch does not serve guests meals anymore. Just before Betty's death in 1997, she placed the ranch in a conservation easement with the Jackson Hole Land Trust to protect it from development.
Muggs has been at Trail Creek Ranch since she was nineteen years old and she is now ninety-three. For over seventy years she has owned and operated the ranch. Muggs works beside Alex who has been at the ranch for over thirty years, raising her four sons in the countryside. She had always wanted to work on a ranch. Alex discovered the property when she came into town one summer, searching for a passion she could pursue for the rest of her life. Sharing the ranch with new visitors is one of Alex's favorite parts about owning the property. She enjoys helping guests plan trips and making sure they are comfortable during their stay. During the winter season, the owners donate the land to a Jackson Hole Club for them to maintain a NordicTrack.
7100 W Trail Creek Rd
Wilson, Wyoming 83014
United States
Guest Ranch
Alex
Elizabeth Woolsey
