Working on a dude ranch in cody, WY

My wild west story began when I applied to five dude ranches throughout the west this past spring in some downtime during my final internship. I eventually forgot about the applications, then one day I got a call from a ranch asking me if I was interested in coming to work for them at the dude ranch for the summer. I essentially said yes on the spot, and after some calls to references he called me back the next day and said the job was mine. I was to be a server in the lodge and I could ride the horses, I got my own room, I could bring my dog, and they would feed me. The pay was a mere $250 a week to work 6 days, but I figured it would balance out with all the benefits I would receive. Finally the day came, I graduated on my birthday, May 6th, and was driving my newly converted camper van to Wyoming on May 9th. I imagined myself meeting the other workers, all supposed young people who had similar interests in nature and horses, and I even day dreamed about a summer fling who might also speak Spanish. What I was greeted with was a few nice people, and others who were, let’s just say not my cup of tea. After trying to fit in for some time I gave up and let them talk, most were under 21, the girls were clicky, the guys were hot headed and got drunk every night. I found a friend in the dishwasher and we spent our time looking for rocks, hiking, and watching movies. Other than the people and the pay, I eventually realized that my dream of riding horses all summer was not going to be actualized. According to the owners, the terrain was too steep and there were too many rocks to do anything but walk the horses. We did not have an arena to practice in, and even if I did want to go I would have had to be accompanied by one of the wranglers, none of which were willing to ride when they weren’t working. This essentially made the whole deal unbalanced, and I was at the point of disliking my time there.

An all time favorite picture of Gin, taken at the ranch.

During my time at the ranch, especially when things began to come to light, I went to the gym in Cody (40 minute drive from the ranch) about 4-5 times a week. I met many people there and in town, and one day ventured into the sports store and met a rock climber. He invited me to come climbing with him and some people and it became something I very much enjoyed doing. It is a very social thing, and when you’re climbing its kind of like a natural puzzle to the top. One day, a girl my age was there and we began talking about our lives and our jobs, she listened to my complaints about the job I then had and offered to introduce me to her boss for whom she drives Yellowstone tours for. One thing led to another and I was offered a job to give 12-13 hour a day Yellowstone tours for the rest of this summer and possibly next summer as well. This was extremely exciting to me because 1. the money was incomparable, I would be making the same I made in 6 days at the ranch in one working for this tour company; and 2. I would be able to live in Cody, go to the gym, be close to friends, and nearly everything else I enjoy doing here (mountain biking, lake swimming, fishing, hiking, golf etc.!!).

Big celebration after biking 15 miles (mostly uphill) to the east entrance of Yellowstone from the ranch.

Overall, if it weren’t for the people and horse issues, I would have absolutely loved working on the ranch. It is quite unfortunate that things happened the way they did, because I’ve been told that at other ranches on other years people had the best summers of their lives. I do not regret coming up here with a single part of me, but I do wish my time at the ranch could have been better. This area has drawn me right in, and I genuinely could see myself living here long term. Therefore, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity that was given to me, and hope that other people take the chance and try something interesting when the opportunity arises.

Hot spring and thermophile mats in Yellowstone NP.