The Ranch Report
Resolution: Looking Forward
As winter settles over the Tetons, our team is already looking ahead to June. Plans are well underway for another season of trail rides, river floats, and long evenings in the pasture.
A new year invites reflection —on what to carry forward and what to let go. Under the stewardship of the Gottwald family, the ranch is evolving: refreshed cabins, expanded culinary offerings, and continued investments in the guest experience. But through it all, our resolution remains the same—to preserve what has made this place special for nearly a century.
The creak of the saddle on a morning ride. The quiet of the valley at dusk. A week where family comes first and the outside world fades to the edge of the Tetons. These things don't change—they're the reason people return, year after year, generation after generation. Our resolution for 2026? Keep honoring the timeless traditions while creating more unforgettable experiences.
Beyond The Ranch
Lost Creek is bordered by over 3.7 million acres of protected land in each direction, all accessible from your cabin door. Grand Teton, the surrounding National Forest, and Yellowstone park to the north are the most contiguous and well-kept wilderness areas left in the lower 48 states.
This is wild country in every direction. Moose in the willows at dawn. Elk moving through the valley. Bears trailing a scent through the dense timber. Even on the ranch, the wild is never far.
This is what makes Lost Creek more than special. It’s rare. World-class whitewater, blue-ribbon trout streams, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and two national parks within an hour's drive. You're never more than ten minutes from an amazing adventure.
hours or less from Lost Creek Ranch
Ol ul Gran matic Yello Lake -2
Dave HansenWhitewater Rafting
Private/Public Tours
Half-day trips | 8-miles | Class 2-3 rapids
Morning & afternoon departures
$115/adult (13+), $100/child (6-12) on large raft
Private raft available if your party fills it out
-gratuity and transportation not included
Buffalo RoamYellowstone/Grand Teton Tours
Private Tours of Lower Yellowstone
11-12 hour day, departing 7:00-7:30am
$1,450 first guest, $100 each additional (up to 9 guests per vehicle)
Public Group tours also available at $225/person
-park entrance fees and gratuity not included
The Wandering AnglerLarge Group Fishing Trips
Private Tours
Half-day (4 hours) from $865 | Full-day (6 hours) from $1,065
All gear, snacks, and drinks included
$14 fishing license required for ages 14+
18% gratuity added for the guide
-gratuity and transportation not included
Vetted Vendors
Longer trails. Slower mornings. Golden light.
Slow, golden afternoons with no sched s and more room to breathe. September at the ranch is a different kind of quiet.
We save the best for last. Each year ends with two weeks reserved for guests 18 and older—a chance to experience Lost Creek at its most intimate. Morning rides with wranglers and guests you can really get to know. Cooler air settling into the valley at dusk, carrying with it a certain impermanence, a reminder of why we only operate during a short window. Evenings take on a different rhythm too. Coursed tasting menus paired with international wine selections. Live music drifting across the wedding pasture. It's not hard to understand why our Adults Only weeks draw the highest returning guest volume of any week on our calendar.
Tia Christensen Staff Highlight
How did you find your way to Lost Creek?
A friend who grew up in Jackson Hole had worked with me at other operations and kept telling me about this place. She promised it was different she was right.
What drew you to wrangling?
I was finishing my degree in exercise science and thought I'd do something fun before getting serious about life. I took a job as a trail guide outside Zion National Park and discovered something unexpected: I'd never felt more fulfilled. Working with horses and people every day changed everything. After graduation, I guided in Yellowstone, but I wasn't satisfied until I landed here.
How do you match horses to guests?
It's part science, part intuition. Height, weight, experience, goals—those are the fundamentals. But personality matters too. A confident guest with some fire in them usually does well on a horse with a little attitude. A nervous first-timer needs a steady hand underneath them. Getting that match right is one of the most important things we do. Seattle, WA
Head Wrangler
4 Year th
What does a typical day look like?
I'm at the barn by 5:45. Before the team arrives, I review ride sheets, saddle assignments, and the catch list making sure we're set for the day. Once everyone's in, we tack up and the real work begins: welcoming guests to the barn. That's the moment it all clicks. The horses do the heavy lifting, but helping someone discover what it feels like to ride through this landscape—that never gets old. After the rides return and the horses are turned out, I'm usually in the office managing the logistics that keep everything running. The days are long, but you'll still find me on the dance floor Tuesday nights or out in the wedding pasture when the band plays. The people here—guests and staff—make it worth it
Any fan favorites?
Plenty. Crowheart, RiggIn, and Bootleg keep us on our toes. Then there's the old guard: Slim Shady, Sky Rocket, Bartender. And Sinatra, of course—he was on the Modern Family episode. Every horse out here plays a role in what we're able to offer guests. I'm grateful for all of them.
How big is the herd?
We run 85 to 90 head depending on the season!
Michelle & Chris
This was our second visit to Lost Creek Ranch. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of the Teton Mountains, this ranch offers an experience like no other. From the moment we arrived, the incredible staff made us feel like family. Their warmth and attention to detail truly set this place apart. The Chef and his team amazed us once again with delicious, gourmet meals—we were in heaven at every bite! Our cabin was warm, cozy, and the perfect retreat after a day of adventure. The wranglers were an absolute delight, full of energy and humor, and the horses were fantastic!
Our rides into the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park were breathtaking, offering stunning views and incredible wildlife sightings, including bison and elk. Starting each morning at the coffee bar felt like the perfect way to ease into the day, and the evenings were packed with fun. Line dancing was an absolute hoot, and we had so much fun connecting with other guests. The addition of the Lost Creek Rodeo this year was a fantastic surprise—it added even more excitement to an already incredible trip!
We want to extend a special thank you to Jasmin and her team for their exceptional care and for making our stay so memorable. Returning to Lost Creek Ranch felt like coming home. The combination of unmatched natural beauty, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a truly special place. We're already counting down the days until our next visit. Thank you, Lost Creek Ranch, for another unforgettable experience
Ingredients:
1 C brown butter (cooled)
1½ C brown sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla
Directions:
1 C cake flour
1 C all-purpose flour
2 C oats (toasted, cooled)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp kosher salt
Preheat oven to 350°F
Brown butter in saucepan, set aside to cool
Toast oats 10 minutes, cool completely
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, then vanilla
Mix flours, baking soda, salt, and cooled oats separately
Combine wet and dry, fold in chocolate and toffee bits
Chill dough 20+ minutes (fridge) or 10 minutes (freezer)
Scoop (2 oz), top with sea salt
Bake 8–10 minutes until edges set, centers soft