Dude Ranches have been in existence in Wyoming for over 100 years. The word “dude” meant, for years, those who came from the east to enjoy the open space and deep color of the west. A place where they could lose themselves in the red rock canyons, the views that stretch for miles, blessed with sounds of coyotes and the soughing of pines, instead of the sounds of traffic and sirens.
Red Reflet Ranch near Ten Sleep, Wyoming, is one such ranch, two hours north of Cody, Wyoming. The owners recently expanded the 27,000-acre ranch to include twelve homestead lots, ranging from 40 to 160 acres, with prices ranging from $435,000 to $1.225 million. The plans for each homestead include the possibilities of one home, a guesthouse, a barn, and a hangar pad adjacent to the private airport with a 5,000 foot runway. Now, a private jet can land on the airfield, and its owners can enjoy the luxury as well as solace this ranch provides.
Along with using the amenities of the ranch, the new community members can own a prorated share of the airport, runway and common ground. Several Owners’ Clubs are in the works, including a Cattle Club for residents interested in developing their own small herd, an Equestrian Club, with the ability to board and ride the members’ horses, and a Big Game hunting club. The homestead owners will also enjoy the Red Reflet amenities such as access to equestrian programs, cattle wrangling, fly fishing, zip lining, shooting, a natural water park, ATVing, a pool, gym, tennis court and fine dining within the resort.
Right now, guests who are looking at the Red Reflet homesteads, or those who wish to stay and enjoy the primeval red rock canyon milieu, have a choice of luxury accommodations at the ranch. The Ranch House, sleeps up to 14, and features a large yard, pond, and tree house in the backyard. It is located near the greenhouse, garden, and chicken coop, a favorite place for fresh eggs gathering.
The Ponds Chalet is located at the entrance of Red Reflet’s private red rim canyon. It is 1,620 square feet with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and accommodates up to six guests. The 1,856-square-foot Panorama Chalet has two bedrooms, sleeps six and has unimpeded views of the Big Horn, Jim Bridger, Owl Creek, and Absoroka Mountain Ranges. The great room of the Panorama has floor-to-ceiling window walls, a stainless steel kitchen and a large dining area that seats six. With 1,400 square feet of space, the Couple’s Chalet sleeps up to four and is designed around a great room with large windows to admire the red rock canyon and surrounding landscape.
These accommodations are all surrounded by views of red Chugwater formation sandstone cliffs with the contrasting blue sky and white snow-tipped mountain peaks not far away. The Ranch lies five miles outside of Ten Sleep, in the North Central part of Wyoming, with altitudes ranging from 4,600 to 8,500 feet. It is a truly unspoiled land, where the cowboy past and the luxury present meld and live in conjoined harmony.
