New to Ring Lake Ranch?
At a Glance
This is RLR...
The Ranch community, including staff of about 12 and one or two volunteers each week, averages between 35 and 50 each session. Meals are taken together around common tables in the Dining Hall. Everyone helps in doing simple chores – cleaning up after meals and tidying our own cabins before departure — to help keep the Ranch accessible for all.
Stimulating seminars, thoughtful discussions, and informal interaction among guests and distinguished session leaders provide a unique intellectual experience for all who seek a deeper understanding of God and themselves – lay persons as well as educators and ordained clergy. Seminar topics range from exploring the ecology of the environment surrounding the Ranch, to examining spiritual practices and formation, to addressing issues in Biblical interpretation and other sacred texts, to creating songs and art pieces, and much more. Our guest seminar leaders offer 90 minute seminar sessions four evenings each week.
Trail rides, hikes, and canoeing, there are a myriad of ways to enjoy the breathtaking nature of the Wind River Valley. With a conservation easement in place, we are dedicated to keeping the land of the Ranch wild. This means a better home for the hummingbirds, prong horn deer, and cutthroat trout.
We ask guests to help keep the land pristine through recycling and disposing of waste properly.
Daily Activities
What Our Guests Say
Hear From Our Incredible Guests
About Their Experiences
“Everything about Ring Lake Ranch is magical, peaceful, relaxing, and rejuvenating. I absolutely love the area, the staff, the food, the activities, and especially the freedom to be as involved or as secluded as you’d like to be. Every part of the retreat week is meaningful, intentional, and thoughtful. Ring Lake Ranch is perfect if you’re seeking solitude or community, whether you want to have a week full of fun activities in nature or if you want to read alone on your porch or on a rock. A friend invited me the first time I came and I brought my mom the second time. And this definitely won’t be my last time or my mom’s last time here. So many visitors become regulars. It’s such a special place.”
“If you are looking for a lovely getaway in Wyoming – this is your place. The cabins are so cozy, the meals are delicious (even catering to individual dietary needs), and so many activities onsite – kayaking, SUP, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and hiking (guided or on your own). They also host programming in the evenings – optional – but also wonderful. The three meals are served with all the guests at the same time, so it’s a great chance to get to know folks staying there (and the staff – super fun). Our 20-year-old son went along with us, and he loved it as well. I’m such a fan of this place and can’t wait to return.”
“Our family has spent two weeks at Ring Lake just about every summer; and we have loved it. The ranch does so much to create a very genuine sense of community for each session during the summer. The staff is fantastic. We’ve enjoyed the speakers every year and look forward to both reconnecting with old acquaintances and meeting new people from around the country.
The scenery is spectacular; and we’ve always enjoyed the planned hikes and horseback rides. The food is abundant. Perfect place for families to get away from screens and distractions.
Absolutely one of our favorite places in the world.”
Frequently Asked Questions
We are located 10 miles from town on a gravel road. We have a small gift shop with sundry items, but you should plan on bringing your supplies with you. We provide linens and bar soap, but you may want to pack shampoo and conditioner. Weather is variable – warm days and cool nights are the rule, so layers are helpful.
- Casual clothing (jeans, sweatshirts, T shirts, shorts)
- Long sleeves for outdoor activities
- Sweaters and a warm jacket
- Rain jackets (no ponchos allowed for horse riding)
- Riding pants or jeans
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or walking shoes. Hiking poles or a walking staff is advisable if you have difficulty in walking. Paths and walkways are hilly and rocky.
- Sunscreen, skin moisturizer, and chapstick
- Flashlight or headlamp (we have no exterior lights)
- Fishing gear (a Wyoming license may be purchased online or in Dubois)
- Mosquito repellent
- Water bottles
- Day pack or fanny pack
- We have laundry facilities on site, including a washer, dryer, clothesline, and laundry soap. There is a donation bucket in the laundry room to help us cover expenses.
Guests arrive between 3pm and 6 pm on Sundays at the start of a seminar week and depart the next Saturday morning. We have dinner at 6 pm on Sunday, followed by an orientation at 7:30 pm.
The rest of the week generally follows this schedule:
- 7:30 am Offered Morning Prayer in Chapel
- 8:00 am Breakfast followed by brief meditation and announcements
- 9:30 am Morning activities: i.e. organized hikes, trail rides
- 12:30 pm Lunch
- 5:30 pm Offered Sharing Time (Guests or staff sometimes offer to lead discussions, demonstrations, or concerts)
- 6:00 pm Dinner
- 7:30-9:00 pm Seminars – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
The petroglyphs on the Ranch are associated with vision quest experiences of the Mountain Shoshone people. They are thought to be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand years ago. Seminar guests are welcome to view them whenever they wish but feel free to ask staff for a guided tour since some are difficult to find. Because the petroglyphs are such a significant archaeological and cultural feature, we allow limited access to them by non-Ranch guests: Only archeologists, American Indians, school and university groups, and groups organized through the Dubois Museum will be allowed access to the petroglyphs and our other cultural resources. Any groups wishing to view the petroglyphs must obtain permission from the Ranch Director.
Mostly definitely! In fact, families have been coming to the Ranch from the beginning. Many of our programs are interesting to kids and we have kid-friendly rides and hikes. Children 12 and under attend at no charge! Please note, however, that we are not able to offer childcare.
For the safety of your pet and the other guests on the Ranch, please leave your pets at home.
We serve a variety of dishes, but all are tasty and filling.
Breakfast includes items such as French toast casserole, bacon, yogurt, fresh fruit, etc. Lunch is anything from wraps and sandwiches to soups or grain bowls. Dinner is heartier, comfort meals such as roast and potatoes, fish and veggies, or shepherd's pie. “The food is so good that I ate too much” is about the only complaint we hear! Let us know your special dietary needs from vegetarian to gluten intolerance. We do everything we can to accommodate all dietary needs!
Because we are a nonprofit!
Our priority is to make the Ranch experience available to anyone who wishes to join us. Our guests help with dishes and clean and re-make their cabins at the end of sessions, allowing us to keep a smaller staff. Generous donations cover a portion of our operating expenses. If the fees are a burden, we have scholarship help available – please ask!
Absolutely! Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone are about 2 hours drive from the Ranch, making them a great day trip opportunity for guests.
The local town of Dubois offers lovely shops, local parks, a rodeo every Friday night from June - September. The local tavern also hosts the St. Thomas Episcopal Church summer fundraiser every Tuesday evening--a square dance!