The Bitterroot cattle spend the summer grazing on the adjacent national forest land the last week of September is spent gathering the herd before the winter arrives. This cattle drive in Wyoming is challenging work since the cows are scattered over a 50 square mile area of aspen & pine forests and small clearings. Groups of riders with a wrangler set off from the ranch, taking a picnic lunch each day and driving back whatever cattle they encounter. These are counted out of the forest and by the end of the week we are often following difficult tracks through rough country as we try to find the remaining elusive cows. This is a true adventure and there is a feeling of great satisfaction for a job well done as the cattle are loaded onto the semis that will take them to the lower ranch for the winter.
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Arrive at Bitterroot Ranch in the afternoon. Meet your fellow riders. Dinner and overnight.
Start the day with orientation and an evaluation of riders before enjoying a short morning trail ride. This afternoon guests are encouraged to participate in team sorting in the arena. This helps riders become acquainted with some of the techniques used in working cattle.
Take a picnic lunch and go looking for cows in the East Fork Basin area of the national forest above the ranch. They could be anywhere in this area of about 15 square miles. The terrain is comprised of the wide, grass covered valley of the East Fork Basin as well as forests hiding many large and small clearings which must be checked. Riding will be at 8,500 to 10,000 ft. elevation.
Today’s ride will cover the Castle Rock section of the allotment. Castle Rock will be towering above all day. Far across the valley riders will see the perpetually snowcapped Wind River Mountains forming the Continental Divide. Stop to enjoy a saddle bag lunch. The elevation today will be over 9,000 ft. with riding through forests and open meadows rounding up any strays.
Set off with a picnic lunch and head into aspen-clad Alkali basin. This area is comprised of many small drainages, where cows can be hidden away.
The challenge today will be locating pockets of cows that have not been gathered in the previous days.
The morning will be spent gathering, loading and shipping cows. In the afternoon ride back into the forest and search for any missing cows.
Depart after breakfast.
The itinerary for this ride is subject to change and totally dependent upon the location of the cattle. Riders participate in the routine of a working cowboy gathering scattered cattle, driving them down from summer pasture, and sorting animals. This routine is varied and unpredictable but requires long hours in the saddle. Please note that weather, unexpected movements of cattle or Forest Service instruction could change plans.
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These are the happiest horses I've ever seen! And so smart, sure-footed and honest.
Melissa Keyes
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