USA - Wyoming, Paradise Ranch

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from KG of Sheffield on 23/09/2024

The riding program is very flexible, and features a number of choices; two hour rides as well as both half-day and full-day rides. Good safe horses and slow riding for beginners on scenic rides in the surrounding wilderness, plenty of lope rides, team penning and barrel racing tryouts for experienced riders. The horses on this riding holiday are mainly Quarter Horse with some paints, appaloosa and draft crosses. They range in size from 14hh to 16hh. There are about 160 horses available for riding with the rest being young horses in training. They vary from calm and reliable schoolmasters to very responsive and well bred quarter horses. They are all ridden in a long reined western style and tacked up with western saddles and bridles. The riding program is very flexible, and features a number of choices; two hour rides as well as both half-day and full-day rides. Private lessons are also available upon request. There is even an overnight pack-trio available for teens.

There are fully supervised, award winning children's programmes for children from infant onwards leaving parents free to enjoy their activities. The programmes include riding for kids 6 and upward (with or without a parent) and pony rides for the youngest children, along with a balance of other activities such as arts and crafts, hiking, swimming games, fishing at the ponds, volleyball, kids dinners and a kids rodeo. One night the kids all go on a sleep-out in the woods nearby while their parents enjoy a gourmet meal served at the table. The children very quickly feel at home and often make life long friends under these circumstances.

There is a gift shop available on site which stocks western hats, shirts souvenirs and crafts.

Please note that all our ranch prices are fully inclusive of all taxes, charges and gratuities. Extras that are commonly charged on site at ranches which we include in our prices are: state taxes (2-8%), local town taxes (1-5%), accommodation tax ($1-5/night) and gratuities (12-15% is commonly expected as the staff are paid largely via tips). Our prices include all of the these and are guaranteed not to be affected by currency fluctuations once booked.

All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Non-rider and other activities:
Apart from the extensive riding program there is a fly fishing program on the ranch. All equipment and lessons are available for beginners. Guided hikes into the wilderness and an archery program are other options. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub as well as a complete evening entertainment program with music playing an important part.  Whether it's singing around the campfire, Country & Western and Bluegrass bands, or line and swing dancing in the saloon., the fun is endless here. There is a full bar which is open every evening.
Off-site entertainment which can be arranged for a fee includes professional fly fishing, a golf course near Buffalo and clay pigeon shooting. There is so much on offer that non-rider's will not be bored

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The horses are mainly Quarter Horse with some paints, appaloosa and draft crosses. They range in size from 14hh to 16hh. There are about 160 horses available for riding with the rest being young horses in training. They vary from calm and reliable schoolmasters to very responsive and well bred quarter horses. They are all ridden in a long reined western style and tacked up with western saddles and bridles. Riders are separated in groups according to ability and ride at appropriate speeds with loping for experienced riders. The pace depends on the terrain with some steep climb and some large open grassy meadows on the higher plateaus suitable for long canters.

There are no more than 7 riders per wrangler on rides. Tips on western riding will be given along the rides and if wanted riding lessons can be booked on site for $20/hour three times weekly. The lessons are semi private with a maximum of three people per instructor. Riders are welcome to request a wrangler, or will be paired with one that best fits one's riding needs. Riders are assigned their own horse for the week. The horses are saddled and bridled, but riders are welcome to unsaddle and brush their own horse after the ride. There are riding helmets and boots on loan in the barn if needed.

Three times weekly, there is cattle work in the form of a team penning session. The principles of working cattle is explained and everyone splits into teams and tries to separate a few cattle from the herd and take them across the arena and into a pen. This is usually fast and fun! For the more adventurous a barrel racing clinic is on offer once a week as well.

For teens there is an overnight pack trip on request.

No previous riding experience is necessary to ride on the ranch. A complete orientation is given and after the first trial ride, riders are separated by ability, with faster and longer rides for the more experienced.
There is a weight limit of 250lb for the riding activities. Children under 6 years will be limited to lead rides on ponies. The rides gradually increase in difficulty and time so no training is needed before coming out.

The weight limit for this ride is 250 lb/114 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is in 18 solid log cabins set on a hillside between tall Ponderosa pines, all with spacious living areas and own veranda with a view. It is very common to wake up to find moose and their babies grazing in the pond below the cabins or elk or deer wandering around the ranch. The comfortable log built cabins all have quality furniture and linen, kitchenette, their own bathrooms, living area and veranda.

There is a mix of one, two, three and 4 bedroom cabins. Each cabin also has a pull out sofa bed. An under occupancy supplement is charged for each person less than the minimum occupying a cabin. This minimum is: One bedroom - 2 people / Two bedroom - 4 people / Three bedroom - 6 people / Four bedroom - 7 people.

The food is lovingly prepared often from recipes handed down for generations. Sometimes the food is gourmet and sometimes western, but always delicious. There is an informal atmosphere and guests are always welcome to drop into the kitchen for a snack, a drink or just a chat. Vegetarians can be catered for as can other special diets with advance request.

Breakfast is available from 7.30 - 8.30am and is a hearty, full western breakfast with hot pancakes, sausages, eggs, french toast as well as a buffet of cereal, yoghurt, juices, coffee, bagels, toast, jam, tea, hot chocolate.

Lunch: This is usually a buffet with cold meats, home baked muffins and breads, three types of salad, pasta or a stir fry, burgers and desert.

Dinner varies depending on the occasion: cookouts, steak nights, gourmet dinners are all part of the variety. Three course meals, home cooked with plenty of choice is the standard. There is a bar which is open from 5pm every evening which has an excellent selection of wines, beers and cocktails at very reasonable prices.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. You should be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen on or after 1 March 2011, you are normally not eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Although they do say, "if you don't like the weather in Wyoming just wait an hour", the ranches operating months of May through to September tend to feature good weather. June can be a little cooler, and August a little warmer but generally daytime temperatures range between 70 - 85 degrees fahrenheit and evenings between 45 - 60 degrees. Layering clothing is always good policy...The ranch is situated in a deep valley, so it takes a while to heat up in the morning once the sun hits.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

BE AWARE: There are restrictions and prohibitions on the import of certain prescription drugs into the US. The USA Food and Drug Administration website contains further information and advice on bringing medicines into the USA.

Medical treatment is expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

You should take suitable steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks. There are occasional outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Health authorities have classified the USA as having a risk of Zika virus transmission in Florida and a few parts of Texas

You can contact the emergency services by calling 911.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in the USA and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

There are no specific health requirements, but do bring plenty of sun block!

In the USA the supply voltage is 120V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).

Electricity is available in all the cabins to recharge camera and film equipment. A limited amount of film may be available in the gift shop, but it is best to bring any stocks required with you to the ranch. Wireless internet connectivity is available throughout the ranch. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet – We strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Jacket
- Long sleeved shirts
- Casual dinner wear
- Short sleeved shirts
- Sweater
- Sneakers or soft shoes
- Rain gear (no ponchos)
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding

Provided by hosts
Riding helmets
Boots

This is an 8 day/7 night programme available on set dates. Adult only weeks are available.

2025 Discount Week: 1 Jun
2025 Prime Weeks: 8, 15, 22, 29 Jun; 20, 27 Jul,
2025 Premium Weeks: 6, 13 Jul
2025 Late Season Week: 3 Aug
2025 Adult Only Weeks: 10, 17, 24, 31 Aug; 7 Sept

Child prices and under-occupancy prices are available from a Travel Advisor.
Occupancy supplements are charged if there are less than the allocated number of people in a cabin e.g. one person in a 2 person, or 2 people in a 4 person cabin. This is not charged if we can find you a person of the same sex to share.

• £
• €
• US $
• SEK

E. Annie Proulx’s three books of Wyoming short stories (“Close Range”, “Bad Dirt”, “Fine just the way it is”)

Mary O’Hara’s “Flicka” triology.

The Virginian” by Owen Wister (a classic one) and

Zane Grey’s Western novels.

C.J. Box (i.e. “Open Season”) and

Craig Johnson (i.e. “The Cold Dish”).

Cowboy poet Baxter Black 

“Where Rivers change Direction”, a memoir by Mark Spragg about life on an early dude ranch.

“Where the Rivers Run North” by Sam Morton, a historical novel.

“The Meadow” by James Galwin.

Lone Star: A History Of Texas And The Texans by by T. Fehrenbach 

Discovering Natural Horsemanship: A Beginner's Odyssey by Tom Moates.

.Monty Roberts books, particularly ‘The Horse Whisperer’

Notes From A Big Country by Bill Bryson and

Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck.

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com 

Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Like to see some wildlife? The ranch and its surrounding area have quite a selection. Keep your eyes open for elk, moose, deer, badger, mountain lion, coyote, beaver, fox, antelope, wild turkey, eagles and more, whether you’re on foot or on horseback.
Some of the more popular hikes include the Fan Rock sunrise hike, wildflower identification hikes, and beaver pond and picnic hikes to scenic viewpoints in the surrounding area. The naturalist guides are knowledgeable, attentive and love what they do.

Children:
There are fully supervised children's programmes for children from infant onwards leaving parents free to enjoy their activities. The programmes include riding (parents can ride with their children if they like) and a balance of other activities such as craft programs, hiking, swimming games, fishing at the ponds, volleyball, movie social and a kids rodeo. One night the kids all go on a sleep out in the woods nearby while their parents enjoy a gourmet meal served at the table. The children very quickly feel at home and often make life long friends under these circumstances.

There is a gift shop available on site which stocks western hats, shirts souvenirs and crafts

The USA has 4 main times zones - Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Vermont is on EST, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah are all on MST, California is on PST. Weights and measures are imperial although weight is always expressed in pounds, not stone. The US gallon is 3.8 litres in contrast to an imperial gallon which is 4.2 litres. Mobile telephone: 4G and 5G is widely available throughout the US in cities, towns, villages and along main highways with AT&T having the best overall coverage and T-mobile offering better speeds in cities. There is NO cell reception at the ranch, but there is WiFi in our saloon and office. There are still a few rural areas which have the older CDMA telephone networks. To be able to call from these areas we recommend buying a cheap Verizon phone from eg Walmart (from $13) and topping up with credit. Almost all hotels and airports offer free wifi connection.