With unobstructed 'Resort Map' views of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the southern Teton range, Branchwater Ranch provides Winter and Summer visitors a rare opportunity to experience the rugged history of Jackson's Hole but with modern amenities. It's both old and new, remote and close by. Be forewarned - this is not the Four-Seasons. It's real ranch living - only with high-end linens and a hot-tub.
Wide-open spaces, 4 distinct cabins, a large outdoor campfire ring with benches and several picnic tables make Branchwater the perfect place for everything from family reunions, housing for wedding guests, corporate retreats, and larger gatherings to a quiet retreat for family or friends. Access to the regions activities is unsurpassed. Winter visitors can nordic-ski on the property or drive the 3 miles to JHMR. Summer visitors can bring horses or access GTNP in under 5 miles. Either way, an evening soak in the hot-tub and/or songs by the roaring campfire, underneath a canopy of stars, will help you relax in preparation for the next day's adventures.
The ranch is part of a 50 Acre family owned compound, established in the 1930s, that is surrounded by one of the largest working cattle ranches in the west on 3 sides, and the Snake River on the 4th. The property has been deeded to the Jackson Hole Land Trust, ensuring it remains an unspoiled and important historical landmark and a habitat for regional flora and fauna. It's not unusual to see Elk, Moose, Coyotes, White Tail Deer, a Bald Eagle, Owls and a working Cowboy or two all on the same day.
Three of the four cabins started as hunting or hotel cabins that were moved onto the property in the 70's. (One, in fact, proudly displays a sign indicating it was once used by Teddy Roosevelt.) Each has since been added onto and fully renovated, creating 4 unique personalities. The latest renovations include expanding the smallest of cabins into a lovely one-bedroom hideaway, with private sitting room and office, and connecting it via a huge deck to the one 'built from the ground up' cabin on the property. The barn, corral and small riding arena were updated as well, so bring your horses.
As for views, the huge porch on the 'Moose' cabin, the patriarch of the ranch, is where you'll want to sit each evening as the sun sets, cocktail in hand if you so choose, to watch the shadows play across the faces of Buck Mountain and the Grand Teton. If you've just finished skiing, the views from the Hot Tub on the aforementioned deck allow you to replay every run and plan your next day's activities.
Ranch History:
"Bearpaw Dude Ranch" was one of the early dude ranches in "Jackson's Hole", circa 1930, and was owned by John Huyler (prounounced high'-ler) of the Huyler Candy Company. The 'dude' part of the ranch is now in the National Park, mostly accessible from Granite Canyon trail-head but extending south into Poker Flats. The Rocking H Ranch, the entire 50 acre compound, was where they kept the horses. The Red Barn at the SE Corner of the compound, is original and is now a historic landmark. Every morning they'd run the horses from the Rocking H all the way over to the Bearpaw for the day's rides and then run them back in the evenings.
Jack Huyler, John's son and a JH icon and writer of several books about the area, worked at the dude-ranch every summer and frequently invited his cousins and friends to come work with him. The family eventually sold the 'Bearpaw' to the Rockefellers and kept the Rocking H for themselves. After his dad passed away, Jack eventually sold ~10 acres each to two of his cousins and a best friend and kept 20 for himself. One of those cousins is the owner of Branchwater.
The name 'Branchwater' originates from the early days when the owners first started visiting and, after a hard days work fixing up the cabins, would sit on the porch with a glass of bourbon (they're both native Tennesseans) and a splash of the water from the property, a drink they named "Bourbon and Branchwater".
You'll notice that most of the cabins started off as old hunting or hotel cabins that were moved onto the property in the 70s. In fact, there's a sign in the main cabin noting that Teddy Roosevelt actually spent the night in the cabin back when it was a hunting cabin. All of the cabins have, of course, since been modified to be a little warmer and to incorporate modern day luxuries like indoor plumbing, internet and lights.
Jack's books ("And That's the Way It Was in Jackson's Hole", and "Every Full Moon in August") can be found in the bookshelves of a couple of the cabins and purchased in town at the book store. Guests are encouraged to read them to learn the story of the property and cabins.
A breakdown of the cabins is as follows...
Moose, the largest has a master upstairs and queen bed downstairs. The master has its own full bath and the queen has a small full bath with shower. That bathroom is also used as the powder room for that cabin. So sleeps 4 total with room for an air mattress if needed. This cabin has a great covered porch with amazing views, two living rooms one with big TV and the largest kitchen of them all, and is considered the main cabin. W/D included
Next cabin to the north is Deer- it has a split bath (sink and shower/bath in one pat and toilet in its own closet) and two bedrooms and a nice sitting room with appliances and a sink- a kitchenette. GREAT views again!
One bedroom has a queen and the other bedroom can be made as a king or twins, you let us know before arrival. W/D included
Next cabin north is Elk- also has two bedrooms, one with a queen and the other bedroom has bunk beds, and a full sized bed with trundle. Sleeps 4-5 kids ( so defiantly the kids room!)
It has one full bath and large full kitchen. Large living room with large TV W/d included (second largest cabin)
Next is little Coyote, small living area with large desk and with full bath (shower only) and one bedroom with a queen- good for the couple without kids or the grandparents-
The town of Jackson is just 20 minutes, Teton Village 10 minutes and the entrance to Grand Teton National Park is 15 minutes away. The ranch is very close to everything but you feel as if you are completely removed in your own little slice of heaven!
Branchwater Ranch is unlike any property you will ever see in Jackson Hole, completely unique with untouchable beauty, views, rich history, rustic charm and elegance.
