Hidden Heart Ranch
This close, yet remote get-away will truly capture your heart!
by Dawn Ballou, Pinedale Online!
July 6, 2005
Rustic log cabins, fishing, horseback riding, hiking
2005 RENDEZVOUS DAYS UPDATE: Hidden Heart Ranch still has cabins available for Rendezvous Days! Available for overnight or the week. Call 307-367-6539 or e-mail Terry Pollard at tpollard@wyoming.com
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Hidden Heart Ranch is brand new, yet old. The Pollards of Bald Mountain Outfitters have just opened their new guest ranch located on Pole Creek, approximately 10 miles from Pinedale. This ranch has a long history as an outfitter base and guest ranch, originally set up in 1932. It sits on 200-acres of private land next to Pole Creek, surrounded by Bridger-Teton National Forest and other public lands. Their facilities include cozy log cabins for guests, a main guest lodge, campfire next to the creek, and everything for horseback riding, fishing and scenic trips into the nearby mountains. Spend a night or a week, or just come out for a short horseback ride along miles of nearby trails.
The ranch is located just a stone’s throw from scenic Pole Creek, Little Half Moon Lake and Half Moon Lake. Meadow Lake, Fayette Lake and many other pretty lakes are a short hike or horseback ride away. The ranch borders Bridger-Teton National Forest and has close access to the Jim Bridger Wilderness in the Wind River Mountains. Bald Mountain Outfitters has operated in the area for over 37 years and they are very knowledgeable about the Wind River Mountain backcountry. Hidden Heart Ranch gives guests a base camp for summer horseback riding and fishing adventures and fall hunting with experienced guides, fully permitted by the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Bureau of Land Management.
The rustic, yet very comfortable cabins have been completely restored and decorated. Each has a modern bathrooms, showers, and outside decks. Cabin rates are for double occupancy, Children are welcome and kids under age 6 stay free. Overnight stays include the cabin, breakfast and private fishing access. Longer stays include meals, cabins, hours of horseback riding and private fishing access. Meals are served in their log guest lodge in view of Pole Creek. During the summer, they have evening campfires next to the creek. For relaxation and more socialization, guests can walk over to the "Hatchet Jack Saloon" for a beer or drink.
Activities include horseback riding (with instruction, no experience required), private fishing, wildlife viewing (deer, moose, antelope, maybe even a mountain lion!; elk in the spring), volleyball, horseshoes, fly fishing clinics, cookouts and wagon rides. Horseback trips can be arranged for fishing, photography and backcountry excursions. If you are limited on time, hourly and day horseback rides can be arranged for a fun family day adventure (do not need to stay overnight for these.) For fall hunters of Bald Mountain Outfitters, Hidden Heart Ranch is located just over the ridge from their Meadow Lake hunting camp, giving another choice for a hunting base with all the comforts.
Just getting to Hidden Heart Ranch is an adventure in itself. The first five miles are on paved highway. The last five are along a marvelous windy, bumpy dirt road that meanders through rolling sagebrush hills east of Pinedale. Take it slow and enjoy the wildlife and view of the mountains! The turns are all well signed. For geology buffs, these five miles are a delight to study classic glacial moraine deposits left by receding glaciers thousands of years ago. The ranch is at the end of the road, tucked in a pretty open meadow with aspen and pine trees right next to the mountains.
Hidden Heart Ranch is a wonderful escape for an over-night stay or longer vacation in beautiful mountain country. For those who have to stay in a place with satin sheets and mints on the pillows, you won't find that here. Bring your bluejeans, cowboy hat and comfortable walking shoes for plenty of fresh air and fun in the mountains. They have it all: 200 acres, no nearby neighbors, rustic log cabins, a mountain stream that runs right next to the cabins and lodge, forest, and miles of trails right from their front door. The Pollards are very friendly and quite familiar with the area and have lots of great stories to tell.
Hidden Heart Ranch is aptly named, because once you discover this place, it will capture your heart forever! Reservations are required, so you need to call ahead to reserve a cabin or horseback riding time. See their website for more information and pictures of Hidden Heart Ranch and Bald Mountain Outfitters:
www.hiddenheartranch.com
www.baldmountainoutfitters.com
Photos and story by Dawn Ballou, Pinedale Online!
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