© Dan Ham Photo 2012
Get away from it all at Wyoming’s under-the-radar, super exclusive Brush Creek Ranch just named most luxurious ranch in the country.
The way the world is has changed our notion of an ideal luxury vacation from exploring a bustling, cosmopolitan city, to one favoring wide-open spaces, sparse crowds and private local experiences. In Saratoga, Wyoming, Brush Creek Ranch has quietly been attracting low-key VIPs for years and offers the perfect playground for a 2021 getaway with a Forbes five-star rating.
Named one of the world’s best ranches by Travel & Leisure, the seasonal 30,000-acre working cattle ranch opens for the summer on Memorial Day weekend.
Courtesy of Brush Creek
Named one of the world’s best ranches by Travel & Leisure, Brush Creek Ranch, the seasonal 30,000-acre working cattle ranch opens for the summer on Memorial Day weekend. While cowhands are busy wrangling the herd, you’ll be busy trying to decide from the myriad of activities to take part in for the day. Fly fishing in the morning followed by a cooking class in the afternoon perhaps.
While Brush Creek Ranch has a family-friendly Lodge and Spa, for sheer luxury and exclusivity opt to stay at its Magee Homestead, a five-star Relais & Chateaux collection of nine cabins nestled into a tranquil, creek-side location on the ranch. The hotel is adults-only, unless you do a private buyout for the duration of your stay.
© Dan Ham Photo 2012
The Wyoming cabins date to the early 20th Century, each named for the original homesteader owner who lived there. Those early settlers would barely recognize their former homes after a total renovation by Simeone Deary Design Group transformed the rustic cabins into luxuriously appointed, Western chic enclaves featuring modern amenities, original artwork and creature comforts those pioneers couldn’t even imagine.
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Courtesy of Brush Creek
A stay at Brush Creek Ranch includes all your meals and most sporting experiences on the property, and while the Lodge requires you to plan your activities ahead of time, guests of Magee can decide in the moment what suits their fancy.
Experienced hikers can test their skill on the Peak Hike or Lakes Trail in Medicine Bow National Forest, one of the highest mountain elevations in the country. For an easier time exploring the great American West, take a guided ranger hike via ATV or for a truly Zen experience try one of the fly-fishing adventures. Equestrian lovers can choose from private lessons and trail rides or experience a cattle drive or learn barrel racing or pole bending.
Courtesy of Brush Creek
After a long day of physical activities, relax at either Magee’s spa or the Trailhead Spa at Brush Creek Ranch Wyoming. Indulge in an altitude adjustment massage or luxuriate with the Spirit of Brush Creek body wrap.
Being a Relais & Chateaux program, a big focus at Magee Homestead is on culinary experiences held at The Farm at Brush Creek Ranch.
© 2019 Nathan Kirkman
Being a Relais & Chateaux program, a big focus at Magee Homestead is on culinary experiences held at The Farm at Brush Creek Ranch. Spend a morning working alongside the ranch’s executive chefs making pasta, crafting healthy eats or mastering butchery. True gourmands should opt for the full day epicurean adventure where you’ll be treated to the inner workings of all areas of The Farm, experience the cooking class along with wine tasting and private lunch.
Indulge your sweet tooth learning to craft delectable pastries and bread with The Farm’s executive pastry chef at The Bakery. And opening this year, a state-of-the art creamery will turn you into a cheese monger for the day.
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© 2019 Nathan Kirkman
If liquid libations are your fancy, the 94-yard, 30,000-bottle wine cellar is your happy place. Join Gretchen Allen, head sommelier for a deep dive into the collection, paired with wine education and of course, wine tasting at Brush Creek Ranch Wyoming. For those that prefer a wee dram of whiskey the Spirit Room experience will have expert mixologists introduce you to rare, small batch whiskeys, bourbons and other spirits usually kept under lock and key.
For an even more interactive experience join the lead distiller at the Distillery in the hands-on process of crafting your favorite spirits. Depending on the day you might prep botanicals or fill new barrels.
Executive Chef Angus McIntosh is a former protégée of Thomas Keller at the iconic French Laundry in Napa
Jack Schroeder Creative
For those that prefer leaving the culinary pursuits to the pros you’re in luck as Executive Chef Angus McIntosh is a former protégée of Thomas Keller at the iconic French Laundry in Napa. Chef McIntosh also represented the USA at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or culinary competition. Helming the Ranch’s Cheyenne Club Chef McIntosh and his team craft gourmet delights from the ranch’s 20,000 sq. ft. certified organic greenhouse and premium 100 percent American Wagyu raised on the ranch.
The Cheyenne Club pays homage to the original Cheyenne Club created in the 1880s. At the time the city was one of the wealthiest in the world and the private club drew the likes of Andrew Carnegie and Oscar Wilde. The exclusive club was known for gastronomic delights, rare liquors and the finest wine. Today, The Cheyenne Club at the Ranch embodies the same spirit.
© Dan Ham Photo 2012
While Brush Creek Ranch is ready to keep you busy at every turn with its robust activity program, some of the most memorable experiences on property often are the small, simple ones. Take a morning walk along the pasture and revel in the magic when a horse comes up to the fence to share a moment with you.
Or grab a bottle of your favorite wine and sit outside your cabin watching a sunset exploding in a kaleidoscope of reds, pinks, oranges and yellow. For city slickers simply enjoying the absolute silence while reading that book you’ve been meaning to get to by the fire pit is magical.
If you’re looking for a 2021 getaway that combines luxury, unparalleled service, activities galore, and a chance to get away from it all it’s hard to beat Brush Creek Ranch.