Destination Spotlight: Three Forks Ranch

When you book your honeymoon, you want to make it count. Where can you celebrate this special occasion with your partner and relax in the lap of luxury?

Three Forks Ranch is one of America’s premier vacation destinations for your honeymoon, a corporate retreat or other major milestones. A few days at this top dude ranch will rejuvenate your body and soul.

Here’s what you need to know about this western lodge.

 

A Dude Ranch With a Long History

The Lodge and Spa at Three Forks Ranch is on the Wyoming-Colorado border. Its location near the mountains makes it ideal for those who enjoy winter snow and mild summer temperatures. You also get to immerse yourself in history, as the area was renowned for trade and tourism as far back as the 19th century.

If you like the Old West’s aesthetics and charm, this ranch is the place for you. Thomas Gardner — a wealthy man from Chicago — built the facility in 1875. While he called Chicago his home, he moved to the West to improve his health. Gardner built the resort in southern Wyoming to accommodate tourists who wanted to hunt and explore nature. After all, Wyoming is famous for pronghorn and elk hunting, among other animals.   

Since 1875, Three Forks Ranch ownership has changed hands a few times. However, the facility’s priority of delivering high-quality experiences has remained the same. The management team has consistently found ways to improve the facility, such as building the luxury lodge in 2008. This 35,000-square-foot building embodies why this resort leads five-star dude ranches nationwide.

 

What You Get at Three Forks Ranch

Sometimes, your entire honeymoon or family vacation occurs at the resort where you stay. Three Forks Ranch gives you all-inclusive luxury accommodations, so you don’t have to leave the facility. Here’s what to expect when you get to this southern Wyoming staple.

1. Customized Itineraries

Honeymoons and retreats mean relaxing and having fun based on your schedule. Staying at Three Forks Ranch lets you customize your itinerary and enjoy excursions the way you like. The resort will make your honeymoon or corporate getaway worthwhile. The nightly rate includes the room, spa, wellness services, meals and recreational activities, regardless of your lodging selection.

While you can go on solo adventures, Three Forks offers expert guidance for beginners or guests with various skill levels. These trained professionals help you tour the expansive ranch and understand the fascinating details of each location. If you don’t visit rural areas often, you and your partner can learn about the local animals and their role. For example, the cattle drive lets you push 8,000 calves and emulate the life of a 19th-century Westerner.

If you want a predetermined schedule, check the calendar for longevity and wellness retreats. The experts craft a full day of fun activities with help from Mayo Clinic physicians. For instance, the wellness retreat features a signature massage in the morning and an afternoon hike after lunch. Then, you get a cocktail hour and dinner before an educational lecture. The longevity retreats feature TRX fitness classes, relaxing facials and other health-centric activities.
 

2. Lodging

When you visit a top dude ranch out West, you want privacy without being too far from the amenities. You can find this solitude at the estate’s luxury tree houses. Three Forks Ranch features 12 across the property and fits each house with two king beds and a private bath. Honeymooners enjoy the treehouses because they have his-and-her amenities included with the shower. Relax on the balcony and breathe the fresh air after a long day at the resort.

The resort also has accommodations for large groups at the Cardinal Lodge. Three Forks remodeled the large building in 2019 to make it more luxurious and contemporary. When you book this dwelling, you get six bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a living space for your group. Plus, there’s a theater, dining area and powder rooms. The Cardinal Lodge is solid for corporate retreats, family reunions and other fun excursions.

Consider the Main Lodge if you want a more traditional setup. This large building is one of the primary features at Three Forks Ranch. The high cathedral ceilings and beautiful woodwork take you to another world while enjoying the best of the West. Each room — whether master, library or deluxe — displays unique artwork representing the land’s long history and mesmerizing landscape.
 

3. Dining

When you stay at a top dude ranch, expect some of the best food you’ve ever eaten. Three Forks Ranch is a premier destination because of its culinary experiences. Formal dining is one of the best options for guests because it gives them an evening they’ll never forget. The chefs use international influences when cooking high-quality steak, fish and produce. You also get top-of-the-line wine and cocktails to complement the meals.

If you want a more casual experience, head to the Roaring Fork Bistro for a fun night. This area is close to the aquatic facilities and is excellent any time of the year. Each day, you can come here to watch footage of your vacation or sports on the TV. The 16-foot HD screen provides supreme quality. Evenings at the Roaring Fork Bistro remain casual while transforming into a cocktail lounge.

Vacations typically include somebody else cooking for you. However, Three Forks Ranch lets you enjoy the culinary experience through on-site cooking classes. Each session features Mayo Clinic experts who teach you the best ways to make appetizers and entrees. Team up with your spouse for cooking competitions or relax and learn the basics. Regardless, the experience is one to remember.

4. On-Site Activities

The ranch isn’t just a place for lodging and dining — you can have numerous fun days in and around the resort. Start by appreciating the great outdoors and Wyoming’s best recreational activities. One of the best ways to see the western lands is by riding horseback. Three Forks Ranch has a terrific horse program with trainers taking you back to the Old West. The experience is open to beginners and safe for all due to first responder training.

Animal lovers may enjoy the wildlife tours the most. This outdoor experience takes you around the Sierra Madres in northwest Colorado and the 280,000 acres around Three Forks. Exploring this area lets you see mule deer, bighorn sheep and coyotes. If lucky, you may catch glimpses of bears or mountain lions while riding in a safe utility vehicle. Once the sun sets, you can bask in the moonlight and enjoy the star-filled skies without light pollution.

Workouts are critical to human health, even when you’re on vacation. The Centers for Disease Control recommends 150 minutes of weekly exercise, and Three Forks Ranch helps with these goals. Take a fitness class with numerous activities inside the gym or in scenic outdoor locations. The all-inclusive accommodations feature instructor-led yoga or intense pilates.

Other on-site activities include the following:

• Ax throwing: Ax throwing has become a popular feat. Test your skills and get fun exercise with this activity.
• Archery: How can you get closer to ancient hunting techniques? Learn archery with guided instructors.
• Pistol range: Shooting a pistol is more accessible in a controlled environment. Improve your aim and hit targets at the pistol range.

 

5. Winter Activities

Some group activities are available year-round, although others are seasonal. Take advantage of snow-centered activities if your honeymoon or corporate retreat is in the winter. For instance, ice fishing is among the most prominent activities at Three Forks Ranch. The expert guides help you catch fish and capture memories regardless of your experience.

Winter sports are one reason this destination is a top dude ranch in the Western U.S. When the snow is fresh and sparkling, take advantage of the private downhill skiing and snowboarding sessions. The large facility has 23 groomed runs and is close to the lodges, meaning you only need a few minutes to hit the slopes. Lindsey Vonn — a renowned ski racer — is the brand ambassador and has endorsed the resort for the skiing community.

The winter activities at Three Forks extend beyond skiing, as you can enjoy more relaxed experiences. For example, tubing is an accessible adventure for all ages because of the easy rides and well-groomed snow. Plus, you get heated rides to the top of the slopes to keep warm despite Wyoming’s low temperatures. While people associate hiking with warmer weather, you can get your fill by snowshoeing and strolling through nature.

Some of the other winter activities include:

• Cross-country skiing: In the winter, cross-country skiing is a fun way for couples to bond and relax. Take advantage of the 30 kilometers of trails and sightseeing.
• Snowmobiling: The Colorado mountains are ideal for snowmobiling. At Three Forks Ranch, you can explore nature on these machines and hit high speeds.
• Biathlon: Do you like friendly competition? The biathlon combines skiing and shooting for a day of games and laughs.

 

Making Memories at Three Forks Ranch

Honeymoons deserve special attention, so making the most of this vacation is essential. If you enjoy Mother Nature in its purest forms, Three Forks Ranch should be on your bucket list.

The expansive facility has something for all couples, whether you enjoy downhill skiing or spa days. Companies and families can enjoy the property thanks to the group lodging and bonding activities. Whatever your plans, this facility will make your stay unforgettable.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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