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| Month | Average High | Precip | Snow |
| January | 26.5 | .67” | 14.1” |
| February | 30.5 | .48 | 10.3 |
| March | 36.5 | .49 | 14.1 |
| April | 48.0 | .77 | 6.1 |
| May | 60.3 | 1.45 | 6.1 |
| June | 70.5 | 1.34 | 0.0 |
| July | 79.3 | .88 | 0.0 |
| August | 76.7 | 1.11 | 0.0 |
| September | 68.5 | .95 | 0.7 |
| October | 57.4 | .73 | 2.1 |
| November | 39.3 | .61 | 8.3 |
| December | 9.8 | .66 | 11.3 |
Average 300 days of Sunshine
| 1 pair blue jeans | 1 pair leather riding gloves | * any medications |
| 1 long sleeve shirt | 1 pair warm ski gloves | 1 muskol bug repellent |
| 1 hat | 1 wrist or pocket watch | 1 wide-mouthed water bottle |
| 1 warm wool shirt | *BYO (bottle or beer) | * wash cloth & towel |
| 1 warm wool sweater | 1 wind breaker | 1 day pack |
| * undergarments/socks | 1 warm coat | 1 polarized sun glasses |
| 1 pair wool socks | 1 raincoat | 1 alarm clock (very optional) |
| 1 pair riding boots | * toiletries | * maps |
| 2 Bic lighters | 1 pair extra glasses (if you wear them) | Fishermen should add: |
| 1 pair comfortable camp shoes | * binoculars (optional) | *fishing rig case (hard w/good caps) |
| 1 Warm sleeping bag | 1 chap stick | * fishing license |
| 1 therm-a-rest sleeping pad | 1 camera, extra film & batteries | * fishing gear (we offer rental equipment |
| 1 small pillow (airline like) | 1 small flashlight, extra bulb & batteries | * waders (optional) neoprene best |
| Dries | Size | Wets | Size |
| Mosquito | 12-16 | Prince Nymph | 10-16 |
| Pale Morning Dun | 12-16 | Gold Ribbed Hares Ear | 10-16 |
| Renegade | 12-16 | Pheasant Tail Beadhead | 12-16 |
| Royal Coachman | 12-16 | Wooly Buggers | 6-10 |
| Royal Wulff | 12-16 | Leech | 6-10 |
| Parachute Adams | 12-18 | Muddler | 8-12 |
| Dave’s Hopper | 8-12 | Green or Tan Scuds | 10-14 |
| Black Gnat | 14-16 | Zug Bug | 10-14 |
| Beetles | 10-14 | Black Pheasant Tail Bead Head | 10-16 |
| Olive Hares Parachute | 16-18 | Brown or green Beadhead Damselfly | 8-12 |
| Elk Hare Caddis | 14-16 | ||
| Irresistible | 14-16 |
| sizes | sizes | ||
| Panther Martin Lures | 2’s & 4’s | Thunder Bug (black & yellow) | 1/16oz |
| Stream-a-Lure | 4’s | Krocodiles (green & yellow) | 3/16oz |
| Spin-a-Lure (gold or black) | 4’s | Rapala (minnow, rainbow, brown) | CD-5 |
| Spoon colors: (silver, black, yellow & florescent) | Flatfish (pounded brass w/orange) | 1/16 to 1/8 oz | |
| Rooster Tail (black & gold) | 1/16oz |
Very important: You need to keep out coat gloves, hats, raingear, insect spray, camera, extra film, water bottle, maps, lunch and anything else you think you need for the trip into camp. Travel time is about 5 hours. Once we get your duffel bag, you will not have access to it again until you arrive in camp. BE SURE EACH MEMBER OF YOUR GROUP KNOWS THIS.
Each member of your group is restricted to less than 60 lbs of gear. All of your gear should be packed and ready to go by the meeting time at the trailhead. All of your gear should be packed into one duffel bag (army style is best). Sleeping bags should be kept separate and will be packed separately. Be very careful to wrap breakables and put into the middle of your bag and cushion accordingly. The weight of the bag should be evenly distributed from back to front and top to bottom. If you have anything valuable you should carry it on your person. This is a wilderness trip and mules can bang into tress and such. We cannot accept responsibility for broken or damaged equipment. Do not bring anything you’d hate to lose.
Many guests find it interesting to have their own set of maps. We will be happy to work with you in acquiring these if you so choose.
You will need a fishing license if you plan on fishing anywhere other than the ranch pond. We suggest you stop at the Great Outdoor Shop in Pinedale or give them a call. This sporting goods & clothing shop is very complete; and they are familiar with the lures and flies we recommend. They can also send you flies, lures, license and/or maps of the area with a credit card. A one day Wyoming license is $6.00 [current regulations state $10] & children under 14 fish under their parents license. An annual license is $70.00 [$75]. A fishing license can be purchased in advance if you specify the days you want to fish. Their phone is (307) 367-2440 or email: greatos@wyoming.com.
We offer both fishing and fly fishing gear for rent. Rates run $10.00 to $25.00 per week. Sleeping bags can be rented from the Great Outdoor Shop in Pinedale. 367-2440.
Most of our wilderness traveling guests find that staying with us at the Historic DC Bar Guest Ranch the night before & the night after a trip can really top off a great adventure. Occupancy is very limited and due to the recent popularity of our Guest Ranch program, we suggest that you check into reservations as soon as possible. Each cabin is equipped with a wood-burning stove. If you are not familiar with the operations of a wood-burning stove, be sure to ask for instruction prior to firing it up.
We have T-shirts, jackets, gym-style duffel bags, and some popular fishing equipment for sale at the ranch.
The hot tub is 8x12 foot in size. We do not keep it to full temperature all the time for economical reasons. If you are planning to use the hot tub, let us know several hours in advance so we can get the water temperature adjusted. Hot tub is closed by 10:00 PM.
If you or any of your group has any special dietary requirements (other than doctors orders for steak & lobster diets), please be sure to inform us of such well in advance so we can adjust our menus. Menus are usually planned two to three weeks in advance.
Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:30 AM on the average. If you would like a different schedule, ask. If special excursions are planned & meal times are changed, you will be notified in advance.
Lunches will almost always be in the form of sack lunches. We encourage your input to what and how much you would like. We want you to get a good lunch, & we hate to see waste of unused items. All trash is to be packed back to camp. Dinners will usually be served from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
A study of other Guest Ranches shows that 65% of the ranches in the country add a gratuity of 10% to 15% right to the bill (most of these being 15%). We have decided not to adopt this type of policy.
We want you to have the option to tip or not and to have control of the amount you wish to tip. We do ask that any tip that you give be done in the form of one check presented to management. Tips are pooled & will be distributed evenly. This has been decided by the staff to be the best way for us to operate.
If you wish to bring something to camp, that’s fine. We want to remind you that we are a family service, & if you are not on a private trip, we ask you to be sure to be moderate. If you want more than a few beers packed in, you will be over limit. Be sure to make arrangements.
We have a saying here: “Enjoy our wild areas. Leave nothing but tracks, take nothing but memories”. Remind family members to never litter. If you come across trash while hiking, please pick it up & pack it out. We love our country and want to keep it pristine and clean.
We prefer no smoking, but do realize several people do smoke. While at the ranch, we ask for no smoking in the common areas. If you smoke outdoors, be very careful. The woods are dry. Butts should be put out & held until cool, then placed in some form of container & stored until you can dispose of them in a proper trash receptacle at the ranch. Please do not toss butts on the ground.
It is almost a guarantee that you will see wildlife during your stay. Wild animals have not posed any threats in the past & really should not be feared; however, remember that they are wild. Out here we are more of a visitor in their world than they are in ours. Our ranch is adjacent to the largest forest in the United States. Do not harass nor get too close to any wild animal—especially those with young. Let them relax & enjoy the area, while we enjoy watching them.
Black bears are in the area, but are very, very rarely ever seen. The black bear will most likely run upon seeing you. Recently, the Grizzly has been seen in the area behind the ranch. Bear country brochures are available. So far, we have had no encounters.
Our neighbor will prosecute you if you trespass on his property. DO NOT TRESPASS. His fence line is to our south & to our east. To our north & west, we are bounded by the National Forest. You are allowed to go anywhere on our ranch or on the forest.
When traveling off of the ranch on your own, please be sure to give someone responsible the information as to where you are going & when you will be back. Pay close attention not to get lost. It happens very easily back here. A lot of this rolling country looks alike. Always look behind you as you go into the country, picking out landmarks & seeing what the country will look like on your return trip.
If you get lost, sit down & think about where you are. Study the sun & see which way the shadows are cast. If you know basically what time it is, this will give you North, South, East & West directions. If you get your bearings, you can start toward the ranch. Keep track of the sun and/or shadows to be sure you’re moving in a constant correct direction. If it isn’t working, it is best to stay put.
If you hear three rifle shots evenly spaced, it is us trying to give you a bearing to head towards. We will fire every 15 or 30 minutes until you arrive. If we are getting short of bullets, we may only fire twice. On wilderness trips, we may not have a rifle.
You should never go into the woods, even for a short hike, without the basics of survival and first aid equipment.
This is cattle country. The rule on all gates is to leave them as you find them. If you need to open a gate to get through, be sure to close it again. If the gate is later open, do not close it. Do not try to second guess the situation. If it seems completely wrong, leave it as you found it & then report your findings. Livestock will often rub against gates so be sure you do a good job whenever re-closing a gate.
This is still a wild and pure area. There is nothing like bending down and getting a drink right from a glacier melt spring or creek. You will see many of us drink in this manner; however, it is very important to realize there is a risk in this.
The only safe way to drink water is if it has been boiled for three minutes, or if it has been filtered with a reverse osmosis filtration system. If you wish to take these measures, it will be your responsibility to do so.
If you drink from the wilds, be careful. First, know your source. Never drink below beaver areas. Springs or glacier melts are usually pretty safe. Very high elevations are usually pretty safe. Ask if in doubt.
Giardia is a small parasite, and it could be present in any of the wilderness water supplies. It is our goal to inform you of this and then let you make your own decisions as to whether or not you choose to place yourself in a position in which you may get Giardia.
If you get Giardia, you will not know for a week to ten days. The signs come on strong and painfully. You will think you have the “Alien” in your intestinal tract. You will get some of the worst diarrhea you’ve ever had. Get to a doctor and tell him that you may have Giardia.
The drug “Flagel” works to clear it in most cases; however, some people do not ever seem to get completely cured.
Most people are affected by altitude sickness if they do not acclimate properly. Most people require about three days at increased elevation for their bodies to adjust. If you drink lots of water, this can speed up the process & reduce the effect. If you are driving out, you can count the travel time as 1 full day towards your adjustment time. If you are flying out, count ¼ day for the flying time. Refrain from exerting yourself during the adjustment period of time. With care, you should have no problem.
First signs of altitude sickness begin with a slight headache. This gains in intensity if you do not take appropriate action. Nausea & bad headaches are signs of advancing cases.
Rest, plenty of water, & two aspirin will usually take care of the discomfort. The resting period can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. Once you have adjusted, take it easy for a while and gradually increase your activity.
The Antler Motel can offer you a very nice room & is located just one block off of town square. The people at the Antler have always taken very good care of our clients. Costs run $78.00 per night for two. Tell them we sent you. Telephone (307) 733-2535.
There are also both a Super 8 & a Motel 6 just outside of Jackson; however, you will find these to be quite expensive. Super 8 in Jackson is around $80.00 per couple.
If you are planning on flying into the area, you may want to have your travel agent price you into both Salt Lake City, Utah and Jackson, Wyoming. The most expensive part of your trip will be the Salt Lake / Jackson fare. It may be well worth it for you to rent a vehicle in Salt Lake and then drive to the ranch. Salt Lake to Pinedale will take about 3.5 hours, Jackson to Pinedale will take about 1 ½ hours. After considering your layover time in Salt Lake and the flight time to Jackson, you’re not really saving much time. It’s worth your consideration.
We love pets; however, yours will need to stay at home. We do not have the facilities, nor the atmosphere to care for pets. If your pet is traveling with you, you should make housing arrangements for it through “Critter Sitters” in Pinedale 367-2687.
Horseback riding is always a very big part of every trip. If you are uncomfortable with riding, be sure to let us know, and we will work with you in the corral until which time you feel you have control. The amount and the degree of riding is left up to you. It is your choice. At anytime during a ride, you can choose to stop, get off, & lead your horse. If you are an experienced rider, you must be cognizant to not ride beyond the abilities of the most inexperienced rider in the group.
If you wish to help in the saddling and unsaddling of your horse, be sure to get instructions on the way we do it prior to that time. We strive to work each horse the same way each time; and all of the gear has a certain way to be put away.
EACH MEMBER OF YOUR GROUP WHO IS GOING TO RIDE MUST BE AWARE OF EACH OF THESE POINTS:
 | We also have riding mules. Both mules and horses should be given the same considerations. |
| We will leave halters on and bridle over these. Tie all lead ropes with a clove hitch to the saddle horn. Lead ropes should be tied just long enough to allow the horse to get its head down to drink with the rope being stretched completely tight while drinking. |
| Never tie a horse up with the reins. Always tie them up with the lead rope. At the corral, we tie the horse just long enough so they can touch the ground with their nose. Away from the corral, we always tie high & short. This keeps them from trying to eat. |
| If the bridle is not taken off while the horse is unattended, the reins are to be tied to the saddle horn. When the bridle is taken off, hold it by the strap behind the horses ears, bit hanging down, and loop the reins back & forth up along the head strap. Place over the saddle horn on the “on” side & tie down with the saddle strings. |
| When you tie a horse up in the woods, be sure the tree you select is at least 6 inches in diameter & that it is a sturdy live tree. Dead trees get pulled over. Look at the complete area the horse can swing into & make sure it is safe from ground clutter, branches, and overhangs. |
| Sit in the center of the saddle. Place body weight evenly into each stirrup, ankles directly below your shoulder, back straight. Riding correctly keeps saddles from sliding. Do not slide back & sit against the cantle (the back of the saddle). This can cause kidney sores to your mount. |
| If the horse is turning too tight around a tree, you can expe4ct to get your knee crushed. Be prepared to put your inside hand on the tree at chest height. You can push away from the tree; and you will be surprised at the leverage you have on the horse. |
| Always hold the reins in the proper manner with your arms extended slightly. Reins should allow a slight curve, do not pull on the horses bit; but do allow for a lot of slack. Never release the reins while mounting, riding, or dismounting. |
| While riding, always sit straight up in the saddle, balls of the foot on the stirrup, and remain alert. Even the most docile of animals can be spooked. It takes just a moment to be hurt. Always be alert and always ride with the expectations that the horse could shy at any moment. It is your responsibility to always have control of your animal. Be careful not to cause problems for other riders. |
| Only allow your horse to water where the group leader indicates to water. Do not allow your horse to stop and drink off trail. When watering, do not crowd other horses. |
| Be very careful to keep your distance from the pack string. Do not crowd nor get too close at any time. You could get wrapped up in the string and hurt, or you could cause a wreck to the pack animals. |
| Never do anything other than ride properly while on horseback. Do not eat your lunch, take off or put on raincoats, or make any sudden startling movements which can spook your horse. Always stop, get off the horse, and tie the horse up correctly, prior to putting on a raincoat. |
| We do not allow horses to eat while on the trail. If we take a rest in a meadow, we may allow them to eat, but do not allow them to forget that you are still in control. |
| If you are having trouble of any kind, or if you need to stop for a moment, notify the group, and we will stop together. This helps keep the horses calm. |
| Cinches should be just tight enough to slide a hand inside. |
| Do not run horses on the way back to the corral. |
Find the town of Pinedale on the western side of the state. It is evenly centered between Rock Springs and Jackson. The highway running through Pinedale is Hwy 191. Five miles west of Pinedale on Hwy 191 you will find Hwy 352 heading north. Turn north on Hwy 352 to the turn-off just past mile marker 19 which has a sign for the DC Bar Guest Ranch.
As you come into the upper clearing, you will see the cabins. Park at the fence in front of the main cluster of cabins and come to the first cabin. This is the kitchen cabin (Woody’s) and is the best place to find someone. They’ll get you lined out with a cabin and get you started. If by chance, no one is around right when you get in, get out, stretch, relax and enjoy. We won’t be far away. There is a bathroom in the kitchen cabin, just in case the road trip was a little long. Make yourself at home.
If it has been raining heavily, please call from a phone somewhere prior to turning onto Hwy 352. We can give you a report of the road condition and keep an eye out for your arrival; or we can even come down and pick you up at the paved road with a 4x4 vehicle. Large motor homes and very low clearance cars should take extra caution.
Our phone number is 367-2268. If you get the answering machine, leave a message. We can access the machine by radio and get a call back out to you.
Our phone number can be given to friends and/or family for emergency purposes. All those to whom you give this number should be made aware that this phone is at our office in town and that it should only be used to get a message to you; and even that could take some tie.
Calls from the ranch will be difficult; however, they are possible by radio. Plan your outgoing calls prior to your arrival or after your departure.
