Last fall I packed up the family and all of their associated cowboy boots and hats and headed for what turned out to be one of the most dialed, most fun, and most unexpectedly intimate luxury experiences we’ve had yet.
Brush Creek Ranch, outside of Saratoga, Wyoming, had been on my radar, but nothing could have prepared me for the level of thoughtfulness, quality, and authenticity we encountered from the moment we arrived.
Set against the wide-open spaces of Wyoming’s North Platte River Valley, Brush Creek Ranch is a place where art and cuisine meet on a world-class working ranch, with five-star lodging, a distillery, and much more. The service is somehow above reproach while still maintaining a laid back cowboy vibe. We went in expecting a high-end experience, but left talking about it like it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I hope it’s not. From whiskey tasting to shooting clays to mountain biking, riding horseback around part of their 30,000 acres of breathtaking wilderness, yoga, llama trekking, and more, visitors to Brush Creek Ranch are treated to a unique mix of adventure and sophistication.
Brush Creek’s Remarkable Art
One of the things that took me by surprise was an art collection that rivals any hotel in the world—and many galleries and museums as well. This isn’t a decorative afterthought or brand veneer: it’s a personal collection, designed by the ranch’s founders Bruce and Beth White and curated by Simeone Deary Design Group and Kevin Barry Art Advisory, that delivers a deeply rooted and contemplative experience of the West. It’s a collection that makes you stop, makes you look twice (always a tell), and in some cases—like the sculptural installations beneath the Wine Tunnel—makes you rethink what Western art even is.
The collection spans more than 40 curated works displayed throughout The Farm, from the Saddle Barn and Cheyenne Club to the Founders Wine Room and Spirits Vault beneath the 94-yard Wine Tunnel. The pieces are diverse in medium and message: paintings, photographs, sculptures, functional design, and relics that together speak to what the West was, what it is today, and where it might be going.
Notable artists include Marc Evans, Christine Flynn, Lisa Kokin, and internationally renowned photographer Adam Jahiel. Wyoming locals like Shawn Rivett and Jahiel lend a vital regional voice. Among the highlights are Kevin Clark’s Elk Chandelier and Antler Fireplace Screen, a magpie feather sculpture titled Swell by Kate MccGwire, and Soldier, a horse head carved from driftwood by Matt Torrens. Tsunami Glassworks contributed handblown Grape Varietals, while John Houshmand’s Log Table fuses wood, steel, and glass into furniture-as-sculpture. Mixed media panels by Katie Guiterrez explore biological and botanical regeneration, and Christine Flynn’s gold-leaf bison portrait captures myth and icon in one frame. Lisa Kokin’s Sanctum, created with shredded and threaded U.S. currency, recontextualizes wealth and meaning. Other standouts include Michelle McKinney’s intricate mesh grape leaves and Jaydan Moore’s silver-plated platter rims reimagined as sculpture.
Alongside this formal curation are equally arresting works by Ed Mell, known for his bold, geometric interpretations of the Western landscape that bring a fresh, modern sensibility to cowboy imagery, a modernist take on Western terrain; and Herb Mignery, whose bronzes depict cowboys, Native Americans, and historic ranch life with reverent precision. You’ll also find works from Western masters like Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, and contemporary provocateurs like Billy Schenck, whose pop-art cowboy portraits bristle with irony and edge.
More than just a static exhibit, art at Brush Creek is a living experience. Artist residencies and live demonstrations are built into the seasonal calendar. One afternoon you might walk past a sculptor shaping bronze near the barns; another evening you’ll find a plein air painter interpreting the alpenglow. The ranch has curated a diverse assemblage of Western and contemporary works, reflecting the region’s heritage while pushing artistic boundaries. These immersive experiences elevate the ranch to a place where art comes alive.
To document the incredible collection and share its beauty beyond its walls, Brush Creek Ranch has published an art book that showcases the most significant pieces on display. This beautifully crafted volume offers insight into the artists, their inspirations, and how the collection has come together to create an immersive cultural experience for guests.
A Culinary Destination in the Heart of the West
While Wyoming may not be the first place that comes to mind for gourmet dining, Brush Creek Ranch has redefined the region’s culinary scene—offering some of the most elevated, immersive farm-to-table experiences in the country.
The ranch’s food philosophy centers on sustainability and local sourcing, with much of the produce, meat, and dairy coming directly from the on-site The Farm at Brush Creek. The farm includes a high-tech hydroponic greenhouse complex, a creamery, bakery, and wagyu program that provide ingredients for every meal served on the property. Guests are encouraged to engage with the full cycle of food production—from feeding livestock to watching artisanal cheeses being crafted by hand. The cheesemaking program is particularly noteworthy, producing aged and fresh cheeses from the ranch’s own herd.
At the heart of this culinary vision is the Cheyenne Club, an exclusive epicurean enclave that blends fine dining with educational immersion. Overseen by an acclaimed executive chef with Michelin-star experience, the Cheyenne Club elevates every meal into a storytelling experience. Multi-course chef’s tasting menus are curated with seasonal ingredients sourced from within the ranch’s ecosystem and paired with wines selected from a cellar that rivals those of the world’s top restaurants. Guests may also participate in mixology courses, sommelier-led wine tastings, and hands-on cooking classes, all designed to deepen their connection to the food and its origins.
The Cheyenne Club isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a culinary school, an experimental lab, and a celebration of the Rocky Mountain region’s flavors and traditions. With direct ties to the Brush Creek Distillery, many dinners also feature estate-made spirits, including grain-to-glass whiskey, gin, and vodka—all produced on-site. The distillery itself is open for tastings, and private mixology sessions are available for guests looking to dive deeper. Notably, Brush Creek is also home to the sixth-largest wine collection in the world, and the third-largest in the United States, with more than 35,000 bottles on site. The collection is carefully curated by the in-house sommelier team, and includes everything from rare vintages of Napa Cabernet to boutique Old World wines, as well as carefully selected picks from emerging winemakers.
Brush Creek offers several wine tasting formats—from introductory pairings to reserve-level verticals—all designed to elevate the guest’s understanding and enjoyment of each pour. Pricing for wine tasting experiences ranges from $150 per guest for standard pairings to more than $500 per guest for library vintages and reserve-tier selections. Legacy tastings—intimate, reserve-level experiences curated by the ranch’s sommelier team—are available for up to $1,500 per person and represent some of the most rarefied and bespoke tasting offerings anywhere in the West. Many dinners also feature spirits made on-site, including small-batch whiskeys aged right there on the ranch. The tasting room offers a rotating menu of craft cocktails, and guests can also book private barrel tastings or hands-on mixology sessions. Signature whiskey flights and curated spirit pairings round out the experience, offering an intimate look at what it means to distill at altitude with purpose and precision. Signature dining experiences range from multi-course chef’s dinners featuring seasonal ingredients paired with expertly selected wines, to rustic fireside meals under the stars that blend cowboy traditions with elevated technique.
Wellness & Yoga in a Historic Setting
Tucked into a lovingly restored one-room schoolhouse, Brush Creek’s yoga and wellness program offers a serene counterpoint to the ranch’s more adrenaline-driven pursuits. The space itself is a work of architectural preservation, with exposed beams, natural light, and sweeping views of the surrounding valley—creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and elevated. It’s here that guests gather for daily yoga, mobility, and mindfulness classes led by seasoned instructors with diverse backgrounds in Vinyasa, Hatha, sound healing, and functional movement.
The programming isn’t an afterthought—it’s integrated into the overall guest experience with intention and care. Whether you’re stepping into your first class or deepening an existing practice, the quality of instruction rivals what you’d find at top-tier wellness retreats. Many sessions are tailored to complement the ranch’s active offerings, with recovery-focused flows for hikers and riders, and breathwork designed to recalibrate after a day in the saddle or on the slopes. Regularly scheduled classes—typically offered morning and late afternoon—allow for easy integration into any itinerary, whether you’re up for sunrise yoga or a sunset stretch on an outdoor deck.
Adventure in the High Country
While Brush Creek Ranch is a haven for luxury travelers, it also offers some of the most exciting opportunities in the region for ski bums and general outdoor enthusiasts like myself. The surrounding landscape, including the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and the Snowy Range, provides endless possibilities for adventure.
We decided to tackle the Medicine Bow Peak Trail, a challenging, highly rewarding route that leads to the highest point in the Snowy Range at just over 12,000 feet. The trailhead is located less than an hour from the ranch, winding through subalpine forests and high alpine meadows, dotted with boulders and wildflowers in the summer months. As you ascend, the landscape opens to reveal expansive views of crystalline lakes, granite spires, and snow-capped ridgelines stretching in every direction. Nearby Lake Marie and Mirror Lake offer tranquil, postcard-worthy scenes—ideal for picnicking, photography, and soaking in the serenity of the high country. The proximity of these dramatic landscapes to Brush Creek Ranch makes it easy to blend a day of backcountry exploration with an evening of wine-paired fine dining or fireside relaxation. Or tack on a day of backpacking to the beginning of your trip.
In winter, Brush Creek transforms into a snowy playground with access to a private ski hill called Green Mountain that offers groomed cat-skiing and personalized instruction, with only 16 guests allowed at a time—typically made up of one or two private parties. Your ski boots and equipment will be waiting for you in the warming yurt at the base of the slopes. Snowcats transport guests up 1,100 vertical feet to access a wide range of terrain, from mellow greens and scenic glades to black diamonds and powder-filled chutes. The 600-acre mountain also features four luxury yurts strategically placed for lunch, warming up, or lingering over après-ski cocktails. Brush Creek provides all necessary gear, transportation, and expert instruction or guiding, depending on your preference and ability level.
Additionally, nearby Snowy Range Ski Area provides downhill terrain with small-mountain charm and surprising powder days. Brush Creek’s backcountry terrain is accessible with guides for ski touring and splitboarding. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails allow guests to explore the winter landscape at a quieter, slower pace. And if you’re looking to expand the trip, Steamboat Springs is just two hours to the south. Special winter offerings this past season included Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides, Llama Snowshoeing, Ice Fishing, Ice Skating, Snowmobiling, Snowcat Skiing on a Private Mountain, and Snowga; and world-class culinary offerings such as Pasta Making, Mozzarella and Burrata Cheesemaking, Distillery Experiences, Spirit Vault Tasting, and Wine Cellar Tours & Tasting.
Equestrian & Ranch Experiences
One of the main attractions for obvious reasons is Brush Creek’s equestrian program, which includes lessons in the arena and guided trail rides through spectacular landscapes, suitable for riders of all experience levels. The indoor equestrian center is an immaculate, climate-controlled arena that allowed our kids a unique opportunity to ride and work with the horses. The staff was patient, professional, and deeply passionate about creating a positive experience. Watching my kids connect with the horses under the guidance of skilled wranglers in such a safe and inspiring space was one of the most meaningful parts of our stay. For a deeper connection to ranch life, guests can also join in on cattle drives, learning the skills and rhythm of Western horsemanship straight from working wranglers. We also took part in a short llama trek and immersion experience curated just for us.
Shooting Sports
Brush Creek’s shooting complex is among the largest, most thoughtfully designed, and best-orchestrated in the American West. The facility puts 120,000 rounds through a magnificent collection of firearms each season, and includes sporting clays, trap, skeet, pistol, and long-range precision courses—all staged against a high-desert backdrop of Wyoming frontier that amplifies the immersive experience.
Each station is staffed by instructors with law enforcement or military backgrounds, lending an extraordinary level of professionalism and care. Whether you’re new to shooting or an experienced marksman, the guidance is technical yet tailored, safe, and engaging, and shooting is actually a very zen-like activity, and it’s fun as hell. Combined with the striking landscape and high-end equipment at your disposal, it’s an unforgettable immersion into the discipline and tradition of marksmanship.
Kids’ Programs
While many luxury destinations pay lip service to family-friendliness, Brush Creek Ranch has developed what is arguably one of the most robust and thoughtful kids’ programs at any dude ranch. Their Lil’ Wranglers and Junior Ranchers programs are full-service, well structured, and deeply engaging—designed not only to entertain but to educate and inspire. Each day is crafted around age-appropriate experiences that mirror the adult offerings, allowing kids to engage with the land, animals, and culture of the American West in a way that feels real. From horseback riding lessons and ranch animal care to fly-fishing basics, archery, gold panning, and nature hikes, the breadth of experiences available to young guests is staggering.
What truly elevates the program, however, is the level of staffing and care. Professional educators and outdoor leaders with backgrounds in childhood development supervise every activity, ensuring that safety, learning, and fun are perfectly balanced. Parents can spend their days exploring the ranch or relaxing at the spa, confident that their kids are not only well looked after, but having the time of their lives. More than just child care, this is a full-fledged experiential education program—and one that often ends with kids leading their own trail rides, performing skits, or showing off the skills they’ve learned during an unforgettable week on the ranch.
Giving Back: Conservation, Community, and Adventure Travel with Purpose
Beyond luxury and adventure, Brush Creek Ranch is rooted in a long-standing commitment to conservation, education, and access. The property sits on more than 30,000 acres of preserved high-plains wilderness—land that the White family has pledged to maintain through sustainable ranching and environmental stewardship. The ranch employs sustainable ranching practices to preserve the local ecosystem, ensuring that its vast landscapes remain pristine for future generations. From rotational grazing to wildlife habitat restoration, the ranch prioritizes environmental responsibility.
Equally impressive is their investment in youth education and opportunity: over the past decade, the family has contributed more than $150 million to programs that support underserved children. At the ranch, this includes hosting more than 400 kids each year through partnerships with organizations like the Big Shoulders Fund in Chicago. Beyond its luxury offerings, Brush Creek Ranch is deeply committed to land stewardship, conservation, and giving back to the community.
The White Family Legacy
The ranch’s history began many years ago when homesteaders who were following the construction of the railroad across the land settled the valley in the 1800s. Since that time, the ranch has been a working cattle ranch under a number of owners. In the early 1900s, the ranch was owned by Harry Hunter, who also held several other ranches in the area. It was then purchased in the mid-1920s by Edgar Uihlein, a descendant of the founders of the Schlitz Brewing Company. The Uihlein family used a “U-brand” for their cattle—adopted from the name, pronounced U-line—and there is still an etch of the U-brand in a rock on the Brush Creek Ranch property today.
In the early 1950s, the Uihlein family sold the ranch to a partnership that later transferred ownership to the Meyers Land and Cattle Company. A member of the Meyers family, Mrs. Caldwell, ran the cattle operation either independently or in partnership with a series of lessees until the late 1990s. Over time, cattle operations dwindled and the ranch fell into a state of neglect before it was ultimately put up for sale.
The property was purchased by Bruce and Beth White in 2008. Their original intent was to create a private space for friends and family to come together, but over time that vision grew. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry and deep family ties to the JW Marriott legacy—purchased the ranch, initially intending it as a private family retreat. That vision quickly evolved.
What the Whites saw in Brush Creek wasn’t just a chance to restore a historic ranch, but to reimagine it—as a place where land, art, food, and hospitality could intersect with integrity and ambition. They spent over a decade carefully developing the ranch, investing in restoration, architecture, agriculture, conservation, and guest experience. When it officially opened to the public in 2011, it still carried the bones of a working ranch—but layered with fine art, cellar-aged wine, reclaimed wood, and a philosophy of service that favors intuition over indulgence.
It remains a family project at heart—just on a scale that few families could ever imagine. Owned and operated by Bruce and Beth White—of the JW Marriott legacy and founders of White Lodging—Brush Creek Ranch reflects decades of expertise in luxury hospitality and a shared passion for the outdoors and the arts. The Whites purchased and opened the ranch to guests in 2019 with a vision to create not only a premium destination, but a meaningful and transformative experience rooted in Western heritage, cultural enrichment, and environmental stewardship. Their personal investment in both the landscape and guest experience is evident at every turn, from the quality of service to the scale of the philanthropic work that flows from the property. The White family supports a range of initiatives, from scholarships and youth development programs in agriculture and the arts to conservation partnerships focused on preserving wildlife habitats and restoring native landscapes. Their support of regional schools and cultural institutions further reflects long-term commitment to strengthening the community around the ranch.
Perhaps the most powerful example of this commitment is Brush Creek’s partnership with the Big Shoulders Fund, a Chicago-based nonprofit that supports students from under-resourced schools. Each summer, Brush Creek Ranch hosts nearly 300 students through programs like Staddle Camp, Junior Counselors, and Outdoors Bound. These immersive initiatives are designed to bring rural and urban youth—many of whom have never left their home communities—into contact with the natural world and with themselves. The Staddle Camp program, for instance, pairs academic development with outdoor experiential learning. During the school year, students engage in science curriculum and life-skills development, culminating in a six-day residency at Brush Creek Ranch where they take part in activities ranging from hiking and horsemanship to ecology and leadership workshops designed to foster confidence, resilience, and personal growth. The ranch’s commitment to these youth programs goes beyond a charitable line item; it’s a core value expressed in ongoing investment and hospitality that helps shape lives.
It would be remiss to brush off Brush Creek Ranch as just another luxury dude ranch destination. It’s a fully immersive world where every element has been designed with intention and integrity. You can wake up with sunrise yoga in a converted one-room schoolhouse, ride horses through snowy meadows in the afternoon, and sit down to a tasting menu rivaling the best restaurants in the world—paired with spirits distilled a few hundred yards away and wine pulled from one of the largest private collections on Earth. What sets it apart isn’t just the scale or the polish—it’s the authenticity. The wranglers, many of them women, patiently teach you and your kids to ride. The pastry chef spent at least 20 minutes at our table, telling jokes and sharing her craft. A sense of discovery somehow still exists, even in a place that seems to have thought of everything. It’s a recalibration of what life can feel like when all the pieces fall into place. For repeat guests, Brush Creek offers exclusive seasonal incentives—including 20 percent off for winter stays—which makes returning to this rarefied experience all the more appealing. For those seeking an adventure with meaning, Brush Creek Ranch stands as a shining example of art, food, luxury, and cowboy culture convergence.
—Definitely Wild is a regular column by EO Contributing Editor Aaron Bible. He has been writing for Elevation Outdoors and Blue Ridge Outdoors, among other outdoor publications, for more than two decades, covering cycling, skiing, gear, adventure travel, and mountain life. The opinions expressed here are his own. Follow him on Instagram at @DefinitelyWild.
Read more from Definitely Wild:
Fly Fishing with Eleven Experiences
Coming Home with George Hincapie
