Splash! A cascade of water shoots up, and peals of laughter resound. Scott, our Triangle C wrangler is leading us through deep pools in the Wind River. This is no ordinary "dude string" ride. We're a small group being led by a creative wrangler who loves his job. It's an exciting ride, and wet boots are just a part of it.
Calendar-like photography surrounds Triangle C Ranch (800/661-4928; www.tri anglec.com). Within view are the Pinnacle Mountains and Absaroka Range; the pristine Wind River flows through the ranch. The comfortable log lodge is welcoming in both its décor and majestic mountain views.
The ranch is located off Highway 26 at the base of Togwotee Pass, 20 miles west of Dubois, Wyoming. Nearby is the North Gate of Grand Teton National Park and the South Gate to Yellowstone National Park. For riders wishing to view wildlife and wilderness, this is an ideal location.
Time-Tested Experience
Triangle C Ranch is owned and operated by Cameron Garnick and his wife, Vicki. Located on the site of the historical Tie Hack Camp, the ranch dates back to 1906. It was here that lumberjacks (hacks) cut logs, then floated them downriver to Dubois. A small graveyard and some cabins remain as a reminder of this era.
Talk about experience! For more than 30 years, the Garnick family has been in the guest-ranching business. Triangle C guests are given a working-ranch experience with extra attention given to details.
Bill Garnick, Cameron's father, now 95, took the first guest-ranch course that was offered in 1931 by the University of Wyoming. The present-day family is the fourth generation of guest-ranch operators.
Cameron, Vicki, and five of their eight children live on the ranch. They manage and operate the ranch, and hire help as needed. Their riding program was designed by them and tailored with guests in mind.
Horses are the Heart
Horses are the heart of a working ranch. Triangle C runs about 150 horses and mules. Wranglers have a broad selection of breeds and types to choose from when matching guests to their equine partners. The Garnicks raise their horses and train them on the ranch. They know each animal's strengths and temperament.
When pondering guest ranches, consider the horse-to-guest ratio. Many ranches have a 1:1 ratio, which runs the risk of exhausting horses long before the season ends. However, Triangle C always has a 2:1 ratio, sometimes running as high as 3:1.
By having more than one trained horse to choose from, you have more of a say in which horse you'd like to ride. Also, there's the safety factor. Exhausted, overworked horses may not be safe to ride on steep mountain trails. Unsound or green-broke horses may be pressed into service when stressed wranglers are faced with an overload of guests and a lack of ready mounts.
According to Cameron, proud father of eight children, "family is our forte." This ranch caters to families. And because not all family members share common interests, it has a broad program of diverse activities. There's something for everyone.
During the summer, Triangle C operates a fulltime guest-ranch program. The focus is on horses and family fun.
For horse lovers, there's a plethora of activities. New riders, as well as those wishing to improve their horsemanship skills, may sign up for equitation classes. There are morning rides, afternoon rides, all-day rides, easy rides, challenging rides, Sunrise Rides, Sunset Rides, and more.
