VUE

Owned by Bob and Laurence Kaplan—pilots, world- travelers and philanthropists—the Red Reflet Ranch reflects the kaleidoscopic personalities of these welcoming hosts. e Ranch offers a unique middle ground between life on a for-profit cattle ranch and a catered experience with luxuries and customer service that only the finest "Dude" ranches in the country provide. Guests can learn the ranching business from expert wranglers and ranch hands, taking part in cattle drives, feedings or up-close animal husbandry. Yet, they also have exclusive access to guided rides, skeet shooting, ATV adventures and visits to local treasures from full-service touring experts. With diverse, emblematically Western attractions surrounding the ranch, vacationers will have no shortage of places to visit on their trip. One of the major attractions, Castle Gardens stands out for its unique stone formations. e locals refer to the distinct rocks as hoodoos, their odd shapes resembling anything from animals to tables. e place earned its name for a few particular hoodoos that look like long-forgotten castles. Many come to explore the 8,500-acre Nature Conservancy near Ten Sleep. Following a 10-mile section of Canyon Creek, this untouched wilderness offers an opportunity to see a wild and diverse ecosystem untouched by modern society. For the outdoorsman, the conservancy offers a peaceful haven for solitary hiking and mountain biking. For the kids, a nearby paleontology camp welcomes visitors hoping to get a glimpse of dinosaur bones. Having found 11 full sets of remains already, the camp offers an exciting chance for kids to see science in action. On the Ranch, activities range from horseback riding to sightseeing, shooting and fishing. Riders of all ability can experience the West on horseback. With wranglers tailoring a choice of 50 horses to each client, anyone from novice to horse V U E N J . C O M 126

• Cover