This Remote Wild Horse Sanctuary in the U.S. Is the Only One of Its Kind in the World—and You Can Stay the Night
"I learned that this working, family-owned ranch sprawls across roughly 4,700 acres on the edge of the Medicine Bow National Forest near the Snowy Range and is the only Bureau of Land Management–certified wild horse ecosanctuary of its kind; it serves as a haven for more than 350 mustangs, many rescued and allowed to live out their lives in relative peace. From mid-May through late September, by appointment only, visitors can take guided, two-hour ranch and mustang experiences—riding across the property with a guide who explains mustang lineage and behavior—for $75 per adult and $25 per child (kids under 2 are free if they can sit on someone’s lap). Those who want to stay overnight can choose among three on-site accommodations: Deerwood Station, a modern two-bedroom cabin with a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area overlooking the river; the Rustic Ranch Cabin, the original late-1800s homestead structure; and the cozy Barn Getaway tucked within the property’s wedding barn, with lodging rates starting at around $170 per night depending on the season." - Evie Carrick
Evie Carrick
Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
I had a wonderful time on their 2-hour guided tour of the mustangs.
You must make a reservation to go into the ranch. You cannot just show up.
They had a large truck with a deck on the back with seating for 10 people. We drove out to the heard and stopped several times within the hear. We were told about the program, the different horses. A wonderful experience.
Sarah L.
Google
This was phenomenal. The owner and tour guide was incredibly informative and friendly. The horses are safe and healthy and kept with minimal intervention, which allows them to be their free and wild selves. Highly recommend!
Thomas R.
Google
Got married at their venue barn last July. Wouldn't have traded that experience for the world. Everything from the backdrop views, the diligence of the owners, the aesthetics of the ranch, and the genuine "away from it all" feel really sold this place as the perfect venue
Courtney W.
Google
This was our fourth summer bringing our granddaughters up for a tour for their birthdays. We love Rich and learning all about the horses and look forward to seeing him each summer! He never fails to give the best tour of the Deerwood Ranch. The other highlight is stopping into Centennial afterwards for a scoop of Janna's delicious homemade ice cream at the gift shop!
Byrne & Judy W.
Google
We learned so much visiting this sanctuary! Wild horse management is super interesting! Tours in and around the horses and the proceeds go to the care of the horses and sanctuary. We saw some wild burros, too. Who knew?
cody H.
Google
My wife and I were visiting from Memphis and did the guided tour. Mr. Rich showed us his ranch while giving us the history of his land and where the horses were from. He really knew his stuff and kept us entertained the entire tour. Couldn’t have asked for a more in depth look into the wild mustangs of Wyoming. We will definitely be back.
Mark N.
Google
Rich & Jana set up a tour just for us in early October 2018 as we were in Laramie visiting just after the season had "closed". We spent quite a while out with the horses...and it was just a perfect experience. So beautiful out there...words don't do it justice. Can't wait to go back for another visit.
Donelle S.
Google
I have stayed in the beautiful cabin several times in the last 5 years. It is my happy place, a place I go to have a break from a busy life. I have brought a friend or two, my husband and my kids. We always have an amazing time. Jana and Richard the most wonderful people and the extended family is always warm and welcoming. Make this a “must do” on your bucket list!! The gorgeous Mustangs are the icing on the cake!!
Brandi L.
Yelp
We just toured the wild horse sanctuary while vacationing in Colorado last week...thought we'd drive up to Wyoming and see some horses and we absolutely loved this tour! Rich was wonderful and the horses were awesome! 10/10 highly recommend!!
Steve W.
Yelp
If you are looking for an activity to capture the true feeling of the old west, how about a ranch tour to see 300 wild Wyoming mustangs? They are the very first BLM Certified Wild Horse EcoSanctuary. What this means is that they are private land owners approved by the BLM to care for wild horses. Deerwood Ranch is a family owned operation that has been used for cattle ranching for 30 years and now is home to 300 wild Wyoming mustangs.
The owners, Jana and Rich Wilson are wonderful people who will provide you with a wonderful tour to see the horses. The ranch is in the beautiful Centennial Valley of Wyoming west of Laramie.