By Chad Chisholm

 

The words “Wyoming” and “Gay-friendly” rarely end up in the same phrase. Since the Matthew Shepherd tragedy, the state has been a virtual no-fly-zone for Gays with more Wyoming visitors to Denver than the other way around. That all is about to change. The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, located an hour west of Laramie, is an all-inclusive ranching experience that is definitely worth a visit to our northern neighbor.

 

Brush Creek Ranch is a perfect vacation getaway with the Gay boys, a new and exciting corporate retreat, or meaningful celebration location. Available for nightly rental or a full buyout of the ranch itself, the 13,000 acres make the ranch a luxurious retreat under the wide-open sky. Brush Creek Ranch is all-inclusive; from top shelf liquor to the 35 activities including horseback riding, skeet shooting, fly fishing and even cattle branding. Also considered a no-tipping zone, the term applies to both the grazing cattle and fantastic staff alike. “Whatever you want” is a common phrase with the accommodating staff whose motto is “if it’s legal, we’ll do it.” Nestled between the Sierra Madres and Snowy Range the Wyoming oasis awaits as it opens its freshly constructed grounds to guests.

 

The feel of the ranch is like visiting a friend’s home, a very generous friend. From the open wine cellar, which is self-service and full-service, couples can enjoy a hand-picked bottle on the wraparound porch of the lodge or take glasses back to personal cabins. A “boot-free zone” the main lodge offers slippers to guests, with a 38,000 square foot living room, beverages in a cooler and fully stocked “help yourself” bar, as well as a well-appointed spa with 24-hour steam room, sauna, and workout facility and elegant locker room facilities complete with chenille robes- heaven on earth is found in the wild west of Wyoming. Even the private dining room in the main lodge has elegant touches such as leather floors, antler chandeliers, and a walk-out porch complete with fireplace. Whether a fan of Brokeback Mountain or a slick city guy, the enchantment of the ranch will certainly take hold.

 

Accommodations at Brush Creek Ranch include everything from the 19^th Century cabins that have been fully restored to the comfortable brand-new lodge facility. Sleeping 150 total, rooms and cabins with names such as Lupine, Snowberry, and Juniper add to the charm. A-List celebrities and vocal artists are already enjoying what the ranch has to offer, including the Rendezvous Camp, which includes a common ground area with firepit and refrigerated “barrels” to keep bottles of water chilled all over the property, and Kinta’s, one of the previous owner’s private residence complete with 2 Master Suites, full kitchen, dining room, and Ice House- Brush Creek’s “glamping” addition with charming full sized bed and modern ranch touches. Open mic night and karaoke has already been host to legends and pop stars alike, with a new cocktail being named in honor of a certain red-headed country singer who belted out an impromptu concert at the Saloon.

 

No televisions are found in any of the rooms, encouraging guests to be outdoors, socializing with other ranch goers, and exploring the brand new grounds. From the gourmet food served at Chuck Wagon with daily lunch service, to The Saloon, complete with shuffle board, darts, and a well-stocked top-shelf bar, there is plenty to explore on the property. Ranger Tours whisk guests away to the buffalo pasture, where you’ll never be closer to the all-male bison crew. Stunning views are to be had overlooking the valley and listening to the rushing Brush Creek. Skittish hikers be calmed, the area is rattlesnake free and full of hiking and biking trails. A new artist in residence program is about to begin, with established and emerging artists alike working and becoming inspired under the clear blue skies.

 

A wedding garden with a water feature, amphitheater style seating, which incorporates chairs or gigantic pillows for the day-of ceremony or celebration, and nearby fishing pond with the soothing sound of a babbling brook is a perfect and serene area to celebrate any major occasion. From commitment ceremonies to family reunions, the backdrop is stunning and more than an hour away from any city larger than 2,000 people— a wonderful and private alternative for a meaningful festivity.

 

The ownership’s philosophy for the working ranch that is home to cattle, bison, and horses alike, is to “love the land, but not love it to death.” Incorporating responsible grazing practices and natural cleaning and hygiene products, the ranch is a standout in a state that doesn’t even recycle. Leading the way in environmental stewardship, The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is a constant reminder that harmony can be found while conducting business, pleasure, or getting back to the basics of enjoying our natural surroundings. White Lodging Services, the ownership group of the ranch, has an extensive and well-known portfolio. This isn’t their first rodeo, their company managing properties such as Renaissance Suites, Marriott brands, alofts and Hiltons from Arizona to Virginia.

 

History is an intrinsic quality of this historically based ranch and surrounding area. Homage is paid to early settlers of the area in extraordinary photographs of the people and property in the 1800s. The ranch dates back to 1884, and some of the original buildings still stand after being rehabbed to accommodate new guests. The second floor of the old barn is now a Cowboy Chapel and dance hall, where guests can now take country line dancing lessons or have a beautiful wedding ceremony. The process of reestablishing and reconstituting the original structures has been arduous, but the well-appointed rooms and activity spaces speak to the care that was put into numbering the logs, disassembling the structures, stripping and refinishing the wood, and creating luxury quality accommodations complete with slate showers, hardwood floors, and leather sofas in the rooms and modern activity spaces on the ranch.

 

From meeting spaces for business groups to a winter-time skating rink overlooking the rolling hills to a teepee where a fantastic and unique couples massage can be had, Brush Creek Ranch has a lot to offer. Located in the North Platte River Valley four hours northwest of Denver along the scenic byways through Laramie and the Medicine Bow National Forest, the vacation begins as soon as you hop in your car. Nearby Saratoga airport is 15 minutes from the ranch, or shuttle service from DIA is also available. With no need to bring gear for activities, as they are all covered in your nightly rate, it is a worry free vacation into another space and time yet close to home. For rates and reservations, visit www.brushcreekranch.com .