Laramie Live Cam

• Trailhead Lodging Area Main Lodge

Johnsons Share Heritage Through Prairie Rides

Just five minutes from town, sitting on the plains, the old weathered buildings rest. On a sunny day, looking out over the vast prairie, you can see the shadows of enormous pillow clouds that blow across the sky. Looking out, you may see a group returning on horseback, having just been treated to a pleasure ride through the Big Hollow Valley, which provides summer pasture from the cattle and a pleasure riding wonderland of wide-open spaces.

Located on a cattle ranch established over 150 years ago, Prairie Rides is home to six generations of Johnsons. The first generation, James Jensen and his two brothers, arrived on the American east coast in the mid 1800’s in search of a new life. Thus, the Johnson legacy began.

After battling unemployment for a short while, the brothers decided to hit the rails and traveled through the territories along with the railroad. One day, while working in a small mining town called Laramie, Andrew Johnson was captured by Native Americans and taken to an unknown location. His brothers tried to find their kidnapped sibling, but to no avail.

Months had passed and the rails had moved on. The two brothers decided to try to build a life for themselves in the Wyoming Territory. They began working on small cattle ranches in the Laramie area. In true Johnson tradition, they soon calculated that if other people were making a living through the cattle industry then surely they could do the same. The Johnsons decided to acquire property just outside of Laramie and build a business for themselves.

With determination and back breaking work, the two brothers established a thriving cattle ranch. Today the fourth generation of Johnsons maintains their family’s rich heritage. The fifth and sixth generation of Johnsons want to share that heritage with the outside world. Hence Prairie Rides. Growing up on a ranch is a unique experience, and few can appreciate that life more than those who have had to live and breathe city life day in and day out. The latest generations of Johnsons know and respect this desire to have a taste of solitude and peace, and feel that it is important to share their family’s experience.

In welcoming the public into their lives, the Johnsons offer an experience that will not be soon forgotten. It does not matter if you are interested in a scenic ride across the beautiful Wyoming countryside or in using strong and dependable pack animals for your next hunting trip. Regardless of your personal needs, the Johnson family will show you the kind of hospitality that is rare in the world, but second nature to these Wyoming natives.

The operation of Prairie Rides is a key to allow the Johnsons to continue in the lifestyle they have enjoyed for well over a century. Without outside support, the ranching lifestyle has become, in recent years, more and more endangered. Taking time to share in the heritage of these Wyoming Ranchers will not only increase your appreciation for the beauty of the Wyoming outdoors, but it will also raise your awareness and understanding of the kind of hard working people who are the true backbone of Wyoming today. "Getting away from it all" has never been so easy or nearly as rewarding.

Prairie Rides Provides Break from City Living

Imagine a weekend getaway of fishing, hiking and horseback riding with just your family or a group of close friends. Everyone sharing the solitude of the mountains and pleasure of each other’s company. No traffic, no neighbors, just peaceful wilderness. In today’s world of hustle and bustle, such an image might seem unlikely, but this back to nature vacation lies in wait for you in southeastern Wyoming.

Prairie Rides, a trail riding facility in Albany County, Wyoming, specializes in getaways dedicated to the rejuvenation of the soul. The Prairie Rides staff makes a special effort to take people from the day to day rat race of the 20th century and ease them into a peaceful world of beauty and serenity.

Prairie Rides caters to your group’s individual wants and needs. Whether you are an experienced outdoorsman who simply needs the opportunity to explore, or a first timer in the wilderness, there is a vacation package custom made for you.

For the adventurous type, one of our more unique camps is the drop camp. This camp is designed to give the guest a challenging yet very enjoyable vacation. Arrangements with Prairie Ride professionals are made before your vacationing day, and then Prairie Rides staff develops rafting, horseback riding, mountain navigation and fishing. Drop camps begin at the foothills of the Medicine Bow National forest. Staff members and the hikers determine the locations of the base camp. Hikers then attempt to locate the base camp with maps and their own navigational equipment. The days that follow are a mild version of an Eco-challenge.

Perhaps a more relaxing option is the cowboy camp. In taking this package, the Prairie Rides team will pack you and the rest of your party on horseback, into the depths of the Wyoming forest. A base camp is set and during your stay your expeditions will include sight of some of Wyoming’s prized wild game herds, big horned sheep, elk, and deer. If photography is your life, or just a favorite pass time, cowboy camps provide you with many opportunities for close encounters with wildlife, vegetation and extraordinary sunsets. Experienced guides will show you how to attract wildlife like a skilled hunter, without disturbing their natural environment. This camp will provide irreplaceable opportunities for capturing these majestic animals on film. You will also have the chance to experience the beautiful hiking and fishing available in these secluded areas or simply enjoy the peace and fresh air right in base camp.

Whatever your outdoor needs or fantasies are, Prairie Rides can help. Whether you are looking for a new challenge in the wilderness, or a relaxing break from the norm, a trip provided by Prairie Rides is guaranteed to deliver.