Happy spring, 7D family! We had a nice snowfall last night after an unseasonably mild winter — Wyoming keeping us all on our toes! Less than 3 weeks until our staff begins arriving, and things are beginning to gear up here in Sunlight. Our horses are well-rested after their 6 month break and the hills are turning green and itching to be explored again. I’ve even seen a few wild Shooting Stars, Larkspur, and Indian Paintbrush already!
Before we all know it, our Wranglers will have mastered the trail system and cleared out the winter’s deadfall. Our Ranch Hands will have tidied up the grounds, set out the picnic tables on the lawn, and stocked each cabin full of firewood. The Housekeeping team will have transformed our winterized cabins into clean and cozy little homes again, and the Chefs will be hard at work prepping some wonders for our tables this summer. And then, on June 7th, our first guests will wind their way down Sunlight Road and join us here! I can’t wait 😉
I’ve been daydreaming recently about my favorite memories from the past two summers. What comes to mind first, of course, has to be the rides. My personal favorite is Dewey Riddle Springs, with the lush wild grass and aspens, gentle creek crossings, and view of the valley from atop Little Bald Ridge. I also quickly think of hiking Copper Lakes, trudging along up the steep trail for 3 miles before the sky opens up and the first lake appears, sparkling cold and crisp with the spectacular, snow-covered Stinkingwater Peak behind it. Wow…how that trail is worth it. I think too about the nights at the ranch — Friday campfires where I’ve told riddles to the kids until long after dark. Line dancing Wednesdays, stomping along to Boot Scootin’ Boogie and swing dancing to Shoulda Been a Cowboy. Or (my personal favorite as some of you may know), playing a ranch-wide game of Capture the Flag on Mondays. And I think of countless Brunch Rides where all the Wranglers dress up in their best button-downs, chaps, and cowboy hats and we all share a homecooked meal around the campfire before listening to Meade tell one of his hair-raising stories.
I think it is safe to say I really cannot wait for this 2026 season to begin. I hope all of our guests this season are ready for an incredible week, just as we are ready to share Sunlight with them.
Until this summer!
– Leah
Sunlight Basin and 7D has to be the most beautiful place with the mast amazing people ever. I hope you’re still there in 2027 Leah when I visit again with my family!
Our favorite family memories are on this Ranch. The kids are grown and married with babies on the way and Chris and I have talked about returning over and over. Have a great season. The Buck family sends their love and best wishes, always!!
Leslie Buck
The Dewey Riddle Spring ride is one of my favorites, too. Sam Kesler and I rode to the Springs through a “back door” and surprised a wolf family. The mom ran off but watched her cubs from up over the elk enclosure. The other adult wolf, an unexpected calico coloring, disappeared. Sam wisely decided to give those remaining young wolves a wide berth. And so we continued on our ride, watching the mama wolf as we rode, until we saw her come down from her perch to rejoin her wee ones. Nature at its best. Only at the 7D. Our love to you all!
-Maureen Kesler
We’re less than 4 months away from our third consecutive trip and we can’t wait! I’m not sure if we’ve done the Dewey Riddle Spring ride, but we’ll make sure to do it this year. The 7D trip is the highlight of our year. We look forward to seeing Leah and the rest of the staff for another great week in September.