Utah Guest Ranch Amenities

The JL Ranch Amenities

Why Utah?

If you desire a western adventure vacation in unpopulated country, untraveled by hordes of vacationers, then Utah may be the place for you. Our remote location enables visitors to become absorbed in the vastness, without the overcrowding and tourist traffic surrounding some of the nations more popular National Parks.

Northeastern Utah has an extremely varied landscape of desert, deep canyons, high plateaus and the lofty Uinta Mountains. The high country of the Uinta Mountains has some of Utahs loveliest alpine scenery.

The Uinta Mountains contain high peaks, grassy meadows, coniferous forests, crystal clear streams and thousands of alpine lakes. The Uintas, unlike most other major ranges of the United States run east to west. Underground forces pushed rock layers up to a massive dome 150 miles long and 35 miles wide. Glaciers have carved steep ridges and wide basins. Trees from 10,000 feet to timberline at around 11,000 feet include Limber pine, Englemann spruce, and Sub-alpine fir. Lower slopes (7,000-10,000 seet) support Lodgepole pine, Aspen, Douglas fir, White fir, Blue spruce and scattered Ponderosa pine. High plateaus and broad valleys among the peaks hold the abundant rain and snowfall in marshes and ponds, supporting the large populations of wildlife and fish. Big Horn Sheep, elk, moose, mule deer and Rocky Mountain Goat come here to graze in the summer. Also found here are black bear, mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, porcupine, badger, pine marten, snowshoe hare, marmot and pika. We do not have grizzly bear or snakes at our altitude.

Your Hosts - Joe & Linda Jessup

Joe Jessup began his own outfitter/guide business in 1983. His decision to start building the J/L Ranch came after many years spent in the saddle working for horse and cattle ranches and guiding for other outfitters. In 1985 Joe recieved the areas first Outfitter/Guide Special Use Permit, which gave him recreation rights to 57,000 acres of Ashley National Forest. After years of hard-earned experience he brings to his guests a love and knowledge of horses and mountain life that only comes from time spent in the wilderness. His understanding of wildlife and living with nature is something he loves to share with those interested in learning. When Linda came to the J/L Ranch in 1990, she brought a vast amount of experience from the horse industry. She came from the mid-west where she began riding at the age of six. After riding and showing hunters for some thirty years, she operated a freelance training and riding instruction business. She also worked as a horse show groom and veterinary technician for several years. The J/L Ranch is fortunate to have a professional horsewoman of Linda's caliber to oversee the care that horses require.

The Bunkhouse Suite

The Bunkhouse is appropriately named because it is the second story of a log horse barn. Two bedrooms have queen beds and the third bedroom has two twin beds. It has a large full bath with shower. The large living room has a TV/VCR, custom-made cowboy furniture and western art. The fully equipped kitchen has all the modern conveniences, including a dishwasher and laundry. The dining area looks out over the mountains and the horse pastures. It also allows a view of the play between the horses-a great study in herd behavior! An outdoor grill/picnic area is close by. The Bunkhouse can sleep up to six people. This is a non-smoking facility. See our Rates page for pricing information

Chepeta Cabin

Chepeta Cabin is a log cabin, decorated with custom-made cowboy furniture and western art. It has a downstairs bedroom with a queen-size hand made log bed. The upstairs sleeping loft has two twin beds. The kitchen is well equipped to make your meal preparation convenient. There is a charcoal grill if you want to cook outside. There is a full bath with a shower/tub combination. The cozy sitting room has a gas fireplace and is a great place to relax and read. Dine on your front porch while you enjoy the view of the mountains, and watch the horses grazing in the pasture. Chepeta Cabin can sleep up to four people. This is a non-smoking facility.
See our Rates page for pricing information.

Drop Camps

Hiking trips can be arranged for overnight stays at designated base camps (around 10,500' elevation) for those who wish to explore the Uintas on foot. There are many trails that lead to incredible lakes and vistas seen only by ambitious hikers and resident wildlife. Your gear will be carried in by our pack horses enabling you to enjoy your experience without being burdened by the load. The ranch supplies high quality tents designed for your comfort during cool evenings or rainy days. Bathroom and solar shower tents are provided along with all the cooking equipment necessary to enjoy your out of doors experience. Please contact us for rates and dates available.