June Cattle DriveDepending on the spring conditions, we generally trail the first Double Rafter herd to the top of the Big Horn mountains during the third or fourth week of June. This 6 day / 6 night trip begins in the green rolling foothills of East Pass Creek, and covers 48 miles as you slowly climb your way over 4,000 feet to the timberline level of the majestic Big Horns. 
Cowboy Lodging During this trip, we trail approximately 300 mother cows and their calves high to their summer range. In addition to a family crew of 10 to 12 we generally have 15 to 20 guests on this drive. In keeping with our ancestors' tradition, lodging is 1800's style canvas wall tents, tepee tents and chuck wagons. All meals are prepared using cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens and a shovel. I know all outfitters think their cooking crew is the best, but that is a lie. Ours truly is. In addition to being phenomenal chefs, our chuck wagon crew is a bit on the lively side, and have been known to play a prank or two. You've been warned. 
Little Horn Trail At day three we head the herd south up the rough and rugged Little Horn Canyon. Here is another twist that separates us from all the other "plastic banana cattle drives." Because the trail from this point is too rough and narrow for either wagons, pickups, or four-wheelers, all the gear now follows the herd by pack mule. Many people find the massive canyon walls and boulder strewn river bottom too impressive for words. Others, those harboring acrophobic tendencies, can't describe it either because they spend a good part of their trip with their eyes closed. It is magnificent! Depending on range conditions and grazing plans established by the USDA Forest Service, the herd may be dropped at the midpoint of the canyon, or trailed higher up to the 9,000 foot level. Keep in mind that this permit is 63,000 acres so it is difficult to predict exactly where our endpoint will be. 
Little Horn Parks Once on the National Forest you will be moved by the beauty of the lush, green, flower-filled open parks which are characteristic of the Big Horns. Far off to the west is the ever present roar of the plunging falls of Leaky Mountain. In our Rock Cabin Park camp you will find there is a perfect spot to sit with a cup of boiled coffee and soak in all the surrounding beauty. Ponder this: you are 12 miles from the nearest road, any soul in this canyon is part of your group, there are no phones or electricity, the first sign of civilization is a 4-6 hour horseback ride in any direction and in two days you have to fly home to people, pollution, and the stresses back at work. It's amazing people leave. 
Leaky Mountain The last morning we either back track 12 miles out the mouth of the canyon, or ride to the Lake Creek camp on top. In either place, you say goodbye to your horse and we van you back to Sheridan, Wyoming for a good hot shower and our closing ceremonies. After six days in the saddle, you will have a new appreciation for the cowboys of the old west. 
Little Horn Canyon This last night we generally end up at the historic Mint Bar on Main Street in downtown Sheridan. The cowboy memorabilia which adorns the walls, coupled with the rustic knotty pine booths and tables, adds the frosting to your authentic western adventure. No doubt, you have experienced a dying piece of America.
Doublerafter Cattle Drives
© Copyright 2008 Dana Kerns , All rights reserved. Doublerafter Cattle Drives 
© Copyright 2008 Dana Kerns , All rights reserved.
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