Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
11 Apr 2025
Reply rate
86.2 %
Usually responds within 14 days
Feedback
50
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
We are a 1700 acre ranch in beautiful Star Valley Wyoming that has been in the family for five generations. We run cattle, grow horse hay, and have cabins we rent out as vacation rentals. We are committed to doing right by the land, and sharing this beautiful part of the world with others and having fun while we're at it.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is an opportunity to see what a real working ranch is like in the American West. It's also a chance to get closer to nature as our property borders Bridger Teton national forest. Our family is fairly well traveled and we love meeting people from different cultures to share experiences and world views.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
There are several different aspects of the operation we are eager to teach about, and we are happy to cater the tasks to the skill sets visitors bring to the table. The tasks varies quite a bit depending on where we're at in the season, but some of the skills we generally like to share with visitors are irrigation, pulling weeds, landscaping, fixing fence, cleaning the cabins, working cattle, and various construction projects. We prefer to have people who are looking for a two week minimum stay.
Host has indicated that they will pay at least the minimum hourly wage of their country for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Spanish: Beginner
Accommodation
We have a 5 bedroom 2 bathroom house about a block (150 meters) away from the ranch that functions as a visitor house. Though it was built in the 20s it was recently completely renovated, and has two living rooms and a full kitchen. Generally speaking, each visitor gets their own room, though if you’re traveling with someone we may ask if it’s ok with you to share a room that has two beds in it. Each room has a full mattress, though generally not with a bed frame as we rent it out in the wintertime, and bed frames and box springs are really difficult to move in and out of the house with all the stairs.
What else ...
We are located right at the base of the Rocky Mountains, an hour south of Jackson hole, and two and a half hours from Yellowstone. If you like being out in nature this is the spot for you. This area is especially known for its fly fishing, but it's also a great place for everything from river rafting, hunting, horseback riding, rock climbing, you name it. The only issue is transportation, we are pretty isolated and without a car it's hard to get into Thayne, the next town over, (the nearest place with a store). That being said, we go into town pretty much daily (multiple times a day usually) and you are more than welcome to get a ride from one of us. Two towns over in Etna, there is also a bus that heads into Jackson Hole on weekdays in the early morning and comes back in the afternoon, and we're happy to drive you to pick that up as well should you want to make a day trip of it.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 822149924999
Feedback (27)
14 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
I had the best time with Lauren and her lovely family. She is a pro at organising the workawayers and keeps the work varied and interesting. We were very well looked after and the accommodation was very comfortable. I learnt a lot and managed to have some great experiences at the ranch and outside the ranch at Yellowstone.
I cannot express how… read more
I cannot express how… read more
22 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tiffany) for host
There is a place just outside here that was in a dream I had many years ago. The experience on the ranch was one of the most exciting, heart warming, and a life long goal of mine. The people that I was privileged to stay with were wonderfully individual!
The family are a bunch of people that have a enormous amount of love for the land, animals,… read more
The family are a bunch of people that have a enormous amount of love for the land, animals,… read more
17 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Simone) for host
This June I spent some three weeks at the ranch, as the first major stop during my trip in the New World - and I couldn't choose a better place!
The Ranch has been the perfect introduction to the Western American Culture, a beautiful place to work, soak in the environment, learn cool stuff and meet some great people.
Lauren and Gaz are great… read more
The Ranch has been the perfect introduction to the Western American Culture, a beautiful place to work, soak in the environment, learn cool stuff and meet some great people.
Lauren and Gaz are great… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
14 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
I had the best time with Lauren and her lovely family. She is a pro at organising the workawayers and keeps the work varied and interesting. We were very well looked after and the accommodation was very comfortable. I learnt a lot and managed to have some great experiences at the ranch and outside the ranch at Yellowstone.
I cannot express how… read more
I cannot express how… read more
22 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tiffany) for host
There is a place just outside here that was in a dream I had many years ago. The experience on the ranch was one of the most exciting, heart warming, and a life long goal of mine. The people that I was privileged to stay with were wonderfully individual!
The family are a bunch of people that have a enormous amount of love for the land, animals,… read more
The family are a bunch of people that have a enormous amount of love for the land, animals,… read more
17 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Simone) for host
This June I spent some three weeks at the ranch, as the first major stop during my trip in the New World - and I couldn't choose a better place!
The Ranch has been the perfect introduction to the Western American Culture, a beautiful place to work, soak in the environment, learn cool stuff and meet some great people.
Lauren and Gaz are great… read more
The Ranch has been the perfect introduction to the Western American Culture, a beautiful place to work, soak in the environment, learn cool stuff and meet some great people.
Lauren and Gaz are great… read more
29 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Amanda)
Amanda is an absolute all star!!! Not only is she wildly intelligent, kind, funny and capable, she actively searched out and suggested tasks she can do to make our lives and operation go more smoothly. Her organization skills are absolutely incredible and the intuitive and beautifully organized system she put into place will make things easier for… read more
(Excellent)
13 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Amanda) for host
I loved my time at this Workaway. The Star Valley is absolutely beautiful, and the set up here for Workaways is well organized and very accommodating. We had our own house complete with everything I needed to live comfortably, including a great kitchen set up for cooking. I enjoyed the work! Moving irrigation lines was a peaceful way to start and… read more
29 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Elise)
Elise was a fantastic addition to the crew. She’s friendly, funny, attacked every task with a positive attitude and was a great communicator! She was a huge help with the horses and had a terrific sense of get up and go, taking tasks into her own hands and getting them done really well.
(Excellent)
21 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Elise) for host
I'm incredibly grateful to have crossed paths with them and their wonderful ranch! I spent two weeks in Star Valley and wished that I could have stayed longer. The little community of workawayers and the hospitality of Lauren, Gaz, Bonnie, Roger, and Lisa made this experience immensely special. Daily tasks varied from weeding thistle and dyer’s… read more
27 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Gretchen)
Gretchen was a delight to have at the ranch. She is a very personable individual, great company and comes bearing a strong positive attitude to everything she does.
She is a talented horsewoman and works hard on any task you set her on (no matter how mundane, i.e. picking rocks). We highly recommend Gretchen to any host that she applies to.
She is a talented horsewoman and works hard on any task you set her on (no matter how mundane, i.e. picking rocks). We highly recommend Gretchen to any host that she applies to.
(Excellent)
15 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Gretchen) for host
It's pretty cool to say you worked on a ranch as your first Workaway! Lauren and Gaz are fun and hard-working hosts who expect the same from you! I was on the ranch during June with a group of other workers, the accommodations were amazing, and getting to hang out with other Workawayers made the experience. While there, I helped load seed, clean… read more
27 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Tony S.)
Tony was a wonderful guest to have at the ranch and an absolute gentleman. He is incredibly knowledgeable about all things automotive and has done some really beautiful woodwork. I will remember fondly the conversations I had with Tony about the truly interesting life he has lived.
It was great having Tony stay with us and we really recommend him… read more
It was great having Tony stay with us and we really recommend him… read more
(Excellent)
31 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Tony S.) for host
Hello Lauren,
I got home safely from a scheduled Workaway in Canada. I am writing to you to express my appreciations for the chance of 2 weeks Workaway at your property. And many thanks for your instructions of settling saddle down on a horse back and how to brush horses with how friendly to accompany or safely touching them. I felt excited. These… read more
I got home safely from a scheduled Workaway in Canada. I am writing to you to express my appreciations for the chance of 2 weeks Workaway at your property. And many thanks for your instructions of settling saddle down on a horse back and how to brush horses with how friendly to accompany or safely touching them. I felt excited. These… read more
2 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara)
Sara was such a huge help on the ranch! She brought so many skills to bear, worked her tail off, and was overall such a great person to be around. It’s such a treat to have someone who is as knowledgeable and conscientious about animals as she is, yet still very open minded to instruction regarding how we like to operate. We absolutely loved… read more
(Excellent)
29 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sara) for host
The Prestons were so hospitable and made me feel at home right away. While I was there, the work varied from rock picking, moving cattle on horseback, riding atvs, fixing fences, cleaning cabins, moving irrigation pipes and branding and tagging calves. Special mention to Mo, who was such a gorgeous horse to ride. The food was plentiful and Bonnie… read more
2 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Aidan)
Aidan was an absolute delight!! Excellent communicator, very responsible, conscientious and hard worker! He was such a pleasure to be around and was a real asset to the operation. We hope he comes back!
(Excellent)
17 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Aidan) for host
Staying at the Ranch was truly a remarkable experience. The land was beautiful, and so were the people. The Prestons are the most genuine and kindhearted people I have ever met, and they have so much knowledge, expertise, and hospitality, to offer. The work was fun and rewarding and Lauren and Gaz were always more than happy to help you learn a… read more
23 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Alena)
Alex was an absolute delight to have stay with us. She is such a positive and enthusiastic person, in addition to being capable and conscientious. Alex is fantastic with horses, and did a lot of groundwork with one of our greener horses. The change in the horse's behaviour was vast and was greatly appreciated!
(Excellent)
11 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Alena) for host
I´m so happy that I could stay with this amazing family. My dream came true on this place – to be a part of a daily life on the ranch.
I love Preston family – their life attitude, understanding for animals, their friendship and sense of humor… I admire how keen all of them are to continue in the family tradition.
The atmosphere was incredible –… read more
I love Preston family – their life attitude, understanding for animals, their friendship and sense of humor… I admire how keen all of them are to continue in the family tradition.
The atmosphere was incredible –… read more
17 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Miranda)
Miranda was an absolute pleasure to have at the ranch. Not only is she hardworking, tough, capable and enthusiastic she is also amazing company. Miranda is an incredibly intelligent, sociable and funny woman who was a key part of one of our best crews we've ever had. It was so much fun having Miranda come and stay with us and we were so sad when… read more
(Excellent)
17 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Miranda) for host
Where do I begin! This family are fun, generous, hilarious people who made my first workaway experience one that I will always treasure. Their accommodations are comfortable and clean. The work is fun but can be challenging, and you'll get a lot of opportunities to learn about ranch life. Lauren and Gaz know how to have fun, and Bonnie and Roger… read more
22 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Cindy) for host
What a beautiful place and wonderful people. I got to experience a little bit of everything - herding cows, fixing fences, connecting irrigation pipe, cleaning cabins etc. Occasionally I would help Bonnie with the cooking and really enjoyed our conversations. Dinner time was a family affair with the hosts and workers gathered around the dining… read more
6 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Nathaniel)
We agreed on an arrival date, and confirmed two weeks out, but he didn’t show and didn’t respond to calls or emails after he missed his arrival date
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
12 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Alexis & Perrine) for host
Surper moment at the ranch for 6 weeks! We didn't want to leave anymore so much that we liked it...
The welcome at the ranch is very warm in this great family!
The work is very diverse and interesting. Lauren knows how to explain her job with passion.
The accommodation is top in the new workaway house.
Bonnie's evening cooking, is the best… read more
The welcome at the ranch is very warm in this great family!
The work is very diverse and interesting. Lauren knows how to explain her job with passion.
The accommodation is top in the new workaway house.
Bonnie's evening cooking, is the best… read more
5 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Graham) for host
I had an amazing time! everyone was very welcoming and the area is beautiful, far beyond my expectations! There is no shortage of good food and even better conversation to be had here. The work I did (in the month of May) was mainly maintaining the fences and feeding the herds in the mornings.
29 May 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mary) for host
I had a blast working here! The work was hard but the people made it so worth it! I loved working with Rebecca and learning so much from her! Lauren was so kind and welcoming and Bonnie spoiled us with her amazing cooking! The whole place had such a cheerful and happy vibe! I’d definitely recommend working here if you want to experience and enjoy… read more
27 Feb 2021
Left by Workawayer (Savannah) for host
I stayed at the ranch for the summer of 2019. Immediately I felt at home and welcomed by everyone there. I loved working outside every day on various tasks and learning about cattle herding and the history of the land. Lauren was really accommodating and if I wanted to take some time off during the week, she was always flexible.
The work is… read more
The work is… read more
13 Oct 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
Laura is so sweet and was such a huge help! While we were all delighted to have her company, Bonnie (my mom) was really taken aback by the way she dove in and helped with organization and cooking. It was amazing for Bonnie to have a break from cooking and know that everything was in truly capable hands. Laura did a phenomenal job of helping to… read more
(Excellent)
6 Oct 2020
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
The ranch is an incredibly unique experience and I feel really fortunate to have been offered this opportunity. The highlight of my stay was working with Lauren’s mom, Bonnie who is a lovely and fascinating person to get to know. We worked together to organize her washhouse and spent a lot of time together in the kitchen as well. This place… read more
13 Oct 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)
Julia was an absolute gem to have around. She has such a phenomenal attitude, sense of humor and can do approach to everything that she was barely here for any time at all before i felt completely comfortable with her training others or running the show on getting tasks done. She is a powerhouse of a helper as well as a delight to be around and I… read more
(Excellent)
22 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
I keep trying to find the words to describe the incredible time I had on the ranch and coming up short, so I'll just say that every day I spent in Wyoming was a gift. The Prestons are the most genuine people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, and working with them was educational as well as endlessly entertaining. It's hard to explain how much… read more
20 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Cullen)
Cullen is an absolutely amazing help with any task. Wildly intelligent, capable, kind, thoughtful and funny, he brings his implacable work ethic and a wholly uncommon amount of common sense to everything he does. After a really short time he showed that not only does he treat his surroundings with respect and care, he brings a sense of ownership… read more
(Excellent)
17 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Cullen) for host
Hard to put my time at the Ranch into words, but to cut to the chase, I think it was the best experience I’ve ever had. I don’t think I’ve met a more uniquely interesting, hospitable, and caring family in my life. Arrive with an open mind, respect for the place and the lifestyle, and a good work ethic and I’m sure that you will have a similar… read more
26 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacqueline)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
13 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Miah) for host
Everything about here from the landscape to the people was absolutely amazing. Lauren and her family were very welcoming, inviting, and friendly. The accommodations were great as well, and the food was always delicious. For the most part, a typical day consisted of helping with the cabins, moving the cows, or pulling weeds. The ranch is very… read more
5 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Miah)
Miah is an absolute ball of sunshine! She has such a positive attitude, is a phenomenal communicator and is always eager to jump in and get the job done! I’d often see her seeking out weeds to pull in her time off, and she kept the house very tidy! She’s physically very strong and was able to help with a huge variety of tasks, but I think her… read more
(Excellent)
6 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Ali)
Ali is a pleasure to be around! She’s a hard worker, stayed on task, always ready to do whatever the job was with a great attitude! She’s also a really great cook! If you have the good fortune of having her as a workaway ask her about her bean dip! She’s just a great gal overall and we’d have her back any time!!
(Excellent)
5 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (CJ)
CJ and his friend Matt were absolute delights!!! Funny, hardworking, thoughtful and happy to learn, these guys made a fantastic addition to the team! Not only was CJ responsible, smart and very adaptable to various tasks, he’s just an outright fun person to be a around! Even after a hard day of everyone working their tails off, if he saw me… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (MICHELLE)
Michelle and Pauline will be missed terribly!! They were such amazing help and fantastic company, always eager to jump in and determined to do everything they set their mind to not only to the absolute best standard, but eager to finish the projects they started. Both of them are blessed with wit, humor, kindness, thoughtfulness and a strong work… read more
(Excellent)
5 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Suzanne) for host
This was my first Workaway experience and the highlight of my summer. This ranch is in an amazingly beautiful location. The work was great. The Prestons and others working at the ranch were a wonderful group of people - very hard working, fun, funny, smart, kind. The accommodations were perfect. I would highly recommend working here!
16 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lindsey) for host
This was my first work away experience and I couldn’t have asked for a better one! Lauren, her family, and all the other helpers on the farm were really friendly and welcoming. I was only there for two weeks, but in that two weeks I learned a lot about caring for cattle, fencing, wood working, cleaning, and general ranch up keep! Lauren’s work… read more
23 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Thais)
Thais was a big help on our Ranch in Wyoming. She was game to help out with everything we threw her way and pitched in wherever she could. We really benefited from the unique set of talents she brought to the table. One great example of her drive and ingenuity was the fact that she organized our whole kitchen, labeling all the cupboards. This was… read more
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Thais) for host
Whenever I'm asked where was my favorite place to visit this past summer, I always answered... "wherever I was at!" That said, I'm still in awe of Wyoming and my experience here.
They already had an irrigation team set up, so I wasn't much needed there... but, this gave me a great opportunity to spend more time with Bonnie; cleaning their… read more
They already had an irrigation team set up, so I wasn't much needed there... but, this gave me a great opportunity to spend more time with Bonnie; cleaning their… read more
15 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Madeleine) for host
AAAAHH! I cannot even begin to put in words how amazing the Ranch is! From the get-go, I couldn't believe I found a host listing with everything I was looking for. I remember being so nervous to send a message in case I didn't get one back or didn't make the cut because I knew I had found the perfect place for me. When Lauren replied promptly with… read more
9 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Madeleine)
I'm so sad to see Maddie go! Not only is she smart, capable, fun to be around and hard working, she has a talent for motivating the group as a whole that is really great, especially in the spring time! Her clever sense of humor and overall enthusiasm made everything more fun when she's around! She was also really fantastic about seeking out what… read more
(Excellent)
9 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Corey)
Corey is by far and away one of the most conscientious, intelligent, capable, hard working, thoughtful and good natured people we have ever had the pleasure of hosting on the ranch. He was fantastic to have around, helping with everything from teaching myself and others better habits from a medical standpoint (how to lift, tape up injuries, etc),… read more
(Excellent)
8 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Corey) for host
I am so grateful to have stayed with Lauren and her family at the ranch! It was my first workaway and I couldn't be happier with my time there. It is a beautiful place with even more amazing people. I loved that it was a real working ranch and not so much a tourist/dude ranch vibe. We did many different tasks and I got to learn so much about ranch… read more
15 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Jenny & Henrik)
Jenny and Henrik were an absolute pleasure to have on the ranch! They are hard workers with energetic and fun personalities. Between their diverse skills they bring to the table and their can do attitude for new things, they were a huge asset to our team. This is not to mention how nice it was to have them around on a personal level. They are… read more
(Excellent)
13 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Jenny & Henrik) for host
We had an amazing time on the ranch. We have stayed there for about 2 1/2 weeks in september. The family is welcoming and made us feeling home. The work was so different and so much fun - willow fence for the playground, isolating a cabin, changing waterpipes, cleaning, helping with hay, collecting rocks and using them for a rockwall, repairing… read more
19 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Tessa) for host
This was my first workaway experience and I feel so lucky to have landed there. The family are welcoming and accommodating, not to mention fun and hilarious! The work expectations were reasonable and clearly laid out, with enough flexibility to accommodate their workers priorities. The ranch is GORGEOUS (as is the national forest bordering it) and… read more
17 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Tessa)
Tessa is a wonderful person to be around and a huge help in a working environment. She's really smart, with great organizational skills, a fantastic work ethic, and a kind, fun, genuine personality! We had so much fun working together and playing on our days off alike! We'd be delighted to have her back!
(Excellent)
17 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Adam & Mikołaj)
Adam and MIko are two of the hardest workers I think I've ever met. What's more they make working fun with their hilarious banter and unbelievable enthusiasm. Twice as fast! Twice as good! They shout as I describe a new task to them, and low and behold, what would have taken most people at least twice the time to complete is done beautifully. I… read more
(Excellent)
