This Family-owned Ranch in Jackson Hole Is a Celebrity Favorite — but Its Cozy Log Cabins Are Still Under the Radar

The family behind Diamond Cross Ranch and Teton Cabins has hosted the Kardashians and country singer Thomas Rhett on horseback, but behind the scenes, cowboying is just their way of life.

It’s a rarity for the words “celebrity-favorite,” “authentic,” and “relatively inexpensive” to find themselves in the same sentence, let alone when referring to accommodations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, an area that’s become known for its high price tags and high-profile appearances. But to describe Diamond Cross Ranch and its adjoining lodging, Teton Cabins, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to paint the picture.

If you’ve ever indicated to the Instagram algorithm your interest in horses, Wrangler jeans, Lucchese boots, or cowboy culture in general, there’s a good chance you’ve scrolled through photos from the Diamond Cross Ranch account. In a world of Western tourism fueled by Taylor Sheridan-created TV shows, the striking content — defined by a mix of nostalgic and editorial Western imagery, often featuring the brand’s apparel line — feels timely and relevant. Still, there’s an undertow of legitimacy, built by the generations who have taken care of the ranch and its surrounding land.

Unlike the stars of “Yellowstone,” the family behind Diamond Cross Ranch is real — and they’re genuinely interested in sharing their home. Over the last 100-plus years, they’ve cultivated a destination that feels as welcoming as it does exclusive. Peter Long, whose great-grandparents were the first caretakers of the land, is part of the current generation spearheading this movement toward ranch sustainability and inclusion.

“Hospitality has always been part of the fabric of the West and certainly in our homes. Our grandmother, Betty, taught us the Golden Rule at a young age,” he tells Travel + Leisure. “When she and our grandfather ran the ranch, Betty welcomed countless hired hands into her home like family. She would give them a warm meal and make sure they were well taken care of. Somehow, there was always enough to go around. Today, we strive to embody that same standard [of] hospitality and welcome in everything we do. Everyone who stays with us is family while they are here.”

While the ranch hosts weddings, corporate events, and leadership trainings — and has even had the likes of the Kardashians and country singer Thomas Rhett on its horses — Teton Cabins, located just across the road, feels like a secret hideaway. Downtown Jackson may see its fair share of summer tourists and winter sports enthusiasts, but Moran, an unincorporated village in Teton County, is more remote. When nightfall rolls around, expect a spectacular celestial scene, the type that makes you reconsider any form of city living.

The cabins themselves are also inconspicuous in nature. At first glance, the properties’ two- and three-bedroom cabins — all of which are outfitted with a full kitchen, living room-dining area, and a private bath — are rustic. Upon entering, however, it becomes apparent that the Longs have provided all the essentials. There are fluffy towels, toiletries, kitchen tools, coffee pods, and high-speed Wi-Fi, and a housekeeping service ensures the cabins feel fresh each day. Those staying at Teton Cabins can even request to have groceries delivered before arrival, allowing them to soak up as much time on the property as possible. “We seek to combine the timeless charm of the cabins… with touches of modern elegance and comfort,” says Long, who describes the accommodations as “Old West meets New West.” As far as prices go, rates range from $338 for the one-bedroom cabin to $642 for the two-bedroom Deluxe Cabin. Compared to Jackson Hole’s sky-high summer hotel prices, the cabins are more palatable for families or groups looking to stay in Jackson Hole for more than a few nights.

When asked about how Teton Cabins fits in among Jackson Hole’s range of lodging options, Long says everything is “rooted in tradition and heritage.” For some, these are simply buzzwords, meant to entice travelers searching for a seemingly authentic experience. At Teton Cabins, though, Long and his wife, Lauren, don’t use them lightly. “Everything was done by hand, from cutting and peeling the logs to the bespoke interior finishes,” he says. While the cabins were originally built by his aunt and uncle, Long acknowledges there’s a responsibility to continue the legacy through “conservation, stewardship, and sustainability.”

It can be tempting to indulge in a slow morning at the cabins — allured by the comfortable queen-sized beds and porch rocking chairs facing the Tetons — but those visiting Jackson Hole usually come for the access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Teton Cabins is conveniently located for both. In less than 10 minutes, you can access the Moran Entrance Station for Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone’s South Entrance is only 45 minutes away. And if you’re not familiar with the area, head to the on-site lodge, where the team will happily provide their favorite hikes and recommendations.

For those who prefer to stay closer to the cabins, the family has a variety of curated experience packages for guests. “We still do things the old-fashioned way, which means going the extra mile for each of our guests, scrutinizing every detail, and doing everything we can to ensure they have a great experience,” says Long. It’s this mentality that informs the trail ride and “cowboy adventures” for guests. Pack your jeans and cowboy boots for a private tour on horseback through the property’s pastures and along the Buffalo Fork River, complete with a Teton Range photo opp. Or, for something a bit more immersive, sign up for a full day of “Cowboy 101,” where the ranch’s cowboys and cowgirls will teach you how to saddle a horse and throw a lasso, and then put your skills to the test as you move cattle to their next location.

"We still do things the old-fashioned way, which means going the extra mile for each of our guests, scrutinizing every detail, and doing everything we can to ensure they have a great experience."

Peter Long

After a summer of hosting countless guests and events at the ranch’s “Big Red Barn” venue, no one would judge the Longs for taking the winter to rest. The off-season, however, gives them time to prepare for next year. This winter, the cabins are undergoing partial renovations, ”all with the goal of making each cabin even more comfortable and charming.” By the time May arrives, Teton Cabins will be even more equipped for guests to experience Jackson Hole in, what Long calls, its “purest form.”

“It’s a privilege to be able to share this place we call home, and we are motivated by the opportunity to help our guests enjoy Jackson Hole the same way we have,” he says. At Teton Cabins, that means waking up each morning, breathing in fresh mountain air, and appreciating the wild, Western beauty in every direction.

Reservations for Teton Cabins are available from May 1 through Oct. 20. Bookings are now open for the 2024 season.

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