The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein
Episode: Ranchlands: Exploring the American West on Horseback
Guest: Tess Leach, Director of Business Development, Ranchlands
Date: February 4, 2026
Episode Overview
In this richly immersive episode, Dan Rubinstein introduces listeners to Ranchlands and its unique merging of conservation, hospitality, and life on the American frontier. Focusing on Paint Rock Canyon Ranch in Wyoming, Dan explores the experience of remote ranch life, horseback adventures, glamping in safari tents, and the diverse ecosystems and histories of the American West. He’s joined by Tess Leach, Ranchlands’ Director of Business Development, for an in-depth conversation about daily life, guest experiences, the notable Ranchlands team, and the organization’s efforts to bridge urban-rural divides through hospitality, education, and creative programs.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction to Ranchlands and Paint Rock Canyon Ranch
- Ranchlands is a land management/ranching business operating across four western states on 380,000 acres.
- Paint Rock Canyon Ranch in Wyoming is now the headquarters and the only property owned directly by Ranchlands.
- Focus is on multidimensional land management, blending traditional agriculture with hospitality, educational initiatives, and conservation.
Notable Quote:
“We look at the land multidimensionally and see how we can use this land to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.”
— Tess Leach [03:28]
History and Setting
- Paint Rock Canyon Ranch was acquired in 2022; the main operations shifted here from Colorado.
- The property features working agricultural elements, farm operations, guest hospitality (currently via safari tents), modern buildings soon to become hospitality centers, and varied ecosystems.
- Surrounded by Bighorn Mountains, rich in water, meadows, mesas, prairies, and desert, providing access to five different ecosystems within just a few hours.
2. Life at Paint Rock: Disconnect and Engage with Nature
- At Paint Rock, guests are “forced to disconnect”—there’s no cell service, limited internet, and the nearest decent grocery store is 1.5 hours away in Cody, Wyoming.
- The sense of remoteness is embraced as both a challenge and a gift.
- Tess highlights the unique opportunity to immerse in the environment and the nostalgic sense of stepping back in time.
Notable Quote:
“It’s really stuck back in time in all the best ways.”
— Tess Leach [07:47]
3. Guest Experiences: Types, Activities, and Customization
Two Main Experience Types:
- Ranch Vacations (Five-night stays):
- Guests participate in daily hikes and horseback rides suited to all experience levels.
- Activities range from casual day rides to intensive horsemanship and exploration.
- Aims to provide deep insight into working ranch life.
- Skill-Based Workshops:
- Themed around crafts like painting, poetry, or blacksmithing, led by artists or skilled practitioners.
- Integrated with ranch activities, so attendees can ride and hike while also learning a new craft.
Notable Quote:
“We really… can make it work for anyone.”
— Tess Leach [11:08]
Daily Schedule Breakdown (MM:SS)
- 7:00 am: Coffee and cold breakfast ready
- 8:00 am: Hot breakfast, family-style at a communal table
- 9:00 am: Head out for activities (rides/hikes; lunch is packed for the day)
- 2:00–3:00 pm: Return to camp, relaxation, optional shower
- Afternoon: Creative or practical activity (leatherwork, roping, painting)
- 5:00 pm: Cocktails and appetizers
- 6:00 pm: Communal dinner
- Evening: Fireside gatherings
[11:59–14:10]
4. Accommodations: Safari-style Tents
- Custom-made canvas tents (8x10 feet) with modern comforts: king bed, dresser, rugs, down bedding, screened windows for airflow.
- 14 tents, spaced along Paint Rock Creek for a close-to-nature experience.
- The team prefers “safari-style” over “glamping,” but acknowledges the comparison. [14:10–15:35]
5. History, Archaeology, and Native Cultures
- The area is rich with petroglyphs; the nearby Medicine Lodge archaeological site has extensive rock art preserved for thousands of years.
- Various indigenous tribes, including the Sheep Eaters, lived and hunted in the area.
- Frequent discoveries and a sense of unexplored history enrich the adventure for guests. [15:35–17:22]
6. Personal Perspectives: Family Life on the Ranch
- Tess loves balancing solitude and visits to the city but “finds inspiration” in ranch life.
- Her three children thrive in this environment, spending time outdoors with fishing, hiking, and art projects by the river.
- Family routines blend with unique Wyoming landscapes to create a “dreamy” upbringing. [17:22–18:59]
7. The Horses: Integral to Ranch Culture
- Herd is a mix of year-round horses and leased animals (so guests can return to familiar favorites).
- Range includes draft horses, quarter horses, ponies—“something for everyone.”
- Horses are not only for riding but are central to the guest experience, including special events like “drinks with the horses.” [18:59–20:09]
Memorable Moment:
“Some people have their favorites, and they get to keep those favorites.”
— Tess Leach [19:14]
8. The Team: Ranchlands’ Backbone
- The staff is carefully assembled, considered “extended family.”
- Made up of experienced individuals from the US, the Netherlands, Australia, and Argentina.
- Longevity and camaraderie are high, leading to strong guest relationships and a tight-knit environment.
Notable Quote:
“It definitely takes a certain kind of person to want to work in a remote environment like this and then do it in hospitality.”
— Tess Leach [21:32]
9. Guest Feedback and Community
- Two recurring pieces of guest feedback:
- Enjoyment of Disconnection: Many are surprised by how much they appreciate being offline.
- Sense of Community: Deep bonds form between guests and staff; many relationships and business partnerships begin here.
- Ranchlands’ unique hospitality fosters a sense of lasting community among guests.
Notable Quote:
“You bond in a special way with a group that you’re camping with for five nights… Those relationships go well beyond those five days.”
— Tess Leach [23:24]
10. Ranchlands Collective: Bridging Urban and Rural
- The nonprofit arm of Ranchlands, focused on connecting urbanites with rural life via:
- Artist residencies
- Student field trips with activities like bird banding in partnership with Audubon Society
- Quarterly magazine (“Ranchlands Review”)
- The residency program brings artists to live on the ranch, create work, and interact with guests.
Notable Quote:
“We host with Audubon Society a bird banding station where we band migratory songbirds to capture data that goes into a worldwide database.”
— Tess Leach [24:37]
11. Surprises and Everyday Magic
- Animals are a frequent delight; the arrival of a surprise foal named Sprinkle, born to a rental horse, became a beloved camp mascot.
- The ranch’s serendipities and unscripted moments add to its charm. [26:46–27:52]
12. Looking Ahead: Stewardship and Future Plans
- For Tess, the ranch is a “forever home,” intertwined with family, business, and purpose.
- She envisions staying involved with Ranchlands, though possibly exploring the world for a year with her family before returning. [27:52–28:36]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It’s really stuck back in time in all the best ways.” — Tess Leach [07:47]
- “We look at the land multidimensionally and see how we can use this land to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities. So, offer access or business diversification options for the owners or for the landscape that really involve the urban majority in ranching... The biggest way we do that is through hospitality.” — Tess Leach [03:28]
- “You bond in a special way with a group that you’re camping with for five nights... Those relationships go well beyond those five days.” — Tess Leach [23:24]
- “We really... can make it work for anyone.” — Tess Leach [11:08]
- “It definitely takes a certain kind of person to want to work in a remote environment like this and then do it in hospitality.” — Tess Leach [21:32]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro/Setting the Scene: [00:19–02:41]
- Ranchlands Overview & History: [02:41–04:32]
- Description of Paint Rock Canyon & Ecosystems: [04:32–07:05]
- Daily Guest Experience & Scheduling: [11:59–14:10]
- Accommodations (Safari Tents): [14:10–15:35]
- Petroglyphs/Native History: [15:35–17:22]
- Team & Guest Feedback: [20:09–23:24]
- Ranchlands Collective/Nonprofit Missions: [24:29–26:46]
- Personal Touches, Animals, and Future: [26:46–28:36]
Final Thoughts
This episode offers a window into the American West’s enduring magic, experienced through the lens of Ranchlands and Paint Rock Canyon Ranch. Listeners discover how intentional hospitality, a respect for history, and a commitment to conservation and community-building can shape not just a vacation, but a worldview. Through stories of horses, wild rivers, archaeological wonders, and creative partnerships, Tess Leach and Dan Rubinstein invite listeners to explore a slower, more connected way of living, anchored in landscape and shared experience.