Our History
How it Started
In 1974, David and Deborah MacKenzie discovered this secluded valley in the Gros Ventre Mountains and saw more than just a cattle ranch – they envisioned a place where families could experience the authentic Western lifestyle they had grown to love. Their own story began at the nearby Elbow Ranch, where three summers of family vacations sparked a dream of creating their own guest ranch. After searching across Colorado and Montana, they found Red Rock Ranch through a Wall Street Journal advertisement and knew they’d found something special.
The transformation from private cattle ranch to welcoming guest retreat started with moving historic log cabins up from Jackson’s Utopia Lodge. Working carefully to preserve each 1920s structure, they created the welcoming horseshoe of cabins that still greets guests today. By 1976, after adding modern amenities while maintaining authentic Western charm, the MacKenzies welcomed their first guests to what would become a 50-year tradition of family hospitality.
Homesteading
The ranch’s story begins in 1890, when four hearty homesteaders first claimed this land. James Simpson, the last of these pioneers, eventually sold his 160-acre parcel to William Redmond, who built the original Redmond House in 1920. These early settlers laid the foundation for what would become Red Rock Ranch, their legacy living on in the structures and stories that remain.
Private Dude Ranch
In the 1930s, the ranch found new life under Eugene and Agnes Meyer. Eugene, a Yale graduate turned Washington Post publisher, treasured the ranch as an escape from East Coast life. Their family’s summer retreats here created cherished memories until World War II necessitated its sale to a trusted local rancher who would care for the land and its wildlife.
Dude Ranch Evolved
Major C.C. Moseley, a pioneer aviator and accomplished horseman, guided the ranch through its next chapter. His dedication to horse breeding and ranching brought new energy to the property. Though the ranch fell into disrepair by the early 1970s, Moseley’s commitment to preserving the land’s character influenced its future, insisting it not be sold for redevelopment.
The Ranch Today
Now in its third generation of family stewardship, Red Rock Ranch continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Carolyn and Harley Stimmel, along with their four sons, carry forward the MacKenzies’ vision of sharing this special place with guests. Protected by conservation easements, the ranch remains a testament to the power of preservation and the importance of passing on Western traditions to future generations.
