Paintrock Canyon Ranch
August 12 - 15, 2025
The Collective Summit is an annual gathering at the Paintrock for those interested in the future of working lands in the American West.
Through field-based learning, talks, and conversations with ranchers, conservationists, and ecologists, we’ll explore how stewardship, ecology, and culture intersect on ranches like Paintrock. Together, we’ll consider what it means to build lasting relationships with the landscapes we depend on—and how those relationships can shape more resilient communities and ecosystems.
The Program
Sip hot coffee by the fire before walking down to the bird monitoring station at dawn, where biologists are collecting data on migration and population health.
Join a grazing panel with apprentices, take part in hands-on workshops exploring water systems or creative approaches to land stewardship, or head out on horseback to explore the landscape. Hike quiet trails, fish for trout in the creek, or simply relax with a book and take in the wide-open views. There’s space to talk: around tables, on walks, and in circles designed for deep conversation.
We’ll come together to imagine the future of ranching and conservation, exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and shaping what’s next for The Collective. In the evenings, we'll gather for long-table meals and music beneath the stars.
Sample Itinerary
6:30 a.m. Join our bird bander monitoring the hummingbirds that come to the ranch.
8:30 a.m. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the campus dining room before starting the day.
10:00 a.m. Choose your morning track: join a grazing panel or learn about fly fishing.
12:45 p.m. Break for a relaxing lunch and reflect on the morning’s experiences.
2:30 p.m. Head out for afternoon activities: ride across the ranch, hike scenic trails, or relax with a book.
6:30 p.m. Gather for a communal dinner, share stories, and discuss the day’s activities.
Accommodations and Meals
Guests can choose between two accommodations: cozy, shared cabins at the Paintrock Campus or peaceful campsites where you can pitch your own tent. Both options offer access to all daily programming and communal gathering spaces. The cabins provide private, rustic comfort with nearby bathhouses, while the campsites offer a quiet, back-to-the-land experience with mobile bathrooms.
All meals will be creatively prepared over open fire by a private chef using Ranchlands beef, and served with cocktails, wine, and beer. Dietary preferences are gladly accommodated.
Rates
$550: Camping. Includes all activities, amenities, and meals.
$1,500: Cabin accommodations. Includes all activities, amenities, and meals.
This event is open only to Collective members. Become a member today.
FAQs
Who is this event for?
The Collective Summit is designed for anyone interested in the future of working lands – from land stewards, ecologists, and conservation professionals to writers, artists, educators, and policy thinkers. We welcome people from a range of disciplines who care about the intersection of land, culture, and community.
What will we be doing during the week?
Participants will take part in guided discussions, field outings, and informal conversations with ranchers, biologists, and peers. There will be time for structured programming as well as open space for relaxation and exploration. While this is not a hands-on ranch work experience, we’ll spend time outdoors and on the land.
How is this week different from a regular Ranchlands stay?
A typical Ranchlands guest stay focuses on leisure and recreation. The Collective Summit includes some of those same elements, but in a more condensed format, with the focus shifted toward dialogue and connection.
This is a participatory gathering, designed for people who want to be in conversation about the future of land use, conservation, and rural livelihoods. You’ll join others in exploring the questions that shape our shared future: How do we keep working lands intact? What does resilience look like for ranching communities? What role can we each play in stewarding change?
Think of it not as a vacation, but as a chance to be inspired by the Ranchlands Collective community, filled up by purpose, and returned to your daily life with a renewed sense of direction.
Is this a conference?
Not in the traditional sense. There are no panel sessions or formal presentations. Instead, the Summit is built around place-based learning, dialogue, and relationship-building in a more informal setting.
Will there be horseback riding or ranch work?
Yes, there will be opportunities for group horseback rides. However, there will not be opportunities to participate in ranch work during the Summit.
Where is Paintrock Canyon Ranch?
Paintrock Canyon Ranch is located in north-central Wyoming, at the western edge of the Bighorn Mountains. It’s a remote, working cattle ranch managed by Ranchlands.
How do I get there?
The nearest airports are in Cody, Wyoming (1.5-hour drive) and Billings, Montana (3-hour drive).
We offer transportation to and from the ranch for participants flying into Cody Airport, as long as your flight arrives before 1 PM on arrival day and departs after 1 PM on departure day. If your flight falls outside of those windows, or if you're flying into Billings, you’ll need to arrange your own ground transportation. We recommend Explore Cody Transportation for taxi and shuttle services.
Full travel instructions and directions will be provided upon registration.
Can I bring my RV to camp in? How about an airstream or a small camper? Can I sleep in my truck bed?
Yes, you're welcome to bring small camper or sleep in your truck bed. However, we cannot accommodate full-sized RVs. Please note that there are no hookups (power, water, or sewer) available on site. You’ll still need to pay the standard camping rate for the Summit, regardless of your setup.
Can I bring my dog?
We ask that participants do not bring dogs. As this is an active cattle ranch with working dogs and wildlife, additional animals can pose challenges. Thank you for understanding.
Is there Wi-Fi or cell service available?
There is very limited Wi-Fi and cell service at the ranch. In case of emergency, staff can help you access Wi-Fi, but we encourage participants to view the Summit as an opportunity to unplug and be fully present with the landscape and community.
Can I work remotely or take calls during the Summit?
We strongly discourage working remotely or taking calls during the Summit. The experience is designed to foster immersion and connection. If you anticipate needing to be available for work, this may not be the right week to attend.
What should I bring?
A full packing list will be sent to all participants ahead of time. Expect to bring sturdy shoes and other gear suitable for spending time outdoors.
What’s the weather like in August?
August weather in the Bighorn Mountains can vary. Days are typically warm (70s–80s°F), while nights can be cool (40s–50s°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon, so come prepared with rain gear and layers.
Can I do laundry during the week?
There are no laundry facilities available during the Summit. We recommend packing accordingly.
How many people will attend?
The Summit is intentionally small, with space for around 30-40 participants. This allows for deeper conversations and meaningful connections.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Summit registrations are non-refundable, but your spot can be transferred to someone else if you’re unable to attend. Please let us know as soon as possible if you’d like to make a transfer so we can support a smooth handoff.
Join us in reconnecting people to the land.
Sponsor Our Annual Summit
Showcase your brand at a one-of-a-kind gathering that brings together conservationists, creatives, and changemakers at Paintrock Canyon Ranch.
As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Feature your products and services
- Gain direct exposure to a highly engaged audience
- Align with a nonprofit committed to conservation and community renewal
- Support impactful programs
- Treat your team to an unforgettable week of learning, adventure, and connection in the Wyoming wilderness
Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Let’s find the level that’s right for you.
Paintrock Canyon Ranch
The Paintrock Canyon Ranch sprawls across northern Wyoming, made up of rolling meadows and streams carving through high alpine valleys. The ranch’s landscape is characterized by the Paintrock Canyon, which starts at the ranch headquarters and meanders for 8 miles, opening into the Paintrock basin at foot of Cloud Peak, the highest peak in the Bighorn range. The Canyon itself is shaped by steep limestone slopes that climb thousands of feet high above the trail. Red sandstone cliffs, whose color transforms from deep orange to burgundy red with the changing light, rise above the meadows surrounding the ranch’s headquarters. At the bottom of the canyon is Paintrock Creek, widely known to be one of the best fisheries in the region for rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout. Wildlife is plenty– bobcat, elk, mule and whitetail deer, pronghorn and bears all roam freely.
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