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Lowdown

  • Established

    1960. Guest ranch since 1970

  • Owner

    Kara and JR Williams & Dana Demorest

  • Manager

    Kara Williams and Dana Demorest

  • Tel

    208-861-9206

  • Open

    Jun-Nov

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $325 - $375

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $95 - $215

  • Minimum Stay

    No minimum stay

  • Maximum Guests

    35

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Solitude
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

The Diamond D Ranch is Idaho's premier all-inclusive guest ranch nestled in the Frank Church Wilderness and surrounded by the Salmon River Mountains. We offer several wonderful activities including horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, gold panning, swimming, and many evening festivities.

Good time to go

June 1 - Sept 15

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 0 and over

Children of ALL ages love the Diamond D!! While we do not have a designated Childrens program, there is much for children to do and participate in. We have babysitters on site who are CPR/First Aid trained.

Being in the wild west is a very exciting adventure for children. Our staff tries to make everyday fun and memorable for the children by offering western lore of the area, a variety of crafts, nature walks, gold panning and other adventures. Some of our staff members have even been known to strap on a head lamp and take the kids in search of Night Crawlers in the moonlight. Children six years and older may participate in the above activities (under recreation). For children under six, there are supervised games, swimming, pony rides, etc. For the very young, three and under, there is baby-sitting available.

All childrens activies are supervised.

Arts & Crafts

coloring, sketching, Painting horseshoes and making dream catchers

Activities

hiking, picnics, outdoor play area, supervised swimming

Games

scavenger/treasure hunts, board games, horseshoes, soccer, volleyball, ping pong

Baby Sitting

From age 0 to 12. Hourly cost $10 .

Baby Sitting Provided By

We have 1-2 sitters available at any given time but must be arranged in advance to accommodate the schedule.  

Environmental & Social Practices

Environment

The Diamond D Ranch is off the Grid and runs completely off Hydroelectric power. The Hydro system was put into place in the early 1980s.

Community

The Diamond D Ranch makes several charitable donations yearly. Some local Idaho fundraiser and some Nationwide, such as Make a Wish, Big Brother/Big Sister, and Women and Childrens Alliance. Our donations are in the form of a several night stay for two, all-iclusive.

Ranch History

The Demorest family first stepped foot on Loon Creek in 1951, where they quickly bought into a parntership with the Boyle family. The ranch was bought outright by John P Demorest in 1960. John, also known as Big John, sadlypassed away in 1980, leaving his son Tom to run and build the ranch. Tom first stepped on the ranch in 1951 as a 13 year old boy. The ranch looked nothing like it does now. There were no fences, no grass, no fields, not many buildings, but there was lots and lots of rock!! Tom had an amazing vision of what the ranch could be. With many years, blood, sweat, and tears...the ranch is now a wonderful getaway for guests to enjoy. Of course, Tom couldn't do this all alone. He had a lot of help and guidance from his wife, Linda. Linda built up the guest season, while Tom built up the outfitting business and the ranch itself. When you visit the ranch, be sure to ask Linda about the chapel, which took her 11 years to build. And be sure to ask Tom to share some of the many stories of the old west and all the many characters that helped build the ranch. To this day the ranch is family owned and operated. Our goal it to have each and everyone of our wonderful guests feel like they are also a part of the family!!

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Ranch-style, Health oriented

  • Meals served

    buffet style, everyone eats together, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    BYOB, available for purchase

  • Enjoy dining in

    patio, dining room (casual attire)

  • You'll definitely love

    organic produce, fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free, other

A variety of taste-tempting meals are served family style in the lodge dining room or at outdoor poolside barbecues. Breakfasts range from hot oatmeal, fresh fruit selections, yogurts, special breads, to French toast, pancakes, eggs and bacon, biscuits & gravy, waffles, and beautiful quiches. A few examples of lunches are homemade soups, Mediterranean cuisine, tacos, French dips and other gourmet sandwiches and sides. Dinners range from Italian dinners of spaghetti, lasagna, eggplant or veal parmesan to prime rib, ham dinner, turkey dinner, lemon chicken, seafood linguini, surf and turf, and much more!!! Breads and desserts are baked fresh daily and are irresistible. ***WE DO SELL A NICE SELECTION OF WINE AND BEER*** but hard liquor is not available. You are welcome to bring your own if you wish. There are mini-fridges in each of the cabins and suites.

Guest Favourites

  • Biscuits and Gravy
  • Paulas Potatoes
  • Triple Chocolate Cake

Lowdown

  • Address

    1 Loon Creek Rd
    Stanley
    Idaho
    83278
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    5,788 ft

  • Private Land

    250-1000 acres

  • Public Land

    more than 50k acres

Nearest Town - Stanley, Idaho

Stanley, Idaho has a population of 100 (approx), and is situated 38 miles / 1 hour 30 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in Stanley, Idaho include: church.

Rental car

Required, 4x4 recommended

Nearest Airports

BOI, Boise, Idaho

Distance

160 miles / 1 hour 30 mins

Airlines

Delta, United, Skywest, Allegiant, Horizon, Alaska, United Express, American Airlines

Hailey, Idaho, Hailey

Distance

100 miles / 2 hours 30 mins

Airlines

Delta

Rental car

4x4 recommended

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding

  • Rides are grouped by

    Everyone rides together

  • Guest Horses

    28

  • Horse Types

    Quarterhorse, Draft Cross, Geldings

The Setting

Private Land (250-1000 acres)

We always start our rides on our private ranch land.  All Wilderness trails start just outside our private property.  Guests will start out riding out of our coral

Public Land (more than 50k acres)

Our Riding

Weight limit for riding

225-250 lbs

Riding considerations

no riding experience needed

Why our riding stands out

  • The Diamond D Ranch is nestled in the Salmon River mountains in the heart of the Frank Church Wilderness. We offer scenic high mountain trail rides with incomparable, breathtaking views of up to 10,000ft. Guests will ride up to the snow lines (even in July), where they will enjoy lunch and good snowball fight!
  • Many of our horses are born and raised on the ranch. Our horses are the happiest, most well trained horses you will find at any ranch. Most of our horses will spend their entire lives on the ranch and they live as horses were meant to live...grazing off the land. They have 10,000 acres of grazing.
  • While we do not allow any running, for the safety of our guests and horses, the terrain is definitely a thrill. Our trails are well maintained. Some of our trails climb high into the mountains while others follow above the creek and are more shaded, which is perfect for warm summer afternoons. Our trails truly are great and enjoyable for any skill level.

Sample Riding Itinerary

Sundays - Ranch Loop Ride (2 hrs)

Mondays - 2 rides. 10am and 2pm.  All levels (ages 6 and up).  Morning rides are typically more mounainous while afternoon rides tend to be "relatively flat" and shaded.

Tuesdays - 2 rides.  10am and 2pm.  All levels (ages 6 and up)

Wednesdays - Lunch ride (4-6 hrs).  Lunches will be provided for guests and packed on a mule.  Lunch ride destinations are always beautiful.  Either to a high mountain setting with amazing views or along Loon or trail creek to waterfalls, open meadows or hot springs.

Thursdays - 2 rides.  10am and 2pm.  All Levels (ages 6 and up)

Fridays - Lunch ride (4-6 hours).  

 

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $325 - $375

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $95 - $215

  • Minimum Stay

    No minimum stay

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Sat, Any day is fine

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Sat, Any day is fine

  • Style of accommodation

    Western rustic chic

  • Packages available

    1 week
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Diamond D Ranch can cater for up to 35 guests. Accommodation includes Cabins, Lodges and Houses. See below for details and indicative rates.

Cabin | 2 Bedroom Cabins

Rates (Per Person)*

$250
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

Our private two bedroom cabins are beautifully furnished with custom made Juniper Log furninture.  Each cabin has a King Master, two twins in the second bedroom, full bath, and a spacious living room.  The cabins sit above the creek and our guests love to crack their windows at night and listen to the water flowing. 

Rooms

2

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, crib, seating area

Cabin | 5 bedroom Large cabin

Rates (Per Person)*

$250
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

Our large cabin is located near the pool and hottub area and the main lodge.  The cabin has 2 King bedrooms, two rooms with two twins each, and a queen bedroom.  There are two bathrooms and a spacious living room.  Our large beautiful yard sits right in front of the cabin, perfect for yard games!!

Rooms

5

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, washer / dryer, Disabled Accessible

Lodge | Main Lodge

Rates (Per Person)*

$195 - $250
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

3 bed and breakfast style rooms with either twin or queen beds.

Rooms

3

Bathrooms

Shared bathroom

House | Suites

Rates (Per Person)*

$250 - $375
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

Our private suites have a queen bedroom, private bath and spacious living room.  The view from the suites is amazing! 

Rooms

2

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge

Booking Policy

Rates include three meals/day, lodging, use of all ranch facilities, daily planned activities and horseback riding. Beer and wine can be purchased separately. All lodging will be charged 6% Idaho Sales Tax.

We accept payment by Check, Money Order, Travelers Cheque, Cash, Visa or Mastercard.

A 20% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we only accept deposits by Check, Money Order, Travelers Cheque or Cash at this time. Any remaining balance may be paid with a credit card if so desired upon departure.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, lodging, Riding

Extras

Tax

6% Idaho Sales Tax 2% Idaho Convention and Tourism Tax

Gratuity

Gratuity is left up to our guests. 10-15% is typical.

Yoga

Yoga classes are offered 4 days a week and private yoga sessions can be arranged depending on the schedule.

Guided Fly Fishing

We have some of the best fly fishing guides and the best fly fishing streams in the state of Idaho just feet form the ranch. Our guided fly fishing excursions are not included in our rates. $150.00 per person for a full day of guided fly fishing and $75.00 for a half day.

Other

A selection of Local Microbrews, domestic beer and both house and specialty wines are sold from the main lodge. They are not included in our rates.

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Riding helmets, Saddle bags

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi.

  • Business Services

    Conference center, WIFI.

Onsite

Shopping

We have a selection of Diamond D hats, shirts, stickers, water bottles and cards available in our small office.

Outdoor Activities

Yoga, sporting clays, bird watching, Shooting - trap / clays, Archery, Gold panning, Roping lessons, Bon fires, Dancing, Hiking, Stand up Paddle boards, row boats

Water based Activities

outdoor pool, hot tub, hot springs, lake water sports

Fishing & Wildlife

Fishing – Cast a line for Rainbow, Cutthroat, and other native trout in streams only 50 yards from your cabin, or try our private lake. Row boats are available and are docked at the lake. Fly fishing is very popular in this area, especially on Loon Creek which runs right through the ranch. Licenses must be purchased prior to visiting the ranch.  They can be purchased online at www.idfg.gov  We have guests that return every year just for the amazing fly fishing on Loon Creek.  The Diamond D is a true Angler's paradise!

Intro to Fly Fishing basic instruction will be offered twice weekly on the front yard of the ranch.  Our guides will help you learn to cast, tie basic knots and the components of the rod and reel. 

If you are looking for a guided fly fishing experience, let our guides show you some of the hot spots on Loon Creek.  These excursions can range from half day jaunts to multi-day, pack trip expeditions!

Fishing on offer

spin, fly, river, lake, stream, equipment available, guided non-inclusive, unguided, instruction available, BYO equipment

Wildlife

Our guests can expect to see Mule deer, Elk, black bear.  We do have wolves, mountain lion, and Moose in the area.  They are more rare to see.

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of 20-30.

The ranch and its facilities are perfectly suited to small conferences, sales meetings, seminars, etc. We have a conference room available for such retreats. Groups from 25 to 35 persons are easily accommodated. The ranch must be reserved on an exclusive basis and minimum guarantees are required.

Weddings

We can cater for groups of 50-75.

If you are looking for a private setting, fresh air, and absolutely amazing views, our family owned and operated ranch is the location for you. Whether you choose to have an outdoor wedding or say your vows in our chapel built by hand, you'll create a lifetime of memories.

Highs

  • For nature and wilderness lovers, it is one of the most remote and private ranches you can find
  • The setting is incredible, with beautiful mountain scenes and a private lake, with access to spectacular Idaho wilderness
  • Excellent for families, family reunions and weddings, there’s a charming little chapel that took Linda 11 years to build!
  • Even though it is so remote, communications are excellent as they use satellite-based phone and internet
  • They are completely off-grid, supplying their own electricity through the use of a hydro-electric generator

Lows

  • The extremely remote location may not be for some peoples’ tastes, especially if you are looking to leave the ranch occasionally and sample the local town

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Amazing place

What a wonderful place! Great people, views, activities, food, everything was great. Staff is so helpful and accomodating. 7 of us were there and the 3 kids had a blast riding horses, swimming in the pool and all of the activities. The food was a great surprise, it was fabulous and a great variety. It is a difficult drive up and over the mountain but the staff was so helpful in getting us back down but a 4 wheel drive vehicle or pickup would have been the way to go. We heard once we were up there that you can arrange for a van to take you there. In spite of the drive up there, it was a fabulous place to take a family vacation.

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Diamond D Ranch on TripAdvisor