Cirque of the Towers Photography Workshop

July 17, 2026: Orientation, Dinner, Sunset Horse Release at Diamond 4 Ranch

We’ll meet up at the Diamond 4 Ranch at 4:00 PM for an orientation about riding from one of the wranglers—we’re happy to help with any questions you may have on getting there. The Ranch is about a 4-hour drive from Jackson Hole, WY, and the last hour is on a windy gravel road that ascends 3,000 feet in elevation. Afterward, we’ll have an early dinner, finish our last-minute packing, and get some much-needed sleep ahead of the next day’s long ride. Diamond 4 Ranch is located at 9,000 feet in elevation, so this overnight will help our bodies acclimate for our 9,500-foot alpine camp.

Each evening, as the sun sets over the Wind River Range, ranch wranglers turn out the horses from their corral, allowing them to roam free and graze in the open fields overnight. Watching them thunder across the landscape, kicking up dust clouds with the wranglers riding close behind is an unforgettable sight.

Tonight, weather permitting, we will position ourselves perfectly to capture this breathtaking scene—majestic horses racing into the golden light of sunset, embracing their nightly freedom on the range. At dawn, they will return to the ranch unaided, their hoofbeats echoing through the crisp morning air—another rare and awe-inspiring moment to witness.

This experience offers a glimpse into a way of life that still thrives in the modern world, a piece of the untamed West that few can see. It’s a sight that lingers in the memory long after the dust has settled.

July 18, 2026: Horseback Ride to Camp, Sunset Photography at Wind River Range

We’ll begin the day with a hot cooked meal on the deck of the lodge followed by an introduction to our horses, and a review of rider safety. There will be sack lunches packed for the day and plenty of fresh filtered mountain water. Our ride will take most of the day—with frequent stops along the way for rest and photography—so we’ll plan on arriving into camp by 4:00 PM. Supplies will already be in camp, but everyone is expected to help set up the tents and fill water containers. Once settled into our private tents, we’ll have time to take a brief walk to photograph sunset. Dinner will be under the stars, around the warm glow of the campfire.

July 19–21, 2026: Morning Photo Ops, Evening Sunset Hikes, Alpine Scenery

Each day will start well before sunrise with hot coffee and snacks. We’ll make our way to our sunrise shooting locations, mostly in the dark, arriving just before the alpine glow begins. We’ll plan for a big hot breakfast in camp following each morning shoot, followed by some downtime for rest. The afternoon hikes for sunset will begin at various times based on the location chosen. We will have early dinners each day so that we can head out into the landscape, ready to take on the evening’s photographic adventure. You must walk to each location carrying your camera pack, water bladder or bottle, rain gear, and lunch. Some days when the weather permits, you might walk more than 3 miles, especially if the group is all willing to explore more locations. On return, hot water for tea or coffee and cakes and cookies will await us under the stars as we climb into our warm sleeping bags for another night’s restful sleep. On nights with clear skies, we’ll photograph the stars over glacial lakes and gnarled pines.

July 22, 2026: Scenic Return Trail Ride to Ranch, Relaxing Evening in Lander

On this final morning in camp, we’ll enjoy the sunrise over a favorite small lake. Then, after a hot breakfast, we’ll pack up and begin the 15-mile ride back to the Diamond 4 Ranch. You’ll be a riding pro by now, so relax and enjoy the views from the saddle! We’ll be back at the ranch mid-afternoon, where we will unload our horses, stretch our legs, pack our things in our vehicles, and drive down to Lander, where we will check in to our hotel for the night, get a hot shower before dinner. Dinner will be in town.

July 23, 2026: Sunrise Breakfast, Image Review, Fond Farewells in Lander

We’ll wake early and have a hot breakfast, followed by our signature image review in a dedicated meeting space. At noon, we’ll say our final farewells as we climb into our vehicles and head off into the great wild west. Flights out can be made this day from Jackson anytime after 5:00 PM or the following day. If you’re driving back to Jackson Hole for your flights home, plan on 3 hours. If timing is tight we recommend grabbing a hotel in Jackson this night flying out the following day.