Why Celebrities Love Diamond Cross Ranch in Jackson Hole

It’s a rarity for the words “celebrity-favorite” and “relatively inexpensive” to find themselves in the same sentence, let alone when referring to accommodations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, an area that’s become known for its high price tags and high-profile appearances. But to describe Diamond Cross Ranch and its adjoining lodging, Teton Cabins, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to paint the picture. 

If you’ve ever indicated your interest in horses, Wrangler jeans, Lucchese boots, or Western culture in general to the Instagram algorithm, there’s a good chance you’ve scrolled through photos from the Diamond Cross Ranch account. In a world of Western tourism fueled by Taylor Sheridan-created TV shows, the striking content—defined by a mix of nostalgic and editorial Western imagery, often featuring the brand’s apparel line—feels timely and relevant. Still, there’s an undertone of legitimacy, built by the generations who have taken care of the ranch and its surrounding land. 

Unlike the stars of “Yellowstone,” the family behind Diamond Cross Ranch is real—and they’re genuinely interested in sharing their home. Over the last 100-plus years, they’ve cultivated a destination that feels as welcoming as it does exclusive. Peter Long, whose great-grandparents were the first caretakers of the land, is part of the current generation spearheading this movement toward ranch sustainability and inclusion. 

“Hospitality has always been part of the fabric of the West and certainly in our homes. Our grandmother, Betty, taught us the Golden Rule at a young age,” he tells Travel + Leisure. “When she and our grandfather ran the ranch, Betty welcomed countless hired hands into her home like family. She would give them a warm meal and make sure they were well taken care of. Somehow, there was always enough to go around. Today, we strive to embody that same standard [of] hospitality and welcome in everything we do. Everyone who stays with us is family while they are here.”

While the ranch hosts weddings and corporate events—and has even had the likes of the Kardashians and country singer Thomas Rhett on its horses—Teton Cabins, located just a mile away, feels like a secret hideout. Jackson Hole may see its fair share of summer tourists and winter sports enthusiasts, but Moran, an unincorporated village in Teton County, is more remote. When nightfall rolls around, expect a spectacular celestial scene, the type that makes you reconsider any form of city living. 

At first glance, the one- and two-bedroom cabins—all of which are outfitted with kitchenettes, a living room-dining area, and a private bath—are inconspicuously rustic. Upon entering, however, it becomes apparent that the Longs have provided all the essentials. There are fluffy towels, toiletries, kitchen tools, coffee pods, and high-speed Wi-Fi. A housekeeping service ensures the cabins feel fresh each day. “We seek to combine the timeless charm of the cabins…with touches of modern elegance and comfort,” says Long, who describes the accommodations as “Old West meets New West.” Compared to Jackson Hole’s sky-high summer hotel prices, the cabins are more palatable for families or groups looking to stay in the area for more than a few nights.  

When asked about how Teton Cabins fits in among a range of Jackson Hole’s lodging options, Long says everything is “rooted in tradition and heritage.” For some, these are simply buzzwords, meant to entice travelers searching for a seemingly authentic experience. At Teton Cabins, though, Long and his wife, Lauren, don’t use them lightly. “Everything was done by hand, from cutting and peeling the logs to the bespoke interior finishes,” he says. While the cabins were originally built by his aunt and uncle, Long acknowledges there’s a responsibility to continue the legacy through “conservation, stewardship, and sustainability.” 

It can be tempting to indulge in a slow morning at the cabins—allured by the comfortable queen-sized beds and porch rocking chairs facing the Tetons—but those visiting Jackson Hole usually come for the access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Teton Cabins is conveniently located near both—in under 10 minutes, you can access the Moran Entrance Station for Grand Teton National Park, while Yellowstone’s South Entrance is about an hour’s drive away. If you’re not familiar with the area, head to the on-site lodge, where the team will happily provide their favorite hikes and recommendations. 

“We still do things the old-fashioned way, which means going the extra mile for each of our guests, scrutinizing every detail, and doing everything we can to ensure they have a great experience,” says Long. It’s this mentality that informs the trail ride and “cowboy adventures” for guests. Pack your jeans and boots for a private tour on horseback through the property’s pastures and along the Buffalo Fork River, complete with a Teton Range photo opp. Or, for something a bit more immersive, sign up for a full day of “Cowboy 101,” where the ranch’s cowboys and cowgirls will teach you how to saddle a horse and throw a lasso, and then put your skills to the test as you move cattle to their next location.

After a summer of hosting countless guests and events at the ranch’s “Big Red Barn” venue, no one would judge the Longs for taking the winter to rest. The off-season, however, gives them time to prepare for the following year.

“It’s a privilege to be able to share this place we call home, and we are motivated by the opportunity to help our guests enjoy Jackson Hole the same way we have,” he says. At Teton Cabins, that means waking up each morning, breathing in fresh mountain air, and appreciating the wild, Western beauty in every direction.