DUNOIR VALLEY RETREAT-TETONS, YELLOWSTONE, WIND RIVER COUNTRY

My family stayed here for the full month of April, 2013. We loved it, and I could not think of anything more perfect in this price range. The house is clean and well-appointed (including Dish Network with a programmable DVR). Perfect for two couples, or for one couple with children. The house was well-stocked with basic supplies (toilet paper, cleaners, detergent, spices for cooking, coffee filters, paper towels, etc.) The Absaroka Mountains are beautiful viewed straight out the living room windows, or from the sunroom. Deer appeared outside our window daily, plus there were a few large hares and some big magpies that also made regular showings. Although April has unpredictable weather, we were always able to get into town, even after a hard snow. We drove to Jackson Hole many times, too (passing moose, bison, and elk). Jackson is only 90 minutes away, though you have to go over a mountain pass at 9,500 feet to get there. I estimate Dunoir Valley Retreat is about 7,000 feet over sea level. The south gate of Yellowstone is also 90 minutes away, though it was closed in April.

The town of Dubois (Doo-boyz) is only ten minutes away with basic stores and restaurants (my favorite dish was the Thai Beef Stir-Fry at the Nostalgia Bistro). Also, there is a winter resort called Crooked Creek that is almost across the street, but then 7 miles up a mountain. The road was muddy (April), but we enjoyed the restaurant and bar there. Dubois is considered one of America's top ten cowboy towns. (Cattle appears to be the main industry.) The Wind River is very close to this house with some public access areas for fishing. (I also got guided flyfishing from Marlow's Fly Shop in town. Those guys put you right on the fish.)

There were some great back roads that took you into the "badlands", where we would hike up big hills or in canyons, but never too far from the car.

The house has a garage, but my full sized SUV would not fit completely.