Ladies Retreat
Photo credit Ali Briggs
Hearts, Hooves & Handguns
October 9-11th, 2026
Saddle up for a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive weekend designed to empower women through connection, challenge, and unforgettable adventure – on the range, on horseback, and at the ranch.
Open to women 21+. Accommodations are thoughtfully arranged: Adult-only & separate family space available to ensure everyone feels comfortable and at home.
Your weekend includes:
- Guided 2-hour trail ride
- Firearms instruction + Certificate + Ammo
- Hands-on ranch activities
- Delicious meals & glamping accommodations
No experience necessary – just a bold heart and a good pair of boots.
Where grit meets grace and confidence is cultivated
Use code Cowgirl20 for 20% off!
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2 Hour Alta Coulee Trail Ride - Ranch Horse Included
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2 Hour Alta Coulee Trail Ride - Your Horse Included
Water and highlines will be in a central location to camp
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4 Hour Arbuckle Mountain Trail Ride - Ranch Horse $250
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4 Hour Arbuckle Mountain Trail Ride - Your Horse $125
Water and highlines will be in a central location to camp
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Optional Sunday Ride - Ranch Horse $250
Breathtaking 4-hour trail ride that takes you up to the ridgeline overlooking Alta Lake and Whistlin’ Pine Ranch on a Ranch Horse
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Optional Sunday Ride - Your Horse $125
Breathtaking 4-hour trail ride that takes you up to the ridgeline overlooking Alta Lake and Whistlin’ Pine Ranch on your own seasoned, fit mountain trail horse
Our Retreat is hosted at the beautiful Whistlin’ Pine Ranch located in Pateros, WA. To view the campsite options, visit their website!
What to Expect:
Firearms Training:
Experience comprehensive firearm training with a primary focus on pistols. Our sessions include an introduction to shotgun and rifles, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of firearm safety and handling. Gain practical skills and confidence through personalized instruction tailored to all experience levels.
Equestrian Excellence:
Learn the art of horsemanship and trail riding in some of the most beautiful terrain. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, our two options for guided trail rides (bring your own horse or ride one of the ranches) will enhance your confidence.
Scenic Trails:
Explore the beauty of the ranch through guided trail rides, connecting with nature and finding serenity in the great outdoors while challenging yourself if you choose the 4-hour Arbuckle ride that ends in a thrilling ride down the mountain over the more relaxing 2-hour ride down the Alta Coulee. Either ride you will be surrounded by nature’s beauty in its original form.
Empowerment Workshops:
Drawing from decades of corporate leadership and mentorship experience, engage in workshops designed to help you find your voice, build resilience, and grow your confidence from the boardroom to the arena of life.
Community and Camaraderie:
Share stories around the firepit, build lasting friendships, and support one another in a nurturing and empowering environment.
This retreat is more than just a getaway
It’s a journey to discover your inner strength, build confidence, and connect with like-minded women. Whether you are looking to conquer new challenges, develop safe firearm handling, or simply reconnect with yourself, Cowgirl Capable is the perfect place to start.
There is a $200 registration discount if you’re able to haul in your own RV/Travel Trailer/Living Quarter Horse Trailer to dry camp.
Travel Trailers will be provided for accommodations.
If you plan to bring your own Firearm to the retreat, be sure to review this summary (I went to the Google).
“It is our understanding, based on legal advice provided to Securite Gun Club by, William Kirk, WA Gun Law, an attorney who specializes in Washington Firearm laws, that if you are bringing in a firearm and have no intention of leaving it in the state, then it is not considered “importing” as long as you follow all Federal and Airline rules for transport.”
Getting to the Ranch
Cowgirl Capable will be hosted on the beautiful Whistlin’ Pine Ranch located at the south end of Alta Lake (just a mile past the State Park) in Pateros, WA.
This family ranch is now run by my dear friend Tara who’s Grandparents, Jean and Adolph Varrelman, opened the campground and dude ranch in 1946. Her father, Brian Varrelman, took over the campground and dude ranch operations in 1980, adding Sawtooth Outfitters, a commercial Outfitting and Guide service for hunting, fishing, and vacationing in the Pasayten and Sawtooth Wilderness areas.
Alta Lake spans across 220 acres and is known to Anglers near and far. The area also provides expansive room for sunseekers. An 18-hole golf course resides at the North end of the lake, and white-water rafting is just a few miles down the hill on the Methow River.
Easy drives to Lake Chelan South just 25 miles which is home to over 30 Vinyards and over 40 Wineries and Tasting Rooms in the AVA and Winthrop North 45 miles. The Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the 11th AVA in Washington State with AVA status granted back in 2009. It encompasses the southernmost and easternmost areas of the lake and the surrounding land that are at or below 2,000 feet in elevation.
Directions from Omak WA:
Take US-97 S for 29 miles. Turn right onto Hwy 153 for appx 2 miles. Turn left onto Alta Lake Rd. Drive appx 3 miles past the Golf Course and the State Park to the South end of Alta Lake. You will arrive at your destination at the end of the County Rd.
Directions from Winthrop WA:
Head South on Hwy 153 for appx 40 miles. Turn right onto Alta Lake Rd. Drive appx 3 miles past the Golf Course and the State Park to the South end of Alta Lake. You will arrive at your destination at the end of the County Rd.
Directions from Chelan WA:
Head NE on Hwy 97 ALT/Woodin Ave appx 5 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 97 N for 13 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 153 N for appx 2 miles. Turn left onto Alta Lake Rd. Drive appx 3 miles past the Golf Course and the State Park to the South end of Alta Lake. You will arrive at your destination at the end of the County Rd.
Whistlin’ Pine Ranch is 1 mile from Alta Lake State Park
If flying in:
Wenatchee (EAT) – CLOSEST 66 Miles / 1 hour 22 minutes
Tri-Cities Airport – Pasco (PSC) – 179 miles / 3 hours
Spokane International Airport – 142 Miles / 2 hours 40 minutes – this route will take you through Grand Coulee where you can stop and visit the Coulee Dam with some beautiful stretches on that route.
Seattle Paine Field Airport in Everett (PAE) – 187 miles / 3 hours 48 minutes
SeaTac (SEA) Seattle Tacoma International Airport – 209 miles / 3 hours 40 minutes from SeaTacoma Airport. Either route navigation will take you is a beautiful drive. If you head up and over Hwy 2 you will drive through the adorable alpine town of Leavenworth where it feels like you’ve left the states and arrived in Germany. The entire town is architecturally designed to resemble a Bavarian village.
Raised like a capable man but still expected to act like a lady.
