The Hawken is a conservation forward resort experience designed to connect guests directly with the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Guests' visits will foster a deeper understanding of this fragile landscape through immersive experiences, education and responsible tourism. 

The Hawken is nestled in Granite Creek,Teton County, Wyoming, just south of the town of Jackson.

We anticipate welcoming guests in the summer of 2028. 

The Hawken will feature:

• A main lodge with a central gathering space
• A restaurant and bar showcasing regional cuisine
• Eight beautifully appointed guest rooms
• Ten private guest cabins
• A naturalist center for wildlife and conservation education
• A boutique spa for a relaxing, rejuvenating spa experience

The Hawken reflects the rugged spirit of the early American mountain men and their profound connection to the Rocky Mountain West. The Hawken rifle, renowned for its accuracy and reliability, was a prized possession and trusted tool of these pioneers, essential for survival and exploration. Our resort embodies that same spirit of adventure, resilience, and deep respect for the natural world that surrounds us. 

"Conservation Forward" is our commitment to preserving the irreplaceable Yellowstone Ecosystem. We believe responsible tourism supports conservation by fostering appreciation for the environment, and we demonstrate this through our partnership with the Ricketts Conservation Foundation.

The Ricketts Conservation Foundation is a dedicated organization committed to protecting and restoring wildlife populations and their vital habitats. They achieve their mission through collaborative partnerships and rigorous scientific research, focusing on tangible conservation outcomes. You can learn more about their work at their website:

The Ricketts Conservation Foundation (RCF) engages in several key conservation projects:

• Loon Conservation: RCF protects Yellowstone's loon population by monitoring nesting sites, mitigating human disturbance, and educating the public. RCF also collaborates with the National Loon Center to support loon conservation research across North America.
• Yellowstone Fire Response Study: Since 2018, RCF has studied songbird and wildlife response to prescribed burns on Monument Ridge, addressing the need for research on the impact of this forest management technique on non-game species.
• Clark's Nutcracker Project: RCF's work with Clark's Nutcrackers focuses on their vital role in whitebark pine forest health. Research efforts explore how whitebark pine loss affects nutcracker behavior and populations, supporting broader efforts to preserve this crucial tree species.

Here are a few examples:

• Wildlife Tours: Explore Yellowstone with a naturalist, spotting iconic species and learning about their lives and conservation.
• Citizen Science: Contribute to real research on birds (like loons and Clark's Nutcrackers) and other Yellowstone wildlife.
• Restoration Projects: Volunteer to restore valuable habitats for species like loons, swans, and Clark's Nutcrackers.
• Conservation Photography: Learn from pros how to capture Yellowstone's beauty ethically and help protect its wildlife.
• Fireside Chats: Enjoy evening discussions with naturalists about Yellowstone's ecosystem and conservation efforts (Loons, Swans, Clark's Nutcrackers, etc.).

We're deeply committed to minimizing our impact at every stage, proactively exceeding standard requirements to ensure the long-term health of this ecosystem.

A respected Jackson-based firm conducted a comprehensive, independent environmental analysis, meticulously identifying and mapping:

• Habitat Zones: Delineated crucial wildlife habitat zones, allowing us to minimize disturbance and prioritize preservation.
• Potential Wildlife: Assessed the presence and potential use of the property by key species (e.g., moose, elk, mule deer, bald eagles and cutthroat trout), informing development plans that protect wildlife corridors.
• Wetland Setbacks: Precisely identified wetlands and established setbacks to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
• Water Resources: Examined surface water resources to guide development practices that protect water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
• Vegetation Analysis: Identified and categorized plant communities to preserve native vegetation, control invasive species, and guide landscaping/restoration.

Our analysis is the foundation of our development strategy, informing every decision from building placement to trail design. We're committed to:

• Minimizing Disturbance: Locating most new structures within existing disturbance footprints, limiting impact to high-value habitat to just 1.16 acres (7% of the project). We also preserve natural contours by minimizing grading and excavation.
• Protecting Water Resources: Implementing best practices to safeguard water quality and minimize runoff, protecting local streams, wetlands, and aquifers.
• Restoring and Enhancing Habitats: Incorporating habitat restoration and enhancement wherever possible to benefit local wildlife. In many areas structures will be removed and the disturbed areas restored with native vegetation. In some cases, this will eliminate existing development within the stream or wetland setbacks, enhancing protection of the resources by converting them to native vegetation cover. 

Here are some specific examples:

• Grassland/Shrubland Restoration: Removing structures from developed areas within these habitats and restoring them to native condition, improving habitat and views from Granite Creek Road.
• Habitat Pond & Reduced Haul Traffic: Constructing a habitat pond (providing valuable wildlife habitat) and using the excavated earth for on-site road construction, reducing truck traffic and pollution.
• Off-Site Construction: Prefabricating building components off-site to minimize on-site disturbance, waste, and construction time, while improving quality control.
• Conifer Forest Restoration: Removing debris and remnant structures, and planting new trees to extend valuable cover habitat.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Replacing aging buildings with new, environmentally friendly structures using the latest technology.
• Visual Enhancement: Removing aging, view-obstructing structures.
• Dark Sky Compliance: Replacing existing on-site lighting with dark-sky-friendly options that exceed best practices.

The majority of our team is from the Jackson, Wyoming area. We believe these individuals possess the greatest talent and local knowledge for minimizing our impact on this unique valley. Their expertise in navigating the specific environmental and logistical challenges of developing in this area is invaluable.

The Hawken will offer a wide range of activities tailored to each season:

• Summer: Hike, bike, fish, enjoy sporting clays, spot wildlife, ride horses, or simply relax amidst the beauty of the Teton.
• Fall: Enjoy special events (vintner weekends, art/author workshops, photography retreats), scenic hikes, and nature walks focused on fall migration.
• Winter: Explore our winter wonderland with skiing, fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, skating, curling, dog sledding, or snowmobiling, then cozy up by the fire.

Yes, we will offer a variety of guided tours and excursions led by experienced local guides, including wildlife viewing tours, fly fishing expeditions, and backcountry hiking trips.

Yes, The Hawken is family-friendly and will offer a range of activities to assist them in exploring and recreating in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

We'll employ approximately 34 team members and partner with local purveyors, contractors, and guides.

We recognize that workforce housing is a critical issue in Teton County, and we are committed to being part of the solution. We believe that providing affordable and convenient housing for our team members is essential for attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, as well as minimizing our impact on local traffic and infrastructure.

We've applied for a Teton County Interpretation regarding on-site deed-restricted employee housing and are working closely and collaboratively with them, committed to adhering to all regulations.

We're committed to providing low-cost, on-site housing to many of our employees, addressing the financial challenges of living in Teton County and reducing commutes.

It reduces traffic, supports local businesses, fosters workforce stability, and builds a sense of community among our team.

We believe our employees are our greatest asset and will provide a competitive living wage (above regional standards) and a best-in-class benefits package (health insurance, EAP, PTO, 401k, professional development).

A local real estate agent alerted us to its unique character and availability. We were captivated by its beauty and serenity and immediately knew we could restore, enhance, and steward this special place.

No. We learned it was listed by Safari Club International, simply submitted a successful bid, and were unaware of any prior USFS interest. We are now proud stewards of this land.

No, The Hawken is a completely separate project. While there might be confusion due to location and focus, The Hawken is a unique vision—a conservation-forward resort experience—inspired by this land and our commitment to stewardship. We're building something entirely new, focused on immersive guest experiences and Yellowstone Ecosystem preservation.

Joe Ricketts is a businessman, philanthropist, conservationist, and advocate for education. He is most known for founding, building, and then ultimately selling T.D. Ameritrade. Beyond his business success, Ricketts is deeply committed to giving back to the community and supporting causes he believes in.

Ricketts envisions The Hawken as more than a resort—a place where guests connect with nature, learn about conservation, and experience the Yellowstone Ecosystem firsthand. He believes it can be a model for sustainable tourism and responsible development.

His deep connection to the Yellowstone Ecosystem, forged over years of living in and exploring this region, inspired him to create a lasting legacy. He wanted others to experience its magic while learning about its preservation.

While he's the visionary, he's assembled a talented team to manage operations. He remains actively involved in guiding the mission and values, especially its commitment to conservation and community.

Ricketts is a passionate conservationist, particularly in the Yellowstone Ecosystem.  Through the Ricketts Conservation Foundation, he supports initiatives focused on wildlife preservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management.  

No, Joe has no role in running or funding the team, he just helped his kids buy it.