The western experience is what defines Montana. By this token, saddle up at one of Montana’s fantastic guest ranches (once called dude ranches). Horseback riding is a popular activity when visiting guest ranches. But guest ranches offer other activities, too. Fishing, hiking, nature viewing, horseshoes, games, and much more are offered depending on the individual guest ranch. Along with activities, guests enjoy authentic western dining, and sometimes cookouts outdoors.
Young people and children are welcomed along with adults, at most. Most guest ranches cater to folks with regular budgets and want the more standard guest ranch experience. Four guest ranches in the list below, marked with an asterisk, cater to guests who want a true luxury experience.
Here is a list of Montana guest ranches, along with locations:
- Circle Bar Guest Ranch at Hobson
- Mountain Sky Guest Ranch at Emigrant
- Elkhorn Ranch Montana at Gallatin Gateway
- 320 Guest Ranch at Gallatin Gateway
- Nine Quarter Circle Ranch at Gallatin Gateway
- Covered Wagon Ranch at Gallatin Gateway
- Rich’s Ranch at Seeley Lake
- Sweet Grass Ranch at Big Timber
- Cross-Triangle Ranch at Big Timber
- Blacktail Ranch at Wolf Creek
- Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch at McLeod
- Hubbard’s Six Quarter Circle Guest Ranch at Emigrant
- JJJ Wilderness Ranch at Augusta
- Rocking Z Guest Ranch at Wolf Creek
- Upper Canyon Outfitters of Montana at Alder
- Parade Rest Guest Ranch at West Yellowstone
- Averill’s Flathead Lake Ranch at Bigfork
- Bar W Guest Ranch at Whitefish
- Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle and Guest Ranch at Townsend
- The Ranch at Rock Creek at Philipsburg *
- Paws Up Montana at Greenough *
- Triple Creek Ranch at Darby *
- Lone Mountain Ranch at Big Sky *
For full information on each guest ranch, consult the ranch’s website. No two guest ranches are alike. Check carefully for guest ranches that are family friendly if you have children to take along. Find the one special guest ranch that offers activities and the kind of accommodation you like and in the location you prefer. Finally, consider your family budget, and choose a guest ranch you can afford.
The Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association website is a good place to learn particulars about their member guest ranches: Montanadra dot com. Other guest ranches publish their websites on the Internet and can be found with Google search.
A Montana guest ranch experience is a life event you’ll remember and cherish long after the ranch’s horses are retired to pasture.