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Thanks to the hit Western drama Yellowstone, the state of Montana has received a lot of publicity. People have been traveling to the Big Sky state to experience the cowboy lifestyle firsthand.
Fortunately, Montana is home to some of the best guest and dude ranches in America. At these ranches, guests will get to enjoy various activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and hiking all while soaking up the beautiful Montana scenery.
Whether you are looking for a luxurious getaway or an authentic experience, these ranches offer the ultimate taste of cowboy life.
So get ready to saddle up for your next great adventure at these best guest and dude ranches to visit in Montana.
1. Lone Mountain Ranch
Located in Big Sky, Lone Mountain Ranch offers guests an immersive experience in the beautiful backcountry of Montana next to Yellowstone National Park. For over 100 years, the ranch has operated as a symbol of the American West.
The ranch offers an array of cozy cabins guests can stay at during their visit. During your stay, you can experience all of the wonders Montana has to offer by partaking in various activities including horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, skiing, canoeing, and more.
After a long day of fun, you can enjoy a delicious dinner from the ranch’s locally sourced, farm-to-table menus.
To give you the ultimate getaway, Lone Mountain Ranch offers a variety of packages to cater to your desires. Such packages include Summer Discovery, Winter Discovery, Yellowstone National Park Pack Trip, Montana Honeymoon, and Sleigh Ride Dinners, among more.
2. Bear Creek Guest Ranch
Bear Creek Guest Ranch offers everything you are looking for in the ultimate cowboy experience. Located in Essex, the ranch is situated along the southern border of Glacier National Park.
At the ranch, guests can enjoy the benefits of the bed & breakfast with the opportunity to stay in a cabin or the lodge. Horseback riding vacations are available in spring, summer, and fall, with each vacation specializing in something different based on the season.
For a once in a lifetime opportunity, guests can join in on a cattle drive. The week-long experience gives you the opportunity to help move cattle to new pastures via horseback. If cattle drives aren’t your thing, you can enjoy a relaxing experience on one of the fly fishing trips.
3. The Ranch at Rock Creek
For the ultimate relaxing getaway, enjoy some time at the luxury all-inclusive The Ranch at Rock Creek. Located in Philipsburg, the 19th-century homestead is situated in pristine valleys with diverse wildlife.
At the ranch, guests can stay in the renovated original homestead barn or stay in one of the stunning cabins, homes, or the lodge. In addition, the ranch also offers glamping for a truly unique experience.
The all-inclusive experience gives guests the opportunity to enjoy delicious ranch cuisine, unlimited beer, wine, and spirits, daily scheduled activities, and access to the fitness center, pool, and hot tub.
Guests can experience the unrivaled beauty of Montana by participating in the many activities offered at the ranch. Such activities include horseback riding, float trips, skiing, fly fishing, hiking, and much more. There is even a spa to help you unwind and the ranch also hosts weddings and reunions so you can create special memories.
4. Triple Creek Ranch
Enjoy a romantic vacation at Triple Creek Ranch, the adult-only all-inclusive resort. Located in Darby, the ranch combines luxury with the great outdoors of Montana’s wilderness for an unforgettable experience.
Soak in the views of the Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies while staying in one of the stunning cabins, suites, or ranch homes. While staying at the ranch, guests can enjoy gourmet menus for all three meals.
Triple Creek Ranch offers a large array of exhilarating activities regardless of the season. Such activities include horseback riding, cattle working rides, skiing, dog sledding, rafting, hiking, snowmobiling, fly fishing, and much more.
5. Elkhorn Ranch
Unwind from the stress of everyday life at Elkhorn Ranch. For over 100 years, the ranch has operated out of Gallatin Gateway and has become a part of the National Register of Historic Places.
The all-inclusive dude ranch offers several cozy log cabins guests can stay in. Hearty Western meals are served every day that will keep you fueled for hours of adventure.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Montana on horseback as you will spend plenty of time in the saddle during your stay. When not riding, guests can enjoy hiking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and more.
There are plenty of experiences to choose from, whether you want an adult-only week or want to spend time with the whole family.
6. 320 Guest Ranch
Celebrate the spirit of the West with a vacation to 320 Guest Ranch. Located in Gallatin Gateway, the ranch has some of the most breathtaking views in the entire state.
The ranch offers a variety of charming accommodations including cabins and luxury log homes. While staying at the ranch, you can splurge with fine dining at McGill’s Restaurant & Saloon, enjoy a refreshing drink from the cafe, or have an authentic Montana meal at the Chuckwagon BBQ.
There are plenty of activities guests can participate in including horseback riding, fly fishing, sleigh rides, dancing, and more. From family reunions to weddings, the ranch also offers gatherings where you can create unforgettable experiences.
7. Bar W Guest Ranch
Located in Whitefish, Bar W Guest Ranch offers an unforgettable ranching experience. Just a short drive from Glacier National Park, you will immerse yourself in pine-covered ridges and grassy meadows.
While staying at the ranch, guests have the opportunity to stay in the charming lodge, original cabin, new cabins, or glamping tents. A variety of delicious food is provided at the dining hall to keep you well-fed.
For the ultimate cowboy experience, the ranch offers trail rides, roping, wagon rides, lessons, team penning, cattle drives, and more. When not in the saddle, guests can enjoy a wide selection of outdoor activities including fishing, archery, hiking, lawn games, and more. For the ultimate experience, you can choose from one of the specialized packages.
8. The Resort At Paws Up
Enjoy the natural beauty of Montana with a luxury getaway at The Resort At Paws Up. Located in Greenough, the ranch spans an incredible 37,000 acres of land with diverse scenery and unique wildlife.
The ranch offers an array of luxurious accommodations including ranch homes and glamping. Guests can enjoy delicious refined rustic ranch cuisine while dining at one of the resort’s premiere restaurants. Visitors can even host weddings and family reunions at the spectacular ranch.
There is a large range of activities for countless hours of entertainment. The many activities include horseback riding, riding lessons, wagon rides, cattle drives, skiing, fishing, curling, dog sledding, canoeing, and much more. There is also a spa on site so you can have a day of relaxing after a fun day of activities.
9. Mountain Sky Ranch
For an extraordinary experience, Mountain Sky Ranch will provide you with the escape you need. Located in Emigrant, the ranch offers fun for the entire family in the heart of Paradise Valley.
Luxury meets rustic in the many cabins guests can stay in at the ranch. Delicious fine-dining meals are provided for guests or you can enjoy authentic Montana cuisine while out on the trails.
Mountain Sky Ranch offers numerous activities that will ignite your sense of adventure. Such activities include horseback riding, fishing, hiking, wellness, Yellowstone tours, archery, cattle work, rafting, and more. There are multiple packages available allowing you to have the dream vacation you want.
10. Bonanza Creek Guest Ranch
Enjoy a relaxing and refreshing vacation at the beautiful Bonzana Creek Guest Ranch. Located in Martinsdale, the ranch sits on 25,000 acres of land in the Castle and Crazy Mountains with access to the bordering Lewis and Clark National Forest.
The quaint cabins on the ranch offer peaceful and cozy accommodations. Breakfast and sack lunches are available at the lodge or you can take advantage of the cabin kitchens to prepare your own meals.
Horseback riding is the main attraction of the ranch, with plenty of opportunities to spend time in the saddle during your stay. For a unique experience, guests can partake in equine life coaching to find their true selves with the help of horses. The ranch also offers cowgirl retreats for the ultimate girls’ getaway.