Kid on Horse
Porch

DUDE RANCHES

 

At Montana Dude Ranches horseback riding is the central activity. Fly-fishing and other varied western activities await you.   

 

Like historic dude ranches of old, these ranches offer gracious western hospitality with a bit of adventure. Horses are the heart of these ranches and there is no better way to see some of the best scenery in the lower 48 states than from the back of a horse. From fantastic kid’s programs to special horsemanship clinics or helping to wrangle in the horses, the horseback riding may vary by ranch but it’s always a delight.  

 

Out of the saddle many of these ranches offer outstanding fly-fishing opportunities, guided hikes, rafting, interpretive tours and much more. Campfires… cook-outs… wildlife… Dude ranches offer the opportunity to step back and reconnect. 

 

Click here to request a brochure from all Dude Ranches


Rocking Z Guest Ranch

Wolf Creek, Helena

Responsive Horses, spectacular scenery and superb accommodations. Join our family for adventure and all the comforts where the Rockies meet the Prairies. Experience views from mountain tops, long canters, working cattle, and learning Parelli Natural Horsemanship. Spring dates - Open May 1st - Closing October 20th. Winter dates - Open Nov. 1st - Close April 20th.
www.rockingz.com

Pine Butte Guest Ranch

Choteau

Located along the eastern front of the Rocky Mtns, Pine Butte Guest Ranch has been in operation since 1930. A part of the Nature Conservancy since 1979, we offer a traditional western guest ranch experience combined with an outstanding natural history program. Scenic rides, top-notch naturalists, and fantastic food raised and grown locally are our trademarks. Our summer season runs from June 13th - September 5th, 2010. We also offer a variety of workshops before and after our summer season, please check out our webiste for these opportunities!
www.pinebutteguestranch.com

Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch

Big Timber

Enjoy a Montana vacation at Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch located in a remote prisitne wilderness north of Yellowstone Park. Horseback riding, fly fishing on private frontage along the Boulder River, jeep ride to ghost town, and old gold mines are special additons to our activities that include hiking, boat float, campfires, anc cookouts. Something for everyone! Ranch opening date is June 13th and closing date is September 19th, 2010.
www.hawleymountain.com

Covered Wagon Ranch

Gallatin Canyon, Bozeman

Since 1925, Covered Wagon Ranch has operated as a mountain dude ranch, entertaining its new, as well as returning guests. Established near Yellowstone park, we are a small ranch, with only 10 historic guest cabins; our main lodge is where we gather to enjoy hearty, home cooked meals, family style. Scenic horseback riding experiences are our specialty, catering to riders at any level! Our guests enjoy the convenience of fly fishing the Gallatin and Taylor Fork Rivers. We offer overnight pack trips, personal attention and good friendly fun! Our season begins June 1, 2010 and ends September 19, 2010. Special Cowgirls week during Sept. 12-19th, 2010.
www.coveredwagonranch.com

Laughing Water Ranch

Fortine

Laughing Water Guest Ranch is the epitome of western adventure. Tucked away in the Kootenai National Forest just west of Glacier National Park, we offer a host of activities and adventure for children, families, singles, and adults. We offer our guests the opportunity to take a step back and reconnect with nature, with beauty, with life itself. A time to live free and unrestrained from the confines of city life. A week at our dude ranch will touch your heart and set your spirit on fire no matter your age. Our family season runs from June 6th until August 22nd, and our adult season is May 9th through June 6th and also August 22nd through September 19th. We don't mean to brag, but our youth program for kids 4-14 is the best in the west that offers a full week of exciting and adventurous activities.
www.lwranch.com

Upper Canyon Outfitters

Alder

Upper Canyon Outfitters (UCO) is a family operated ranch located in the upper Ruby Valley. The ranch is beautifully nestled between three mountain ranges, with the Ruby river meandering through the property. Our family has been exploring these mountains since our grandfather homesteaded here in 1910. We pride ourselves in offering you western hospitality, breath taking scenery and first-class accommodations. Join us for horseback riding adventures, cattle drives, exceptional fly-fishing opportunities, native wildlife, hiking, history and hunting adventures. Enjoy fine food, exceptional accommodations in either our private lodge rooms or your own private log cabin with kitchen. Spring opening date is June 1st closing December 1st, 2010.
www.ucomontana.com

JJJ Wilderness Ranch

Augusta

Our family believes in western hospitality with gracious service. Unlimited horseback riding with instruction, trout fishing, hiking, fantastic kid's program, cowboy barbeques, campfires with marshmallows, singing, wilderness pack-trips and more! Open June 6th and closing October 2, 2010. Outstanding children's program available June 13th- August 21st, 2010. Adults only from August 29th -October 2, 2010.
www.triplejranch.com

7 Lazy P Ranch

Choteau

Nestled in the Teton Canyon of the Rocky Mountain Front, our ranch offers complete accommodations. Quiet trails, hiking, guided horsback riding, birding, wildflowers, solitute, and summer pack trips into the Bob Marshall. Fall hunting. Chuck and Sharon Blixrud have hosted guests since 1958. Opening date is May 1st and our closing date is October 1st.
www.sevenlazyp.com

9 Quarter Circle Ranch

Gallatin Canyon, Bozeman

Kelsey family owned and operated, the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch overlooks Yellowstone Park from a secluded forest valley in southwestern Montana. We are a family oriented authentic dude ranch vacation, with ample fly-fishing opportunities. An ideal place to hold your family reunion with cabin accommodations for up to 65 guests. Opening date - June 13th, 2010 and closing date is September 12th, 2010.
www.ninequartercircle.com

Rich Ranch - Outfitting and Guest Ranch

Seeley Lake

Join us for a " traditional family friendly" guest ranch experience. We offer unlimited riding, great fishing, family style meals, cozy cabins and lodge accommodations, and overnight camping. Welcoming indiviudals, couples, groups, and family reunions. Opening dates- Spring/Summer for 2010 are May 1st, closing date is Sept. 15th, Winter opening date is December 26th closing date March 15th 2011.
www.richranch.com

Elkhorn Ranch

Gallatin Canyon, Bozeman

Located just outside of Yellowstone Park, Elkhorn Ranch has been a family oriented ranch since 1922. Life centers around the outdoors, with horseback riding at all levels as our main activity. Great Children's program. Opening date is June 13th and closing date is September 26th, 2010.
www.elkhornranchmt.com