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WORKING RANCHES

 

Montana Working Ranches allow you to experience life as a cowboy - with cattle drives, round ups and ranch work. Life on the ranch is dependent on the season, and this may also decide what’s on the agenda for the week. We might need to move some cattle to a different pasture, check the fences, make sure the livestock have water, or help with other ranch chores. We suggest that you ask your hosts about the schedule for the week regarding the work/riding agenda during your stay.

 

Riding is the main activity, and ranch horses are used for moving the cattle out in the open country through meadows, wooden canyons, and mountain tops. You are encouraged to ride abreast to enjoy the breathtaking country. Or maybe you'd rather pass on the "work" and just enjoy the beautiful scenery or take a gentle lope through the open meadows.

 

Working ranches usually accommodate smaller guest numbers. These ranches help preserve the authentic cowboy lifestyle and their families also contribute to the preservation of the heritage of the west. Come and be a part of the legend of the West!

 

Click here to request a brochure from all Working Ranches


Lazy E-L Ranch

Roscoe

Over a century old, the 12,000-acre Lazy E-L Ranch is home to 2,500 heifers and 150 cow/calf pairs each summer. Our guests become family and crew on this fourth generation family managed working cattle ranch. During your week long stay at the foot of the majestic Beartooth Mountains, you can learn to rope, crack a bullwhip, and brave the icy waters of the East Rosebud River for a swim. Food is home cooked in the centrally located cookhouse... you won't want to miss a meal, and we guarantee you will work up an appetite as you move cows, help fence, assist with barn chores and take in the breath taking scenery. We welcome you at the Lazy E-L from May 23rd until October 30th 2010.
www.lazyel.com

Sweet Grass Ranch

Big Timber

Both a guest ranch and a working cattle ranch which accepts guests who want unlimited riding in both mountain country and rolling plains. Family style meals, great horses, and good fishing. Opening date - June 6th, 2010 and closing date - September 12th, 2010.
www.sweetgrassranch.com

Dryhead/Schively

Pryor

Dryhead Ranch is an authentic working cattle and quarter horse ranch located in the Dryhead Canyon on the east slopes of the Pryor Mountains, south of Billings. We invite you to join us at the Dryhead Ranch and experience a lifestyle you've only seen in the movies. At the Dryhead Ranch you can experience your first real cattle drive or brand a calf and ride a trained cow horse. Open April 18th, 2010and close November 6th, 2010. Contact us for our schedule of horse drives, cattle drives, and working ranch weeks throughout our season.
www.Dryheadranch.com

63 Ranch

Livingston

Let Montana's magic happen to you this summer. For 80 years our family has welcomed families; couples, and singles. Not simply a "working ranch" and not just a "dude ranch', we provide a relaxing working dude ranch atmosphere where you make the decision to help gather, work, or salt ranch owned cattle. Or maybe you'd rather take a pass on "work" and just enjoy the beautiful scenery or take a gentle lope through the open meadows. After all, it's "YOUR" vacation! Cabin accommodations all w/bath/shower. Excellent meals. RIDING IS OUR MAIN ACTIVITY. Experienced or not, riders soon become comfortable on their horse chosen from our string of 70 horses. Opening date-June 13th, 2010. Closing date - September 12th, 2010.
www.sixtythree.com

Bonanza Creek Guest Ranch

Martinsdale

Bonanza Creek Guest Ranch is part of a family owned working cattle ranch and caters to those who are looking for good horses, good riding, adventure, and comfort and personal attention. We are best known for our riding and cattle work - no head to tail, and we let you ride according to your ability. Our horses are ranch horses chosen for you by your level of experience. Hospitality and a friendly atmosphere, tasty home cooking, comfortable new cabins, comaraderie and fun, and good old peace and quiet are just a few of the other reasons guests come back year after year. Come and join us under the Big Sky where unbelievable views and unrivaled adventure abound. We treat you like family - real people on a real cattle ranch - and only invite 10-12 a week. Opening date - June 6th 2010. Our Closing date is September 25th, 2010.
www.bonanzacreekcountry.com

Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle and Guest Ranch

Townsend

Scenic mountain ranch wrapping a guest ranch experience into the lifestyle of a working ranch. Cattle drives, wildlife watching and gold panning are some of the favorite activities. Limited number of guests. May 1st is our opening date -Closing date - September 5th.
www.flynnhideaway.com

Lonesome Spur Guest Ranch

Bridger

A family working ranch, where you are invited to particiapte in the day-to-day activities of a real working ranch. After the work is all done, there's still time for a little fun. Ask Nicolas Evans, the author of the HORSE WHISPERER who stayed with Lonnie and his family while researching his best selling novel. We welcome guests year around. Come join us!
www.lonesomespur.com

Hubbard's Six Quarter Circle Ranch

Emigrant

At Six Quarter Circle Ranch you can ride all day - everyday, on 25 square miles of pristine wilderness on the edge of Yellowstone Park. First class lodging is provided as well as meals prepared by a professional chef. Join three generations of the Hubbard family for your ranch experience. Customize your vacation to include working cattle, ORVIS endorsed fly-fishing, and hiking & site seeing. We welcome hunters in the fall to some of the finest deer and elk country anywhere. Primary dates open are June 10th through September 30th, 2010.
www.hubbardsranch.com