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

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 1st through September 2012. www.hubbardsranch.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 15th, 2012 and close October 29th, 2012. Contact us for our schedule of horse drives, cattle drives, and working ranch weeks throughout our season. www.Dryheadranch.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

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

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 10th , 2012. Our Closing date is September 29th, 2012.. www.bonanzacreekcountry.com

Lazy E-L Ranch Roscoe If you're searching for a REAL working cattle ranch vacation then come be part of a real Montana working ranch. Live the thrill of a riding vacation that includes 3000 head cattle drives and world class fly fishing! For over 110 years, the Lazy E-L has been an authentic working cattle ranch that's served as an escape from the hustle and busle of big city life for corporate executives, politicians, prominent families and folks who love the West. Don't you deserve a memory that will last a lifetime? For the price of a "dude ranch" full of, well "dudes", you can escape to the privacy and real deal authenticity of the Lazy E-L, just like the folks with the big names do. Add the antique luxury cabins, soft beds, great food, top-notch riding and cattle drives, and you can see why Conde Naste Traveler, the world's premier travel magazine, selected the Lazy E-L as one of their five best guest ranch picks in America. Don't let your dream vacation at the Lazy E-L pass you by... call today and we'll help you rope one in! Open from May 13th until October 1st, 2012 www.lazyel.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 17th, 2012 . Closing date - September 16, 2012. www.sixtythree.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 3rd, 2012 and closing date - September 16th, 2012. www.sweetgrassranch.com