Helpful Guide to the Montana Ranch Vacations You Don’t Want to Miss
Planning a trip to a dude ranch in Montana? We’ve put together the top things you need to know.
But first, let’s answer a few questions, and then we’ll get to recommendations on specific dude ranches in Montana.
What is a Dude Ranch?
A dude ranch is the name given to a tourist destination with accommodations that used to be run just as a cattle ranch. Often, the ranches are still run as a livestock business, but also operate as a type of vacation resort for those looking for agritourism type experience.
What Types of Activities Can You Do on a Montana Dude Ranch?
Montana dude ranch activities differ by property, but generally speaking most have horse riding activities and ways for you to help out on the ranch.
The horseback riding experiences are a big draw for most people who visit dude ranches. Often, ranches are able to accommodate all skill levels from beginner riders to those who are comfortable horseback riding and know their way around a saddle.
Many dude ranches in Montana also have activities offered that take you away from the ranch and into the great outdoors of the mountains and plains that the state is known for. These might include hiking, overnight horseback rides to campsites, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and even skiing if you go to a Montana dude ranch in the winter.
Dude Ranch Montana Etiquette Tips
Be respectful of the animals…all the animals. This isn’t the place to let your children run completely wild and chase after chickens. Nor is it the place to live out your own wild west daydreams and push the horse to do more than you (or they) can handle. Always listen to the rancher in charge, who should be making sure you are putting both your own and the horses’ safety first at all times.
How to Find the Best Montana Ranch Vacations
The best way to find the Montana ranch vacation that is perfect for you is to first know exactly what type of experience you’re looking for.
Do you want your own private cabin and bath or would you rather have a glamping experience?
Are you looking for a luxury vacation while learning about the ranch lifestyle or do you prefer a hands-on and get dirty farming experience?
Do you need it to be kid-friendly or would you prefer to find an adults-only location?
For Montana, do you want it to be close to a particular city or does it not matter as long as you’re in the middle of the mountains?
Answering these questions and more will help you to better know what to look for when browsing through the many listings for dude ranches in Montana. Resources like the Dude Rancher’s Association can help you filter by those desires and find a dude ranch. Or, you can take help from us! 🙂 We’ve already done extensive research and have listed out our favorite options for dude ranches in Montana below. So without further ado, here they are…
Best Montana Dude Ranches
The Bar W
The Bar W is located in picturesque Whitefish and has activities for guests to do during all four seasons.
The laidback ranch spans across 3,000 acres and has a focus on horseback riding over these acres while also offering easy access to Glacier National Park and downtown Whitefish.
Number of Guests: 35
Accommodation Types: Glamping, Cabins, Lodge Rooms
Location: Whitefish
Website: www.thebarw.com
The Ranch at Rock Creek
If you want to jump on the upscale glamping craze, spend your Montana dude ranch vacation at the Ranch at Rock Creek. Your luxurious camping spot will even have a featherbed.
If you prefer actual walls, you’ll also find luxe accommodations in the main lodge, log homes, and even a 19th century barn.
Number of Guests: 125
Accommodation Types Glamping, Housing, Lodge Rooms, Barn
Location: Philipsburg
Website: www.theranchatrockcreek.com
Rocking Z Guest Ranch
Guests staying here will find a family-run ranch with a leisurely flow and relaxed schedule.
Those concerned for the environment will also appreciate that this ranch is a green operation and trains its horses using a no-coercion type of horsemanship that is focused on horse communication.
Number of Guests: 20
Accommodation Types: Lodge Rooms
Location: Wolf Creek
Website: www.rockingz.com
Bonanza Creek Country Guest Ranch
This Montana dude ranch is great for those who don’t care about luxury touches – they just want an authentic ranch experience in Montana. Bonanza Creek Country Guest Ranch will provide just that.
With only four cabins available, Bonanza Creek provides an intimate and hands-on ranching experience.
Number of Guests: 12
Accommodation Types: Cabins
Location: Martinsdale
Website: bonanzacreekcountry.com
Triple J Wilderness Ranch
Experience the majestic wilderness on overnight pack trips alongside a horse that you’ll come to know and love as Triple J Wilderness Ranch pairs you with a horse that will be yours for the week.
The ranch also offers wilderness pack trips, a kids program, and adults-only weeks.
Number of Guests: 24
Accommodation Types: Cabins, Lodge Rooms
Location: Augusta
Website: www.triplejranch.com
Triple Creek Ranch
Triple Creek Ranch is a Relais & Chateaux designated ranch that is luxurious and only for adults, making it a perfect getaway for anniversaries, honeymoons, or any couple that wants to escape the grind of daily life for some time in the mountains.
There are individual cabins with wood burning fireplaces and relaxing hot tubs. For further relaxation, book yourself a massage at the onsite spa cabin.
You can also head into nearby Darby, where you’ll find old west charm along the town’s quaint Main Street.
Number of Guests: 46
Accommodation Types: Cabins and Homes
Location: Darby
Website: www.triplecreekranch.com
Lone Mountain Ranch
Have a winter wonderland dude ranch Montana adventure at Lone Mountain Ranch. That’s because this ranch is located right next to Big Sky Mountain ski resort.
Lone Mountain Ranch also has summer activities, with horseback riding, fly fishing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, yoga, and more available. It’s also a good option for big groups with one cabin that can even sleep up to 18 people.
Number of Guests: 105
Accommodation Types: Cabins
Location:Big Sky
Website: lonemountainranch.com
Flathead Lake Lodge
This Montana dude ranch has been family-run and operating for three generations, and it puts a focus on family for its visitors as well.
The property’s borders reach beautiful Flathead Lake, hence its name, and it’s a great dude ranch vacation for those looking for horseback riding and adventure along with some relaxing Montana lake time like boating or standup paddle boarding.
Number of Guests: 125
Location: Flathead Lake
Accommodation Types: Lodge Rooms and Cabins
Website: flatheadlakelodge.com
What to Pack for a Dude Ranch Vacation in Montana
Warm Weather Months
Cowboy Boots and Cowboy Hat: Now is the time to live out those western fashion dreams that you’ve had! Plus, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat are practical for dude ranches. The high leather sides of the boots protect your legs when riding while the point fits well into stirrups. A cowboy hat stays put while riding through the plains and won’t fly off easily if you get a proper fit.
Bug Spray: Yup, Montana has mosquitoes. And ticks.
Long Layers: Due to those bugs, it’s also smart to bring lightweight, but long sleeved shirts to protect yourself from bug bites. If you’ll be doing hikes during tick season, bring lightweight pants to tuck into socks.
Hiking Shoes: You might not need hiking boots depending on your preferred activities, but you’ll for sure want some hiking shoes for the trails you’ll traverse.
Sunscreen: You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors at a dude ranch so don’t let your vacation be ruined by a bad sunburn.
Warm Fleece Jacket: Nights can get quite cool in the Montana mountains so bring a cozy jacket to cuddle up in for evenings spent on the porch or by the campfire.
Cold Weather Months
Snow Boots: Not fashion ones! Your snow boots for a winter dude ranch vacation should be heavy duty boots that will keep your feet warm and keep the snow and wetness out.
Insulated Riding Boots: Check with your ranch if they provide riding boots otherwise you’ll want to bring some footwear that protect your calves and keep your toes warm while from horseback riding through the snow.
Wool Socks: In addition, some wool socks are ideal to bring. Look into ones for skiing and snowboarding as these often provide a lot of warmth without being too thick.
Snowpants: Haven’t worn snowpants besides when you’re hitting the slopes since you were a kid? It’s time to get those snowpants on and play in the snow again as you embrace the outdoors that staying at a dude ranch in the winter brings!
Wool Underlayers: If you’re planning to do extended outdoor time, it’s smart to get wool under layers to throw on under a fleece or snowpants. I like the Icebreakers brand since they are 100% wool, but aren’t itchy for me.
Dude Ranch FAQs:
The cost of staying at a dude ranch in Montana varies depending on the specific ranch, the season, and the length of your stay. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person per night. Some dude ranches in Montana require a week-long stay, which can of course get pricey, while others can accommodate shorter stays. It’s best to check with individual ranches for specific pricing and availability.
The typical answer: Whether or not dude ranches are worth the money depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Some people find them to be a unique and enjoyable vacation experience, while others do not. It might be helpful to research different dude ranches, read reviews, and consider your budget and travel priorities before making a decision.
Ok, now our answer: 99.99999% YES! 🙂 We think dude ranches provide are some of the very best vacations. Of course, if you hate the outdoors, horses, and cowboys…then maybe avoid it. But we are guessing if you are reading this, you already see part of the allure of a Montana dude ranch stay, and we truly think it will exceed any expectations you have and be well worth the money you’ve spent. At least – that’s been our experience!
When choosing a dude ranch vacation in Montana, consider factors such as location, activities offered, accommodations, and price. Research different ranches and read reviews from previous guests to get a sense of their experiences. It’s also important to consider your own interests and needs in order to find a ranch that aligns with your preferences.
For most people, the best time to visit a dude ranch in Montana is during the summer months, specifically from June to August, when the weather is warm and dry, and most of the ranch’s activities are available. That being said, don’t discount the other seasons!
Visiting a Montana dude ranch in the fall can be a wonderful experience with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. You can participate in outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and fishing, and also enjoy indoor activities like spa treatments and cozying up by the fireplace. Additionally, fall is the season of harvest, so you can expect delicious meals featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Visiting a Montana dude ranch in the spring can be a great experience for animal lovers. One of the biggest draws for visiting most Montana ranches in the spring are the baby animals. Springtime if foaling season, baby chicks are hatching, and calfs are likely to be meandering around. Just be aware the weather can be hit or miss, so activities will vary depending on if it feels more like winter or summer when you arrive to the property.
As for winter, dude ranches open in the colder months can provide a true winter wonderland escape in Montana. You can enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and even ice fishing. Depending on the conditions, horseback riding may also still be available. Additionally, you can experience the beautiful winter scenery and cozy up by the fire with a warm cup of cocoa or hot toddy.
At a dude ranch, people can participate in various activities such as horseback riding, cattle drives, hiking, fishing, and camping. They can also learn about ranch life, enjoy meals prepared for them, and relax in a rustic setting. Some dude ranches operate more like a resort with pampering and relaxing in a rustic setting alongside outdoor leisure activities, while others are a true working ranch which allows visitors to help out on the ranch and learn firsthand what it’s like to be a rancher.
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