7 Montana Guest Ranches for a One-of-a-Kind Vacation

Photo courtesy of Covered Wagon Ranch

Montana guest ranches have been around since the 19th century. America’s love of the Wild West prompted people from cities on the East Coast to venture west, seeking a reprieve from the bustle and a taste of wide-open spaces and life on a working ranch.

Fast forward to today, and not much has changed. There are several guest ranches in Montana where visitors can go horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, and more! There's no shortage of excitement at these seven Montana guest ranches located near Bozeman.

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Montana Guest Ranches: What to Expect

Historically, ranch owners and ranch hands referred to these guests as “Dudes,” prompting the name “Dude Ranches.” Today, these ranches have moved from having their guests help with the everyday work to offering a variety of outdoor activities.

Activities 

Daily activities include horseback riding on mountain trails, fly fishing in pristine streams, and hiking through the Montana wilderness. Many ranches offer specialized programs like cattle drives, photography workshops, and kids' activities. Experienced wranglers and guides typically lead all activities, although some ranches allow self-guided excursions. 

Accommodations & Dining

Guest ranch accommodations range from private cabins to lodge rooms, typically featuring Western décor and modern amenities. Meals often showcase local ingredients and ranch-style cooking, served family-style or in dining rooms. Some ranches serve alcohol, while others let you bring your own beverages. 

Seasonality 

The peak guest ranch season runs from June through September, accompanied by warm, sunny weather for outdoor activities. Advance booking is essential, especially during peak months. 

Summer isn't the only time you can visit! Many Montana guest ranches are open during the winter with activities such as cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing. There are also two world-class downhill ski areas just outside of Bozeman, so pack your gear!

Weddings 

Gettin’ hitched? Montana guest ranches are perfect for destination weddings and have all the amenities you’ll need. And with Yellowstone National Park just a stone’s throw away, wedding guests will have plenty to explore.

The guest ranches listed below are all near Bozeman, each with its own unique style, so check out their specialties before making a decision!

Photo by Alyssa Henry, Hardscrabble Ranch

Montana Guest Ranches Near Bozeman

Hardscrabble Ranch

Tucked at the base of the Bridger Mountains, Hardscrabble Ranch is a great place for a digital detox. You won't find cable or internet, but the sunsets will make you forget you ever had a smartphone. This Montana guest ranch is especially suited for large gatherings, weddings, or corporate events, with indoor and outdoor venues and two full-sized kitchens. It's also adjacent to great mountain biking and hiking trails.

• Location: 15660 Brackett Creek Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715 
• Season: Year-round
• Activities: Horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, wildlife-watching, luxury camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
• Best for: Large gatherings, weddings, corporate retreats

Photo courtesy of Lone Mountain Guest Ranch

Lone Mountain Guest Ranch

Nestled in the mountains next to Big Sky Resort, the Lone Mountain Ranch features over 80 miles of world-class Nordic ski trails. After a long day skiing, you can enjoy a sleigh ride, dinner, and a cozy cabin. Summer adventures include mountain biking, horseback riding, and youth adventure programs. In addition to their activities, they offer a superb dining experience, with an award-winning culinary program. 

• Location: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
• Season: December-October
• Activities: Horseback riding, Yellowstone tours, fly fishing, watersports, archery, obstacle courses, ax throwing, golf, rock climbing, mountain biking, hot air balloon tours, skiing 
• Best for: Family vacations, corporate retreats, weddings

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch

Located near the Yellowstone River, the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch lets guests spend their days rafting or fishing on the famed river. Towering mountains behind the ranch afford spectacular hiking, and the pool and hot tub are excellent ways to relax those tired muscles. Bonus tip: Ask the wranglers to teach you some Western dance moves — they know how to “cut a rug.”

• Location: 480 Big Creek Rd, Emigrant, MT 59027
• Season: May-October
• Activities: Horseback riding, Yellowstone tours, fly fishing, hiking, rafting, archery, clay shooting, challenge course, golf, cattle work
• Best for: Family vacations

Photo courtesy of 320 Guest Ranch

320 Guest Ranch

The 320 Guest Ranch is a 110-year-old former homestead that sits right on the beautiful Gallatin River, where portions of “A River Runs Through It” were filmed. Needless to say, the fly fishing is superior, and the ranch offers lessons for those just starting out. Trail rides take you to some seriously amazing views, and the appetizer sleigh rides in the winter aren't to be missed at this Montana guest ranch.

• Location: 205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
• Season: Year-round
• Activities: Horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, wildlife-watching, snowmobiling, skiing, sleigh rides
• Best for: Family vacations, corporate retreats, weddings

B Bar Ranch

Sharing a boundary line with Yellowstone National Park, B Bar Ranch offers an immersive Montana retreat experience across its 9,000 pristine acres. This working cattle ranch specializes in hosting large gatherings, from corporate retreats to family reunions. Guests enjoy diverse activities, including horseback riding, bear viewing, yoga, and whitewater rafting, while modern amenities like WiFi keep them connected. 

• Location: 818 Tom Miner Creek Rd, Emigrant, MT 59027
• Season: December-March, May-October
• Activities: Horseback riding, fly fishing, Yellowstone tours, hiking, yoga, wildlife-watching, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
• Best for: Corporate retreats, family reunions, large gatherings

Keep in mind: These Montana guest ranches fill up quickly, so pull up your bootstraps and make those reservations early!

Elkhorn Ranch

Situated just one mile from Yellowstone's northern boundary, Elkhorn Ranch is a historic Montana guest retreat that's perfect for family vacations. The ranch specializes in all-ages entertainment with dedicated programs for both young kids and teens while offering classic Western activities, including horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, and rafting adventures. 

• Location: 33133 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
• Season: June-September
• Activities: Horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, rafting, Yellowstone tours, children's activities 
• Best for: Family vacations, group retreats, family reunions

Photo by Justin Graddy, Buffalo Media Group, Nine Quarter Circle Ranch

Nine Quarter Circle Ranch

For 75 years, three generations of families have operated the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, along with raising and training Appaloosa horses. This Montana guest ranch has a great kids' program (babysitting is included!) and is known for premier horseback riding and fly fishing. Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals daily, pack trips during the week, and even swing dancing. 

• Location: 5000 Taylor Fork Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
• Season: June-September
• Activities: Horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, wildlife-watching, swing dancing, children's activities 
• Best for: Family vacations, corporate retreats
  
  

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