It’s hard to imagine a more iconic activity indicative of the western lifestyle than horseback riding. When Montana was first settled, it was the only way to get around outside of a covered wagon, and many visitors to the Bozeman area are still interested in capturing that pioneer spirit on their trip. Here are some of the places around Bozeman where you can take a trail ride for yourself.
320 Guest Ranch
Out near Big Sky, 320 Guest Ranch is just that, a working guest ranch where you can immerse yourself totally in the dude ranch experience. Or, if you’re more interested in a shorter trail ride, you can choose from one or two-hour trail ride experiences Monday through Saturday from June until September.
Bear Paw Outfitters
Head to Paradise Valley to Bear Paw Outfitters to choose from guided trail rides ranging from one hour to a full day. Bear Paw offers rides in Yellowstone and the Absaroka Mountains of the Livingston area so that you can take your pick of several scenic locations for your ride. Rides typically run April through September, depending on the fickle Montana weather.
Canyon Adventures
Also in the Big Sky Area, Canyon Adventures offers horseback riding from one to three hours in length. These rides allow you to experience the Gallatin Canyon in a new way, crossing rivers and climbing hills on your horse. Horseback riding starts near the end of May here and tentatively runs through September, weather permitting.
Geyser Whitewater Expeditions
If you’re searching for a combination adventure with your horseback riding, Geyser Whitewater Expeditions offers a half-day whitewater rafting trip combined with a two-hour horseback ride through the Porcupine Game Range in Big Sky. After a morning on the trail, you’ll be headed on the water to paddle the Gallatin River on a half-day rafting trip.
Jake's Horses
One of the few operations that run their trail riding year-round, Jake’s Horses in Gallatin Gateway offers a variety of choices from beginners to experienced riders. With trail rides ranging from one hour to a week or more pack trip, you are sure to get your fill of the western lifestyle with these folks.
Medicine Lake Outfitters
Located just south of I-90 in Belgrade, Medicine Lake Outfitters is a closer option for those interested in horseback riding closer to their Bozeman base. Though they cannot offer hourly trail rides in the summer of 2022, their mountain day rides are still bookable and can take you through the Madison, Gallatin, or Bridger mountain ranges or even western Yellowstone. Rides typically begin in June and continue until trails are inaccessible by horseback in the fall.
Montana Whitewater Rafting & Zipline Co.
Another option for the adventurer who wants more, Montana Whitewater also offers combination paddle & saddle rides. With two locations in both Gardiner and Gallatin Canyon, you can experience rafting on the Yellowstone or Gallatin rivers depending on your starting point. The Gardiner location offers a ride at the historic Stermitz ranch, while the Gallatin location takes you through the Gallatin forest on the Hellroaring trail.
Sunrise Pack Station
Though their specialty is backcountry Yellowstone pack trips, Sunrise Pack Station also offers day rides from July through September. Their day rides are more like a pack trip on a shorter scale, exploring the Northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park. Choose from a half or full-day experience and explore Yellowstone on horseback as you could in the early days. In the wintertime, you can enjoy the winter weather!
Once you select the right trip for you and your group, get ready to saddle up and experience the west as the pioneers intended! Giddy up and enjoy your ride!
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:
- Where to Go Ziplining Around Bozeman Montana
- 7 Guest Ranches in Montana You Need to Visit Near Bozeman
- The Ultimate Summer Thrill: Kayaking and Whitewater Rafting in Bozeman
In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.