It’s hard to imagine a more iconic activity indicative of the Western lifestyle than horseback riding. After all, it was the only way to get around outside of a covered wagon when Montana was first settled. Bozeman offers a variety of excellent horseback riding trails and outfitters to satisfy your pioneer spirit. Here are some of the best places you can go horseback riding in Bozeman.
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Location: 205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
Availability: June-September
Out near Big Sky, 320 Guest Ranch is a working guest ranch where you can totally immerse yourself in the classic dude ranch experience. You can choose to stay at the ranch and access a variety of activities (including trail riding), or you can book horseback rides independently. Your horse will take you through beautiful mountain meadows, national forests, and along the picturesque Gallatin River.
320 Guest Ranch horseback riding is available Monday through Saturday from June until September. Rides can range from 1-4 hours, depending on what you're looking for.
Location: 200 Beaver Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
Availability: Year-round
One of the few operations that run their trail riding year-round, Jake’s Horses in the Gallatin Gateway offers a variety of choices from beginners to experienced riders. With trail rides ranging from 1-8 hours, you're sure to get your fill of the Western lifestyle with these folks.
You can even schedule a pack trip to explore the beautiful landscape of Yellowstone National Park and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area during the summer or fall season. Venture out on horseback with a guide, camp overnight for multiple days, and enjoy the solitude of the Montana wilderness.
Location: 1099 Manley Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715
Availability: July 1st-September 1st
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.
Fly fishing fans can enjoy their Fishing Day Ride and explore Yellowstone on horseback while accessing the best fishing spots that the Park has to offer. If you're interested in exploring other areas of the Park, book a custom day ride.
Location: 136 Deep Creek Rd, Livingston, MT 59047
Availability: Year-round
Looking for horseback riding near Bozeman? 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 you can take your pick of several scenic locations for your ride. Rides are walking-only with safety as the number one priority, so this outfit is perfect for beginners.
Location: 47200 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
Availability: May-September
Canyon Adventures offers horseback riding near Bozeman with 1-3 hour ride options. Experience the beauty of the Gallatin Canyon in a completely new way by crossing rivers and climbing hills on your horse. Each ride is guided by an experienced wrangler, and it's walking only. Horseback riding starts near the end of May here and tentatively runs through September, weather permitting.
Location: 163 Chico Rd, Pray, MT 59065
Availability: April-October
For an authentic Montana horseback adventure, Rockin' HK Outfitters offers diverse riding experiences from April through October. Based out of the scenic Paradise Valley, they provide rides at both the Chico Hot Springs Resort and within the spectacular wilderness of Yellowstone National Park.
Whether you're seeking a brief pony ride for your little ones or a full-day expedition through Yellowstone's backcountry, their experienced guides can accommodate riders of all skill levels. Early birds can even catch Montana's stunning dawn colors during their special 5:30 a.m. Sunrise ride, offering a peaceful start to a day in the saddle.
Location: 346 Linney Spur Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718
Availability: Summer-Fall
Located just south of I-90 in Belgrade, Medicine Lake Outfitters is a closer option for those interested in horseback riding in Bozeman. They offer hourly trail rides, mountain day rides, and pack trips (with fly fishing included) that 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.
Location: 555 Rocky Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718
Availability: Open year-round, closed on weekends
Nestled in the heart of Bozeman's Gallatin Valley, Cedar Ridge Equine stands out as a comprehensive equestrian facility dedicated to horsemanship education. This full-service center caters to riders of all ages and skill levels, offering expert instruction in both English and Western disciplines.
While they don't provide trail rides, their focus on personalized learning shines through their flexible lesson options, with both private and group instruction available to help riders achieve their equestrian goals.
Location: 212 W Park St, Gardiner, MT 59030
Availability: May-August
Paradise Adventure Company offers an authentic ranch riding experience in the stunning Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness of Montana. Operating from May through August, this outfitter offers horseback riding to riders of all experience levels. Their diverse ride options cater to various interests and schedules, from quick one-hour excursions to immersive experiences like their unique "dine and ride" adventure.
For those seeking to double up on Montana thrills, their "saddle & paddle" package combines horseback riding with water adventures, making it possible to experience the best of both mountain and river activities in a single outing.
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 horseback riding in Bozeman!
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