Here are eight dude ranches in Montana near Yellowstone that is perfect for your vacation. Keep reading it to learn more.
Montana is one of the few remaining places to escape for an authentic western experience. The state might be known for its numerous mineral deposits and gemstone resources.
However, a part of Yellowstone is also located in Montana, making it the perfect place for a chill vacation for single or double travelers.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most enchanting places in the Wild West.
Not only are there numerous wonders that abound in the park, but a visit to the park is something that you’re sure not to forget anytime soon. There are numerous ways to explore the park.
However, staying at a Dude Ranch allows ample time to visit all the destinations on your list without the hassle of hurrying or using a third travel agent.
These dude ranches allow for riding and exploring the park on the back of a horse. Just as the first pioneers did, but with a side of western-themed activities.
Covered Wagon Ranch
First opened in 1925, Covered Wagon Ranch is one of the oldest continuously operated ranches in the Canyon area.
Run by Kurt and Mellisa, the Covered Wagon Ranch puts the fun in a fun-filled vacation. With its location three miles from the northwest corner of the park, there’s no better way for families to create a lasting tradition.
The staff and owners at this ranch are fantastic.
Horseback riding is one of the popular activities at Covered Wagon. You can expect experienced wranglers and horses who are fit and experienced with the Montana landscape and terrain that will take your breath away.
While there are several activities that you can fill your days with, riding into the mountains is one.
Children over 6 are welcome. However, kids aged 4 and 5 are welcome to ride in the arena. The only question they’ll ask is how many cookies they can take.
Other activities include pack trips, hiking, white water rafting, fishing by Taylor Fork Creek, shooting pool in the rec hall, inner tubing, and lounging by the porch.
The cabins mimic life back in time. However, they are cozy but with all the modern amenities.
Website: https://coveredwagonranch.com/
Address: 34035 Gallatin Road Gallatin Gateway, Montana 59730
Phone: 406-995-4237
Email: info@coveredwagonranch.com
Elkhorn Ranch
This ranch is a family-oriented, authentic Dude Ranch. That’s what you can expect when you head down to Elkhorn ranch. The location is on sprawling acres of rolling hills and meadows.
Thus, disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature has never been easier.
If you’re looking for a Dude Ranch near Yellowstone that offers horseback riding according to your riding ability and age, look no further than Elkhorn Ranch. Peanuts aged 6-12 ride supervised.
However, adults can go into the high country in groups of no more than eight guests to view wildlife and enjoy the spectacular views.
After a day in the saddle, guests can choose to relax in their rooms or by the fire recounting the day’s activities. Accommodations are in rustic modernized log cabins.
Each cabin has its unique view, porch, private bathroom, electricity, and wood-burning stove, with some fitting up to eight people. Dining at the ranch comprises hearty and healthy meals served (buffet) three times a day.
Elkhorn offers various other activities, i.e., blue ribbon fly fishing, yoga ladies’ week, hiking, white water rafting/scenic floats, and a sleigh ride and dinner during winter.
Website: https://www.elkhornranchmontana.com/
Address: 33133 Gallatin Road Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
Phone: (406) 995-4291
Email: reservations@elkhornranchmontana.com
Hubbards Six Quarter Circle Ranch
Hubbards Six Qauter Ranch is a ranch rooted in family, perfect for adults and kids over 12.
Run by the Hubbard family for the past 40 years, the ranch is boarder to incredible mountains on either side and Tom Miner creek in the middle.
As you enter the ranch, you are greeted by herds of Angus cows and horses grazing. The staff, who are always nearby, can help with your itinerary filling it with as many or as few activities as you’d like for your stay.
The riding program is the crowning jewel at the ranch. While rides are in groups, they are less of a nose-to-tail formation, and every group has its ride personalized.
The wranglers can assist if you want to work the cattle and look for stray cows.
Additionally, if you’d rather ride your mount in the surrounding 25 square miles of meadows bordering Yellowstone National Park, the park can arrange that. At the ranch, you can expect a first-class approach to everything.
In addition, the dining lodge complements the setting.
The lodge overlooks Merell Lake, where you get a mix of BBQ-style meals and good multi-course dinners, after which you can retire to one of the lodge rooms that offers a private bath and astounding views of the surrounding land.
Note
*Horseback riding has a weight limit of 25olbs
Website: https://www.hubbardsranch.com/
Address: 287 Tom Miner Creek Rd Emigrant, Montana 59027
Phone: (406) 848-7755
Email: nancy@hubya.com
Lone Mountain Ranch
It is 18 miles northwest of Yellowstone and 40 minutes from Bozeman International Airport. Lone Mountain Ranch is an adventurers’ utopia.
Whether you’re visiting during winter, the ranch welcomes guests to take on the 80 miles of nordic trails.
In summer, horseback riding, canoeing, and ax throwing are significant activities for most families. The ranch fully embodies the spirit of Montana and the Wild West.
Evenings are spent around the campfire singing along to lovely western music and staying home thanks to the fresh, farm-to-table cuisines.
Stays are in the most comfortable elevated cabins. They are still western but have a hint of luxury, making it the perfect home base for families, couples, and singles looking to explore the Big Sky Country.
Activities
- Canoe & Paddleboarding
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Archery
- High Ropes Course
- Tour of Yellowstone National Park
- Weekly Rodeo and Concert
*The rates range from $1500 per adult per night during the peak season to $1000 per child per night.
Website: https://lonemountainranch.com/
Address: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Road, PO Box 160069 Big Sky, Montana 59716
Phone: 1-406-995-4644 1-800-514-4644
Email: Reservations@LoneMountainRanch.com
Triple J Ranch
Triple J Ranch is a family-run authentic Dude Ranch between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
The ranch is an excellent choice for families looking for a farm with a fantastic kids program or guests looking to tailor their experience to a smaller, more intimate setting.
If you want to break in your cowboy or cowgirl boots, you can fly fishing, hiking, trap shooting, archery, team cattle penning, roping, mountain birding, or other activities.
However, their horseback riding (a favorite ) is the one to beat. Riding through pristine wilderness, high mountain tops, and the open prairie, you are assured of finding a space to your liking.
If you’d instead work on your horsemanship skills, you can mosey on down to the arena to see your stead and wrangler waiting for you.
To add to the experience, cowboy poetry, campfire singalongs, and tall tale-telling are available.
Several cabins are available for a good night’s rest, all fitted with Western decor, a private bath, a sitting area or loft-covered Porsche, and blooming wildflowers.
Website: https://www.triplejranch.com/
Address: 91 Mortimer Rd, Augusta, MT 59410, United States
Phone: (406) 562-3653
Email: INFO@TRIPLEJRANCH.COM
Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch
Enjoying all that Montana has to offer has never been easier. With its location on acres of pristine wilderness north of Yellowstone Park, recharging, reconnecting, and relaxing becomes easier.
Western hospitality, all-inclusive rates, 20 guest maximum, and unique memory-making adventures are some things you can look forward to once you step foot on the ranch.
While the kids are busy taking part in fly fishing and river rafting, you can explore the alpine lakes and gold mining towns on horseback or jeep. Life at the ranch is wild and remote.
Meals are eaten together with the staff and owners for a more intimate setting and comprise western, buffet-style meals(including two cookouts).
Stays are in cozy, relaxing, and clean accommodations with a rustic feel, with no back-breaking.
Gatherings are by the fire in the Eagles Nest Lodge, a 20 by 50 room perched on a 300 ft cliff, where you are welcome to indulge in the cookies and fresh fruit or step onto the deck for a splendid view of the mountainous river valley.
Need To Know
- Rates range from $1655 for four people in a lodge room to $2850 per person per lodge room.
- Children under six who are non-riding stay free of charge.
- A 4-day minimum stay is allowed except during their peak season.
- In addition, you require a deposit of $900 to hold your booking.
Website: https://www.hawleymountain.com/
Address: 4188 Main Boulder Rd, Mc Leod, MT 59052, United States
Phone: 877-496-7848,406-932-5791
Email: office@hawleymountain.com
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, located in Paradise Valley, Montana, is where city slickers go when in need of solitude, western activities, incredible service, and hospitality. , and lots of fresh air.
Resting between the folds of mountains, you are treated to views of Emigrant Peak and acres of land to explore.
Whether a beginner angler or a bonafide one, the onsite pond offers more trout than you can carry back, coupled with lessons.
If the only saddling you’d like to be a part of is helping your little ones mount up, the riding program for the kids will suffice.
Hiking trails abound (you can choose to go on guided or unguided hikes), and tours into Yellowstone park are available, as are two daily horseback rides.
This package comprises three daily meals prepared fresh by the gourmet chefs in the saloon. Either wine or decadent chocolate accompanies the meals.
However, the crowning jewel for most people is the wellness centers and the 18-hole golf course.
The wellness spaces include an outdoor hot tub, steam room, cedar sauna, yoga studio, and fitness center.
All these come with state-of-the-art equipment, best utilized after a day of sorting cattle and cow penning against jagged mountains.
Website: https://www.mountainsky.com/
Address: 480 NF-132, Emigrant, MT 59027, United States
Phone: 1-800-548-3392
Parade Rest Guest Ranch
For lovers of old faithful looking for a ranch minutes away from Yellowstone National Park, look no further than Parade Rest Guest Ranch.
The ranch offers you the chance to relax and rejuvenate in Big Sky country. However, you choose to spend the one week is up to you.
Whether you stick by your porch, watch the birds fly by, or get in the saddle and break a sweat, there’s no wrong way to explore. Stays arrangement is in either one of the 15 cabins, ranging from one bedroom to four.
While they differ in size, they all offer comfortable beds, modern baths western decor, and some come fitted with wood-burning stoves.
The accommodations only come second to their horseback riding program. Led by experienced wranglers, rides begin at the corrals.
You ride up to the towering pine trees and mountain meadows, accompanied by mountain songbirds. Rides range from 1 hour to 4 hours.
After a full day of riding and exploring, guests can head to the dining halls for warm meals and warm smiles. After that, the rec center offers games, a piano, cards, and a satellite TV for an evening calm down.
Website: https://paraderestranch.com/
Address: 1279 Grayling Creek Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States
Phone: 406-646-7217 | 800-753-5934
Email: info@ParadeRestRanch.com
Conclusion
While some ranches are a bit further from the park, there’s no doubt that a Montana Dude Ranch vacation is the one.
Staying away from the various stressors of life and simply being is what a dude ranch vacation is about. This list will help you narrow your search and get closer to unwinding and breaking out your boots.
