Here are ten Dude Ranches in Montana near Yellowstone National Park, providing you with the much-needed escape plus a trip into the World’s First National Park.
After being in the city for too long, surrounded by pollution, cars, and constant noise, a getaway to the country’s finest vacation destinations on an all-inclusive Dude Ranch getaway seems like a no-brainer.
Crisp mountain air, forests tucked between mountains, ranches filled with happy well-rested people.
The opportunity to head out into the big sky country and see the reasoning behind the name becomes much easier thanks to the high number of Dude and Guest Ranches.
Covered Wagon Ranch
Welcoming the first guests in 1925, the Covered Wagon Ranch has been a family tradition for many families thanks to their impeccable hospitality, amazing amenities, and location, 3 miles northwest of Yellowstone National Park.
They give their guests the chance to saddle up and head out into the mountains or the Yellowstone on one of their horses. These rides are done by some of the most experienced wranglers on this west side.
If you would rather have a slower-paced stay, consider inner tubing down the Gallatin River, shooting pool in the recreational hall, fishing for some trout, hiking, and roping.
Join the staff and other guests on the firepit for family fun and roast some smores.
Their dining options are endless, providing enough space for the family to eat together with the staff and reminisce on the day’s activities.
There are also several lodging options ranging from 10 log cabins to 1 and 2-bedroom cabins stocked with hair dryers, space heaters, wood stoves, propane stoves, towels, and a cooler.
Helpful Information
- Check-in is at 4 PM, and check-out is at 10 PM.
- The ranch accommodates 24 people per week.
- You can make reservations 12-18 months in advance.
- They offer adult-only weeks (the last week of August to the last week of September)
- Children 3 years and below stay free.
- Trail riding isn’t available for kids under 6
- Pack trips into Gallatin and Yellowstone National Forest are charged an extra $600 per rider and are available for kids over 12 years old.
- 230 lbs weight restriction and 30 maximum BMI
Their all-inclusive rates are as follows
- 13 nights for an adult Rider / Hiker – $8000
- Six nights -3900
- 13 nights Child rider /hiker -$ 5300
- 6 nights – $ 3000
- For an adult non rider $6200 for 13 nights , $ 3000 for 6 nights
- For Children 6-14 non rider – $ 3200 for 13 nights $1500 for 6 nights
- Children aged 4- 5 years $150 for 13 nights , $900 for 6 nights
Website: https://coveredwagonranch.com/
Address: 34035 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway, Montana 59730
Phone: 406-995-4237
Email: info@coveredwagonranch.com
Elkhorn Ranch
First opening its doors to guests in 1922, Elkhorn Ranch has provided families with a unique Montana getaway.
A few miles from Yellowstone, the ranch is a part of the National Register of Historic Places, filled with much history spanning decades.
The ranch puts focus on family time. Guests are invited to either take part in activities either together or apart.
After which, you can head down to your log cabins which have been modernized but still have their original feel and coziness, plus an incredible view of the meadow.
Some of the activities available are guided fly fishing by horseback into Yellowstone, hiking at the ranch or in Yellowstone, white water rafting, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park day trips, and horseback riding on the ranch as well as out of the ranch.
In addition, horseback riding is available and is divided by age group to provide everyone with a seamless time. Meals are served buffet-style in the lodgepole dining hall.
Their rates are as follows,
- For adults who are riding – $3600 and non-riding $3000
- Children 6-18 years -$2200
- Under 6 with a ranch sitter $1500, under 6 with no sitter free
Helpful Information
- Reservations require a 35% deposit
- Riders must weigh 250 pounds or less
- A 15% crew fund and state bed tax isnt included in the price
- Cancellations are made 90 days, or more are refunded minus $250, the booking fee
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
A working cattle ranch, Hubbards Six Quater Ranch is an upscale Dude Ranch for kids over 12 years and adults.
With spectacular views of Tom Miner Basin on both sides and Tom Miner creek running down the middle, disconnecting from technology has never been easier.
The ranch Provides guests with the opportunity to get out on the ranch and work with the cattle, ride deep into the mountains or ride through the meadows.
Whether a young rider or a more seasoned one, you can be sure that you’re getting a personalized ride that perfectly suits you.
For the complete western experience, please choose from one of their lodge rooms, all fitted with log beds, Pendleton blankets, and amazing views.
Meals are a mix of fun BBQ-style meals and elegant multi-course dinners served in their dining room, which overlooks Merell Lakes.
Rates
- Three nights two days of riding $1900
- Four nights three days of riding for $2500
- Five nights four days of riding for $3100
- Six nights five days of riding $3700
- Seven nights six days of riding $4400
Helpful Information
- They operate from June to September
- A 50% deposit is required within 30 days of the scheduled trip
- The prices are per person, double occupancy
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
One of the best ways to experience the big sky country and all its magnificence is by staying at an iconic establishment of the American West.
Its located 18 miles northwest of Yellowstone Park, experience first-hand southern hospitality complete with a stay at Lone Mountain Ranch.
Whether you’re looking to hit the Nordic trails, get in some fly fishing, or do some hiking, the ranch’s relaxed atmosphere will make you feel at home.
The ranch features a range of accommodations, from 1 and 2 bedrooms to duplexes that can sleep up to eight guests. The all-access horseback rides into the park allow guests to take in the sights of Yellowstone.
Horseback riding is available from June to early October. In addition, Yellowstone National Park tours are available Mid-May to early October.
Enjoy guided hiking from mid-May to early October Fly fishing is available from mid-May to early October.
Other activities include canoeing, paddle boarding, 3D archery, ax throwing, yoga, and an outdoor youth adventure program.
Website: https://lonemountainranch.com/
Address: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Road, PO Box 160069, Big Sky, Montana 59716
Phone: 1-800-514-4644 , 1-406-995-4644
Email: Reservations@LoneMountainRanch.com
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
If you’re looking for a ranch that provides a true western adventure, look no further than Mountain Sky Guest Ranch.
With incredible views of the nearby mountains, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the amenities offered and the staff who go above and beyond.
Sitting on over 17000 acres of land and a 30-minute drive to Yellowstone National Park, you will easily find yourself drawn to the property over the years.
The ranch offers different packages for families, all designed to cater to all.
From the summer family season package, which includes guided hikes, horseback rides, and casting lessons in the pond, to the Fall round-up, a time designated for the grown-ups, you will not regret heading down to Mountain Sky ranch. Although the horseback rides are the star of the ranch, they also offer a Wild West women’s adventure, a space for women to get out and experience being cowgirls in all its glory.
Important Information
- All deposits are non-refundable
- Trail riding isn’t available for children under 6
Website: https://www.mountainsky.com/contact/
Address: 480 NF-132, Emigrant, MT 59027, United States
Phone: 1 800-548-3392
Parade Rest Guest Ranch
Located 10 minutes from the West entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Parade Rest Guest Ranch offers guests the chance to rest, unwind, ride horses, explore the park and return to a homey cabin after enjoying one of the freshly prepared meals.
The scenery can be seen from either one of the 15 unique cabin’s front porch and doesn’t disappoint.
When you’re not saddling up to head into the forests, the ranch’s fly fishing program welcomes you and the little one to enjoy a ride in the corrals or yard games in the playground.
Base Rates
- 12 & Older – $326
- 8-11 Years Old – $249
- 5-7 Years Old – $109
- Children (Ages 4 and Under) stay for free
- Adult non-riding (Base Rate Per Person) is $269.00
Helpful information
- Their seasons are from mid-may through mid-October
- Rides are available for kids aged eight and older
- All-inclusive rates require a 3-night stay
Website: https://paraderestranch.com/
Address: 1279 Grayling Creek Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States
Phone: 406 646 7217
Email: info@ParadeRestRanch.com
Nine Quater Circle Ranch
A week at the Nine Quarter Ranch differs from person to person. Thus, for some, the week is spent doing as many activities as humanly possible.
A book and the river views from the cabins are enough for others. With a rich history from the 1800s, Nine Quarter Ranch offers an ideal vacation fit for the group’s adults to the teeniest of the group.
Their horseback riding program involves matching you with a horse according to your riding ability and choosing from the 2-hour, full-day, and half-day trail rides, the Gymkhana, and pack rides.
If you were a newbie to riding when you first arrived at the Nine Circle Ranch, rest assured you will be more comfortable with your riding.
The Taylor Fork provides more than enough opportunities for anglers to break out the rod and get to a fishin’.
The kid’s program ensures that the kids get their hand at riding for those curious, square dance to their heart’s desire.
For one day out of the week, the kids are also treated to a full day picnic full of interactive activities, a full lunch, and a movie back at the ranch.
Helpful Information
- They enforce a 250 lbs weight limit.
- Babysitting is available for the little ones(infants to 5 years old) in your group for no extra charge.
Website: https://www.ninequartercircle.com/
Address: 5000 Taylor Fork Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
Phone: 406 995 4276
Email: info@ninequartercircle.com
Conclusion
Montana is an outdoor enthusiast paradise, the abundance of mountains perfect for everything from hiking to horseback riding to a large number of Dude Ranches offering just about everything you’d want in a vacation (except for reliable cell service).
We think it’s a plus. We hope this list helped you create the perfect vacation for you or your loved ones.
