If you go to Montana, one of the best ways to see the Big Sky Country is by horse. Many parts of Montana are either designated wilderness areas or are otherwise inaccessible to motorized vehicles. Montana has many dude ranches and resorts that cater to those who want to ride into a picture-perfect sunset on a horse.
Dude, Where's My Horse?
Many Montana dude ranches focus on horseback riding adventures. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, most ranches will find the right horse for you. At Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish, for example, guests go through an intensive clinic to get them used to riding the horse that is chosen for them. After the clinic, riders are able to ride barrel patterns and control their horse on a trail ride.
Activities Galore
At most dude ranches, the main focus is on riding, but there are plenty of other things to do, including hiking, fishing and mountain biking. At The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana you can fly fish, go on a hot air balloon ride, tour the countryside on an ATV, ride a float or whitewater raft, rappel off a cliff, shoot clay pigeons, take a wagon ride or go on a cattle drive.
Bring the Kids
Most dude ranches have activities for children as well as the adults. At 63 Ranch in Livingston, Montana kids can enjoy riding horses and ponies in a kids-only setting. Others, like Paws Up, offer age-appropriate equestrian activities and lessons for little wranglers.
Cowgirl Up!
Bar W Ranch features a women's retreat called Cowgirl Up! For 5 days and 6 nights, women can play cowgirl, attend riding clinics, go on a cattle drive, learn roping and barrel racing, have a gourmet picnic lunch and enjoy a 2-hour spa package, which includes massages.
Yellowstone by Horse
If you're planning a visit to Yellowstone, why not do it on a horse? Yellowstone Wilderness Outfitters offers pack trips into the national park. A 6-day pack trip will take you into the heart of the wildest, most unforgettable land in the lower 48 states. Ride through the Gallatin Range to see moose or on the Thorofare Trail to Yellowstone Lake. Or try fly fishing in Slough Creek. Yellowstone Wilderness Outfitters offers 13 different trips.
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