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5 Great Reasons to Go on a Montana Ranch Vacation

by Lystia Putranto

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Famous for its Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park, what you may not know is that Montana is one of America’s most ideal destinations for horse riding vacations. What’s more, the Big Sky State also happens to be home to many of the USA’s top ranches.

Looking for some insights to help you decide on where you should be heading for your ranch vacation? Here are some great reasons that will have you packing for an exciting ranch vacation in Montana in no time: 

 

A full range of ranches to choose from 

 

Montana ranch

Whether you are looking for authentic dude ranches, resort ranches, or working cattle ranches, Montana has got it all!

Unsure as to which type of ranch you should settle on? Here is some information to help you choose one that best suits your needs & preferences:

Dude ranches

The dude ranch first got its name back in the 19th century when working ranches started to open their doors to guests looking to experience an authentic Wild West lifestyle.

Back then, these guests were referred to as ‘dudes’ as they were mostly wealthy tycoons from the East Coast who are looking to ‘pretend’ to be cowboys without having to face the many dangers that real cowboys face on a daily basis.

Nowadays, it’s a great choice for solo riders as well as groups or families looking to improve their Western riding skills and experience an authentic Western-style adventure with a good level of comfort.

Resort Ranches

Is the ultimate comfort your highest priority? Then resort ranches would likely suit.

Here, in addition to ranch types of activities that you would find at a dude ranch, you will be able to find facilities and amenities fitting of a luxury resort such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and/or a spa. Some of the larger resort ranches even offer on-site golf facilities! 

If you’re looking to be pampered during your ranch vacation, a resort ranch would be your best bet

Working Ranches

Though there may be other differences (they vary from one ranch to another) the main and most consistent difference between a working ranch and a dude ranch is that it offers a more intimate & personalized experience as you will be the only guests!

It is an ideal option to consider if you seek to have a greater understanding of ranch life and Western heritage in addition to gaining improved riding skills.

Be ready to spend lots of time on the saddle and work hard as you will be working alongside seasoned ranch hands as well as generations of passionate cowboys & cowgirls.

 

A variety of breathtaking landscapes

montana striking landscape

Blessed with stunning landscapes such as those you’ll find in the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park, it’s hardly a surprise that Montana is also referred to as the ‘Jewel of the West’.

Lucky for us, many ranch vacations here offer trail rides that vary from one hour to an all-day excursion where you can take in this great state’s natural splendors while trotting on horseback – usually on sure-footed American Quarter horses.

Depending on the location of your ranch, you’re likely to have the option of:

  • Exploring the Glacier National Park which offers more than 700 miles of trails,
  • Witnessing the unique spouting geysers of the Yellowstone National park,
  • Riding through the peaks & valleys of the majestic Rocky Mountains, and/or
  • Galloping across the northern Great Plains’ wildflower-dotted prairies.

Whichever you prefer, you’re bound to be treated with an endless sea of blue skies, vast open spaces, and incredible wilderness! Definitely an experience you won’t soon forget. 

As Montana is also home to free-roaming Mustangs (wild horses), you also have the option of observing them in their natural habitat in the Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range or the Wild Horse Island State Park – a must not miss experience, especially if you happen to be a lover of horses.  

 

Authentic cowboy lifestyle & Western hospitality

 

montana cowboys cowgirl

With beautiful landscapes as its idyllic backdrop, for many, Montana’s ranches are instantly the images that come to mind when thinking about the cowboy lifestyle & ranch living.

If immersing yourself in authentic ranch living is what you’re looking for, look no other than the hard-working cowboys & cowgirls to show you the ropes.

As horse riding & working at ranches are a big part of Montana’s deep-rooted history, they are passionate not only about keeping the ranch tradition alive but also sharing their traditions with others.

The people of Montana are also renowned for their excellent hospitality so delicious homestyle meals and sharing of exciting stories around campfires are certainly not rare occurrences.

With their help, you’re sure to gain a new appreciation for life on the range and make your cowboy (and cowgirl) dreams come true!

Though activities may vary depending on the ranch and the excursion package you’ve selected, below are some of the skills that you can expect to learn while working as a ranch hand:

  • Western horse riding
  • Basic & intermediate horse training
  • Harnessing a team of horses
  • Driving cattle
  • Roping
  • Haying
  • Maintaining and fixing various ranch equipment & property

If you are interested in getting a taste of wild rodeo action, be sure to book your ranch vacation during the rodeo season which runs from spring to fall, and selected weekends in July & August.

 

An unbeatable destination for cattle drives & pack trips

 

 

Fun fact: With less than a million people living in the entire state of Montana, there are actually more cattle than there are people!

Thanks to its vast and pristine land, Montana makes a particularly ideal destination for cattle drives and horse riding excursions like pack trips.

Cattle Drives

Experience a thrilling adventure and gain a great sense of accomplishment as you assist in moving large herds of cattle from one part of the state to another.

There’s probably no other activity that will instantly make you feel as if you’re a real cowboy or cowgirl quite like it!

Note that in Montana, cattle drives occur only during the months of June – September. As they are among the most popular horse riding activities on offer and are limited in nature, be sure to grab your spot quickly.

Also, since cattle drives do require a good level of riding and horsemanship, only experienced riders are able to partake.

Pack Trips

If a multi-day horse riding & camping trip in the great outdoors is more your speed, pack trips (wilderness pack trips) in Montana come highly recommended.

A significant part of the long-established heritage of Montana’s horseback trail riding, a pack trip is one of the best ways to see the backcountry firsthand.

Melt your worries behind as you ride through winding trails of Montana’s mountains during the day and camp out under the stars in the evening.

Pack trips are usually 3-9 days in duration and are ideal for beginners and advanced riders alike. It makes an excellent option for those who are looking to connect with nature, encounter wildlife, and experience an authentic cowboy-style camping trip.

An abundance of outdoor activities

fly fishing montana

Image credit: Montanaoutdoors.com

Need some time off the saddle and off the ranch?

While some ranch vacations do offer activities that don’t require horse riding or related to ranch work, you don’t have to worry if the one that you’ve selected doesn’t. It’s fairly easy to complement your ranch vacation with other activities on your own. 

With the option of mountainside hiking, white water rafting, fly-fishing, and many more, Montana truly is a playground filled with fun outdoor activities!

 


Looking for more great ranch vacation options? Be sure to peruse through all of the USA ranch vacations we have on offer!

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