How To Choose A Montana Dude Ranch
With so many great options, how do you choose a ranch? We’re convinced that each Montana ranch has something special to offer. The key is finding which ranch is right for you. Here are some things to consider:
Location
Since horseback riding is the primary emphasis for activities on a dude ranch, choose the riding environment that appeals to you. Do you want to ride in the mountains, on the open prairie or on a ranch that is the foothills? The location of the ranch determines the terrain. Some ranches are close to a national park, many border national forests or wilderness areas, while others may be large ranch properties that have been in the family for generations. Ranchers love to share the history and flavor of the area. Off the beaten path or closer to the night life, location is something to consider.
Type of Riding
Are you a beginner who would like to spend time learning horsemanship skills to become more comfortable, or are you an experienced rider who wants a challenge? Most ranches offer horsemanship instruction for the beginner to the experienced rider, but ranch programs do differ. Some ranches have mostly scenic trail rides with limited trotting or loping, others have terrain that allows for more. There are working cattle ranches where guests can help with ranch chores and then there are vacations where you are never obligated to work! Some ranches offer overnight pack-trips or cattle drives, or maybe just focus on riding in breath-taking country. Whatever you are looking for, there are ranches to meet your needs.
Size or Guest Capacity
The number of guests that a ranch can host is something to think about. A guest ranch that hosts ten guests is quite a bit different than a ranch that serves sixty. Larger ranches often offer an organized schedule of activities and entertainment while smaller ranches tend to have more personalized activities where you become part of the family for a week and can be less scheduled.
Season or Time of Year
In the West, snow conditions mean that ranches open later in the spring and close in the fall; however there are ranches that offer “off-season” packages or are open all year but have different activities to fit the season. July and August are typically the high season, but most ranches are also open in June and September. Many offer early and late season specials.
Other Activities
Some ranches concentrate mostly on horseback riding, while others include fishing, guided hikes, side trips to local attractions, rafting, pack-trips and much more. If you have children or teens, you may want to select a ranch with organized activities for kids. Single adults may prefer a ranch that is more adult oriented or has specific adult weeks.
Accommodations
Ranch atmospheres range from rustic to luxurious, and everything in between. Ranches are always extremely clean and comfortable, but can vary from lodge rooms to private log cabins. If you need hair dryers, TV’s, Jacuzzi tubs, a daily massage or wireless Internet, choose your ranch accordingly.
As you narrow your choices down to a couple ranches, call and explain to them what’s most important to you – they’ll help you make the best choice. Good luck in your search and have a wonderful ranch vacation.
What’s the Difference?
Dude Ranches
At Montana Dude Ranches horseback riding is the central activity. Fly-fishing and other varied western activities await you.
Like historic dude ranches of old, these ranches offer gracious western hospitality with a bit of adventure. Horses are the heart of these ranches and there is no better way to see some of the best scenery in the lower 48 states than from the back of a horse.
From fantastic kid’s programs to special horsemanship clinics or helping to wrangle in the horses, the horseback riding may vary by ranch but it’s always a delight.
Out of the saddle many of these ranches offer outstanding fly-fishing opportunities, guided hikes, rafting, interpretive tours and much more. Campfires… cook-outs… wildlife… Dude ranches offer the opportunity to step back and reconnect.
Working Ranches
Montana Working Ranches allow you to experience life as a cowboy – with cattle drives, round ups and ranch work. Life on the ranch is dependent on the season, and this may also decide what’s on the agenda for the week. We might need to move some cattle to a different pasture, check the fences, make sure the livestock have water, or help with other ranch chores. We suggest that you ask your hosts about the schedule for the week regarding the work/riding agenda during your stay.
Riding is the main activity, and ranch horses are used for moving the cattle out in the open country through meadows, wooden canyons, and mountain tops. You are encouraged to ride abreast to enjoy the breathtaking country. Or maybe you’d rather pass on the “work” and just enjoy the beautiful scenery or take a gentle lope through the open meadows.
Working ranches usually accommodate smaller guest numbers. These ranches help preserve the authentic cowboy lifestyle and their families also contribute to the preservation of the heritage of the west. Come and be a part of the legend of the West!
Resort Ranches
Montana Resort Ranches offer western activities with higher end amenities and dining experiences. Enjoy the “softer” side of the guest ranch stay. The amenities may be a bit plusher, what we like to call “rustic elegance” but these ranches still compliment the western lifestyle. Many resort ranches offer greater ability to accommodate larger numbers of guests and conferences.
It’s a given that our main activity is horseback riding, but resort ranches also offer a variety of other activities to share the great outdoors and all the splendor of Montana. From guided hikes to world class fly-fishing, playing tennis, or soaking in the pool or getting a massage, there are activities for everyone.
Perhaps our chef will prepare gourmet delicacies served on linens in our dining room, with a special glass of wine – or a lavish barbeque by the water. We invite you to enjoy western hospitality at its finest.