Ranch Overview
Welcome to the Blacktail Ranch, your new home away from home! The Blacktail is a historic 8,000 acre dude ranch, located where the prairie meets the Rockies in Wolf Creek, Montana. Our grandfather first homesteaded our ranch in the 1880’s, and our family has lived and worked in this valley ever since. Since the 1950’s we have been offering a variety of dude ranch vacation packages, creating extraordinary moments of beauty and pleasure for our guests.*Venture on horseback with a relaxed and flexible ride schedule. The Blacktail Ranch provides a horseback riding lover’s dream. Our large string of horses are able to accommodate a wide variety of riding skills, beginners needing basic instruction to the advanced rider in search of adventure on our all day long mountains treks.
*Fish the mountain stream that runs through the ranch or opt for a day trip on the Blue Ribbon Missouri or Blackfoot Rivers. Both are just a short distance away, and the South Fork of the Dearborn River is just outside your cabin door.
*Learn the history and culture of Native Americans as you stand in the famous Blacktail Cavern. Take in the wonder of this cave that once was home to people at the end of the last Ice Age. The history of the Old West as well as the Native American’s can again be relived in our family museum. Where many of the artifacts from “The Cave” and the homestead era are now on display.
*Sign up for the three-day two-night horseback ride to the top of the Continental Divide. You will experience expansive views of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Camp is just up the creek in our “Hideout Cabin”, a modern and comfortable place that is equipped with hot and cold running water and alternative power. No need to rough it too much here. Sleep under the stars or claim a bed indoors. After a long day in the saddle, hiking the wide-open hillsides, fishing and swimming in the creek, or partaking in other adventures, fall asleep to the sound of running water in the shadows of the Continental Divide. Wake to the beauty and fresh, clean mountain air.
We invite you to visit the Blacktail Ranch and share in a true Montana ranch life that is steeped in history and alive with magic. Make memories to last a lifetime! Let the adventure begin!
| Guest Capacity | 20 |
| Seasons | Jun - Sep |
| Dates Open | June 1 - October 1 |
| Min. Age for Independent Riding | 7 |
| Adult-Only Weeks | Yes |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls (GTF) |
| Elevation | 4,600 |
| Wheelchair Accessible | No |
Ranch Rates
| Accepted Payment Methods | Check, Visa, Mastercard, Cash |
| Adult All-Inclusive Rate | $2,550 |
| Adult Rate | $2,550 -$3,000 |
| Child Rate | $2,250-$2,400 |
| Service Charge/Tip Rate | suggested 15 % to 20 % |
| Travel Agents Accepted | Yes |
Ranch Accommodations
The main lodge on the dude ranch, built in 1928, is the center of the Blacktail Ranch and retains the rustic beauty and warmth of a traditional western lodge. The kitchen, lounge, dining room and two bathrooms, men and women’s, are on the lower level. The bathrooms are equipped with multiple sinks, toilets and showers to accommodate groups. Guests also enjoy the free Wi-Fi Internet, and spacious lounge with fireplace and satellite television. There are seven guest rooms in the upstairs of Blacktail Lodge with a shared bathroom for all rooms.We also have a total of 6 log cabins each with a different flair and configurations, sleeping 2 -8. All of our rooms and cabins are beautifully decorated and are furnished with the comfort and satisfaction of our guest in mind.
| Cabin Accommodations | included |
| Lodge Accommodations | included |
| Weekly Stay Schedule | Sunday to Saturday - 6 night weeks |
Ranch Activities
Are you ready for an exciting yet relaxing experience? Come discover the beauty and partake in new adventures on our historic Montana dude ranch located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains at the base of the Continental Divide. The Blacktail Ranch is surrounded by mountains, fields and forests with a clear sparkling river running through it. Here in the Montana wilderness we have been hosting guests for more than forty years. Our emphasis has always been good service and high quality experiences for our visitors. From the moment you arrive with your first “Howdy” we strive for real down home hospitality. This working guest ranch on eight thousand acres of spectacular Big Sky country is perfect for individuals, family vacations or reunions and gatherings of all kinds. The magnificent setting and professional helpful staff guarantees a ranch vacation that will provide memories that will last a lifetime.| Pack Trips | included |
| Overnight Trips | extra |
| Sightseeing Tours | included |
| Nature Programs | included |
| Fishing Instruction | included |
| Campfire Gatherings | included |
| Additional Cattle & Ranch Work | included |
| Cattle Gathering | included |
Area Activities
| Fishing (River) | extra |
| Swimming Lake/Stream | nearby |
| River Rafting | extra |
| Guided Hiking | included |
| Mountain Biking | included |
| Shooting Sports | included |
Ranch Dining
The Blacktail Ranch Kitchen is the heart of the ranch. You will soon discover that Blacktail’s dude ranch meals are some of the most memorable parts of your stay. We take pride in serving local and fresh food whenever possible. We use tender, lean grass fed beef from our own herd, locally raised poultry, fresh fish, lots of vegetables (lots from our own gardens!) and fruits, freshly baked bread and desserts of all kinds…all the good food you can eat is included in your all-inclusive vacation.| Family-Style Dining | included |
| Onsite Catering | extra |
| Cookouts | included |
Special Events
Blacktail Ranch is happy to accommodate the following special events. Please reach out to us for more information!
Weddings
| Weddings | extra |
Conventions, Meetings, Retreats
| Capacity for Meetings | 20 |
| Season for Meetings | June 1-October 1 |
| Minimum Nights (Meetings) | 3 |
| Retreats/Workshops | extra |
Family Reunions
The Blacktail is ideal for groups ranging from 10-30 people. All three fabulous meals are served daily in the Main Lodge unless otherwise specified. We are happy to accommodate groups with transportation, packed lunches and snacks for your all day adventures whether spent within boundaries of the Blacktail or off the Blacktail property. Let us help you schedule a gathering that will set the bar just a bit higher for your next family or group gathering. We pride ourselves on being hospitality specialists and we are sure to make your visit the best in the west at our Montana family reunion and group retreat venue.
| Family Reunions | included |
| Book Entire Ranch? | Yes |
| Capacity (Family Reunions) | 20 |
| Discount (Family Reunions) | Group rates |
Technology
Free Wi-Fi in the lodge and some cabins Satellite TelevisionWhat's the Difference?
Dude Ranches
At Montana Dude Ranches horseback riding is the central activity. Fly-fishing and other varied western activities await you.
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Resort Dude Ranches
Montana Resort Dude Ranches offer western activities with higher end amenities and dining experiences.