The best dude ranch vacations in Montana are spread among the many ranch settings that you will find in this picturesque western state. While the state is known both among residents and across the nation as “Big Sky Country” for those who get a chance to try out on of these best dude ranch vacations in Montana the state might also correctly be called “Big Ranch Country”. If you are among those planning to visit on a western trip to Montana its likely you will enjoy looking up, looking down and looking all around this magnificent state with its big sky and big ranches all around.
JJJ Wilderness Ranch, Augusta, Montana Among the members of the Montana Dude Ranch Association, JJJ Wilderness is located in Augusta, Montana and is waiting to offer you the vacation of a lifetime. If you have ever had that inner yearning to live the life of the old time cowboy or cowgirl then pardner you have wandered onto the right spread at the JJJ Wilderness Ranch. The management here makes it clear that at this location there are no “musts”, this is your vacation and it needs to be exactly what you want it to be.
What JJJ Wilderness Ranch does do is to make sure there are plenty of activity and entertainment options available from which you can choose. As with most dude ranches, the central activity of the day at JJJ Wilderness Ranch centers around horseback riding. The staff here is ready to help you manage your mount and make your riding a safe and enjoyable experience. The ranch week here runs from Sunday through Saturday and each weeks brings in a new but small group of dudes. The small numbers help the staff to really get to know guests and personalize their experience.
JJJ Wilderness Ranch will set you up to ride, hike , fish or just relax. There are special programs and activities for kids and teens. Evening programs around the campfire are also offered. There is lots to do at the JJJ Wilderness Ranch but not all of it is done in the saddle. For more information about reservations call at 406-562 – 3653.
Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch, McLeod, Montana Remote, peaceful, tranquil, pristine- these are all words that you will quickly come to associate with the Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch in McLeod, Montana. You may also quickly decide that it is one of the best dude ranches in Montana.
The Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch is located just north of Yellowstone National Park and if you have been to Yellowstone you will feel like you had a sneak preview of the kind of territory you will experience at Hawley Mountain, only this time you will see a lot of it from horseback and enjoy a very personal connection with nature. Horseback riding here is definitely a central piece of your vacation. The combination of well matched mounts, competent wranglers and small riding groups helps to ensure you enjoy your riding time in safety.
There is more to Hawley Mountain than just the riding, though for some guests that might be all that is necessary. Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch also has a mile of river frontage on Boulder River where you can enjoy “Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing”. And you’ll be able to tell friends back home you fished at the same place as Brad Pitt did in the movie ” A River Runs Through It. Scenic hikes, a jeep ride to a nearby “gold mine”, cook outs and a boat float on the Yellowstone River are all among the options from which you may select . Lodging is either in the main lodge or in rustic cabins and three hearty meals are offered buffet style each day.
The ranch is open from June 15 – Sept. Call at 877-496-7848 for more information or to make your vacation reservations.
Pine Butte Guest Ranch , Choteau, Montana. Owned and operated through 1978 by the Gleason Family, today Pine Butte Guest Ranch is under the management of the Nature Conservancy which is a non-profit international organization conservation organization dedicated to maintaining natural diversity around the globe.
This means that when you come to Pine Butte Guest Ranch you get to enjoy on of the best dude ranch vacations in Montana and at the same time have your experienced broaden by being more fully exposed to the natural history in this part of the world. You will fully enjoy your time on the ranch and perhaps come away with an enriched appreciation of the environment.
It’s hard to beat the setting at Pine Butte as you will find yourself on the East Front of the Rocky Mountains with incredible views in all directions. The guest ranch will provide you with opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, swimming and hiking. There is a heated pool right on site. The conservancy land is a blend of scenes with 18,000 acres to roam. You see wetlands, wildflowers and lots of wildlife during your stay. The ranch only accommodates 25 people at a time so you don’t feel that you are part of nameless, faceless group.
In addition to the activities on location Pine Butte Guest Ranch will also arrange a day trip for you to nearby Glacier National Park
For more information about summer vacations at Pine Butte Guest Ranch call ahead at 406-466-2158.
