Glacier Country has a number of ranches—both rustic and luxury—offering warm western hospitality, relaxation and recreation opportunities like fly-fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, and, of course, horseback riding under big blue skies. Experience the beauty of Western Montana’s breathtaking landscapes, bask in infinite adventures and get to know our friendly, saddle-savvy locals from a traditionally western vantage point.

There’s something magical about riding horseback on a brisk autumn morning. Photo: The Resort at Paws Up/ Stuart Thurikill

COWGIRL SPRING ROUNDUP + CATTLE DRIVES AT THE RESORT AT PAWS UP

Cowgirl Spring Roundup at The Resort at Paws Up lets you release your inner cowgirl. Make new friends or travel with your gal pals to Greenough—you won’t want to miss the chance to brush up on your horsemanship skills, relax during scenic trail rides and learn traditional ranch skills. Cowgirl Hall of Famers join the group around a roaring campfire, sharing stories to inspire and empower. Cap off the day with exceptional cuisine and drinks. If you can’t make it for the Cowgirl Spring Roundup your yen for western adventure doesn’t have to dissipate. Cowboy activities include a Cattle Drive, available for all guests and skill levels, and a tour of Garnet Ghost Town, or, during the Mustang Mindfulness Demo, learn about one of the five wild mustangs rescued by Paws Up.

Let your mind wander during a carriage ride at The Resort at Paws Up. Photo: The Resort at Paws Up/Stuart Thurilkill

RICH RANCH

Experience the true essence of cowboy life in the Old West during a traditional dude ranch vacation at Rich Ranch near Seeley Lake. Each season brings new activities to the ranch. Spring is filled with wildlife watching as elk, moose and mountain goats come down from the mountains. Summer offers the quintessential ranch experience with daily horseback rides, lake swimming, pond fishing for children, fly-fishing trips, family-style meals and nightly campfires. In the fall, guided fishing and hunting trips prevail with the opportunity to stay in a wall tent or hunting cabin, and winter brings a powder paradise perfect for snowmobiling adventures.

Saddle up and embark on your next adventure with Rich Ranch. Photo: Rich Ranch

THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK

The Ranch at Rock Creek, near Philipsburg, is the world’s first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Guest Ranch and is your destination for a luxurious western getaway. Their all-inclusive ranch experience comes with luxury accommodations and gourmet dining—nobody said your Wild West adventure couldn’t be sophisticated. Choose two activities a day during your stay—horseback riding, archery, skeet shooting, naturalist classes and wildlife watching are just a few of the options.

Take a step back in time at The Ranch at Rock Creek. Photo: The Ranch at Rock Creek

CHEFF RANCH & LEGACY OUTFITTERS

Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Mission Mountains from Charlo while riding horseback at Cheff Ranch & Legacy Outfitters. The ranch sits on hundreds of acres, perfect for trail rides, hiking and biking. The main ranch is open May – September, or, for a fall adventure, get off the beaten path by exploring the Bob Marshall Wilderness during a hunting or fishing excursion. Ride 28 miles into base camp and fly-fish the South Fork of the Flathead River—you can even learn to fly-fish horseback! The wall tent at base camp will keep you warm, and cots, showers and basic amenities will make sure your stay’s not too rustic. The Cheff family has more than 85 years of guiding experience, and their vast knowledge of the area will get you into some of the best fishing spots in Glacier Country.

Around every bend is a new awe-inspiring vista. Photo: Cheff Ranch & Legacy Outfitters

TRIPLE CREEK RANCH

Restore and renew in the cowboy culture, beautiful scenery and luxury accommodations at Darby’s award-winning, adults-only retreat, Triple Creek Ranch. This Montana hideaway is nestled in the lush forest of the Bitterroot Valley, one of the most picturesque parts of our region. Pan for sapphires, cast a line into a blue-ribbon trout stream, ride horseback through towering pines or gather your crew and try your hand at team penning. Not-to-be-missed is their world-class restaurant and award-winning wine cellar.

Western Montana’s forests are jaw-dropping in autumn. Photo: Triple Creek Ranch

It’s not hard to find a Wild West experience in Glacier Country. Click here to explore more.

October 3, 2019

Related: Charlo, Darby, Family Fun, Fishing, Greenough, Guest Ranch, Horseback Riding, Montana, Outdoor Fun, Outfitters, Philipsburg, Seeley Lake, Seeley-Swan Corridor

Comments

Jackie Cartmill
Do any of the ranches offer overnight stays and horse trail rides? Our travel time schedule will only allow us to stay in a location for 1-2 days
Holly K
Hi Jackie, if you have a limited amount of time, check out these outfitters that offer trail rides without a stay: https://glaciermt.com/horseback-trail-rides. Most ranches have a 2-night stay minimum, but I believe you can reserve one-night stays at Triple Creek Ranch in Darby as long as it's not during a holiday.

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