12 Top-Rated Ranches To Visit In Montana (2024)
For spending some time amidst authentic ranch culture, the U.S. residents look no further than Montana. Ranches in Montana sprawls over thousands of beautiful acres with the perfect mountainous backdrops. When you are done with the stress of tech-driven fast-paced days, there isn’t anything more sensible than jumping into one of the Ranches here. Even though the vibes, surrounding and setting have certainly changed from the heydays here, one can still live their cowboy and cowgirl fantasies.
From game ranch to dude ranch, guest ranch and livestock ranch, Montana is home to nearly 28,100 ranches. Some hidden inside National Parks, some converted into a top-rated Montana resort, while several still live the authentic ranch culture. Though no matter which ranch you particularly visit, all of them will travel you back into the time in the most pleasing way. For making your decision-making process a little less overwhelming, here we present the best ranches in Montana.
12 Top-Rated Ranches To Visit In Montana
We hope you will find your ultimate destination amongst them. Let’s have a look:
1. JJJ Wilderness Ranch
Located in the popular Rocky Mountain Front of Montana, the triple J Wilderness Ranch offers the most authentic vibes. What makes it a little extra special is its ideal location between the scenic corridor of Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Right outside, its backdoor connects the beautiful and unspoiled Bob Marshall Wilderness. Whereas upon standing on its front grounds, one can overlook the beautiful Sun River Canyon and the Gibson Lake. Triple J has responsive horses for beginners and seasoned ones for expert riders, ensuring the comfort of all kinds of visitors. Or for a vacation tailored to the choice, they have private cabin accommodations, great food and endless outdoor activities plus adventures. Or maybe book yourself a horse for your entire stay, bond with him and create your cowboy memories here.
2. 320 Guest Ranch
320 Guest Ranch is a dude ranch and a classic Montana vacation lodge. This summertime vacation spot sits on the banks of Gallatin River and is one of the most reasonable ranches in Montana. From huge luxury log homes to deluxe log cabins and Mountain chalets, it offers incredible options for a great stay. Not just that, but the 320 Guest Ranch is also popular for its extensive menu, making it a foodie paradise. Their huge menu includes some classics like Montana highland lamb, bison seared in a cast-iron wok to gnocchi wild game carbonara. And not only that, but to complete the food, they always have a long list of pleasing wine varietals. Guests upon their stay here can also enjoy horse-riding, fly-fishing, hiking, river rafting, and wildlife viewing. 320 Guest Ranch is popular amongst honeymooners and couples in Montana.
3. The Resort at Paws Up
The Resort at Paws Up offers an unparalleled ranch visit and vacation in Montana. It is basically a luxury all-inclusive resort settled in a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch somewhere in the middle of Greenough. Until today, a working ranch takes its guest to unspoiled wilderness and incomparable luxury. Visitors can choose to stay in luxury homes, private cabins or have their best time at the luxury safari-style glamping tent. Within the overwhelming sense of tranquillity here, you may choose horse-riding, enjoy flyfishing, go driving the cattle, Whitewater rafting, ATV riding, boating, swimming and all of them. Inside the property, they have two excellent restaurants serving rustic ranch cuisine. The best part of staying here is every day when you wake up; you have unspoiled wilderness views all around while the privilege of sitting on the banks of the Blackfoot River and sipping on your coffee.
4. Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
The Mountain Sky Guest Ranch is another dude ranch that has been operating since 1929. It is one of the oldest OG dude ranches in America and definitely an authentic one as well. Being extremely close to Yellowstone it is a popular stay place for National Forest visitors. Upon your visit here, you can capture the postcard-worthy views and blend into the elegance and luxury of the resort. Some examples of amenities here include a world-class golf course, a wellness centre, clay shooting, kids’ programs, etc. Guest can participate in several adventures like hiking, fly-fishing, horseback riding, white-water rafting and wildlife viewing. The popular Yellowstone River too is nearby, and thus a plethora of recreational options awaits there.
5. Elkhorn Ranch
Elkhorn Ranch is another close stop to Yellowstone National Forest, just a mile from its northwest corner. This beautifully sprawling dude ranch is also regions’ one of the last authentic dude ranches. From family-friendly vacations to couple getaways and older adults’ holidays, it is an ideal location for them all. Operating since 1922, only a little has changed here since a century, that too just for focusing on visitors’ comfort. A stay here is all about comfortable western themed rustic log cabins. Even though they boost 21st-century comfort, they still infuse the old cowboy time ranch vibes. All the cabins are strategically placed between tall trees of the National Forest adding a sense of wilderness and privacy for guests. Guest staying here can indulge in Blue Ribbon fly-fishing, horseback riding, Whitewater rafting, hiking, sleigh rides, and several in-house programs.
6. Bar W Guest Ranch
Unlike several summer-only ranches, the Bar W Guest Ranch operates year-round. It is between Kootenai National Forest and Flathead National Forest, spanning over 3000 scenically beautiful acres. Right above the ranch is the two pine-covered ridges and the Spencer Mountain. The accommodation options here range from lovely lodges to rustic cabins and luxurious glamping. Besides basic horse-riding and flyfishing ranch adventures, one can here enjoy skeet shooting, roping, archery, rodeo games, wagon rides, square dancing, and cattle drives. The staff at Bar W is extremely welcoming friendly, and adds up personally for turning one’s experience into authentic ranch style. Once done with a day full of ranch activities and outdoor fun, guests can further turn up to cookouts and campfires with others along.
7. Lone Mountain Ranch
The Lone Mountain Ranch is a place made for adventure right adjacent to the Big Sky Ski resort. It is just 18 miles northwest of Yellowstone National Park and an ideal getaway for the same. During summers, a stay here is all about live western music, farm-to-table cuisine, horseback riding, axe-throwing, and authentic ranch activities. Whereas during winters, guests can navigate downhill slopes at Big Sky Resort, regardless of their skiing skills. Even though the ski resort is just adjacent, you can still choose to ski down 80 miles of world-class Nordic trails right on the Lone Mountain ranch property. The ranch has its own chic-rustic cabins for staying back, offering a perfect blend of modern luxury and old-school vibes. Also, it is amongst the top 50 family-friendly ranches in North America.
8. Triple Creek Ranch
Triple Creek is an adult-only ranch ideal for couples and romance seekers. This award-winning space is a perfect example of the refined rustic elegance of Western Montana. One has to be 16 or older for staying or even visit here. They have cosy private cabins, 5-star services, world-class in-house restaurant, along with gourmet cuisine and fine wine. The staff here is the epitome of excellence paying attention to even the smallest detail for making ones’ vacation the best. What makes it one of the best and most popular ranches in Montana aren’t just the services and the lush scenery of alpine forests and rugged peaks around. The triple creek also offers Ravalli County Airport shuttles and options for escaping into the surrounding Bitterroot National Forest.
Other Popular and Must-Visit Ranches in Montana
9. Nine Quarter Circle Ranch (It is popular for generations of horses born and trained here. The beautiful landscapes and wildlife around add to its vibe).
10. Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle & Guest Ranch (It is a dude ranch located in central Montana. Its historical family roots trace back to the mid of 19th century)
11. Z5 Guest Ranch (It is a traditional cattle ranch featuring a bubbling creek, a beautiful pond, and relaxing holiday accommodations).
12. Lazy E-L Ranch (Operating since 1991, the Lazy E-L Ranch has been hosting guests for over a century now. It offers a blend of history and unrivalled traditional working cattle ranch vibes).
