Montana Horseback Riding Vacations

Montana Horseback Riding Vacations

school of riding image by Hunta from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

From the eastern badlands to the rocky northwest, Montana's landscapes seem tailor-made for the equestrian, which is why the state offers such a variety of horseback-riding vacations. Far from the crowds and the cars, taking a trot off the beaten path to discover pastures in their true form is an outing that can reward and renew.

Parade Rest Guest Ranch

Located at the base of the Gallatin National Forest, Parade Rest Guest Ranch provides one-, two- and four-hour horseback rides through the neighboring national park. The ranch also provides the opportunity to saddle up and ride into the mountains for an outdoor cookout at a remote campsite. Parade Rest offers hiking, biking, rafting, guided fishing, and tours of Yellowstone National Park. The ranch has 14 guest cabins, dating from the original homestead in 1912.

1279 Grayling Road
West Yellowstone, Montana 59758
800-753-5934
paraderestranch.com

320 Guest Ranch

320 Guest Ranch was originally a 160-acre homestead established in 1898 by Sam Wilson. Since then, the ranch has grown to 320 acres and more than 40 deluxe cabins as of 2010. It hosts guests from around the world, and offers one- to four-hour horseback rides through the Sunken forest. Non-equestrian activities include hiking, fishing, rafting, biking, snowmobiling and skiing.

HWY 191
Mile Marker 36
Big Sky, MT 59730
800-243-0320
320ranch.com

Bar W Guest Ranch

Adjacent to Spencer Lake in Whitefish, Montana, Bar W offers 3,000 acres of horseback riding. The riding program is Bar W's main attraction. The ranch offers horsemanship clinics as well as such mounted games as barrel racing, egg races, pole bending and more. The ranch is open year round and takes tours out during the winter as well as the summer.

2875 Highway 93 West
Whitefish MT 59937
406-863-9099
thebarw.com

Wild West Outfitters

Wild West Outfitters is designed around the western cowboy experience. Less a "dude ranch" than a training facility, Wild West Outfitters caters to horse owners wishing to learn more about training and ranch skills Depending on your level of expertise, you can hit the novice trail, learn how to start a colt, or get trained in roping basics. Wild West Outfitters is located in the Big Belt Mountains, northeast of Helena, Montana.

PO Box 4074
Helena, MT 59604
406-439-3030
wildwestadventures.com

Article Written By Richard A. Newman

Richard A. Newman is a freelance writer who travels the globe in the pursuit of happiness. He cut his teeth with the Chitown Daily News and thinks that Chicago just might be the greatest city on earth.

Write for Trails.com
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