Bar W Guest Ranch
Whitefish, MontanaNearest Regional Airport
Glacier Park International Airport, 16 miles
Nearest International Airport
Glacier Park International Airport, 16 miles
Elevation
3200 Feet
Open
May - October
Guest Capacity
24
Tailored Riding and Activities
Bar W is an intimate ranch that currently hosts up to 24 riders per week, plus non-riders, and children. Being a smaller ranch gives us the ability to offer an extensive variety of riding and non-riding activities throughout each week. Horseback riding is core to a week at Bar W. With our proximity to public land, we are able to ride on thousands of acres. You’ll find a variety of terrain, from prairies and wide-open spaces to mountain trails. In addition to trail rides, you can test your horsemanship skills with barrel racing and working cows during team penning and sorting.
The Best of the West
There is so much to do at the ranch for guests of all ages, and we showcase the best of the West with the following activities. Fly casting lessons are offered near our trout-filled pond, and there are pike and perch stocked in Spencer Lake. We have a rowboat, canoe, paddleboards, and fishing equipment available. Hatchet throwing, 3D archery, and roping are always guest favorites. After a wagon ride, enjoy a buffet dinner in our new Horseshoe dining center. Or, kick up your heels and stomp your feet during a night of line dancing. You can also see some of the most unspoiled wilderness on foot with a hike around the stunning property.
Guest Rodeo
At the end of the week, we hold a guest rodeo where guests can show the horsemanship skills they’ve improved on during the week. Included are barrel racing, pole bending, and a keyhole race. Guests are also invited to attend the local Blue Moon rodeo where they can admire some of Montana’s best rough stock riders and ropers!
Kids Program
Our kids’ program is for ages 2-6 and 7- 12 (note, 7 and up can ride with the family). We offer top-notch activities such as daily chores, horseback riding, kids rodeo, games, and so much more! All of which is supervised by our kids’ counselor.
Crown Jewel of the Continent
You can always sit back, relax, and let Montana surround you and observe the beauty of Montana’s wildlife, such as whitetail and mule deer, moose, bear, eagles, coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions. We are located just 25 miles from Glacier National Park, which has very appropriately been called the “Crown Jewel of the Continent.”
Come as a Guest, Leave as Family
All of this and more is what you can expect from a ranch vacation at the Bar W Guest Ranch. People come here as guests and leave as family.
Horseback riding is central to a week at the Bar W, but we also offer plenty of activities out of the saddle. Help with the chores (if you like, of course), fish for big pike on Spencer Lake, hike the miles and miles of trails, mountain bike, swim in the lake, throw horseshoes, learn to fly fish or play volleyball, or a leisurely game of pool. You can even test your archery skills on our new 3D Archery range or try your hand at hatchet throwing. All this and more is what you can expect from a ranch vacation at the Bar W.
Activities
- Archery/Shooting Sports
- ATV/UTV
- Cattle Work
- Childrens Programs (2-5)
- Childrens Programs (6-8)
- Dancing
- Fishing
- Golf on Premises or Nearby
- Hiking
- Natural Water Swimming
- Petting Zoo
- Team Penning
- Winter Snow Activities
Riding
- Beginner Rides
- Horsemanship Lessons
- Advanced/Fast rides
- Pony Rides
- Trail Riding Ages 7+
Special Events
- Adults Only Weeks
- Multi-day Cattle Drives
Wait until you sit down to taste some of the best down-home cooking, this side of the Mississippi – Montana style! All our meals are served with love, buffet style by our own cooks in the Horseshoe dining center. To start your day, a wonderful breakfast might include bacon, eggs, homemade coffee cake, and fresh fruit. Lunches are delicious and we offer a wide and unique variety of meals throughout the week. For dinner, you can look forward to steak, chicken, and so much more — all mouth-watering delights that should not be missed! Nobody leaves hungry.
Food Options
- Ranch/Western
The main lodge is 6,200 square feet of classic elegance and traditional western informality. The lodge has 6 bedrooms, 3 common areas, and a game room. A cabin designed by the Amish offers 2 suites that overlook the pasture and the surrounding forest full of wildlife. Finally, Glamping (glamorous camping) has really come of age here at The Bar W. The ranch offers four luxurious canvas tents with custom log beds with electric blankets, heating and air conditioning, log futons, a kitchenette, a porch overlooking the pasture, and a private bathroom located a few steps away. In addition, there are four log cabins – one original and three new ones. Wake up every day to the sound of the ranch and wildlife! Also, Bar W offers Covered Wagon lodging, a true pioneer experience! Airport shuttle available at an additional cost.
- Lodge Rooms
- Airport Shuttle
- Babysitting Services
- Cabins
- Game Room
- Glamping
- Horse Safety Program
- Hot tub
- Internet/WiFi
Details
Check-in/Check-out:
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Length of Stay:
6 nights (January - December)
Payment Policy
- Deposit: 50% of total (Package & Lodging Tax) is required at time of booking.
- Balance is due 90 days prior to arrival.
- If you are booking within the 90 days; balance is due at time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
- 90 days or more prior to arrival date: Deposit is refunded minus 10% of the package rate (not deposit) as a cancellation fee.
- Between 45-89 days prior to arrival: No money is refunded. There is a 20% cancellation fee of the package rate (not the deposit), but the balance of the deposit can be applied to a future stay.
- Less than 45 days: 100% non-refundable.
- We strongly encourage travel insurance.
No-shows will be charged the full amount. Parties arriving with fewer guests than reserved for will be charged the full amount. There is no adjustment to the final bill for early departure, unforeseen departure, or changes in itinerary.
Travel Insurance – for a nominal fee, we recommend trip or vacation insurance for “last minute” unforeseen situations where you need to cancel your trip. Call Travel Guard at 877-249-5376 and reference product number 109400, along with the “Dude Rancher’s Association”. Click Here for more information.
Unaccompanied Minors – Physical activity is always subject to the potential for medical care being necessary. The Bar W Guest Ranch requires that minors who are accompanied by adults who are not their parents or legal guardians be covered and able to show proof of health care power of attorney valid in the State of Montana in favor of the accompanying adult(s). In addition, the registration process will require certification as follows: “I certify I am either the legal guardian of or the authorized agent under a healthcare power of attorney valid in Montana for every minor in my party.
Miscellaneous
- We offer a 10% discount for returning guests! This is not applicable if using a promo.
- No pets allowed.
- We do not pay travel agent commissions.
- If you weigh between 225-230 pounds upon arrival at the ranch, your rides will be limited to ranch only trail rides and arena work, when we have horses available. If you weigh more than 230 pounds upon arrival, you will not be able to ride at all. If you book as a rider, there will not be a refund if you cannot ride due to being overweight. Weights will be checked upon arrival.
- There is a local Whitefish lodging assessment of 1% on the lodging portion of your stay.
- Montana has an 8% tax, applicable to the lodging portion of your stay.
- There is an airport shuttle fee of $55 each way ($110 round trip) per each group being picked up at the same time. If your group requires more than one van (10 people), then a second charge will apply. These charges are applied after the end of your stay.
- Bar W’s facilities are non-smoking. Smoking in the rooms, or on the balconies, will incur a room recovery fee of $300.
Length of Stay: 6-Nights (May – October)
Map
Bar W Guest Ranch
Whitefish, Montana
Nearest Regional Airport
Glacier Park International Airport, 16 miles
