Regions
Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park this year? We don’t blame you, it’s one of the most magical places in the Wild West and the world’s very first national park. The beautiful waterfalls, colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, wide-open spaces, and abundant wildlife bring people from all over the world. It’s fun to imagine what the first pioneers thought when they first saw the beauty of Yellowstone from horseback. Luckily, our dude ranches near Yellowstone allow their guests the chance to see the West for the first time from the back of a horse, just like the pioneers! The Dude Ranchers’ Association has approximately 20 ranches outside of Yellowstone; however, here is a list of 13 ranches 60 minutes from one of the four parks’ entrances:
7D Ranch | Cody, WY
7D Ranch is located just off the infamous Chief Joseph Highway, nestled in a stunning valley. Daily activities include horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, and skeet shooting. Your day will be followed with evening activities ranging from outdoor lawn games, horse training, campfires, evening entertainers, dances and an Indian sweat lodge.
Covered Wagon Ranch | Gallatin Gateway, MT
Covered Wagon Ranch’s specialty is horseback riding trips into the surrounding backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. You can also choose to relax by fly fishing on world-renowned waters, rafting, mountain biking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Whatever your choice, you will have the time of your life!
Crossed Sabres Ranch | Cody, WY
Crossed Sabres Ranch offers riding for everyone: a first-timers’ lesson in the arena, a short morning or afternoon ride, and an all-day ride with a packed lunch to explore beautiful mountain scenery. Rest up from riding by taking advantage of their guided van tours of Yellowstone’s lower loop, white water rafting, clay shooting, archery, ax throwing, and a trip to the famous Cody Nite Rodeo! *Not taking reservations for 2020*
Elkhorn Ranch | Gallatin Gateway, MT
Located on the northwest edge of Yellowstone, the Elkhorn Ranch has been a family-oriented ranch since 1922. This means that you’ll be able to find some outdoor fun for everyone in the family! Take a scenic hike or ride through the Rocky Mountains on horseback during the day and sing and dance around the campfire at night. Elkhorn Ranch will surely feel like your own personal paradise. *Not taking reservations for 2020*
Hubbard’s Six Quarter Circle Ranch | Emigrant, MT
Hubbard’s Six Quarter Circle Ranch is an upscale ranch where you can ride all day every day on 25 square miles of pristine wilderness outside of Yellowstone. Guests are encouraged to participate in real-life ranch work by moving cows to greener pastures and fixing fence! Experience is not necessary here; the cowboys will provide instruction and strong mountain horses for every level of ability.
Lone Mountain Ranch | Big Sky, MT
Located just 18 miles from Yellowstone, Lone Mountain Ranch is the perfect place to experience the beauty and endless recreational opportunities of the West. They provide a warm, relaxed atmosphere with the right comforts to help you “get away from it all.” Horseback rides, hikes, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, canoe trips, and guided tours into Yellowstone will keep you busy for days.
Lost Creek Ranch | Moose, WY
Lost Creek Ranch is located 20 miles north of Jackson, ideally set between towering mountains just 60 minutes from Yellowstone. Ranch activities are numerous and participation is by individual choice. Wranglers lead guests on horseback trips into the wilderness of unbelievable solitude and beauty. The lodge and cabins reflect quality and comfort with breath-taking views of the Grand Tetons.
Moose Head Ranch | Moose, WY
30 miles from Yellowstone, Moose Head Ranch offers intimate rides in the mornings and afternoons as well as all-day rides where lunch is served over an open fire. When you don’t feel like riding, play volleyball or croquet on the lawn or go fishing! Sunday night cookouts are a highlight of the week with delicious food, singing, s’mores and camaraderie.
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch | Emigrant, MT
Just a 30-mile drive to the north entrance of Yellowstone, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch’s primary draw is their horseback riding. Their program includes rides for all skill levels, as well as arena instruction for those looking to learn the basics. Take advantage of their horseback rides through Yellowstone during your visit to get the real Western experience!
Nine Quarter Circle Ranch | Gallatin Gateway, MT
Adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, Nine Quarter Circle Ranch is surrounded by incredible scenery and offers excellent riding opportunities. The ranch features riding for all ages and levels of experience while traditional activities such as campfires, cookouts, hayrides and more are a big hit, as are their dedicated kids’ programs. And this all comes served with the West’s best hospitality!
Parade Rest Guest Ranch | West Yellowstone, MT
Parade Rest Ranch is located a whopping 15 minutes from the west entrance of Yellowstone, making it the closest of all the Montana ranches. Their experienced wranglers and gentle horses will ensure everyone enjoys their family ranch vacation, from novice to seasoned riders. The sound of the trickling creek on the ranch will become a favorite as you drift asleep at the end of an adventurous day.
Rimrock Ranch | Cody, WY
At Rimrock Ranch your week will be filled with riding, rafting, rodeo, and an all-day tour of Yellowstone. Enjoy a day participating in a fishing tournament, cowboy singing, and an afternoon in the ranch arena playing games on horseback. And we can’t forget the spectacular views from the ranch’s swimming pool and hot tub!
Triangle X Ranch | Moose, WY
Triangle X Ranch presents unsurpassed views of the Teton mountains and is a stunning 45-minute drive from Yellowstone. The ranch is home to over 180 gentle and sure-footed mountain horses. Venture into the heart of one of the most remote wildernesses in the lower 48 as you explore a natural paradise few have ever seen – all from the back of a horse on a once-in-a-lifetime pack-trip!
The Dude Rancher’s Association
If you’re planning a trip to America’s most famous national park, we’re very envious. If you add on a dude ranch vacation to your Yellowstone trip, everyone you know will want to follow in your footsteps! Come experience the West as it was 100 years ago. View more ranches 60+ minutes from Yellowstone. Not ready to book for 2022? Most ranches are already accepting bookings for 2023! If you need further assistance in narrowing down the options, contact a dude ranch vacation specialist today! info@duderanch.org 307-587-2339
