Horseback Riding

The view of Montana from the back of a horse is about as authentically western as it gets. There are endless miles of mountains, trails and wide-open prairies to explore, and saddling up is just about the best way to explore everything our great state has to offer.

For those looking for a uniquely Montana vacation, guest ranches offer full horseback riding experiences (including lessons), complete with awe-inspiring expansive landscapes by day and genuine Montana hospitality at night. Many of the ranches also offer additional activities like fly-fishing and rafting, and even winter activities like sleigh rides.

For those looking for longer days on the trail while on horseback, using outfitters is one way to get deep into Yellowstone Country territory. Options such as half- and full-day trips or even multiday pack-trip excursions into the backcountry are available depending on the outfitter and your sense of adventure.

If being a spectator and watching bucking broncs is more of your thing, Memorial Day through Labor Day is rodeo season in Montana. Communities like Big Timber, Livingston, Red Lodge, West Yellowstone, among other locations in Yellowstone Country, host cowboys and cowgirls from across Montana and the nation. Montana State University, located in Bozeman, is a perennial contender for national honors at the NCAA level. Be sure to check out their spring rodeo. If you've never experienced the roping and riding of a genuine rodeo, it's about time you did.

For more information on horseback riding trips and outfitters in Montana, check out the listings below.