Does anyone know of a good dude ranch to stay at, in either Idaho or Montana. I only want to stay about three nights but most require you to stay a full week.
Any suggestions?
Dude Ranches
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8 responses; most recent on May 21, 13 at 03:37 PM
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Have you check the Nature Conservancy's ranch, I think it is called Pine Ridge. Something like that.
Also, check the Cottonwood Ranch in the Jarlsberg Wilderness area outside of Elko, Nevada, right on the Idaho border. I understand it is very neat, and I don't believe they require a week.
The remoteness of the ranches in Idaho and Montana is exactly why they ask guests to stay a week; otherwise they'd be empty midweek.
Elk Canyon Ranch in White Sulpher Springs, MT (406/547-3373), is a superb facility; very small, very isolated and with great riding. I can recommend it highly. Getting there is a trip in and of itself: it's three hours from the Bozeman airport, and Bozeman isn't exactly easy to get to.
Most of the ranches that permit two- and three-day stays are in Arizona; the Wickenberg Inn (800/942-5362) and Flying E Ranch (520/684-2690) come immediately to mind. It isn't Montana, but the scenery is pretty.
I highly recommend the Bitterroot Ranch near Dubois, Wyoming. It's about 60 miles east of Jackson Hole. Run by Bayard and Mel (wife) Fox. They only take a max of 35 guests/week and the scenery is something I can't even begin to describe. They are open from start of June through September and book up early. I don't know if they require full weeks, but if you go very early or late in the season, a shorter stay will certainly be possible. I went the first week of June years ago and intended to stay 4 days, loved it so much I stayed the whole week. They divide the riders up according to ability, but REAL riding is the focus. You can ride western or English and there is a cross county jumping course if you are into that. You can ride, fish or hike. No "dude" stuff like swimming pools, tennis courts, shopping. They serve hors d' ouevres and wine on the deck after the days riding. The ranch is at the end of a 16 mile dirt road, borders the Nat'l Elk Refuge, The Absorokee Indian Reservation and the Wind River runs through it. Heaven on earth. They have an 800 number and own a riding tour company called Equitours for riding all over the world. Also have a web site. Have fun!