SCENIC HORSEBACK RIDING
HORSEBACK RIDING
EXPLORE
Discover the Spanish Peaks on Horseback
Imagine yourself amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Spanish Peaks, taking it all in from the back of a magnificent horse. At Lone Mountain Ranch, we offer an unforgettable horseback riding experience in Big Sky, Montana, that connects you with nature and our incredible herd. Ranch guests enjoy horseback riding as part of our summer all-inclusive packages. It’s also open to the public on a limited basis. View public availability.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Your Scenic Horseback Adventure Awaits
Our one or two-hour trail rides are the perfect way to explore the stunning landscape surrounding Lone Mountain Ranch. You’ll traverse charming small bridges, ride along the serene North Fork of the Gallatin River, and be treated to spectacular, unobstructed views of Lone Peak.
As you ride through open meadows, you’ll have the chance to test your knowledge of local flora, spotting vibrant wildflowers like Indian Paintbrush and Lupines. Keep your eyes peeled as you journey through the timber on your way back to the barn – you might just catch a glimpse of mule deer, elk, or even a moose! These rides are designed for riders of all abilities, and we ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience by catering the pace to the rider with the lowest ability.
OUR HORSES
Our Passion: A Love for Horses
At Lone Mountain Ranch, horses are at the heart of what we do. During the summer season, our operation thrives with a herd of over 100 horses, each with their own unique role. From guiding a child on their very first ride to pulling sleighs full of guests through snowy landscapes to our North Fork Cabin dinners, our horses are truly special.
You’ll encounter a variety of breeds at LMR. Our impressive draft horses, primarily Belgian and Percheron drafts (two of the most popular heavy pulling breeds in North America), are responsible for our wagons and sleighs. Our saddle horses are a diverse group, primarily American Quarter Horses, known for their versatility and gentle nature.
While our main herd enjoys their winters in Twin Bridges, Montana, where we source hay for our operations, another herd spends their colder months in Jackson, Wyoming. Our magnificent draft horses remain with us year-round, always ready for action.
We love visitors in the barn! Feel free to come down and meet our friendly team and, of course, our horses.
SAFETY RULES
Prioritizing Horse Safety
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and our horses, please keep these important tips in mind:
- Never approach a tied horse—from the rear or front—without speaking to a wrangler first.
- Avoid the barnyard while rides are loading or unloading.
- You’re welcome to feed the horses, but please get a few quick tips from staff beforehand.
- Keep dogs and yard games away from the barnyard and trail rides; they can make our horses skittish.
- No running around the horses. When they hear your thundering feet, they think their hooves should do the same!
Horses are herd animals, meaning they feel safer in groups. It’s important to develop a strong relationship with your horse for a safe and enjoyable ride. If a horse doesn’t feel safe with you, it can become anxious and afraid, which can be dangerous for both of you. We encourage guests to talk to their horse while riding, give lots of pats and scratches, and spend some extra time in the barnyard brushing, grooming, and observing horse behavior. The more time you spend with your horse, the more they will trust you. We even offer summer horsemanship clinics twice a week to help you deepen your understanding of horse behavior and strengthen your bond with your trail partner.
LEARN MORE
Did You Know? Fascinating Horse Facts
- Horses communicate through their own language, “Equus”—Latin for horse—which is almost entirely body language. Like other prey animals, horses communicate without drawing unwanted attention from predators. The term “horse whisperer” refers to someone who has learned to use their own body language to work with a horse via its own language.
- With the largest eyes of all land mammals, horses have vision that’s very different from ours. Their eyes are set on the side of their head, giving them an approximately 350-degree field of vision. However, the areas directly in front and behind them are blind spots.
- Ever wonder why a horse acts more nervous on a windy day? They’re superb at detecting movement, but their color vision is less well-developed than ours. When it’s windy, horses are less able to spot the movement of potential predators, making them more cautious.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
All-Inclusive Packages
Ready to saddle up and experience the beauty of Lone Mountain Ranch on horseback? Experience all-inclusive luxury with our curated packages and trips. Choose the Yellowstone Pack Trip for an authentic backcountry immersion, our Summer Discovery Packages for family-friendly ranch adventures, or our Cowgirl Up Getaway Trip, exclusively for women.
Yellowstone National Park Pack Trip
Channel the spirit of Yellowstone’s earliest explorers on a seven-day adventure that begins with fine dining and a night in downtown Bozeman before heading deep into the park’s untouched backcountry for a three-night pack trip. After days of riding, luxury camping, and gourmet meals under the stars, you’ll return to Lone Mountain Ranch for two nights of refined comfort.
Summer Discovery Package
Experience the authentic Old West on our Summer Discovery Package, recently voted "Best Family Ranch" by Top 50 Ranches! Stay in a luxury cabin and enjoy farm-to-table dining, horseback riding, campfires, and Western music, plus a captivating tour to Yellowstone National Park. Create unforgettable family memories and see why guests return year after year!
Cowgirl Up Getaway Trip
Cowgirl Up at Lone Mountain Ranch is an exclusive fall retreat for women, inviting you to reconnect with friends and nature. Enjoy a week of ranch adventures, from scenic horseback riding and guided Yellowstone tours to farm-to-table dining and evenings by the campfire. It's the perfect escape to create lasting memories in Big Sky.
LEARN MORE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I have horses at home, do I have to go on my introductory ride?
Yes, this introductory ride is required for all guests due to liability and safety reasons. This introductory ride will help wranglers fit your height to the correct size horse, as well as access your riding level and comfort for you to enjoy longer rides.
How many people can go on a ride together?
For your safety and for the safety of others in your group, each wrangler guides six people maximum in a group.
Do you have weight restrictions?
Our maximum weight limit is 250 lbs., which is standard for guest ranches. The Biomechanics of horses limits the total weight they can safely carry for a variety of health reasons, including strained muscles, pinched nerves, and saddle sores.
We offer many activities alternative to horseback riding, such as roping clinics, groundwork clinics, and wagon rides for those who may be unable to mount a horse.
Do you have any pregnancy restrictions?
If a guest is 11 weeks or under in their pregnancy they will need to supply the Ranch with a doctor’s note permitting them to ride. If a guest is 12 weeks or further along in their pregnancy they will not be permitted to go on a horseback ride.
We offer many activities alternative to horseback riding, such as roping clinics, groundwork clinics, and wagon rides for those who may be unable to mount a horse.
Can I ride more than once a day?
You can absolutely ride more than once a day. We suggest an early ride and a late afternoon ride to give the horses time to rest in between or talk to the ranger team about a longer lunch ride.
We offer many activities alternative to horseback riding, such as roping clinics, groundwork clinics, and wagon rides for those who may be unable to mount a horse.
Can I go on longer rides than just two hours?
Our rides are geared towards beginner level rides, however longer rides like a ride to Yellowstone (additional costs) or a lunch ride are available upon request once an introductory ride is completed.
I am an advanced rider; do you offer private, more difficult riding?
We do! Upon completion of your introductory ride, you can discuss our more advanced programming with our head wrangler. Options include loping rides, lunch rides, all day rides, or lessons in our arena. Your rider assessment level and our wrangler availability will determine which options are possible during your visit.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Please wear closed-toe shoes that are comfortable. We ask that your shoes have a slight heel on them to better secure your feet in the stirrups.
Do you offer cowboy boots?
We offer cowboy boots in our outdoor shop for guests to wear on their rides. If you would like to purchase your own pair of cowboy boots, we also have these available in the outdoor shop.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Guests 18 years and older do not have to wear a helmet.
How old does my child have to be to ride with me?
6 years old is the minimum age for kids to join rides. Pony rides can be booked for our younger horse enthusiasts.
Is horseback riding available every day?
Yes
What is your earliest/latest ride?
This depends on the day. Some days our earliest is 8:00am, others it is 9:30am. Our latest ride will leave the barn at either 3:30 or 4:00PM.
Do I ride the same horse for every ride?
Typically, yes. We use our rider assessment to match you with a horse you will be comfortable on. Riding the same horse for each ride deepens your relationship with that horse.
Is horse backing available year-round?
Typically, horseback riding is available May 27 – October 15, however Montana’s unpredictable weather can shorten our riding season.
