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Lone Mountain Ranch is one of America’s early playgrounds; in fact, this working ranch became a vacation ranch a century ago when it hosted adventure-seeking “dudes” from the East Coast who wanted to experience the West by panning for gold, riding horses, fishing, and eating meals by the campfire. The area north of Big Sky Resort is a renowned draw for white water rafters and kayakers and attracts fly fishers from around the world. You might recognize the terrain around us from the 1992 movie A River Runs Through It. Summers give us that same cinematic backdrop for hiking, fishing, and adventures of all kinds. Preserving the beauty of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as the ranch has been involved in since 1915, is our heritage and we love to pass on our love for this place to our guests through the endless adventures that lie right outside our cabin doors.
June – early October
Horses have long been essential to the way of life in Big Sky Country. For over a century, Lone Mountain Ranch’s team of horses has brought ranchers and visitors into parts of the backcountry that are otherwise unseen and untouched. Our experienced wranglers and horses are dedicated to giving riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to discover the real Montana—from galloping on the ranch to venturing into Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Gallatin National Forest.
To provide specialized attention to every guest, adventures are limited to a few riders per wrangler. Wranglers will spend the first ride day assessing abilities and matching riders with their best horses. Previous riding experience is not required—our highly trained wranglers can teach beginners the skills they need to enjoy their time on horseback or advance the skills of more experienced riders. For More Information about Horse Safety and our horse program.
Mid-May – early October
Lone Mountain Ranch has a century-long tradition of curating Yellowstone National Park experiences, from guiding guests through the history and geology of this area to taking them deep into the park’s backcountry to see its wildlife and untouched woodlands and mountain areas. Our naturalist guides are accredited Yellowstone guides, with a lifetime of expertise and the most comprehensive, turnkey access to the park.
We’ll take you for a hike, picnic, photography expedition and to see iconic landscapes and geysers such as Old Faithful. These are our roots, so when you visit Yellowstone with us, you’ll get much more than a tour.
Lone Mountain Ranch is perfectly situated alongside the Gallatin River’s north fork and just an hour from the renowned Madison River—two of Montana’s most celebrated rivers for year-round fly fishing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, our expert guides will lead you to prime spots where you can cast for rainbow, brook, and the elusive native west slope cutthroat trout.
Experience the thrill of floating and fishing along the pristine waters of the Madison or Yellowstone River. With majestic mountain peaks framing the horizon, let your expert guide navigate you through over 10 scenic miles of unspoiled river views. Along the way, enjoy ample opportunities to cast your line and reel in wild trout in one of Montana’s premier fishing destinations.
June – September
Join us for our weekly Tuesday night Lone Mountain Ranch Rodeo where we challenge cowboys and cowgirls to a competition for bragging rights and the honor of wearing our Ranch buckle!
Our ranch rodeo is a throwback to the Old West, where teams of cowboys or cowgirls from their home ranch compete in events based on their profession from the prairie. Events are based on real jobs that were done 100 years ago and are still done today across the West. At our weekly rodeo, we feature barrel racing, ranch roping, Old West bronc rides, and team sorting/cowhorse competing. The rodeo has become popular with the Big Sky community, so you’ll meet locals as well as guests and competitors who come to take part in the fun. Tickets include the rodeo, elevated Montana Summer cook-out, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky, and the surrounding National Forrest Wilderness are all home to countless beautiful hikes. Join one of our Lone Mountain Ranch Naturalists for an adventure on the trail. Our naturalist will help choose a journey that matches your ability level and expectations.
The Ranch is as much a playground for children as it is for adults. This youth program builds confidence through outdoor recreation, develops an appreciation for nature, and most of all gives young people (aged 3-14) the space to roam, have fun, and connect with each other. Experienced and energetic staff will lead kids through a variety of adventures geared to inspire and challenge all age groups.
Take a full-day journey to Hebgen Lake in West Yellowstone where you will enjoy a relaxing day in the sun under the big sky of Montana while you paddle around pristine waters. Lone Mountain Ranch is fully equipped with canoes and safety equipment to create a unique experience. This day trip also includes a shoreline lunch packed and prepared for you by the Horn & Cantle kitchen.
Put your sights to the test on our 3-D archery course whose targets are life-size, high-density foam depictions of species you will find in the wild around Montana. Spend time with a professional guide on our practice course while sighting in your fully adjustable compound bow before you hit the woods. This is an experience like no other in Montana and is guaranteed to create lifelong memories and photo opportunities. You may even find your new sporting passion, as many previous guests have.
Our on-site challenge course can offer a fun family adventure or personal endeavor. Through our own programming and a “challenge by choice” approach, guests will be led through a safety orientation, then climb 30 feet into the air, belayed by a professional guide, and make their way through the elements of the course. If you’re feeling ambitious, take on a family member or friend and race to the top of our Jacob’s Ladder.
There are few things more satisfying than hitting the bullseye of a target with an axe. This activity is geared toward family-friendly competition. A Lone Mountain Ranch guide will lead groups through a safety and instructional orientation before the axes fly towards our wooden slab targets.
Our partnership with Montana Alpine Guides offers rock climbing outings for beginners and experts alike in some of the area’s top climbing spots. The accomplishments among this team of expert guides include first ascents and some of the world’s most significant climbs—and this is their home base. Learn basic rock-climbing movements and techniques or work on honing advanced climbing skills.
Indulge in individualized in-cabin massage therapy by one of our partner massage therapists. We also take guests into Big Sky, five minutes away, to Santosha Wellness Center, which has options such as therapeutic and Swedish massage and craniosacral therapy. You can take as active a role in your relaxation as you like at Santosha: Relax into a customized therapeutic massage, or take part in energy work, reiki, pranic healing and chakra balancing. The healing center’s offerings range from Ayurvedic consultations to beauty treatments like lash lifts and tints.
Continue your mind, body and spirit practice while on vacation and loosen up after a few days of adventure in one of our yoga classes at the ranch. We practice in the yurt, on the Great Lawn, and in the spectacular setting of the Ridge, overlooking the area’s mountains and forests. We also transport guest to yoga classes at Santosha Wellness Center in Big Sky, complimentary for ranch guests.
Walk up then zip down on Big Sky Resort’s nature zipline for an exhilarating and scenic experience. The tour begins with a 10-minute nature walk up Moose Tracks Trail. Swoop your way back down the mountain on two speedy lines that range from 275 to 490 feet in length and 30 to 50 feet high. The lines crisscross Moose Tracks Gully and finish toward the bottom of Moose Tracks.
Big Sky Resort is known for its great skiing, but its summer adventures and scenery are just as magnificent. Explore over 50 miles of mountain biking trails, including the area’s only lift-serviced trails. Ride up Ramcharger 8, Swift Current 6, and Explorer 2 to access flow and tech trails of all levels. Experience Swift Current terrain better than ever with all-new bike carriers on America’s fastest six-person chairlift.
Welcome to one of the premier river rafting destinations in the West. We partner with Montana Whitewater to offer you the chance to view incredible scenery and paddle through some fun, challenging, and continuous whitewater. Guides will take you into different stretches of river depending on your skill level and appetite for a thrill. Most trips begin in Big Sky.
We partner with Lone Mountain Helicopters to offer helicopter photo flights over Yellowstone National Park and the region. They’ll pick you up at the top of our Ridge then whisk you up to get a literal bird’s-eye view of this magnificent country. Yellowstone is often called “the Serengeti of North America,” so look down: you just may see some of Yellowstone’s Big Five: elk, grizzlies, black bears, bison, and wolves.
There is no better way to see the stunning Gallatin Valley than from a hot air balloon. You’ll float over mountain peaks and winding rivers to see a true Montana landscape the way many people never see it. The vast wilderness of Yellowstone National Park lies to the south, and you may spot some wildlife you wouldn’t see from the ground. We partner with Endeavor Ballooning to create a memorable bucket list experience: Once your balloon lands safely, you’ll enjoy a traditional champagne ceremony and receive a certificate of flight to commemorate your journey. Endeavor offers flights seven days a week at sunrise, which last approximately an hour. The entire experience lasts three hours, and transportation is provided to and from the launch and landing sites.
Come meet and mingle with our famous Pygmy goats! These adorable and friendly animals love attention and are always excited to meet new visitors. You’ll have the chance to feed them and spend some quality time in their company, making for a fun and memorable experience for all ages.
