Off the Beaten Path

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Midscale

Weight limit

100 kg / 220 lb

At last, we've added the final touches to an exclusive horseback adventure that has become one of the most in demand year after year. This July 2024, we'll ride from the Heart Butte region, heading northward almost to the Canadian border. Described as "Off the Beaten Path", this expedition promises a remarkable experience, showcasing some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America, known by the Blackfeet people as the "Backbone of the World."

Accompanied by the Johnson family, members of the Blackfeet Nation, we'll delve into ranch country and traverse an ancient "Pishkun," or buffalo jump. Here, the cliffs above Badger Creek hold the remnants of countless buffalo drives spanning millennia, evoking a profound sense of history.

At times, you may find yourself riding alone with only your thoughts for company, surrounded by distant mountains and a hazy sky, perhaps tinged by early season forest fires to the west.

* there is a discount for a couple stay

Wilderness riding

Bill B. is the provider of this trip

5.0 4 reviews

The provider speaks: English

We are Bill, Diana & Dusty, the Ranch Owners. Our home becomes your home during your stay and we wouldn’t want it any other way. From the moment you arrive, we’ll greet you and make you feel like you are a part of our family! You’ll stay in one of our cabin rentals or in the lodge itself. In addition to that, you have access to the property, including most of the lodge, the pastures, Bear Creek, the riding arena, tack room and the corrals. Our ranch is “guest friendly” as are we! We will make you feel comfortable and welcome while adventuring in Montana. There is no better place to ride than out in the open country with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

Tour highlights

Enjoy Unforgetable Views

Unparalleled beauty all and every day

Ride through Unique Places

The trail will take us through the Blackfeet reservation

Feel the Warm Hospitality

Elegant cabin accommodations at night and dinners by "Diana"

Route details

Sunday arrival.

Guests will fly into Glacier Park International airport in Kalispell, Montana, on Sunday afternoon. We will pick guests up at the airport using the airline arrival times provided by guests.
After an hour’s drive to the ranch, guests will be greeted by the ranch family and shown to their cabins.

Following ranch arrival and introductions, everyone will meet again at the corral and barn at which time we’ll all be matching horse to rider and rider to the proper sized saddle. Plan on spending an hour or more getting comfortable with horse and saddle and moving around the arena using proper horsemanship.

After the arena clinic, plan on having hors d oeuvres and drinks, with dinner following at approximately 6:30pm.

After dinner and dessert, we’ll all get together and go over the plan for the following day and the first ride of the week. We will also ask you to fill out a liability release form as well as a conservation permit to ride on the Blackfeet reservation. Get a good night’s sleep!

Difficulty

Moderate

Accommodation

Comfort

Midscale

Guest House

6 nights

Travel recommendations

Group meeting place

Montana, Flathead County, Essex

Tour conditions

Included

transportation to and from Kalispell, Intl. airport
all meals;
cabins;
horses.

Extras

flights;
taxes;
Indian Reservation Permit (20$);
insurance.

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

7 days

6 nights

It's important to know

In case of booking cancellation the next policy applies: Tourists will receive a full amount they paid for the reservation in case they cancel more than 35 days in advance of the tour start date In the event of cancellation within the period of 34 to 16 days before the tour start date - they are entitled to receive 50% of the booking amount Cancelations made within 15 days before the tour starts will not be entitled to a refund.

Tour reviews

5.0

Based on 4 reviews

T
Tom

23 Aug, 2023

about provider

What a fantastic trip! Staying at this ranch didn't feel like renting a cabin—it felt like visiting friends! The family was incredibly welcoming and accommodating, and breakfast was outstanding. The lodge, which served as their house, was the perfect place for our family of six adults to hang out. While the cabins were rustic, they were comfortable. We enjoyed feeding grain to the horses, watching Bill and Dusty practice some bull roping, giving their two dogs some love, and going on a horseback ride with a packed lunch to enjoy with a beautiful view. When we got caught in a storm while hiking one day, they kindly offered the use of their washer and dryer. Dusty even mentioned the Blue Moon rodeo in Columbia Falls, so we decided to go—it was a blast! The location of the ranch is perfect for exploring Glacier Park from both ends, as they are about an equal distance from the West and East entrances. Many Glacier is only about a half-hour past the East entrance. While we had read that there was Uber out there, we were grateful for their recommendation to rent a minivan—it was much needed! Thank you all for such a fantastic stay, and best of luck to Dusty and Indi with their new house!

23 Aug, 2023

1 more photos
K
Kenzie

22 Aug, 2023

about provider

Our visit was nothing short of a dream come true! From the warm welcome by the incredibly kind staff to the cozy cabin stay that felt just like home, every moment was memorable. The breakfast each morning was simply divine! The horseback ride offered the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing us to soak in breathtaking views of mountains, wildlife, rivers, and woods. The horses were not only sweet but also impeccably trained. Whether you're exploring Glacier National Park or seeking the ultimate dude ranch experience with the most hospitable hosts, this is the place to be. We're already counting down the days until our next visit!

22 Aug, 2023
A
Anonymous

17 Jul, 2023

about provider

I absolutely loved everything about this ranch! From the stunning backdrop of mountains to the cozy, clean cabins with awesome beds and pillows, everything was perfect. The food, prepared by Diana and Indy, was exceptional—five-star menus for both breakfasts and dinners. The ranch's main house was welcoming, spacious, and beautiful, and the horses, rides, and views were all incredible! But it's the owners who truly made the experience unforgettable. Bill is a kind and caring cowboy, with a gentle soul and plenty of wisdom and patience. His wife, Diana, is sweet, welcoming, and incredibly generous. Dusty and Indy are a fun and welcoming couple, and spending time with their St. Bernard pups, Diesel and Dixie, was an added bonus! I enjoyed my time so much that I'm already planning to go back next year. Montana is truly a sight to see, and experiencing it from here is highly recommended. I even had the opportunity to spend time with members of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe, which was a wonderful bonus! John, who has worked on the ranch for decades, shared fascinating historical information and wisdom about the riding landscape and the Blackfeet reservation. And if you're looking to explore Glacier National Park, it's less than a half-hour from the ranch—truly the perfect location. I can't recommend this place highly enough. I went alone and left with a group of eight new friends—fun, friendly people who I now consider my friends. Don't hesitate—just go!

17 Jul, 2023

1 more photos