Montana has the widest mix on Brand Book: family-run cattle ranches where guests help brand and gather, horsemanship ranches in the northwest, and resort-style ranches in the Bitterroot and Blackfoot valleys and near Yellowstone.
Cattle work here ranges from long days in the saddle on working operations to an optional day with the crew at an upscale ranch. The hands-on ranches set their schedules by what the cattle need, so brandings and gathers aren't guaranteed in every week.
Filter Montana ranches by month or stay lengthDryhead Canyon, Montana
Family-run cattle ranch where guests ride long days on drives, brandings and roundups.
Hands-on cattle work
Good to know One-week, all-inclusive stays with pickup in Billings
Bridger, Montana
Family ranch near Bridger where guests join seasonal branding, gathers and long rides.
Hands-on cattle work
Good to know Branding and gathers depend on ranch needs and dry weather
Absarokee, Montana
Stillwater River cattle and sheep ranch offering flexible stays built around ranch chores.
Hands-on cattle work
Good to know Days are tailored to each guest, so cattle work depends on what's happening
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish guest ranch with arena penning, drive days and separate adults-only drive weeks.
Ranch work available
Good to know The real cattle work happens off-site, about three hours away, with camping
Libby, Montana
Horsemanship ranch in northwest Montana with dedicated stockmanship and cattle weeks.
Ranch work available
Good to know Programs are five full riding days
Big Timber, Montana
Big Timber-area family ranch where guests can join cattle moves when ranch work arises.
Ranch work available
Good to know Cattle work is scheduled as needed, so it isn't guaranteed in a given week
Bigfork, Montana
Family-run lakeshore ranch hosting weeklong summer stays with sailing and trail rides.
Recreation-focused stay
Good to know Seven-night stays, Sunday to Sunday, in summer
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Taylor Fork valley ranch where kids ride ranch-raised horses in groups sorted by age.
Recreation-focused stay
Good to know Six-night stays with Sunday arrival
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Historic Gallatin Canyon log-cabin ranch with separate riding groups for kids and teens.
Recreation-focused stay
Good to know Sunday-to-Saturday stays only
Hobson, Montana
Judith River ranch in central Montana where families ride, shoot and try archery together.
Ranch work available
Good to know No separate supervised kids program
Emigrant, Montana
Upscale Paradise Valley ranch offering an optional long day helping its cattle crew.
Ranch work available
Good to know Seven-night stays, Sunday to Sunday
Philipsburg, Montana
All-inclusive ranch resort on Rock Creek pairing guided riding, angling, and shooting.
Ranch work available
Good to know All-inclusive, with a suggested stay of five to seven nights
Darby, Montana
Bitterroot Valley cabin retreat for guests 16+ with trail rides and paid cattle drives.
Ranch work available
Good to know Meals, house drinks, and ranch activities are included
Greenough, Montana
Blackfoot River ranch resort with homes, glamping tents, and guided Western outings.
Ranch work available
Good to know Four-night minimum in summer, two the rest of the year
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky cabin ranch near Yellowstone with summer trail rides and winter Nordic skiing.
Recreation-focused stay
Good to know Choose an all-inclusive package or a bed-and-breakfast rate with activities extra