RANCHES, OUTFITTERS & GUIDE SERVICES

Southwest Montana offers a variety of ranch experiences. Visitors can choose to saddle up at a dude ranch, delve into the rough and rowdy activities of a working ranch or pamper themselves at a glamorous resort ranch. Perhaps the opportunity to spend a day enjoying the rich beauty found in this region of Montana is all that is needed.

MONTANA OUTFITTERS & GUIDES ASSOCIATION

Montana outfitters and guides are prepared to showcase all Montana offers in outdoor recreation whether it is for a half day or a week.

Outfitters and guides offer:

• Horseback Riding

• Fishing

• Hunting

• Rafting & Floating

• Hiking

• Pack Trips

• Camping

• Wildlife Viewing

• Photography

• National Park Tours

• Snowmobiling

• ATVing

• Activities for Disabled Clients

Many outfitters offer schools, seminars and clinics pertaining to the outfitter and guide lifestyle. 406.449.3587, www.montanaoutfitters.org

Additional information on fishing outfitters is available at www.foam-mt.org .

DUDE RANCHES

Dude ranches offer an authentic western experience where horseback riding in the mountains, valleys and prairies is a central activity. Dude ranches can also include horsemanship clinics, kids' programs, hiking on mountain trails, rafting, fishing, interpretive tours, campfires, cookouts and more. This all-inclusive vacation includes lodging, meals and activities. www.montanadra.com

WORKING RANCHES

Working ranches help preserve the authentic cowboy lifestyle and heritage. Working ranches offer a variety of activities including cattle drives, roundups, chores, fence mending, tending to livestock and moving cattle. Horseback riding is the main activity and ranch horses are used to move cattle. Working ranches usually accommodate smaller group sizes. www.montanaworkingranches.com

RESORT RANCH – THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK

Offering traditional activities of horseback riding and fishing, the Ranch at Rock Creek offers creature comforts, lavish all-inclusive amenities and world-class luxury accommodations. This deluxe ranch is the only 5-star ranch resort in the Forbes Travel Guide and is featured in Top 10 lists of the finest vacation resorts in the world. 877.786.1545, www.theranchatrockcreek.com