Big Sky in Montana is something of a horseback riding paradise. If you happen to be driving around the town and its surrounding regions you’ll likely see more than a few horses, whether in stables, on trailheads, or happily grazing in picturesque meadows.
These horses are an integral part of the Big Sky community, and there’s something very Western, not to mention unforgettable, about riding deep into either the Gallatin Range or the Madison Range on the back of a sturdy horse.
Taking in the seemingly endless terrain horseback riding in Big Sky can undoubtedly be a high point for many visitors to the state.
If you are heading to Montana with the intention of spending some time in the saddle, there are various avenues to explore such as working dude ranches and resort ranches.
However, if you don’t want to go the full dude ranch route, there are endless outfitters to choose from in the scenic surrounds of Big Sky. Various options are offered such as pack trips and trail rides, both excellent ways to experience some of the most remote areas of the Gallatin National Forest.
Ranches and outfitters cater to all levels of rider, offering half-day and full-day trips, as well as overnight horseback outings in Big Sky.
Experiencing a few hours in the saddle with a solid and reliable steed may be the ultimate Montana vacation for many visitors to the popular resort town also renowned for skiing.
The Best Horseback Riding in Big Sky
1. Lone Mountain Ranch
Lone Mountain Ranch was established more than a century back by original homesteaders, and today serves as a proud symbol of the Western heritage that Montana is renowned for. The ranch has a fleet of horses that can take visitors into virtually unseen and untouched parts of the backcountry.
From learning basic horsemanship skills on the ranch to venturing into deep forest and wilderness regions, the experienced wranglers and the horses on the ranch will encourage and guide all levels and ages of rider, which often includes specialized attention.
Adventures are restricted to just a few riders per wrangler, and these wranglers will first spend some time assessing current riding skills in order to match riders with the most suitable horses.
The well-trained and experienced wranglers can coach and instruct anyone from total novices to advanced riders, helping to enhance any existing level of riding skill.
Once summer has shown up, Big Sky Lone Mountain Ranch is known to operate with over 100 horses, each of which is suited to a particular client such as a youngster on their first riding attempt. Others like the draft horses will be more geared towards pulling sleigh loads of visitors through the snow.
2. Jake’s Horses
Jake’s is an outfitter in Big Sky specializing in trail rides. They offer a broad selection of trails and rides to suit all levels and ages in the region of Big Sky. Trips of various durations can be arranged which could be anything from an hour to a week long.
With Jake’s, you’ll get to experience beautiful scenery and cross trail creeks from the saddle of your trusty steed. Each friendly and experienced member of staff gives their fullest attention to riders, right from the orientation and saddling up to the actual riding out on the ranges and trails.
Guests can experience the snow-capped Lone Peak and the Gallatin Mountain & Valley in Big Sky, and there is also the possibility of catching a few glimpses of the various types of wildlife in the region.
Jake’s runs trail rides year-round, including winter if you fancy tackling a few snow-laced trails around the scenic Big Sky region.
3. Canyon Adventures
Canyon Adventures has been in operation for over 30 years and was established by Ed and Kathy Hake. Ed is a Gallatin Canyon native who is more familiar with the area than anyone you are likely to meet.
The outfit offers three different guided horseback riding tours of one, two, and 3-hour durations ac