The Experience

Montana is made for horses and The Ranch at Rock Creek is made for riders. Wide-open skies, sagebrush hillsides and snow-capped peaks are best experienced on horseback. Part of the experience of our Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star luxury guest ranch is having everything for exceptional horseback riding vacations at your fingertips. Our Rod & Gun Club fits guests with hats, boots and riding helmets as needed. Our program is highly customizable for each guest, with wranglers at the ready to guide you through this essential ranch vacation experience. The Ranch operates in the spirit of play, where travelers immerse themselves in the riding culture of Western Montana, rather than seeing it through the slats on a corral.

With 6,600 acres to explore and miles of trails, there are always new adventures for all riding levels. Flat creekside trails are best for beginners while treks to peaks and rolling pine trails are enjoyed by intermediate to advanced riders. After you get fitted with boots and a hat, our wranglers ensure you are comfortable on a horse that matches your experience level. They give a basic lesson on natural horsemanship skills and tack, such as saddles, blankets, stirrups and reins.

Our small group size ensures we are not a nose-to-tail property. There are opportunities for trotting and loping on all trails, contingent on rider ability and comfort level. Longer half and full-day rides are offered for intermediate and advanced riders when scheduled in advance.

Horseback Riding Lessons

Enhance your riding acumen with 30-minute to one-hour arena riding lessons. Arena lessons are suited to children and adults at all riding levels. Riders of all disciplines can benefit from a personalized learning experience at The Ranch. Lessons are a great opportunity for beginner riders to gain confidence or for intermediate riders to discover new techniques. Arena games are created at the discretion of the wrangler to best suit the ability and comfort of the riders. Complete an obstacle course or relay race. Learn how to barrel race, rope or pole bend. During the summer, you can see how the pros do it during our weekly Ranch Rodeo.

Roping lessons

Roping lessons are available to guests of all ages. Guests will first learn the basics of building a loop and practice roping a dummy-steer on foot before transitioning into the saddle. Once in the saddle, riders will track a dummy steer pulled by a four-wheeler to perfect their position, swing and delivery.

During the summer, start your Fridays with a refreshing cowboy breakfast at 8 a.m. Guests gather at the barn and hop into our horse-drawn wagon for a scenic ride to Piney Pond. Breathe in the crisp morning air as you travel out to a beautiful and peaceful setting overlooking the valley floor. You will arrive at Piney Pond for an fireside breakfast—enjoying cowboy coffee and both hearty and light fare, featuring Chef Drage’s Dutch oven dining experience. After breakfast, return to the wagon and enjoy a cheery ride back to Camp Roosevelt just in time for your full day of adventures.