Montana

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Trails and Campgrounds

Popular Bob Marshall Wilderness Trips:

Monture-Danaher
6days/45miles

Monture Work Station, in Lolo National Forest, up Monture Creek , down Houn Creek, then follow Youngs Creek to Danaher Creek, up to Danaher Basin

Indian Point Loop
8days/75 miles

Up White River (from junction with South Fork Flathead River) to Chinese Wall, cross Continental Divide at White River Pass, east to Indian Point, up Ahorn Creek, cross Continental Divide at Camp Creek Pass, Down Camp Creek to Danaher Creek, and down Danaher Creek to Big Prairie Ranger Station.

Spotted Bear-White River
8days/75 miles

Spotted Bear Ranger Station, up Spotted Bear River to Bungalow Lookout, down White River, down South Fork Flathead River to Spotted Bear Ranger Station.

Trilobites-Spotted Bear
6days/50 miles.

Spotted Bear Ranger Station, up Spotted Bear River, up Pentagon Creek , past Table Mountain to Switchback Pass, past Pentagon Mountain to Trilobite Range, then backtrack to Ranger Station.

Gorge Creek-South Fork Loop
3days/35 miles

From South Fork Flathead River, proceed up Bunker Creek, up Gorge Creek, south along Picture Ridge, down Hungry Creek to Blackbear Work Center on South Fork Flathead River.

Gateway Pass
6days/50 miles

From Swift Reservoir proceed up South Fork Birch Creek to Gateway Pass, down Gateway Creek to Strawberry Creek, over Badger Pass to North Fork Birch Creek, back to Swift Reservoir.

Benchmark-Chinese Wall Loop
10 days/70 miles

Benchmark Work Center, down South Fork of North Fork Sun River to West Fork Links, up West Fork Sun River to Chinese Wall at Cliff Mountain, north along Chinese Wall to Larch Hill and Spotted Bear Pass, east down Rock Creek to Gates Park Work Center, south down North Fork Sun River to Gibson Lake, up South Fork of North Fork Sun River to Benchmark Work Center.

Benchmark-Youngs Creek
4 days/40 miles

Benchmark Work Center, up South Fork of North Fork Sun River, west up Hoadley Creek across Continental Divide, down Stadler Creek to Danaher Creek, down Danaher Creek to Youngs Creek, up Youngs Creek to Haun Creek.

Benchmark-White River
5 days/44 miles

Benchmark Work Center, north up the South Fork of North Fork Sun River, west up North Fork of West Fork Sun River, up Indian Creek, over White River Pass, down White River to White River Park on South Fork Flathead River, and return.

North Chinese Wall
6 days/50 miles

West Fork Work Center, west up West Fork Teton River, south at Empty Jug Cabin, up Olney Creek, west over Washboard Reef, by Wrong Ridge, down Wrong Creek, west to Round Park on Open Creek, south along Continental Divide to Red Shale Creek, east down Red Shate Creek to Gates Park Work Center, north up North Fork Sun River, east at Wrong Creek Work Center, over Route Creek Pass, and up Middle Fork Teton River to road.

Gates Park Short Loop
3 days/30 miles

Take the Middle Fork Teton River trail, over Route Creek Pass, down Wrong Creek to Route Creek, along North Fork Sun River to Gates Park Work Center, up Headquarters Creek, by Rocky Mountain, and down South Fork Teton River.

South Chinese Wall
6 days/60 miles

South up the South Fork Teton River, up Erosion Creek, west up South Fork Deep Creek, west down Biggs Creek to North Fork Sun River, south down the North Fork Sun River, west up Moose Creek to Continental Divide, north along Chinese Wall to Larch Hill Pass, east down Rock Creek to Gates Park, across North Fork Sun River, up Headquarters Creek and down South Fork Teton River.

Sun River Canyon (Gibson Dam, Short trips)
From Great Falls: 75 Miles
From Augusta: 35 Miles (Gravel)

• Camping: Yes (USFS-Fee)
• Phone: Yes (Sun Canyon Lodge)
• Corrals: Yes (SCL) Fee
• Water: Yes
• Fishing: Yes (Diversion Lake)
• Food: Yes (SCL)

Trail #275 Norwegian Gulch

The trail starts 1 mile before and right off the road to Gibson Dam. Heading South on the East side of Norwegian Gulch the trail climbs gradually for 4 miles and intersects Sawmill Flat trail heading West. When going West 1 mile you will find Sawmill Flats and Beaver Creek Road. If you go North and downhill 4 miles you will come to the base of Gibson Dam and the road back to your starting point in about 1 mile . (Approx. 11 miles)
This road is closed to vehicles during the hunting season because of the Elk migration.

Trail #267 Home Gulch

This trail begins behind Sun Canyon Lodge, and goes for 9 miles and "Deadends". At approx. 7.5 miles the trail goes west and intersects Norwegian Gulch Trail #275 which you can take north back to Gibson Dam Road. (7 miles) If you go south on Trail #267 the trail will bring you to Beaver Creek Road. (5miles) North on this road for 12 miles and you will be back at the base of Gibson Dam. This road is closed to vehicles during the hunting season because of Elk migration.

• Campground: Yes (USFS-Fee)
• Feed Bunks: Yes
• Phone: Yes (1 mile)
• Water: Yes (Hand Pump)
• Fishing: Yes (Gibson Reservoir)
• Point of Interest: Gibson Dam
  

Trail #201 Gibson Lake

The trail starts on the North side of Gibson Lake and goes for 8 miles to the end of the lake. The trail is narrow is spots with passing lanes. Rule is: "The most horses has the right of way". This trail is not for the "Weak of Heart". From the end of the lake the trail goes north into the North Fork of Sun River, but you can also go South on South Fork of Sun River Trail #202. Going north on Trail #201 you enter the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and follow the North Fork of Sun River. In July/August fishing is good on both rivers. The trail is used by 3 outfitters and local elk hunters during the hunting season. The trail continues for 5 miles and then turns into Trail #110. Near this intersection Trail's # 231, 220, and 131 also convene. (Benchmark 5020 feet)

Trail #131 Moose Creek:

This trail is a must if you have come this far. It is a gradual climb for 12 miles, to the Alpine meadows below the famous "Chinese Wall". Overnight camping is not allowed in this fragile environment. (Benchmark 8035 feet).

Trail #231 Circle Creek

This trail "Deadends" in 3 miles and is used during Elk Hunting Season. (Benchmark 6717 feet).

Trail #220 Cabin Creek

This trail follows Cabin Creek for 5 miles, gradually and some times severe climb to Bob Marshall Wilderness Boundary. From here the trail is hard to find and not recommended. (Benchmark 6717 feet).

Trail #110 North Fork of the Sun River

This trail continues for 6 miles to "Gates Park" Forest Service Cabin. This cabin is used by Forest Service Personnel when in the area, occupied most of the summer, emergency services, and phone are available. Private use is not allowed. The trail continues north for 6 miles and intersects trail #151. Trail #151 brings you to "Wrong Creek" Forest Service Cabin. (Benchmark 5090 feet).

Big Salmon Lake
7days/70 miles

Holland Lake, down Gordon Creek to Big Prairie Range Station, down South Fork to Salmon Lake, up Salmon Creek to Holland Lake.

Chinese Wall (side trip) 1 day / 8.5 miles, White River to Haystack Mountain.
Flathead Alps (side trip) 1 day / 14 miles to Shale Peak.
Bullet Nose Mountain (side trip) 1 day / 8 miles, up Una Creek to Bullet Nose Mountain

Ennis: don't have much information. suppose to be lots of trails PH 406-587-6920 Bozeman Ranger District, 3710 Fallon, Bozeman MT.

Big Sky Montana, Triple Creek Trailhead, mile marker 32, Rt 191, between 320 Ranch and West Yellowstone. East side of the road, pull off and camp. Tie rails at the trailhead. Excellent gradual elevation, good trail, no stones, excellent for gaited horses, ride and glide. This is big country and snowmobile trail maps kept us on course. An option, is to rent a cabin or house at the 320 Ranch. They will board your horses. There is an excellent restaurant at the ranch in season. Also the small town of Big Sky has excellent places.
Submitted By: Paul Peachin

Kalispell: Bed & Breakfast in Kalispell.
Location: 10 minutes West of Kalispell a mile off of Highway 2 at the base of the "Wild Horse Mountains" near Blacktail Ski Resort. We offer guided horseback adventures from one hour to pack trips; a children's camp in the summer; campground and Indian Tipi village for those with our without their own horses; cross county skiing in the winter, and we ARE open all year.
Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch
1805 Haywire Gulch
Kalispell MT 59901
(406)756-3056
Web page Lonsome Dove Ranch
E-Mail: Harold and Sharron Butler, Lonsome Dove Ranch

Our ranch is located just outside of West Yellowstone in Montana. (approximately 8 miles) We just moved here recently and would like to invite people to come out to our ranch with their horses/mules. The back gate to our property leads right on to National Forest Service ground. We have 280 acres of pasture, many creeks run through the pasture and we are located right on the South Fork of the Madison river. We have 3 cabins that can hold up to 6 people in each, but if any one wants to pitch a tent they can bring their camping gear. Also have ample parking for horse trailers and Rv's
Web pageQuarter Circle JK
E-mail Quarter Circle JK, Lorraine & Michael

Fairfield, Augusta: I have a 2 bedroom guesthouse that will accomodate 3-5 people. Also pasture turnout for horses or covered stalls.
I am between Fairfield and Augusta, Montana near hundreds of miles of trails in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Scapegoat Wilderness, and Lewis and Clark National Forest.
221 10th Lane SW, Fairfield, Mt 59436

Web page Rusty Spur Guest House and Gallery
E-mail Angela Dailey

Seeley Lake, This is a beautiful, first class facility where the horses have top-notch facilities and the guest ranch is small and comfy. Each room has its own entrance. There are also several sites for camper hook-ups but we pitched a tent down by the creek. There are many trails right off the property in the Swan Mountains or you can trailer a very short distance to Holland Lake Trailhead (described earlier) or other areas to get into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. It is about 90 minutes from Missoula. Take Montana 200 up to highway 83 North about 16 miles. Turn right at the blue sign that says "Kozy Korner" and follow it for about 5 miles (on good gravel road) to the ranch. Feed and hay were available. There is only one restaurant after you get on the gravel road and it only serves supper so, if you intend to stay in the guest rooms you will have to drive out for meals.
Web page Horseshoe Hills Guest Ranch
Submitted By: Leslie

Victor: Bear Creek Lodge is a high-end destination lodge in the Bitterroot Valley in Western Montana.
Sitting on 155 acres the lodge borders National Forest and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (the largest wilderness south of the Canadian border). We have developed a private trail system that connects to Forest Service trails with no gates to open! Upon arriving at the lodge, there is no more need for a horse trailer.
Leaving directly from the lodge, riders have access to 3 separate mountain drainages providing full-day rides.
The 3 drainages are Bear Creek, Gash Creek, and Sweathouse Creek and all accessible from our private trail system onto public land without opening any gates.
Those who accompany riders but do not ride themselves, are welcome to stay back at the lodge to relax with a book, hike our trails or fish our one mile private access of Bear Creek. This is a fly fishing mecca with the Bitterroot River just 6 miles from the lodge.
The Clark Fork River, Blackfoot River and Rock Creek are also accessible for daily fishing trips. Bear Creek Lodge can be reserved exclusively for groups. With so much to enjoy, guests understand our requirement for a 3 day minimum stay. Upon returning from a full day's trail ride in the pristine Bitterroot Mountains, our chef awaits with a gourmet meal including hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. We are a luxury lodge with full accommodations. Our rates include all meals and beverages.
Each of the 8 guest rooms have a private bath and an outdoor entrance.
The horse facilities (free to our guests) include a 4 acre pasture, 3 pens and 3 stalls.
We have 2 horses on-site but are for our private use only. Please visit our website for a map of our trail system (from the Home page go to Hiking).

Roland and Janet Turney
Bear Creek Lodge
1184 Bear Creek Trail
Victor, MT 59875
406-642-3750

Web page Bear Creek Lodge
E-Mail: Bear Creek Lodge

Scenic 100+ acre ranch with horse motel for the traveler or great vacation spot for equines and horseman.
Large inside box stalls, hot walker, wash rack, round pen, pastures and many trails. Easy access to the forest.
Ride from the ranch for your great Montana outback experience. Big rig parking. And 1 RV hookup.

Facility is located on Highyway 2 at milepost 60. We are in between Kalispell and Libby.

Sue Vincent
Trail 6 Ranch, LLC
27506 US Hwy 2 South
Libby, MT 59923
Phone 406 293-8665
E-Mail: Trail 6 Ranch, LLC

Overnight Hosts for your horse or mule

Darby: B&B, Stalls PH 800-808-2464

Sula: B&B, Stalls Ph 406-821-3508

Bozeman: B&B, Ph 406-686-4440

Victor:Lazy N Ranch B&B - Web page
PH 406-642-3668

Belgrade: We have 3 box stalls with runs, 7 small corrals plus 2 100X200 pens with loafing shed
I no longer have the guest house but do offer beds in my house or in the bunk house.
$15 stalls
$10 corrals
$10 per person to stay.
My famous Biscuits and Gravy $10.00 per group prior arrangements may be necessary to be sure.
Ph 406-388-7463 Fax (406) 388-7241
Address: 5155 Round Mountain Road, Belgrade, 59714
E-mail: Jehnet Carlson
D J Bar Ranch - web page

Bridger: Stalls, holding pens and trails nearby. Three bedrooms for B & B.
Ph 406-662-3264. Address: Rt. 1 Box 1250, 59014.
E-mail: Dorothy Sue Phillips
Circle of Friends B & B - web page

Livingston: Inside stalls, 23 outside covered stalls, 8 outside uncovered stalls arena, water year around, overnight camping no dump.
Ph 406-222-4185. Addr: PO box 146, 59047.
Interstate 90 exit 331 West or 335 East. turn South on Main st 6 blocks to small bridge - Left fork 1/4 mile to fairgrounds on right.

Livingston: 2 indoor and 2 outdoor stalls, pasture, forest service trails within 6 miles. Rustic cabin and sheepherders wagon for 2. Plus rooms at the Inn.
Ph. 406-222-2429, Fax 406-222-2625, 4950 highway 89 South, 59047.
E-mail: River Inn B & B
River Inn B & B - web page

Reed Point: Box stalls, Barn, Runs, Box pens, Coral area, prices vary from $20.00 to $10.00. Ph 406-326-2280, Addr: PO Box 362, 59069.
2 miles North of I 90, take exit 392 at Reed Point, go through town, across RR tracks, Continue north crossing Yellowstone bridge then a steep hill. Stay on road until cattle guard - DON'T CROSS IT. Turn right onto a dead end road, we are the first place on the left, a log house.

McAllister: This is the lake Shore Lodge Cabins and Camp. Stables have stalls, outside pens, paddock's, barn with 9 stalls, mountain trails and trails in Lee Metcalf wilderness area.
Have full hookup campground as well as cabins, and boat rental on lake.
Ph 406-682-4424
Addr: Box 160, 59740.

Big Timber: Carriage House Ranch is located in the heart of "Horse Whisperer Country" 7.5 miles outside Big Timber, the location of Robert Redford's recent movie. Exit I-90 at Big Timber. Take Highway 191 North out of Big Timber. After crossing the Yellowstone River, the ranch is 7.5 miles on left.

A newly constructed indoor heated and lighted 100 x 225 arena with 10 stall barn, rider's retreat with kitchen, fireplace, TV, and shower/bath await the discriminating horse traveler. A large outdoor arena (170 x 300), round pen, 60 additional stalls for equine events and travelers, jumps for the hunter-jumper crowd, and the Broken Spur Cafe are also available at the main ranch site.

680 acres of trail riding, including a mile of the Big Timber, Creek, is available on the ranch, and Big Timber Canyon campground and trail head are just a few short miles away. Breath-taking views of the Crazy Mountains from the entire ranch! An outdoor jumping and carriage driving course are available. Equine events--Western, English, and carriage driving--are scheduled throughout the year. The arena is available for clubs and individuals to lease for special events.

A historic 1910 Dutch carriage barn has been converted to a charming bed and breakfast. The inn is a secluded, romantic retreat located next to a rushing creek, with views of mountains, hayfields, and surrounding country. Lovingly furnished with antiques, art, fine china, and European linens, the Carriage House is your perfect private getaway!

Owners John Haller and Sally DeStefano are avid horse people and world travelers from their "prior" lives. Carriage House Ranch is a "must" for anyone visiting Montana, with or without their horse.

Carriage House Ranch
P.O. Box 1249
Big Timber, MT 59011-1249
PH 406-932-5339
E-mail:Carriage House Ranch Click Here

Deer Lodge: 30 stalls 12 X 12'. Rent by the day, week or month. $15 per day. Indoor arena, Driving lessons & training horses to drive.
Right off exit # 184 on Interstate 90. Motels and restaurants near by.
Phone 406-846-1989
255 Boulder Road. Deer Lodge, MT 59722
E-mail: Mountain View Arena, Kayo Fraser Click Here
Web Page Mountain View Arena

Kalispell: Bed & Breakfast in Kalispell.
Location: 10 minutes West of Kalispell a mile off of Highway 2 at the base of the "Wild Horse Mountains" near Blacktail Ski Resort. We offer guided horseback adventures from one hour to pack trips; a children's camp in the summer; campground and Indian Tipi village for those with our without their own horses; cross county skiing in the winter, and we ARE open all year.
E-mail:Sharron Butler, Lonesome Dove Ranch

Ravalli County in the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks overnight facilities for horses, dogs, and humans!
Reservations required
Phone (406) 273-3363
Parsons' Pony Farm
5710 Yarrow
Florence, MT
E-mail: Parsons' Pony Farm

Facilities: 14-12'x 20' indoor stalls, 18-12'x 60'outside paddocks w/cover, 5-16'x 48' pens with cover, all stalls and pens have fresh continuous running water, One bedroom apartment, Full R.V.hook-up, indoor wash-stall w/warm water, Mare foaling stall, Round pen, Outdoor arena, Trails, Training, Lessons and Hay available, Fair grounds 4 miles away.

Location: East side of Billings, close to I-90, Exit 455 Johnson Ln., go East for 0.2 miles towards the flying J, turn left on Old Harding Rd. go Northeast for 300'turn right on Becraft Ln. and go East for 0.6 miles.

Monthly Boarding:
Overnight Stabling: $15.00/$18.00
Training, Lessons:

Coggins: Yes
Vaccination: records
Worming: records

3306 Becraft Ln.
Billings, Montana 59101 Phone Number: (406) 259-2011
Owner: Rick and T.C.
Web Page The Rickochet Ranch
E-mail: The Rickochet Ranch

Broadview: I'm Melissa Sipe with Mountain Horse, Inc. If you are travelling with your horses and plan to do some mountain trail riding in Montana, we have a great place for you to start! Our place is 10 miles west of Broadview, Montana (Broadview is 30 miles north of Billings, MT on Hwy 3). We have 60 acres with horse shelters, corral and round pen (no barns or individual stalls--but we have about 8 different areas to put horses). We don't have any guest houses at this time, but we can hook your camper up to electricity or you're welcome to tent camp. Or feel secure leaving your horses with us for the evening if you want to enjoy a hotel room and all the entertainment and dining places in Billings, Montana. (We can direct you to some of the best restaurants in town.)

We are on the high plains, we can see the Snowy Mountains to the north, and on a clear day you can see the Crazy Mtns to the west and the Absaroka/Beartooth and Prior Mtns to the southwest. You'll understand why they call Montana "Big Sky" country when you stay with us! It's a great way to start your trail riding trip. You can get your horses accustomed to a higher elevation and warm them up with a nice, long ride prior to taking them into the mountains where the rides will be more strenuous. There is a great area to ride right beside our place. At a leisurely walk horseback you will come to the top of Painted Robe Coulee in a little over an hour. Painted Robe Coulee is a beautiful canyon with lots of pine trees and great views.
We have a lot of deer and antelope and when you get out by Painted Robe Coulee, you may see elk!

We charge a daily fee of $10 per horse and a $15 camping fee if you choose to camp with a trailer (tent camping is free). We can be contacted at 1-866-781-4465 or e'mail me at sipemelissa@yahoo.com.
E-mail: Mountain Horse, Inc, Melissa Sipe
Please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival to ensure that we are able to accomodate you.

I trail ride a lot during the summer, so I have a lot of favorite trails and there may be a group trailride going on at the same time you are here, if you're interested. Montana comes alive during the summer--there's always something going on if you're looking for other activites--concerts, rodeos, fairs, etc.!

Just some cautions. The 9 mile drive west of Broadview to get to our house is gravel, usually well-maintained, but dusty when it's dry. The mile up to our driveway we recommend driving very slowly as it is rocky (level, but rocky). We can supply you with a map, or make arrangements to meet you in Broadview and you can follow us out. Also, this area of Montana has been in a drought for over 5 years. We haul water in for the horses, but we would not be able to hook up water for your camper.
E-mail: Mountain Horse, Inc

Whitehall : Bed & Breakfast in Whitehall
Location: 20 miles from Butte of Highway 2 on Highway 41 Fish Creek House, offers a "rustic touch of class" setting overlooking the Tobacco Root Mountains. Located 16 miles from Whitehall, Montana, Fish Creek House combines luxury accommodations, panoramic mountain views, wide open spaces and down home hospitality . Located in a rural area on 40 acres, our handcrafted country-style log home offers a relaxed atmosphere surrounded enchanced by Fish Creek running through the property. Open all year Full country breakfast included. Horse friendly, stalls available for our equine friends We offer barn, corrals and trails right outside our door . For those with our without their own horses; cross county skiing in the winter, hiking and antiquing

Fish Creek House
5913 Mt Hwy 41
Whitehall MT 59759
(406)7287-2181
Web Page Fish Creek House
E-mail: Fish Creek House

We are located in the Flathead National forest area just outside Glacier National Park.
Overnight equine boarding.
P.O. Box 190236
9549 US Highway 2 East
Hungry Horse, MT 59919
Main: 406-387-4420
Fax: 406-387-4450
Doug and Jenie Woehler
Web Page Tamarack Lodge
E-mail: Tamarack Lodge

We have a new full facility RV Park and Campground at Little Bighorn Battlefield in Southeastern MT. We do private, custom historical horseback rides (other vehicle tours) through the Indian Wars territory. We've hosted the A & E History Channel, numerous authors, Ft. Sill officers, CEO's from all over the world, etc.

We also offer overnight stays, boarding, etc.
Web page 7th Ranch and RV Camp
E-Mail: Sandy Watts, 7th Ranch and RV Camp

Overnight horse boarding, trailer parking with electric hook-ups, arena and round pen.

Drover’s Supply Arena Contact: Joe Hartkopf 325 Main Street Lavina, Montana 59046 Phone (406) 636-2121 Web page Drover’s Supply Arena
E-Mail: Drover’s Supply Arena

Trail Rides (bring your own horse or mule)

Links and other information for this state

• Back Country Horsemen
  
• Reference book: Trail Riding Western Montana, by Carellen Smith-Barnett, Falcon Press, thru Amazon.com.   Submitted By: Maxine Shedd
  
• Bed and Breakfast with equine accommodations