Dude Ranch Experience
In Montana's Big Sky Country
September 6 - September 12, 2026
Dude Ranch Experience
September 6 - September 12, 2026Highlights
- WTT-Exclusive use of Ranch
- Daily Horseback Riding
- Relax, Recharge & Rejuvenate
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 40% Easy
- 40% Moderate (hiking and other physical activity)
- 20% Strenuous (mounting and riding a horse)
- The maximum weight limit for this trip is 250lbs, for the safety of you and the horses.
- You must be able to lift 25lbs, for handling gear and equipment around the ranch.
- You need good balance for staying on a horse and walking on outdoor terrain.
- No horseback experience is necessary but you do need to be flexible and strong enough to pull yourself up to get on a horse. A mounting block is available if needed.
- If you are unable to meet these requirements, you will not be permitted to ride but can enjoy the other activities available at the ranch as well as the excursions off site.
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Sunday, 06 September 2026: Arrive Missoula; Travel to Ranch; BBQ Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival into Missoula, Montana, to arrive no later than 1:00pm. Once everyone has arrived, we will transfer as a group from the airport to the Dude Ranch. After checking in and getting settled, we'll meet as a group at in the lobby of the Main Lodge for our official Welcome Meeting, followed by a tour of the ranch, including introductions to the horses we'll be riding this week. Weather permitting, we will enjoy a BBQ Welcome Dinner this evening. Overnight Dude Ranch - 6 nights
Monday, 07 September 2026: Trail Ride; Rodeo (B,L,D)
After a hearty breakfast, we meet our horses and begin our day with a horseback trail ride, keeping it fairly easy so we have a chance to learn the nuances of our horse. Then we're off to watch the Helmville Labor Day Rodeo, the biggest little rodeo in Montana. This is great fun! Once back at the ranch, we'll enjoy dinner and time together. Perhaps you want to take in the crisp, fresh air or play a game of cards at the lodge.
Tuesday, 08 September 2026: Horseback Ride; Garnet Ghost Town; Wagon Ride (B,L,D)
Now that we're more familiar with our mounts, we set out for a slightly longer horseback ride. After lunch, we will head to the Garnet Ghost Town. This historic location was created in the 1800s by miners looking for semi-precious, ruby-colored stones and gold-bearing quartz in the surrounding mountains. We'll step back in time within the town's preserved cabins, complete with furnishings abandoned by the pioneers who moved away once gold became scarcer in the mines. We'll return to the ranch for dinner, and afterward we'll spend time with some horses again, but this time in a horse-drawn wagon.
Wednesday, 09 September 2026: Cowgirl Breakfast Ride; Pontoon Boat Ride (B,L,D)
We begin the day with a Cowgirl Breakfast Ride where we take our breakfast along on horseback and cook it along the trail. There's nothing quite like eating outdoors under the Big Sky. This afternoon, we'll enjoy a pontoon boat ride on the waters of Seeley Lake. We'll cruise leisurely and make time to take a dip if we'd like to cool off from the afternoon sun. Alternatively, you may want to spend your afternoon at the ranch instead. There are so many options to enjoy, from trout fishing in a pond, to wildlife viewing, or mountain biking. Perhaps finding a quiet corner to read a good book and just enjoy rural ranch life is what appeals most. We'll regroup tonight at the ranch for dinner and time spent around the campfire.
Thursday, 10 September 2026: All-Day Horseback Ride Adventure (B,L,D)
Today, you might don your cowgirl hat and opt for an all-day horseback ride, eating lunch along the trail. Or, you might enjoy a shorter morning ride with free time at the ranch in the afternoon. It's your vacation, so you get to choose! For those of us who don't take an all-day horseback ride, we'll have the option to head to tiny Seeley Lake, flanked by the Mission and Swan mountain ranges and situated along one of Montana's most scenic drives: Highway 83. There will be time to poke around the various shops and peek through the historical museum. This evening, we'll have dinner and later on, weather permitting, we enjoy an outdoor movie.
Friday, 11 September 2026: Cottonwood Creek Lunch Ride; Fishing Lesson; (B,L,D)
We set out on our last ride for the week. After spending a couple hours on horseback, we'll stop for lunch before returning to the ranch and saying goodbye to our mounts. This afternoon, try your hand at trout fishing or simply relax at the ranch. We will regroup for a fun evening with our Farewell Dinner followed by sipping local wines and brews while painting our own creations. It's a wonderful way to end our week.
Saturday, 12 September 2026: Return Home (B)
Sadly, our time in Big Sky country has come to an end. Make your return flight no earlier than 12noon as we must transfer as a group from the ranch back to the Missoula airport.
Dude Ranch Experience
September 6 - September 12, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$5,024.00Single Room
$7,112.00Non-Members
ADD $100.00Status of this Tour
3 Spaces Remaining
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea & still water unless otherwise noted
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Gratuity for ranch staff (budget ~$400)
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Tuesday, 17 Feb 2026: Last day $500 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Wednesday, 4 Mar 2026: 1st Interim Payment of $500 due; Non-refundable upon receipt. A total of $1000 is forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Monday, 8 Jun 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Thursday, 23 Jul 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Thursday, 23 Jul 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Dude Ranch Experience
September 6 - September 12, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Date: Sunday, September 6th. Arrive no later than 1:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: One Group Transfer provided by Dude Ranch. Details will be provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: MSO - Missoula, MT (Missoula Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Saturday, September 12th. Depart no earlier than noon.
Departure Transfer: One Group Transfer to airport provided
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel prior to the group's departure to the ranch.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Rich Ranch: Rich's Montana Guest Ranch
This is a family-run ranch that welcomes us into their lifestyle. The ranch is exclusive to WTT for the duration of this tour. Not all sleeping arrangements are identical. Occupancy is limited to 20 guests plus the WTT Tour Leader.Because of this:
- Accommodations will vary. There is one sleeping lodge that accommodates 6 people and 8 cabins of differing configurations, including bed size.
- No more than 2 persons will share a room, regardless of how many beds happen to be in the room/cabin.
- For single occupancy, there may be a spare bed in the room/cabin.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$208.00 Roomshare pp $416.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses a hotel in Missoula, MT for the pre-night stay. Final Travel Instructions will contain the hotel name as well as details on when and where to meet on the tour start day to travel to Rich's Montana Guest Ranch.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
- This is a family-run ranch with cabins and one sleeping lodge. Not all accommodations are identical. See Lodging for additional details.
- WiFi and Satellite TV are only available in the main lodge.
- Cabins are freshened on Wednesdays only. Any other supplies can be requested from the lodge staff.
Dude Ranch Experience
September 6 - September 12, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 40% Easy
- 40% Moderate (hiking and other physical activity)
- 20% Strenuous (mounting and riding a horse)
- The maximum weight limit for this trip is 250lbs, for the safety of you and the horses.
- You must be able to lift 25lbs, for handling gear and equipment around the ranch.
- You need good balance for staying on a horse and walking on outdoor terrain.
- No horseback experience is necessary but you do need to be flexible and strong enough to pull yourself up to get on a horse. A mounting block is available if needed.
- If you are unable to meet these requirements, you will not be permitted to ride but can enjoy the other activities available at the ranch as well as the excursions off site.
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
All meals at the ranch are served family/buffet style. Every effort will be made to accommodate special dietary restrictions which must be disclosed in advance.
You may bring your own alcohol for consumption with the evening meal or later. No alcohol consumption is allowed during the day if you are participating in horseback riding or other scheduled activities.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
For This Trip You Will Need—
- Clothing that can be easily layered as temperatures in the mountains can change rapidly.
- Long pants/jeans as well as shorts, t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, long underwear, warm socks
- Bandana or scarf
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket (No ponchos)
- Riding boots with minimum ½” heel
- Cash for tip to be shared by ranch staff (Budget $350-$500)
- Hiking shoes or boots if you would like to hike
- Broad-brimmed hat
- Gloves - Leather (for riding horses) & fleece (for potential chilly temperatures)
- Swimsuit—hot tubs are available at the ranch
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Ibuprofen - you will get sore riding horses!
- Flashlight
- Refillable water bottle
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping pills, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
- We strongly recommend you bring only one suitcase as there is limited space in the transport vehicles.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the transfer vehicle to your room and to bring it back to the transfer vehicle.
- Most horses will have a saddle bag, but you might want to bring a daypack to corral your belongings during outings.
What are the phone and internet recommendations for this tour?
As a reminder, the only consistent WiFi available will be at the main house of the ranch.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
Tipping of the ranch staff is not included. If you feel they provided great service, we recommend a tip of $350 - $500 that will be divided among all the ranch hands, who work hard at ensuring your safety, comfort and enjoyment.
- You are responsible for tipping wait-staff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $6-$8 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
- This is a family-run ranch with cabins and one sleeping lodge. Not all accommodations are identical. See Lodging for additional details.
- WiFi and Satellite TV are only available in the main lodge.
- Cabins are freshened on Wednesdays only. Any other supplies can be requested from the lodge staff.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Dude Ranch Experience
September 6 - September 12, 2026SPACE RESERVATION REQUEST
If becoming a member and signing up for a tour at the same time, you only need to fill out this form.
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