Time to cowboy up. From spectacular views of the legendary Blackfoot River and Jones’ Pond to sprawling meadows waiting to be explored and endless conifer forests, our Montana dude ranch horseback riding vacations offer a wide-eyed gulp of the surrounding wilderness. Whether you’re an experienced rider or you’ve never been horseback riding before, you’ll lay eyes on historical and breathtaking sights during your unforgettable riding excursion. Trail rides, customized lessons for kids in Montana’s largest private equestrian center—the Saddle Club at Paws Up—and private advanced rides are all available. Or try your hand running and sorting cattle with an authentic cattle drive.

The Resort at Paws Up is home to one of the most impressive and expansive equestrian programs in North America. We feature a wide selection of excursions including arena lessons, pony rides, private and group trail rides (from 1 to 6 hours), cattle drives, carriage rides, wagon team driving and the Junior Wrangler Program. Our newest additions are our mustang rescue program and its interactive workshop, Horsepower: Where Mustangs and Mindfulness Coexist, along with two thrilling sessions for those who want to make authentic and life-changing equine connections, Horse Whispering 101 and 201. Paws Up also developed the six-hour Frontiersman Ride for advanced riders to really stretch their legs.

Seasoned riders with a nose for adventure thirst for trails no one else has ridden. Which is why The Resort at Paws Up^® created a ride that challenges horse and rider alike—the all-day Frontiersman Ride. Led by our equestrian in chief, Jackie Kecskes, or her head wrangler, this exhilarating ride takes you deep into Montana’s Big Sky Country. The scent of sage and Ponderosa pine beckon you well off the horseshoe-beaten path, where game trails open up to panoramic views that have changed little in hundreds of years. Make no mistake—this ride is customized for our competent riders. There are plenty of opportunities to lope (canter), climb rocky trails and cross crystal-clear creeks. By the time you dismount, you’ll know why this ride stands head and powerful shoulders above the rest.