Circle Bar Ranch

8 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃ1758pp

USA ( Best airport: Rapid City)

Experience the magic of Montana at the Circle Bar Ranch, a 520 acre ranch sitting at the base of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Explore the mountain scenery by horseback, fish for trout in cascading streams, hike to see the bountiful wildlife, or follow a mule train for overnight stays in a mountain cabin. Come together with other guests in the evening for delicious home-cooked food, drinks and barbecues before bedding down in your cosy cabin.

The Riding

Horseback riding is what the ranch is known for. There are horses suitable for every level of experience. You’ll traverse the wide-open prairies, ride along (and through) the Judith River and explore the mountains of the National Forest. For more experienced riders, trotting and cantering can be incorporated into rides where the terrain allows. For those who would like to get more comfortable in the saddle, lessons are available for an additional charge.

All abilities are catered for, and guests will be grouped together depending on their ability. Children are also welcome; the minimum age for slow rides is 5 years old and for faster rides itโ€™s 8 years old.

There areย  two rides per day, except Sundays when the horses get the afternoon off. New guests will take a slow walking ride first, and then can move onto more advanced rides with trotting and cantering if you demonstrate you can safely control your horse.

Level of Riding and Fitness

There are a maximum of 40 guests at the ranch at any one time. The group size whilst riding is dependent on whether it is a slow or fast ride; the slow rides have bigger groups but for the faster rides there is usually one wrangler per 8 guests.

Guides and Group Size

The maximum number of guests is 20. Riding out is flexible and dependent on the group and the activities. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by parents at all times.

The Horses

There are approximately 40 horses on the ranch, mainly quarter horses with a few crossbreeds and mules. They are ridden in western tack.

Circle-Bar-Ranch-USA-06

Accommodation and Dining

The historic cabins offer spectacular views of the ranch and surrounding landscape with fireplaces, living areas, wet bars or a kitchenette depending on the selected cabin. There are 9 cabins available, all slightly different but have either a queen bedroom, twin bedroom and at least one bathroom. The lodge is where guests can gather for meals in the dining room and in the large living area. There are also three guest rooms called the Buffalo Rooms. Two are fitted with king beds and the Buffalo Suite has a king and twin bed.

The Ranch House is perfect for larger groups or families. It has a full kitchen, four bedrooms and three bathrooms and sleeps eight. The house features two king bedrooms and two queen bedrooms. Every room on the ranch is equipped with basic toiletries, a hair dryer and free wi-fi. There are no televisions in the rooms. There is no cell service at the ranch, but there is wi-fi available in all guest areas (public areas and guest rooms). There is also a hot tub available for guests to use.

Start your day with homemade breakfast classics: pancakes and waffles; biscuits and gravy; breakfast burritos, with lighter, continental style options also available. Lunch will fuel you up for an afternoon of adventure. Before dinner, gather in the Lodge for cocktails and then dine on steak, pork chops, pastas, fresh trout and moreโ€”with a roaring fire in the wood-burning fireplace on chilly evenings. Special requests, diets or allergies can be catered for with advanced warning.

Get a free Circle Bar Ranch mini-brochure in PDF format.

Itinerary

Circle Bar Ranch

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days riding
ยฃ1758pp

The ranch is open between 22 May and 30 September 2024. Check in is at 2pm and checkout is at 11am. Guests under 4 years old stay for free. You can arrive any day of the week.

Price is based on two sharing a lodge room and includes service charge and taxes.

Single supplement ยฃ600 for 7

Cabins are available for a supplement of ยฃ460 for 7 nights

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

Please plan your flights to and fromย Great Falls International (1 hour 45 minutes away)

Price Includes
  • All meals at the ranch
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All ranch activities
  • 15% Service Charge
  • Horse riding (not including lessons)
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Tips
  • Riding lessons
  • Alcohol