Explore Beautiful Montana on Horseback
Experience the rugged beauty of Montana’s Big Sky Country from horseback — the way the lands of the Old West were first explored. At Upper Canyon Outfitters, we offer rides for all skill levels, giving guests the chance to discover the Ruby Valley at a comfortable pace with scenery that stays with you long after you leave.
Choose from short two-hour rides or full-day excursions. By keeping our groups small and personal, we ensure every guest receives attentive guidance and a safe, enjoyable experience.
Trip Details
Price / Person
- $4,115 double occupancy
- $4,730 single occupancy
Length of Stay
- 4 Days / 5 Nights
Season
- Mid-May – September
Includes
- Lodging and Meals
- Three 4-hour horseback rides
- Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) with a 2-hour ride
- Option to upgrade a 4-hour ride to a 6-hour ride at no extra charge
Shorter stays and day rides may be available upon request. We have a weight limit of 220lbs for our horseback rides. Lodging taxes and gratuity are not included.
Experience Natural Horsemanship in the Mountains of Montana
At Upper Canyon Outfitters, our horseback experiences go far beyond trail rides. Guests have the opportunity to build a connection with their horse, which enhances every ride and makes the experience more memorable. Before your first ride, our guides provide a thorough safety briefing, ensuring you understand how to enjoy the ride while keeping both yourself and your horse safe.
We offer trails that match your skill level and interests. Choose rides with creek crossings, sweeping views, and elevation gains for a more adventurous experience, or opt for shaded routes and lower elevations for a relaxed ride. With so many trails available, even returning guests discover new areas each year, ensuring a fresh experience on every visit. Our experienced guides provide personalized attention throughout, helping you feel comfortable, confident, and connected to your horse as you explore the Montana backcountry.
We keep our horseback rides small to provide a personalized experience tailored to each guest’s needs and interests. This ensures every ride is enjoyable, safe, and suited to your skill level and preferences.
Beyond riding, we offer opportunities to connect with your horse on the ground. Our professional wrangler team leads Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) sessions, teaching natural horsemanship and helping guests develop a deeper connection with their horse. Time spent learning horse behavior, grooming, and handling builds confidence and strengthens the bond between rider and horse, enhancing every ride. For those looking to experience an authentic connection with their horse while exploring Montana’s scenic landscapes, this program offers a unique and memorable opportunity.
Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW)
Facilitated by Cassie Ubaldo, M.A.Ed., LCPC.
Offered weekly, our Equine-Facilitated Wellness (EFW) class is a three-hour, immersive experience designed to deepen connection—both with horses and with yourself.
This class is inspired by Got Your 6 Horsemanship, a longer-form Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) course developed through our sister nonprofit, Upper Canyon Outreach, which serves active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. That course uses structured interaction with horses to explore leadership, communication, emotional awareness, and trust.
Photo by Tim Johnson
The Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) experience at Upper Canyon Outfitters draws from those same foundational principles, thoughtfully adapted for our traditional ranch guests. It offers an accessible introduction to equine-facilitated learning in a relaxed, welcoming environment—no riding experience required.
Much of the class takes place on the ground. Horses respond not to words, but to presence, clarity, and intention, often reflecting patterns we may not notice in everyday life. Through guided activities, observation, and conversation, participants are invited to slow down, engage, and reflect. This is not a performance-based class. There is no right way to do it. Many guests find the experience grounding, insightful, and unexpectedly meaningful.
Designed for Those Seeking a Deeper Experience
For more information on sponsored opportunities for active military, veterans, and Montanans impacted by trauma, visit https://uppercanyonoutreach.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about experiences at our ranch.
Do I need previous horseback riding experience?
No. Riders of all experience levels are welcome. Each guest is matched with a horse suited to their skill level, comfort, and riding ability.
How long are the trail rides?
Trail rides are customized for each small group. We offer approximately 2-hour, 4-hour, and 6-hour rides, depending on availability and guest preference.
What should I wear for horseback riding?
Guests should wear long pants, closed-toe boots or sturdy shoes, and a hat. Layers are recommended, as mountain weather can change quickly. Please bring water and sunscreen for comfort on the trail.
Can children participate in horseback riding?
Yes. Children 12 years of age and older may participate in trail rides. Children under 12 can take part in arena lessons designed to build comfort and confidence around horses.
Are riding helmets provided?
Yes. Helmets are available for all riders and are required for children 12 and under.
How physically demanding is horseback riding?
Horseback riding requires basic mobility, balance, and the ability to mount and dismount a horse. Advanced fitness is not required, though light conditioning such as walking or hiking can improve comfort on longer rides.
How many people will be on my ride?
We keep rides small for safety and quality. Groups typically range from 2 to 6 guest riders, and each ride is accompanied by at least two experienced wranglers, regardless of group size.
Is there a weight limit for horseback riding?
Yes. For the health and comfort of our horses, the rider weight limit is 220 pounds. If horseback riding is not the right fit, we are happy to recommend alternative ranch experiences. Equine-Facilitated Wellness experiences have no weight restrictions.
How does Upper Canyon Outfitters keep riders safe on the trail?
Rider safety begins with careful preparation. Each guest is paired with an appropriate horse and given a thorough orientation covering mounting, balance, and trail expectations. Our horses are well-trained for mountain terrain, and wranglers closely monitor riders, weather, and trail conditions throughout the ride. A minimum of two wranglers accompanies every ride.
Are rides suitable for beginners and first-time riders?
Yes. Many Ride It guests are first-time riders. Our wranglers provide clear instruction and support to help beginners feel comfortable and confident on the trail.
What kind of terrain will we ride through?
Trail rides explore scenic Montana landscapes that may include open meadows, forested trails, rolling hills, and mountain terrain, depending on ride length and conditions.
Start Your Adventure
We’d love to help you plan your next trip to Upper Canyon Outfitters! Contact us to submit a reservation request or drop us a note.
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