Explore Beautiful Montana on Horseback
There’s really nothing like seeing the lands of the old west the way they were first seen and explored – from horseback. At Upper Canyon Outfitters, we offer a full range of options for riders of all skill levels to saddle up and discover the rugged beauty of Montana’s Big Sky Country.
From two-hour rides to full-day excursions, you can explore the lands of the Ruby Valley at a pace that’s comfortable and unforgettable. By keeping our rides small and personal, we make sure that you are taken care of.
We have a weight limit of 220lbs for our horseback rides.
Lodging taxes and gratuity are not included.
Trip Details
Price / Person
- $4,115 double occupancy
- $4730 single occupancy
Length of Stay
- 4 Days / 5 Nights
Season
- June – September
Includes
- Lodging and Meals
- Three four-hour horseback rides
- Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) with a two hour ride
- Option to upgrade a four hour ride to a six hour ride at no extra charge
Experience Natural Horsemanship in the Mountains of Montana
UCO offers much more than just trail rides, we offer an opportunity to really get to know your horse and create a bond with them. This connection adds so much more to your horseback adventures. Before the first ride all guests are walked through a safety briefing on how to get the most out of your ride, all while keeping yourself and your horse safe as possible. We can choose trails that match up to your skill or interests. We have rides that involve creek crossings, big views, and elevation gains, but we can also find rides that stay in the shade or stay at lower elevations. There are so many trails, that we have clients that have been coming for years and we still find them new places to experience!
One of the reasons we keep our rides small is so we can match the ride to your needs and desires to provide a wonderful, individualized experience. We also offer opportunities to get to know your horse on the ground. Our professional wrangler team is happy to teach our guests about horses and natural horsemanship in our Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) class. Time spent with your horse allows for a connection between rider and horse to deepen. So if you are looking for an opportunity to experience an authentic connection to a horse in some beautiful country, this is your chance.
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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