

It was super fun, though, and we all enjoyed it tremendously.The West entrance to Yellowstone Park accounts for the largest number of tourists entering the Park and is located just outside West Yellowstone, Montana. I can't recall his name, unfortunately! He kept saying we were a pretty quiet group, which is true, as we were all so busy taking in the beauty of the area. Our cowboy guide was very sore as he'd been thrown the day before, but he was super patient with my daughter and Stink, and he did a great job leading a group of novice riders into the mountains. On the way back, you really can take in the mountain setting of it all. The trail took us through some really interesting (and sometimes steep) paths, to a gorgeous, untouched mountain lake. It ended up being one of her favorite things from the entire vacation.
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She learned how to hold the reigns so he couldn't eat (it is bad for them/can cause infections and abscesses in the mouths if they eat on the trail), and she grew in confidence so much on the trail ride. She was matched with Stink, a horse who didn't want to move, he didn't want to obey commands, he wanted to eat flowers, and randomly he wanted to run up hill.

Anyway, I have to say our youngest child, the reluctant rider, LOVED her horse. Our party of 5 included novice riders, including 4 adults and one very reluctant 13 year old who "didn't like horses." We had a horseback ride that was canceled on us last minute earlier in our trip due to weather (not in W Yellowstone), so were very happy to find this place and be able to book a horseback trail ride the night before we had time to go riding! We hit terrible West Yellowstone traffic trying to reach the ranch, but were able to find our way through forest service roads, which started the whole morning off as a big adventure! (This was likely a fluke- we went riding on the morning that Yellowstone opened up to even-license numbers after being closed for a couple weeks). The two & four rides take you to lovely mountain lakes, and the sunset ride should not be missed! So if you’re looking for a real dude ranch with amazing views, wonderful staff who make you feel at home, great riding & mountain trails, yummy food, and a relaxing experience, this is your place!… The horses were well trained & solid and the trail rides through the mountains were just beautiful. You will definitely not go hungry at this ranch! Last but not least, Keith, who fetched me to & fro the airport and who was fun & friendly and made the trip go by fast. And the girls doing the wonderful cooking & very attentive serving of that great cooking, Abby & Gabby, were amazing. The wranglers were all great, but I have to give special thanks to Bryson & Becca, the guides on my daily rides, for making sure everybody was comfortable, safe and having fun. Terri, the manager who oversees everything at the ranch, couldn’t have been more friendly, helpful, & accommodating. But it’s the friendly & nice staff that make you feel at home who really make this place different. The cabin I stayed in, which was right next to the creek, was rustic & cozy with a great little porch that was perfect for relaxing or reading.

The landscape & views of the mountains are gorgeous, and the sight & sound of Grayling Creek running through the ranch is just serene. I spent a week there and found it so comfortable and relaxing I didn’t want to leave.
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West Yellowstone Ski-In / Ski-Out Hotels.
