North America > United States

Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana

Experience a week immersed in a family guest ranch in Montana, just a stone’s throw from Yellowstone Park – an area known for its beautiful scenery. Immersed in the heart of cowboy culture, you will be welcomed by a family of ranchers who will guide you on horseback through the vast expanses of Montana on their home-bred Appaloosas. This ranch stay is suitable for all riders and is perfect for an authentic holiday, taking in the breathtaking landscapes of the American West!
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Ranches and Cattle Drives
7 days / 5 days riding
From £2,937
Family holidays
from 6 y.o
Open to non-riders

Itinerary

Highlights

• Stay at an authentic family ranch owned by the same family for over 75 years.
• Enjoy the proximity to the mythical Yellowstone National Park (65 km from the west entrance of the park), a must-see!
• Ride through the vast, timeless landscapes of Montana, a dream for any rider!
• Although the ranch is open to all from beginner to advanced riders, riders ride out in groups of similar ability.
• A beautiful herd of American Appaloosa horses, bred at the ranch, known for their endurance and docile nature.
• Family and adult-only dates are available.
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  • Day 1 1: ARRIVAL IN BOZEMAN - RANCH - No riding

    NINE QUARTER CIRCLE RANCH
    Flight to Bozeman, Montana. Please note that flights are not included and can be booked upon request, please contact us.

    Upon arrival, you can rent a car to reach the ranch (about a 1.5-hour drive), or we can arrange a transfer for an additional fee. Check-in is possible from 2:00 PM. Settle in at the ranch, dinner and overnight at the ranch. There is no riding on arrival day.

    It is possible to arrive a day early and spend the night in Bozeman if flights from your home country arrive late. Please let us know and we can help with this.

  • Day 2 2: RANCH - 4 hours riding

    NINE QUARTER CIRCLE RANCH
    Today, after a hearty breakfast, you will meet the horse assigned to you for the week based on your riding skills and preferences. You'll learn the western riding style and start with an orientation ride, allowing the wranglers to form groups based on skill levels: beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Dinner is enjoyed together at the ranch lodge.

    Please note: the itinerary at the ranch is not set. The activities outlined in this itinerary are given for indicative purposes only, to give you a glimpse of what is available. Exact activities, riding hours, entertainment... may occur differently or on different days.

  • Day 3 3: RANCH - 4 hours riding

    NINE QUARTER CIRCLE RANCH
    This day starts with a two-hour ride, returning for lunch at the ranch, followed by an afternoon ride. For intermediate and advanced riders aged 13 and up, weather permitting, a full-day ride and a half-day ride are offered once a week.
    A dinner ride is organised on Tuesday for the whole family to enjoy together. This ride goes out for 4-6 PM. At the end of the ride, guests makes their way over to our campfire/picnic area for an outdoor cookout + cowboy style!

  • Day 4 4: RANCH - 4 hours riding

    NINE QUARTER CIRCLE RANCH
    Another day in the saddle, with a morning and afternoon ride. traverse rolling meadows crossed by winding rivers, with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Dinner at the ranch.
    For little ones under 5 years of age, a ranch babysitter can look after them during the morning and afternoon rides (Monday-Friday). For children aged 6 to 9 years, there are twice-daily rides; the minders have lunch and dinner with the children so they can join the adults for aperitifs and dinner. All children participate in a one-day picnic during the week. Older children, aged 10 to 17 years, have lunch and dinner with their respective age groups.
    For fishing enthusiasts: Private pond on-site, fishing guide available for guests, excellent fishing spots on-site or nearby, including the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers. Dinner at the ranch.

  • Day 5 5: RANCH - 4 hours riding

    NINE QUARTER CIRCLE RANCH
    Today you can ride around the ranch for 360-degree views, possibly spotting local wildlife like elk or deer. Softball, volleyball, and horseshoes are available anytime for those who still have some energy to burn after the day’s rides! Dinner at the ranch.
    The ranch also organises a weekly pack trip, taking guests to the high mountains to camp by a lake or mountain stream (a minimum of 6 interested participants is required – only experienced riders. The pack trip is open to riders ages 10+ with an adult parent, or 13+ without a parent). Tents and sleeping bag are included – see dates and prices for the additional fee. Dinner at the ranch.

  • Day 6 6: RANCH - 4 hours riding

    NINE QUARTER CIRCLE RANCH
    On Friday morning, gymkhana-style horseback games are offered, following by the usual afternoon ride. Dinner at the ranch. On Friday night, a "Barn Dance" is organized where everyone can try out country "Square Dance."

  • Day 7 7: DEPARTURE - No riding

    After breakfast, head to Bozeman airport for your flight home. Check out before 10:00 AM.
    It is also possible to extend your stay with a Yellowstone extension – please contact us for itineraries and details.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Prices are based on a 6-night stay sharing a twin room or double room.

- The maximum capacity at the Ranch is 60 guests. This is a family ranch: summer weeks are usually mixed with children, and certain weeks in the fall are adult-only. In 2025, the family season runs from June 15 – August 23, and adult only season is August 24 – September 6.

- A ten percent (10%) service charge and accommodation charge is included in your stay.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. $935/£720/€860.00. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.

- We recommend renting a car from Bozeman. We can also put you in touch with local shuttle services, please contact us.

-Young riders prices - for trips between 15/06 and 23/08 (family season)
Child (age 6 – 14)- $3300/£2540/€3030.00
Child (age 0 – 5)- $1500/£1160/€1375.00 (riding programme not available to those very young ones)
Non-riders also benefit from a discount - please contact us.

- Maximum rider’s weight limit is 100 kg/ 220 lbs/ 15.7 st with a maximum BMI of 30.

- For those who would like to do the pack trip, there will be an additional $25 per person fee. Tents and sleeping bags are included. There must be a minimum of six and a maximum of twelve people for this activity; the minimum age is 13 years old, or 10 years old if qualified to ride and accompanied by a parent.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

A team of wranglers

Accommodation

Double/triple (or twin) room at the ranch with private bathroom.

Meals

Full board from lunch on arrival to breakfast on last day.

Extras

Baby sitting service (family season) - Monday-Friday
On site ranch activities
Tax and fees, 10% gratuities for the staff on the selling price

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

Transports

International flights bookable on request
Visa fees (ESTA) which must be arranged in advance
Return airport transfers - rental car recommended

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurances are not included. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend to take out an insurance policy as soon as your travel is booked in case of cancellation.

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplementary charge
Any additional nights in Bozeman

Extra

Additional trips and activities in the surrounding area
Overnight pack trip (see dates and prices)
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    15/06/2025 22/06/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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    22/06/2025 29/06/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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    29/06/2025 06/07/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    06/07/2025 13/07/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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    13/07/2025 20/07/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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    20/07/2025 27/07/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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    27/07/2025 03/08/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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    03/08/2025 10/08/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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    10/08/2025 17/08/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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    17/08/2025 24/08/2025 £3,425 €3,939 $4,247
    Guaranteed departure
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    24/08/2025 31/08/2025 £2,937 €3,378 $3,642
    Guaranteed departure
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    31/08/2025 07/09/2025 £2,937 €3,378 $3,642
    Guaranteed departure
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Equestrian info

Horses

The horses, mostly of the Appaloosa breed, are born, raised, and trained at the ranch. They are specially selected for their temperament, endurance, and physical attributes to be ideal partners for all rider levels, from beginner to advanced. There is a large stable of around 125 horses, so everyone is guaranteed to find a good match!

The Nez Perce tribe, located in present-day western Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, developed the breed through strict and selective breeding, establishing breeding herds before 1750. In 1806, when the Lewis and Clark expedition encountered the Nez Perce, Meriwether Lewis was impressed by the excellent quality of the tribe's horses.

Guide & local team

The ranch, originally founded in 1912 by the Butler family, has been owned by the Kelsey family for over 75 years, currently run by Kameron and Sally, the 3rd generation of Kelseys. The ranch breeds its own horses. You will also be guided by a team of 8 wranglers.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

The trip is open to riders from beginner to advanced levels. You must be physically capable of mounting a horse without assistance, in good health, and in good physical condition to enjoy this stay. No previous horseback riding experience is required.
Guests will be riding in groups of similar ability.

Beginner/novice riders: Enjoy instruction from the wranglers at the start and throughout your dude ranch experience. Complete beginners are welcome and will be paired with a suitable, calm horse.

Strong Intermediate/Advanced riders (who can comfortable walk/trot/canter): Our advanced rides are designed to allow you to ride at a faster pace and get deeper into the backcountry.
You'll be matched with a horse that suits your ability level so that you can get the most out of your riding experience.

Maximum rider’s weight limit is 100 kg/220 lbs/ 15.7 st with a maximum BMI of 30.

Pace

You ride at all paces, depending on your group's level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Riding at the ranch is in single file. The riding is not particularly fast paced, but there will be trotting and loping (cantering) on intermediate and advanced rides.

Tacking ability and participation

Caring for the horses is carried out by the ranch staff. Each horse is tacked and untacked by the wranglers.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

The trip is open to riders from beginner to advanced levels. You must be physically capable of mounting a horse without assistance. Due to the nature of the terrain and for safety reasons, the rides are conducted in single file.

- Infant to 5 Years Old: Babysitting staff will look after the little ones at no extra charge. They'll play at the playground, explore nature near the cabins and lodge, make new friends, and even be led on horseback rides around the pasture.
- 6-9 year-old: A “kiddie wrangler” will pair up your 6- to 9-year-olds with their own trusty steeds for the week. The wranglers are trained in horse safety and will teach your young ones the basics or help improve their existing skillset on horseback. Kids take the reins for daily rides, leading to greater independence and confidence.
- Young riders aged 10+ yo ride with the adults on the "range rides" according to ability level.

Equestrian equipment

Western saddlery provided.
Saddlebags are not provided.

We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

You will stay in log cabins. Each cabin has a private bathroom and is equipped with a wood stove or fireplace, and a porch to sit on. Cabins have one to four bedrooms depending on the number of people. The ranch's main building, "the Lodge," was built in 1920 with wood from the property, and is where you can relax around the fireplace for drinks, and where guests meet for dinner.
Please note there is no TV or phone network, however there is reasonably good wifi in the main lodge area.

Everyone eats together with the family and enjoys great home ranch cooking!

Meals

Three meals a day are included:
• Breakfast: made to order from a wide variety of fresh foods such as eggs, bacon and sausages, porridge, cereals, fruits, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and more.
• Lunch: Homemade soups or salads and sandwiches, and a dessert. Children have lunch with their friends during lunch while adults enjoy conversation at nearby tables.
• Dinner: Delicious meals with hearty homemade ranch cuisine. Come with a good appetite and complete your meal with a salad and dessert. Adults enjoy aperitif hour while children dine, and adults dine later while children have fun.

Beer and Wine are available at our General Store and guests may bring their own. A guest refrigerator is accessible for adult beverages. Ice and mixers are provided, you bring the bottle of your choice.

Dinner is served earlier to the children so the adults can relax and enjoy happy hour before enjoying an adult dinner. Happy Hour is a time for the adults on the ranch to enjoy adult conversation and get to know the other ranch guests. Adults’ place cards are moved each night so they can meet as many other guests as possible.

Climate

The ranch is at an altitude of 2100 meters, so mountain weather can quickly shift from cold to warm and back to cold. The weather is quite changeable at this altitude, with cool evenings.

Tips

Tipping is customary in the United States. In all restaurants (except some self-service snacks), it is customary to leave a 10-12% tip. Some tourist establishments will add it automatically. It's also considered 'good manners' to leave a supplementary tip to taxi drivers (usually rounding up the charge).

A the ranch: a ten percent (10%) service charge is part of the cost of the holiday.

Packing list

Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared.
- Casual clothes for the evening

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts
- Casual clothes for the evening

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps to protect against thorns. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear
- PJs
- If choosing to do the pack trip, please bring your own sleeping bag.

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for plunge pools
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Mosquito repellent
- Insect bite relief cream
- Chapstick

Our Recommendations
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance details with you.
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)