Our Destinations
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
USA - MONTANA : RANCH STAY IN THE CRAZY MOUNTAINS...
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Our ranch is situated in the heart of America and the centre of Montana, isolated in the middle of green valleys, surrounded by the well-known "Crazy Mountains". Experience a life where the cowboys still live to the rythm of the pace of their horses and the seasons....
Here you will find no tennis courts or TV... but a lifestyle most adapted to nature. On the ranch there have not been many changings since the first pioneers came to built it, thanks to its isolated situation.
The ranch welcomes riders from beginning of June to end of September. June, second half of August and September are exclusively reserved to experienced riders, whereas in July and beginning of August families and less experienced riders are welcome, well cared of by the wranglers and with activities adapted to age and riding level. Come and join us in this magical experience! |
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ITINERARY
Sunday : Bozeman - Ranch
Meeting in Bozeman airport or hotel around 01:30 pm for transfer (approx. 2 hours) to the ranch in the heart of the Crazy mountains around midday or directly at the ranch from 03:00 pm. Arrival at the ranch in the middle of the afternoon, check into your and possibility for a first discovery of the environments.
Diner is at 06:00 pm in the main lodge together with the other riders. Briefing of the weeks program by the wranglers and night at the ranch.
Monday to Saturday: Ranch stay
Ranch stay in the Crazy Mountains (please see the description below)
On Saturday return trip to Bozeman or individual departure around 11 am.
YOUR RANCH STAY
Situated in a valley of the legendary Crazy Mountains in the heart of Montana, our family operated cattle ranch exists since 1870. The fourth and fifth generation of the same family owns and works this ranch of 1300 head of cattle on 25 000 acres where few things have changed since the days of the pioneers : lots of places to ride and lots of work to do.
The breathtaking scenery of Montana is just perfect for horse riding: through the prairies in the valleys and along the banks of the creeksand lakes, following the forests on the hill sides and having a good canter makes your holiday unforgettable.
The program of the week adapts to your requests:
Generally cattle work is usually done once or twice a week. Moving herds from pasture to pasture, bringing the bulls home, checking for sick or injured cattle or moving the cattle to better grass and water is all great fun. Riders should be proficient enough to ride on their own without a wrangler by their side.
Once or twice a week we have an all-day ride, the rest of the week are half-day rides.
For those who want to test their skill and are looking for a little variety and sport in their riding, team penning can't be beat! Who will win .... the cows or the riders??
The ranch focuses on riding and you will be on horseback about 4h30 to 6 hours a day.
It owns about 40 guest horses, most of them Quarter horses, some Mustangs and some cross breeds. All of them are educated for western riding and there is always one to be found that matches your riding abilities.
Lessons are available Monday mornings, and they sure help the beginners learn the ropes a little quicker, and learn skills to help both horse and rider eliminate some of those sore muscles! Its a good deal at $25 an hour or $15 an hour if you are in a group of 3 or more.
We offer specialized riding for those families who love to ride but may have a member who needs a little more help -- We have a special team of people for them, and of course one cabin that is handicapped accessible.
The main activity on the ranch is the riding, but fishing and hiking are also an alternative. Just enjoy the beautiful scenery. Local wildlife includes golden eagles, whitetail and mule deer, elk, antelope, bear, coyotes, fox and cougars as well as smaller chipmunks, squirrels, gophers, badgers and jack rabbits.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Options
You have numerous possibilities as for instance visiting the National Parks with a rental car and hotel accomodation. Yellow Stone is only about 65 miles from Bozeman.
Please contact us for any project.
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
Horses
The ranch owns about 40 guest horses, most of them Quarter horses, some Mustangs and cross breeds, all trained for western riding and cattle work. There is always a horse that matches your abilities, whether you are an experienced rider or much more of a beginner.
Tack
Tack is western style.
Recommended riding level
The months of June, end of August and September are reserved for experienced riders, very comfortable on a horse and who can safely trot and gallop in the open.
Adults only weeks are the first two weeks of June and all of September, enjoy the atmosphere with other riders to have loads of fun and riding.
We welcome less experienced riders in July and August and we especially enjoy families in this time.
Children eight and older can join the trail rides if they have the necessary riding level.
YOUR GUIDES
ACCOMMODATION
The ranch disposes of four cabins. Each is privately spaced among the trees, yet within walking distance of each other, the main lodge and the stable. Each cabin is unique in size and style to fit each individual or party and has a view that you won't soon forget. There is also a refrigerator, coffee pot, coffee and tea in each cabin.
The Lodge
In the Lodge you'll find the Dining Room, Laundry Room and a big Family Room complete with fireplace. There also is a large deck for relaxing at the nightly social hour perfect for telling stories from your day.
Clothing, hats, caps and gloves as well as gift items are available at the little trading post in the lodge.
Laundry is available at the lodge at no extra charge. However, it is run on solar power, so you are kindly asked do do your wash on a sunny day. It is open 7am to 7pm.
There is a laptop computer in the dining room for your use at any time that is hooked up to the internet. There is no cell phone coverage or television on the ranch
The Cowboy Cabin
The Cowboy Cabin is a log cabin with bedroom, bath, living area, kitchen & loft. It's a family cabin with cowboy decor and sleeps up to 6.
The Indian Cabin
The Indian Cabin is a log cabin with bedroom, bath, living area and porch. It's suitable for a couple or small family, has Native American decor and sleeps up to 4.
The Mountain Man /Prairie Bunkhouse
The Mountain Man / Prairie Bunkhouse is a log cabin duplex with separate entrances to 2 bedroom and bath suites with an adjoining porch. Suitable for couples or singles. Each sleeps up to 2
The Pioneer cabin
The Pioneer is a cabin with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, living area, kitchen and porch. It's perfect for families or 2 couples, is handicapped accessible, and sleeps up to 6. It even boosts a clawfooted tub in one bedroom
The meals, tasty home cooking, are taken in the dining room of the lodge.
Softdrinks and water are included during the meals, BYOB (Bring your own booze) is the policy for liquor. . Each evening before dinner those who would like to join us, there is a social hour at the lodge. Light hors d'oeurves are provided.
DATES AND RATES
| Ranch stay in the Crazy Mountains - Montana 2011 | ||
| September 18 to 24 (experienced adult riders only) | 1430 € |
available |
Single booking supplement (on transfer) : 100 €
Children under 12 years : -390 €
RATE INCLUDING
- full board ranch stay starting with dinner on Sundays and last meal is breakfast the following Saturday,
- soft drinks at meals
- ranch activities
- transfers Bozeman - ranch - Bozeman (basis 2 persons)
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- liquors,
- others services,
- tips (app. 150 USD for the team),
- optional insurances - more information
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Anne, the specialist for this destination!
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
United States (Montana)
LENGTH
7 days / 6 nights - 5 days riding
LANGUAGE
English (riders from all nationalities).
GROUP SIZE
12 guests maxi
ACCESS
Flight to Bozeman-Montana
Bozeman Airport is the easiest access for the ranch, but you can also arrive in Billings, from where we can arrange transfers.
CLIMATE
Montana is subject to a continental climate, warm in summer and harsh in winter, with a wide range between day and night temperatures.
In summer, days at the ranch can be very hot but cool at night, and do not forget you are in the mountains, so wheather can change suddenly.
Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance. We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus...
REFERENCE :
CH50-montana-crazy-mountains-en
