21 - 28 June 2026

Cross Triangle Ranch Lodge

This exclusive accommodation is not open to tourists; instead, you are entering the beautiful home of a local Montana family as personal guests, making your experience truly special and intimate. Nestled amidst rolling hills and expansive skies, the lodge offers cozy, well-appointed rooms with breathtaking views. Shared spaces, like the inviting dining room and lounge, reflect the warmth and authenticity of true ranch living.

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner Arrive at the Cross Triangle Ranch Lodge and settle into your cozy room. As the sun sets over the expansive Montana sky, enjoy a welcoming supper with your hosts, surrounded by stunning landscapes that set the stage for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Saddle Up and Ride After breakfast, meet your guide and your horse during a morning orientation. Saddle up for a scenic ride led by ranch wife Lonny Mayo, exploring the rolling hills and breathtaking vistas that define the ranch’s beauty.

Day 3: Cattle Herding on the Ranch Cattle work on horseback – riding herd health and moving cattle to new grazing areas up on the bench of Lower Deer Creek Ranch. Today your horse will show you their job and how much they love it! The cattle are grazing on thousands of acres, so this first day we may not find them. Rest assured, this is more than a trail ride through the fields and rolling hills; this ride offers diverse landscape and surrounding mountain views.

Day 4: Yellowstone National Park Adventure Take a break from ranch life to explore the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. This guided tour includes stops at iconic sites like geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife habitats, along with opportunities for light hiking amidst this natural wonderland. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.

Day 5: Cattle Work in the Foothills Return to the saddle for another day of cattle work, this time moving the herds through the scenic foothills of the Cross Triangle Ranch. Witness the harmony of nature and ranch life as you connect with your horse and the land.

Day 6: Sunrise Ride, Shooting, and Rodeo Scenic morning ride around the foothills and surrounding mountains, followed by an afternoon at the range. The range will have rifle target shooting and a healthy competition of fun. The evening brings on the pro-rodeo! This event has taken place in Big Timber for over 100 years. There will be tons of food, vendors, and events. Bring your best western boots and cowboy hat, you’ll fit right in with the locals. Tonight dinner is not provided as you will have plenty of food options at the rode to choose from.

Day 7: Parade, River Float, and Adventures After a hearty breakfast, we will enjoy additional activities that Montana has to offer. Keep in mind, this is a fluid day, meaning, options for activities include a river float, swimming in a quarry, hike to waterfalls, followed by the local afternoon rodeo parade at 2PM. After a relaxing morning of other activities, we will head into town for the parade

Day 8: Farewell Breakfast and Departure Savor one final ranch breakfast before departing for the airport with memories of your Montana adventure and new connections forged on the range. Morning to afternoon flights are preferred, but not required. If a flight leaves after 4PM, it will be an additional $60 for transportation.

Price: 3500 USD

Single room supplement - subject to availability.

Deposit: 1200 USD

*Your passport expiry date should be no less than 6 months from the return date

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Personal driver for all transportation

• Lodging at the Cross Triangle Ranch Lodge

• Guided Yellowstone tour and park fees

• All horseback riding activities

• Tickets to the pro-rodeo

• All meals (including taxes and gratuities)

• Ranch-style activities and experiences

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• International and inbound flights

• Medical Insurance – obligatory

• Visa - if required

• Personal expenses

*Airports: Bozeman or Billings

Level: Intermediate / Advanced

The Rider

The rider must be capable of comfortably riding in a western saddle for 3 to 5 hours. A key requirement is a solid focus on physical fitness, as well as the skill to control powerful horses that can turn quickly. Rider should be able to maintain balance at a walk, trot, and canter across varying terrain. This experience is crucial in preparing the rider to navigate dynamic environments with confidence. It enables the rider to fully embrace the excitement of the ride while maintaining the necessary control and safety throughout the experience.

Horses

The horses at Sweet Grass Valley are primarily American Quarter Horses, with some being crossed with Mustang or Paint bloodlines. Known for their quick acceleration and ability to make sharp turns, these horses excel at finding and herding cattle, making them invaluable for ranch work. Their sure-footedness across diverse terrains ensures they can handle any challenge. With their deep understanding of the job, these horses are dependable and skilled workers. Sometimes they even outsmart their rider in knowing where the cattle are located!