Montana dude ranches are not hard to come by, this being one of the most iconic 'cowboy states' in the USA. That could make choosing Montana dude ranch vacations a little more difficult, but luckily Top50 has selected the 10 very best Montana dude ranches to make finding your perfect western dude ranch vacation that little bit easier - and there's something for everyone...
Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge, Montana
Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge in north west Montana is perfect for keeping the whole family happy on your dude ranch vacation - with a seemingly endless list of acitivies for riders and non-riders alike, no one will get bored here. The Averill family create a rustic ranch atmosphic and first class hospitality to make your stay at this family friendly Montana dude ranch a truly memorable experience.
Bar W Guest Ranch, Montana
Bar W Guest Ranch in north west Montana is great if you're looking for an authentic yet family-friendly dude ranch vacation with plenty of opportunities for horseback riding and traditional western ranch activities. This Montana dude ranch is set among heavily timbered mountains, open prairies, clear running rivers and streams, and - of course - big skies. Bar W's special string of horses and cattle, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, and mile upon mile of riding trails and open prairies will make dude ranch vacations here something that'll be cherished for a lifetime.
Bonanza Creek Ranch, Montana
Bonanza Creek is not just any Montana dude ranch - it is also a fully working cattle ranch, making this the ideal choice for those looking for truly authentic dude ranch vacations. This family operated guest ranch runs 1,500 head of cattle on 25,000 acres, meaning lots of places to ride and lots of work to do on your dude ranch vacation - this is one for the truly horse-oriented!
Lone Mountain Guest Ranch, Montana
Lone Mountain Guest Ranch is located in south west Montana near Yellowstone National Park, meaning great dude ranch vacations for those wanting to explore one of the USA's greatest national parks. This Montana dude ranch will make you feel like part of a very large family, with genuine staff offering little personal touches that will really make your stay. It also has a great children's program, including a ropes course that's great for building confidence in your kids. Great riding, great scenery, great hospitality - that's what dude ranch vacations are all about.
McGinnis Meadows Ranch, Montana
McGinnis Meadows is a cattle and guest ranch in the north west corner of Montana, so it's great if the priority of your dude ranch vacations is to get into the saddle and learn how to be a cowboy. Riders of all levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced, and each individual's stay will be tailored according to their needs, desires and abilities. Come to this authentic Montana dude ranch and you'll leave a bona-fide cowboy or cowgirl!
Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
Ranch at Rock Creek offers family-friendly luxury dude ranch vacations to guests who want nothing but the best. While some Montana dude ranches sacrifice authenticity in favour of luxury, what Rock Creek does is offer the feel of the 'True West' without sacrificing true comfort. This might be one of the finest and most luxury dude ranch vacations you'll ever experience, with its outstanding accommodations, cuisine and full-service spa, but you'll feel the authenticity of the most authentic western ranches nevertheless. Great for families, couples, friends - and skiers!
Sweet Grass Ranch, Montana
Sweet Grass Ranch is part of a sixth generation family-owned and operated working cattle ranch secluded in the Crazy Mountains of Montana. If horseback riding is what you want to do on your dude ranch vacations, Sweet Grass can provide - with exceptional riding opportunities over thousands of acres of meadows, mountain trails and plains. This Montana dude ranch has an unstructured riding program tailored to your needs and abilities, with opportunities to get involved in ranch work. One for the riders!
The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
The Resort at Paws Up is one of those dude ranch vacations you'll never forget. Screaming luxury and first-rate hospitality, Paws up is unique from any other Montana dude ranches. It might be a 37,000 working cattle ranch, but there's no 'roughing it' at Paws Up. If you've ever wanted to try 'glamping' then this is the place to do it - combining utmost luxury with tent-style accommodations, you'll never want to sleep indoors again! Drag yourself from your luxury bed and you'll find great horseback with opportunities for real cattle work on real ranch horses, plus riding lessons and natural horsemanship.

Triple Creek Ranch is located high in the Bitteroot Mountains, and one of the few Montana dude ranches to offer a winter program as good as its summer program. In summer, enjoy horseback riding, non riding activities and water sports; then in come back for your winter dude ranch vacations and try snowshoeing, nordic skiing, snowmobiling and winter ice fishing. You can even get married here!
For more information on these Montana dude ranches, view their ranch profiles on Top50Ranches.com