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CATTLE DRIVE VACATIONS – OUR SCHEDULE AND RATES

We are thrilled to have you join us at the Dryhead Ranch for an authentic cowboy working ranch vacation. During the week that you ride at the ranch with us you will experience a wide variety of activities: working cattle, gathering cattle, cattle drives, working horses, horse drives, branding calves, mending fences, and our cowboys and cowgirls will teach you to rope. We offer the best horseback riding vacations in Montana. We are real, remote, quiet, and have seemingly endless mountain vistas. We share with you real cattle work and real working cow horses to experience an amazing horseback riding vacation.

Saturday we will return you to Billings. En route we will visit several of the historic sites along the Big Horn Recreation Area: Lockhart Historic Ranch, Devils Canyon Overlook, and the Wild Mustang Museum.

The Dryhead Ranch is located on the Crow Indian Reservation and features one of the largest historic buffalo jumps in the United States. We also have a few Indian Pictographs on the canyon walls and lots of arrowheads and artifacts for the finding. We are required to honor a Federal alcohol-free ruling required on all reservation properties.

2024 DATES & RATES

FOR DRYHEAD RANCH GUEST SEASON

(Each activity requires riding every day)

Horse Drives & Roundups

April 14 – 20, 2024
Horse Drive from Wyoming to Dryhead Ranch in Montana.

May 26 – June 1, 2024
Adding stallions to mare bands for breeding season.

October 13 – 19, 2024
Making registration papers and weaning colts from mares.

October 20 – 26, 2024
Horse Drive from Dryhead ranch to Wyoming for winter.

$2,500.00 per person, plus tax

Cattle Drives & Weaning Weeks

May 12 – 18, 2024
Cattle Drive from Wyoming to Dryhead ranch in Montana.

May 19 – 25, 2024
Cattle Drive from Wyoming to Dryhead ranch in Montana.

September 15 – 21, 2024
Gathering cows and calves to vaccinate calves. 

September 22 – 28, 2024
Gathering cows and calves to vaccinate calves. 

September 29 – October 5, 2024
Gathering cows and calves to vaccinate calves. 

$2,500.00 per person, plus tax

Ranch Weeks

June 2 – 8, 2024  • June 9 – 15, 2024
Gather cows and calves, sort pairs, brand calves.

June 16 – 22, 2024
Finish branding, gather and move cows to mountain pasture.

June 23 – 29, 2024
Riding fence, doctoring for sickness, rotating pastures.

July 21 – 27, 2024
Rotating pastures, doctoring for sickness, riding fence.

July 28 – August 3, 2024
Doctoring for sickness, rotating pastures, riding fence.

August 25 – 31, 2024
Doctoring for sickness, checking water sources, fencing.

September 1 – 7, 2024
Begin outside riding. Bringing back cattle, putting out strays.

September 8 – 14, 2024
Gathering cows to ranch for weaning. Putting out strays.

October 6 – 12, 2024
Putting cows on fall pasture, looking for unweaned calves.

$2,500.00 per person, plus tax

Ranch Closed
June 30 – July 20, 2024   •   August 4 – 24, 2024

2025 DATES & RATES

FOR DRYHEAD RANCH GUEST SEASON

(Each activity requires riding every day)

Horse Drives & Roundups

April 13 – 19, 2025
Horse Drive from Wyoming to Dryhead Ranch in Montana.

May 25 – 31, 2025
Adding stallions to mare bands for breeding season.

October 12 – 18, 2025
Making registration papers and weaning colts from mares.

October 19 – 25, 2025
Horse Drive from Dryhead ranch to Wyoming for winter.

$2,500.00 per person, plus tax

Cattle Drives & Weaning Weeks

May 11 – 17, 2025
Cattle Drive from Wyoming to Dryhead ranch in Montana.

May 18 – 24, 2025
Cattle Drive from Wyoming to Dryhead ranch in Montana.

September 14 – 20, 2025
Gathering cows and calves to vaccinate calves. 

September 21 – 27, 2025
Gathering cows and calves to vaccinate calves. 

September 28 – October 4, 2025
Gathering cows and calves to vaccinate calves. 

$2,500.00 per person, plus tax

Ranch Weeks

June 1 – 7, 2025  • June 8 – 14, 2025
Gather cows and calves, sort pairs, brand calves.

June 15 – 21, 2025
Finish branding, gather and move cows to mountain pasture.

June 22 – 28, 2025
Riding fence, doctoring for sickness, rotating pastures.

July 20 – 26, 2025
Rotating pastures, doctoring for sickness, riding fence.

July 27 – August 2, 2025
Doctoring for sickness, rotating pastures, riding fence.

August 24 – 30, 2025
Doctoring for sickness, checking water sources, fencing.

August 31 – September 6, 2025
Begin outside riding. Bringing back cattle, putting out strays.

September 7 – 13, 2025
Gathering cows to ranch for weaning. Putting out strays.

October 5 – 11, 2025
Putting cows on fall pasture, looking for unweaned calves.

$2,500.00 per person, plus tax

Ranch Closed
June 29 – July 19, 2025   •   August 3 – 23, 2025

Book Your Guest Ranch Vacation Today! (307)-548-6688

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR WORKING RANCH VACATIONS

A deposit of $500 per person is required upon booking to hold a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable unless your spot is filled in said week. If the spot is filled your deposit will be returned. If the spot cannot be filled your deposit will be forfeited. However, we strongly encourage you to choose a different week and simply transfer your deposit. For this reason, we highly recommend trip insurance for “last minute” medical or emergency cancellations.  All payments should be in US dollars.  Payment can be cash, personal check (with approval), Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, or Square.  There is a 3% charge on use of a credit card and Montana charges a bed tax that will be added to the final bill.  We suggest a 15% gratuity.  If additional days are desired, we can make special arrangements by email or phone.

We offer a pick up service of $120.00 per person for picking up at the airport or designated hotel and return to Billings by noon at the end of the week.  We have two pick up places: Best Western Clock Tower Inn, and the Airport-at Door 4 at the west end of the airport.  

Please send us travel arrangements 30 days in advance of arrival even if you are using a booking agent.  We won’t want to miss you on our pick up route so please send your travel plans, airline information, pick up arrangements and driving plans.  Please remember to send them when your plans are final.  Thanks.

Dryhead Ranch has a small ranch store that we make available to our guests.  It gives you a place to pick up a few gift items or personal items that you may have forgotten.  We have cowboy hats, chinks, western vests (canvas and wool), sweatshirts, T-shirts, horsehair jewelry and Dryhead ranch caps and T-shirts.  Check the website for a list of WHAT TO BRING”.  Always consider the weather when coming to the Dryhead Ranch.  We live at 5000 feet and are surrounded by mountains.  Layers are good any time of the year.  Check out the website for accommodations and other pictures and details about our working ranch vacation.

Dryhead Ranch reserves the right to alter or change any attraction, dates or activities due to unforeseen circumstances and weather.  However, substitutions of a similar kind will be arranged.  These circumstances would include unfavorable weather conditions, wildfires, range or pasture conditions, insufficient bookings. Please call with any other questions or just to chat about our working ranch vacation.  Office phone is 307-548-6688.

 

Book Your Guest Ranch Vacation Today! (307)-548-6688

SEE WHAT OUR GUEST HAD TO SAY!

One of my favorite images from MT last summer at the Dryhead Ranch was chosen as the Opening Shot in this month’s February 2020 issue of Western Horseman magazine!  Watching James ride Yeller and rope his calf was truly one of the highlights of my trip.  The determination and seriousness on his face is priceless! Lol  Good thing two grown cowboys were nearby to help out. -Pam Gabriel Photography

The future belongs to the few that are still willing to get their hands dirty.  Thanks to all the farmers and ranchers for keeping us well fed. -PhyllisBurchettPhoto

So excited to open the May edition of Western Horseman magazine April 2020.  It be honest, during all of the craziness that is currently happening, it’s been very hard for me to stay positive about my small business.  The opening shot couldn’t have come at a better time for me!  Stay healthy and happy, my friends!  I hope to photograph you all in the coming months. -Hilary Bishop

Well, its back to reality and back to work for me today!  I’m still dreaming of the aroma of sage in the pastures in Montana and the thundering hooves. -Roam Photos

I got to photograph some colt starting while out in Montana.  It was amazing to watch the way they communicated with their young horses and Jake and Matthew were kind enough to share stories and technique with us while calmly working with each horse!  I’m sharing a couple of the most exciting moments here,  but all in all it was a pretty calm affair. -Fast Horse Photography

14 years ago and still thinking about my experience everyday. Unforgettable. -Camille Brit

 A place to meet old and new friends.  Every year I learn a little more about the work of the cowboys, a little more about how to handle horses.  It’s a place that decelerates.  All work is done in cow time.  After the holiday is before the holiday.  So I look forward to next year -Andreas Will, Germany

Such incredible memories of my week on the ranch.  A long time dream of mine and I just don’t have words for the “wow” moments I had on that trip.  Hearing the cowboys bring in the horses that first morning, galloping to catch up to and turn the strays, the stars at night, to name a few! Thank you for the memories I will forever cherish -Maureen Knibloe

Solitude. Peace. Adventure. Friendship. Great food. As close to the real West as could be.  Treat that childhood cowboy wanna-be to something special. -Jimmy Addis

I had a great time at the Dryhead Ranch.  I loved my time in the saddle experiencing Montana and getting to know the family.  It left me the best kind of tired, ready for a good nights sleep after a delicious dinner.  I’d like to think that stay gave me the clarity of mind to make the best decision of my life…to move out to Montana and enjoy riding my horse surrounded by it’s beauty…Read More

There is no place better to see beautiful scenery and enjoy the cowboy lifestyle.  Every time I go, I learn and grow thanks to the outstanding team at Dryhead.  Thank you all so very much! -Ken Fisher

For me it was the most beautiful travel I’ve never done!!!  It was a dream since I am 10 years, and I really hope I could come and see all of us one more time… -Isabelle Isa

Still my favorite place on earth!  I dream about it every night..  My feet itch to get back only I will probably never leave again..  From the feeling of family epic horses and a once in a lifetime experience..  Nothing could ever top the Dryhead.  It healed my soul in so many ways I couldn’t begin to explain..All I can say is thank you and hopefully see you all real soon. -Caty Greve

I can honestly say that this was one of the best vacations I’ve ever been on. Great food, great staff and some of the best scenery you could ask for. I’ll be back, and it won’t be fast enough. Jen was great in getting us started and getting us anything we needed during my stay. Jake was great with me while working with the cattle and horses as a novice rider, and the food was…Read More

Sore muscles and a dirty face has never felt so magnificent!  Having the privilege of joining the ranch family, building relationships, working hard, and experiencing the majesty all around, was truly an unforgettable experience. -Monique Gilbert

Friendly welcoming and had a fabulous time on this true cowboy hands on experience with fabulous horses.  Good homemade food set to your dietary requirements.  Clean and homey accommodations.  We felt like family and have returned for a second time. Hopefully we get to go again. -Michelle Robinson

This is a great place with great people—and the real deal, nothing fancy, which greatly contributes to why I keep coming back.  It doesn’t matter whether you are with a big group of people, or the only guest, which, by some strange coincidence, I have practically been the only guest most of the times I have been to Dryhead.  The scenery is amazing.  And you can be sure of a lot of riding on good…Read More

Once in a lifetime experience never to be forgotten.  You really do become a part of the family. -Pat Hofmann

I just came home from a week at the Dryhead Ranch and wanted to thank Iris, Jennifer, Jackie, and Jake for the greatest vacation I have ever had! I have always wanted to see Montana and this experience was more than I ever hoped for. The bunkhouse, food, horses, scenery and hospitality shown by this wonderful family is something I will always fondly remember. I came home with answers and this really did change my life in a…Read More

Third time and keeps getting better! A big thanks to Jake, Sky, Jennifer, Jackie, Cannon, Suzie, and everyone else at the Dryhead for making my third trip to the ranch so much fun. We really got to experience a little bit of everything last week! The other guests and I really got along and seemed like had I had known them for years instead of just a few days. The warm family atmosphere at the…Read More

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