Bonanza Creek Ranch
7 days - Bozeman to Bozeman.
Located on 11,000 hectares of spectacular riding country between the Crazy Mountains and picturesque Castle Range, Bonanza Creek Ranch is a fifth generation run working cattle ranch in south central Montana. On a clear day you can see not only the impressive Crazy and Castle mountain ranges but 5 other ranges as well. Bonanza Creek offers great riding, good ranch horses and the opportunity to try you hand at some cattle mustering. This is not 'nose-to-tail' trail riding; you can ride to your ability as fast or slow as you want, and do lots of it.Riding is the main activity with morning and afternoon rides as well as all day rides. 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.
The area also abounds with wildlife, explore wild game trails on horseback or on foot and soak in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world! Local wildlife includes golden eagles, whitetail and mule deer, elk, antelope, bear, coyotes, fox and cougars as well as the smaller chipmunks, squirrels, gophers, badgers and jackrabbits.
- Day 1 (D)
- Transfer to Bonanza Creek for a 6-night stay. On arrival you will be shown to your room and then there is time to explore the ranch and meet your fellow guests before dinner.
- Day 2 to Day 6 (B,L,D)
- This is a true working ranch with over 1500 head of cattle. No two days will be the same, there is plenty of varied riding such as moving the cattle from pasture to pasture or trying your hand at team penning, which involves teams of 3 sorting and penning cattle. Rides are usually morning and afternoon with full day picnic rides at least once a week. Western riding lessons are available on Mondays (for an additional fee). Although riding is the main activity guests can also hike, fish or visit nearby buffalo herds, Native American ceremonial sites and old ghost towns.
- Day 7
- Morning transfer back to Bozeman.
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- Cost per Person:
- Ride Only: £1,125
- Includes: Return transfers from Bozeman, accommodation and all meals, 7% Montana tax, 10% gratuity and all riding.
- All Inclusive: On request. There are no direct flights from the UK to Bozeman. The best routing is probably with North West Airlines via Minneapolis but you will need to add a nights accommodation in Bozeman.
- Single Supplement: None. Please note there may be a supplement of £65 if there is no-one else using the transfer from Bozeman.
- Departure Dates: Sundays from 01 Jun to 27 Sep 2008.
- The Accommodation: Accommodation at Bonanza Creek is in one of four sweet smelling cedar log 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 suit each individual or party and has a spectacular view. All guests have their own bedroom and bathroom. There is also a refrigerator, coffee pot, coffee and tea in each cabin. In the main lodge you'll find the dining room, laundry room and a big family room complete with fireplace. There is also a large deck for relaxing at the nightly social hour and a rustic hot tub - a natural hot springs in the hills.
- Foofd & Drink: Good, wholesome home cooking. That means full hearty breakfasts, lunches or packed lunches depending on where you are that day and big plentiful evening meals. All hot and non-alcoholic drinks are included and you are welcome to take your own alcoholic beverages.
- Laundry: There is a guest laundry room but due to the fact the lodge operates on solar power there are some limitations.
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Children: Children are welcome during July and August (or at anytime if they are experienced riders). Those of 8 and older can join the trail rides; four and five year olds can ride in the corral. Childcare can be arranged for those three and under while parents are out riding. Families can ride together or children can have their own wrangler. Riding lessons are available on Monday mornings for a small fee payable locally.
A discount of £445 per child off the ride only price is offered for children 4 to 12 years of age.
A discount of £740 per child off the ride only price is offered for children 3 and under.
- Non-Riders: Not suitable.