Horseback Riding
Explore Like Cowboys and Cowgirls
Horseback riding in Billings is a classic Montana experience: wide open skies, rugged landscapes and a deep connection to the region’s Western roots. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or trying it for the first time, there are plenty of opportunities to saddle up and explore the area on horseback.
Several local outfitters and ranches around Billings offer guided trail rides, ranging from short scenic loops to half- or full-day adventures. You can ride along the sandstone Rimrocks with panoramic views of the Yellowstone Valley or wind through grassy fields and cottonwood-lined creeks just outside the city. Many ranches also provide lessons or kid-friendly pony rides, making it a great family-friendly activity.
Elk River Outfitters, based along scenic Pryor Creek, offers one- and two-hour rides across rolling hills and pine-dotted plateaus, with sweeping views of the Yellowstone Valley and distant mountain ranges.
If you want to go beyond a day ride, several guest ranches near Billings offer immersive Western experiences. At Dryhead Ranch, visitors can join cattle drives, help with seasonal roundups and learn the ins and outs of ranch life.
Paintbrush Adventures, located at the Barron Ranch, blends trail rides with hands-on activities like herding livestock, wilderness pack trips, fly fishing and even horseback-and-rafting “saddle to paddle” adventures.
For those looking to experience Montana’s cowboy culture more deeply, some guest ranches such as G Bar M Ranch near Billings offer immersive experiences like cattle drives, rodeo practice or multi-day riding trips. These outings often include meals and lodging, giving visitors a true taste of ranch life.