When the water is blown out in the spring from the snowmelt, one of the best things to do is go on a Missoula trail ride. Wildlife is active and abundant in the spring and the weather is cooler making the springtime a great time of year to participate in this kind of activity.
Guided Trail Riding Tour: Venture into the Montana wilderness on a horse. We offer a fantastic 80 minute trip trail ride just outside of Missoula! Guided by a professional wrangler, you’ll explore trails surrounded by ponderosa pines, and venture into Missoula’s backyard. Our equipment will make your ride as comfortable as can be. So saddle-up and take a trek into the Montana wilderness on a gorgeous national forest road, the way it was done for many years just 20 minutes outside town. Join us for a great trail ride and the best in horseback riding Missoula!
Season: April through October
We offer two departure times only:
April – May: 12:15pm (Noon arrival) Saturday and Sundays
June – October: 6:15pm (6pm arrival) Sunday through Thursday
$72 Per Rider
Trips usually last 80 minutes (60-90 minutes). Time depends on how peppy the horses are that day and are guided on Forest Road #5468. We take 2 to 7 riders at a time.
Weight limit is 230lbs and participants must be 8 years of age.
Riders must be able to ground mount a horse (step up from the ground into the saddle).
Helmets are optional if you are 18 years old or older.
Place a Reservation: Make a reservation request for a date and time. Enter in your information and payment. Our system will save it and we will check our availability and confirm it. At that time, you will receive a confirmation via email. We will also call prior to your trip to answer any questions you may have about your trip. Please try to book 3 days out. This gives us time to plan.
All Trips are $72.00 (Location is a 20 min. drive west on I-90 from downtown Missoula!)
Trip Details: Please wear closed toe shoes (preferably with a heal) and comfortable pants. Optional: Bring a hat to wear for the sun? Helmets are not optional for minors/children under age 18 years old. You may request to wear one if you wish. Our horses are loved and spoiled. No carry items (such as a purse) are allowed while riding. This ride is for beginners and those looking for a short ride. The trip is located just outside Frenchtown and begins at Houle Creek trailhead and is on a secluded trail with beautiful views of the valley.
What to Expect: Upon arriving at the trailhead, each rider will be introduced to their mount and learn some basic safety rules. We pre-match horses to riders depending height, weight, and riding experience, and will give all riders a quick lesson in steering their horses. Our 80 minute trip features a gradual uphill out and back trail at the edge of Lolo National Forest. We feature beautiful views of the Frenchtown Valley and our guests are often able to see the “M” above Missoula on clear days. Our turnaround location features a small meadow which is perfect for group photos taken by your trail guide.
We do not host afternoon trips so our horses may rest in the heat of the day.
The trail ride will take an hour to an hour and a half. Horses are not strung together. Riders ride independently in a line along the trail. Your guide will do a short orientation for you with your horse. The trail features gentle rolling slopes, great views, and a meander through Montana forest cover. 80-90 minutes is just about the right length of time to be on a horse when you are not used to it! Customers sometimes see elk, deer, moose, a variety of birds, and forest wildlife.
There is no outhouse/bathroom except the privacy offered by the local flora.
Do you know you are going rafting and horseback riding? Book our Raft and Ride Package to save 5% on each booking! (A family of 3 saves $20)
*We will send you a google map and link to our location upon your approved and accepted booking!*
CANCELLATION POLICY: We require a two week notice for full refund cancellations. A 15% business charge will be deducted from deposit for cancellations under two weeks. No refunds for 48 hour cancellations. We reserve the right to cancel trips with full refund due to weather, horse health, or insufficient guests. Same day reservation/cancel is subject to 5% credit card fee with holding.
Tips: Your guides will make every effort to see that your trail ride is enjoyable and successful. Gratuities for guides are greatly appreciated and at your discretion, as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and service. Please pre-plan, as tips cannot be added to credit cards and there are no ATMs at the meeting point.
Place a Reservation: Make a reservation request for a date and time. Enter in your information and payment. Our system will save it and we will check our availability and confirm it. At that time, you will receive a confirmation via email. We will also call prior to your trip to answer any questions you may have about your trip. Please try to book 3 days out. This gives us time to plan.