A trip to Mountain Sky is not your average vacation—it’s a chance for guests of all ages to roam across 17,000 acres and truly disconnect from their lives at home. We witness guests making memories that will last a lifetime, but the true test of whether we are succeeding at offering the best dude ranch experience in Montana are the testimonials from guests year after year. Take a tour through the moments, experiences, and memories with these Mountain Sky Guest Ranch reviews.
Why Guests Call It “Mountain Sky Magic”
The draw of Mountain Sky can’t be summed up in just one service or activity. The friendly service, breathtaking trail rides, unforgettable meals, and cozy cabins are just the start. Each guest is considered a part of our family.
“The thing that I love about Mountain Sky the most is that it brings together people, usually families, and sometimes friends and families, and they come back year after year,” ~ Mountain Sky Owner Arthur Blank
Our guests and staff have a special term for this feeling of once-in-a-lifetime adventure, “Mountain Sky magic.”
“Little did we know, there is a “Mountain Sky Magic” that is beyond description.” ~Kristin Finkelstein
Voices From Our Guests
There are many reasons that guests seek a Yellowstone Country ranch adventure, but here are a few of the reasons guests return each year.
Welcome & Service
“Our favorite trip each year! The staff are the most carefully curated collection of wonderful human beings with excellent warmth and customer service mentality.” ~Rachel Howell
“Once again, Mountain Sky sets the standard for kindness, professionalism and generosity. We all benefit from being here. You have become part of our family’s history.”~The Fitch Family
Riding & Views:
“Our ride to the horse pastures with Caleb was one of the most magical mornings with indescribable vistas.” ~JillyB TripAdvisor
Dining & Lodge
“Take me back to Mountain Sky for the beauty, the adventure, the peace and the quiet, and the gourmet meals of a lifetime!” ~ Kerry Traubert
Families & Kids
“With limited WiFi, and a beautiful setting, you will find your children immersed in nature, surrounded by friends, and led in fantastic Montana adventures.” ~ Kristin Finkelstein
Wellness & Activities
“We participated in so many fun and well-managed activities like horseback riding, archery, clay shooting, fly fishing and (my personal favorite) the beautiful spa.” ~Eileen D
Groups & Retreats
“My finacé and I met up for a week of brainstorming sessions, sharing what works, and connecting with leadership from across the country. We sang, we danced, we ate, we relaxed, and we laughed…A LOT! A few days disconnected from technology allowed us to really connect with each other and with nature.”~@jasoncandler_ , Instagram
Family Traditions:Why Kids Ask to Come Back
While we reserve spring and fall for adults-only adventures, our summer season is curated for family ranch vacations. The kids program is run by dedicated counselors that lead daily activities, including lead line horseback rides, our version of “Capture the Flag,” called “Stealth,” pool time, and a kids-only area, called Beartown.
“Thank you ALL for two wonderful weeks! We mean it when we say you were the most awesome group of counselors… funny, smart, great to get to know and fabulous examples for our kids! Thank you all!”~The Websters
“This is my fourth year here, and each year is the new best! This is my favorite place on earth and my favorite people!”~Renee, Age 12
“Loved it! Everything was perfect! We are so very grateful to the counselors, they were wonderful, caring and fun! Our grandchildren did not want to leave. We will be back next year!”~ L. & R. Bahnik
Meanwhile, parents and grandparents are able to enjoy restful time in the spa or adventure at their own pace, knowing the kids are having the time of their lives.
“We first came to Mountain Sky because they offered a wide variety of activities for every family member, from grandparents to the baby. Little did we know, there is a “Mountain Sky Magic” that is beyond description. The teen club allows your teen to do more adult activities, without the risk of embarrassing parents joining in.” ~Kristin Finkelstein
“They really care about doing it right – and having fun too. We did a ton of horseback riding and people of all ages in our group absolutely loved it. The people here are truly great – everyone from the wranglers to the front desk team.” ~Stephen Groff, Google
Tips for the Summer Season
- Family season runs from June 14 through August 23 in 2026
- The kids program is open to kids over the age of two.
- Teens have their own program that includes gourmet teen dinners, hilarious talent show skits, a night at our challenge course and the opportunity to participate in clay shooting.
- “They help you choose a room to best suit the size of your family or how many guests stay in that cabin.” ~Peggy G, TripAdvisor
In the Saddle and Beyond: Trails, Wellness, and Big-Sky Scenery
In addition to friendships with other guests, Mountain Sky affords the opportunity to form lasting equine friendships. Guests can visit their horse daily and spend time in the saddle on trail rides, meal rides, team penning, and working ranch experiences.
“The horses are well cared for and the riding is not just butt to butt, the wranglers teach one to be a better rider and loping across the plains is exhilarating.” ~Irene b, TripAdvisor
“The views from horseback were absolutely breathtaking. Our pictures just will not be able to do it justice! The wranglers were all very friendly and very helpful.”~ CMehta904, TripAdvisor
“As a father there are not many prouder moments than seeing your 11 year old son decked out in cowboy boots and a hat, grinning ear to ear while living out one of his childhood dreams on the back of a horse in the mountains of Montana!” ~Doug W, Trip Advisor
Read more horseback riding reviews and learn about the riding experiences at Mountain Sky.
Between these traditional ranch experiences, guests can also enjoy dozens of activities: including an exclusive Johnny Miller golf course, hiking, archery, the challenge course, sporting clays, and a dedicated Wellness Center with daily yoga and treatments.
“We soaked up the vistas from the golf course. We could play at a leisurely pace since we had the back 9 to ourselves. Don’t miss the view from the 15th tee box!” ~Jilly B, TripAdvisor
“The yoga instruction was fantastic and helped keep me in the saddle all week long with minimal discomfort.”~ Cowgirlyogini, TripAdvisor
“The people are so genuine and great, that made such a difference. The folks that taught me to shoot skeet, fly fish, and ride horseback all for the first time were just tremendously patient and helpful.” ~mvankampen TripAdvisor
“Some in our group went fly fishing, did the ropes course and went skeet shooting, so there are numerous activities to keep everyone busy. And almost all of us took part in hiking. There are a variety of hikes available.” ~ Lovetogoonvacations TripAdvisor
Tips from our Guests:
- “Make your spa appointments early as they fill up towards the end.” – Eileen D, TripAdvisor
- “Best views are on all sides, dress for all kinds of weather and get ready for a wild west adventure!” ~flanogankm, TripAdvisor
Lodge Life & Dining That Guests Rave About
Guests hang their hats each night in rustic, yet elegant cabins near the lodge, on the hillside, or tucked into the forest. No matter their accommodation, guests reconvene regularly in the saloon, great room, and outdoor fireplace at the lodge.
“The main lodge is ‘western’ luxurious (think Teddy Roosevelt) and the cabins are kept in top condition.” ~LM, TripAdvisor
“Loved the fireplace in our room and the opportunity to disconnect from the internet and TV except in the lodge. The scenery was incomparable. And the food – perfect.”~TouristaMama TripAdvisor
Dining includes buffet-style breakfasts and delicious lunches, ranging from Mexican enchiladas to Chinese stir-fry and Italian pizza. Dinners are an anticipated affair, with hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the saloon, followed by three-to-five course dinners featuring local ingredients and regionally inspired dishes. The proof is in the pudding with these ranch dining reviews.
“The meals were delicious and varied, and there was no waiting for service….everything came in a very timely fashion. They went out of their way to accommodate different dietary needs, as well as children’s dietary needs.” ~lovetogoonvacations, TripAdvisor
“We had never eaten so well in the USA!” ~Jean-Yves B TripAdvisor
“The staff was so friendly and fun, the food was AMAZING, the horses were a dream, my cabin was gorgeous,~Melissa F TripAdvisor
Tips from our Guests:
- “The Cabins are all lovely.” ~Debbie K, TripAdvisor
- “No telephones or wifi in the cabins, but land lines and wifi are available in the main lodge a short distance from the cabins.” ~LM, Tripadvisor
- “Leave your technology at home. Total escape.” ~Diane R, Trip Advisor
Retreats & Reunions: Groups Feel Right at Home
Mountain Sky plans group retreats and reunions that are customized for each group’s needs. From weddings to corporate incentive trips and family reunions, the unique adventures and ultimate relaxation of time in nature solidifies bonds and feels like the ultimate reward.
“We had an amazing week there as an extended family of 18 people from ages 1.5 – 70. The kids program was a real highlight. The kids were so happy to attend and it gave the adults the peace of mind to truly enjoy the vast amount of activities.” ~Vicki Thompson Groff, Google
“Having to plan a trip for a group of 20, my experience with Mountain Sky was incredible right from the beginning. We had some pretty specific requirements and the only answer I ever received was, ‘Sure we can do that for you!’ They were an absolute dream to work with.”- Wendy Dunlap, SKYY Spirits National Accounts
Private ranch experiences are available for 3, 5, and 7-night stays for up to 100 guests. Learn more about custom buyouts.
Plan Your Stay
Whether you join us for Wild West Women in the spring, the bustling family season or adult-only adventures in the fall, the reservations team is the ultimate resource for ranch activities, dining, cabins, and getaways to Yellowstone National Park.
“Alexa is an unbelievable host and her ability to treat you as the only guest on the ranch is truly unique, she remembers conversations and emails months prior and works tirelessly to ensure that your experience is second to none.” ~Jeremy Sqillenberg
For the team, there is no greater gift than guest testimonials, as we anticipate welcoming them again next year. Guests bring their energy and sense of adventure, and ultimately, the true legacy of welcoming generations of families for nearly 100 years.
“Possibly the best vacation taken anywhere, at any time, in the history of the world.” ~Rachel Johnson, Conde Nast Traveler
“Mountain Sky: A buoyant, blissful state of mind. An appetite vanquished in style. Adventure with a smile. Thank you.” ~The Copelands
Read more Mountain Sky Guest Ranch testimonials and plan your own adventure filled with “Mountain Sky magic.”
