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Horseback Riding in Wyoming

Bitterroot Spring Cattle Drive

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Overview

The Bitterroot cattle spend the summer starting in July grazing on the adjacent national forest land. The spring drive week at the ranch includes one day of pushing the herd to their grazing allotment, with additional opportunities for cow work during your stay. The rest of your rides are spent on the trail in the spectacular landscape of this unique property.

The ranch is surrounded by the Shoshone National Forest and a 52,000 acre wildlife refuge. The terrain is extremely varied; sagebrush plains, grassy meadows and rocky gorges give way to forested mountains and alpine clearings. The Fox family owners place a strong emphasis on their riding program, and provides several horses for each guest, splitting the rides into small groups according to ability.

If you’re interested in additional opportunities for working with cattle, the fall gathering at the Bitterroot takes place the last week of September, or you could also consider our cattle drives and horseback riding vacations in Arizona and Utah. 

Accommodations

Guests stay in comfortable log cabins on either side of the river which are situated for privacy and to afford magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Meals & Drink

Meals are taken in the main lodge and particular attention is paid to the cuisine and wines served.

Ride & Horse Details

  • Overview:
    There are over 120 riding horses on the ranch, consisting mainly of Arabians and Quarter Horse crosses (14-16hh). The Arabian horses are raised and trained exclusively for the use of the guests. The horses are trained western and are used to being neck reined; they do not go on contact. All guests are asked to post the trot and to stay in two point or galloping position for the canters and when climbing hills. This is important to us as it keeps the horses from getting sore backs. Some of the days this week can be long and hard and it's important that participants be riding fit. Western and endurance saddles are used because we have found them to be the most suitable equipment for this mountainous terrain.
  • Equipment Required:
    Helmets are required, there are some available to borrow.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Quarter horses, Arabians
  • Trip Pace:
    Mostly slow, sometimes challenging
  • Tack:
    Western and endurance saddles
  • Weight limit:
    The ranch has a limited number of horses for riders over 180 lbs.

Activities for Non - Riders

There are no separate activities planned for non-riders, who can take advantage of this unique location to fly fish, hike and visit with the ranch animals. With a rental car the town of Dubois is about 40 minutes away.

Hadley teaches four flowing yoga classes a week in the ranch’s yoga yurt, Monday and Wednesday afternoons, Friday mornings, and Saturday afternoons. The classes are designed to stretch the muscles that typically become sore during riding. They are friendly for people without much (or any!) yoga experience, but they also offer something to the more experienced yoga practitioner.

Meeting Point

At the ranch. We can provide details for services for transportation from the Jackson Hole airport or the Riverton airport.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Sunday, June 30: Guests should plan to arrive between two and five in the afternoon allowing time to settle into your cabin before hors d’oeuvres and dinner.

Day 2

Monday, July 1: The week begins with an orientation and brief evaluation of riding skills before you gather the herd and trail the cows and calves (around 450 head) into the Shoshone National Forest.

Day 3

Tuesday, July 2: A morning trail ride followed by a relaxing lunch at the ranch. In the afternoon head out on the trail for another taste of the varied mountain landscapes.

Day 4

Wednesday, July 3: Morning and afternoon varied trail rides, in the forest or plains. Experience the diversity of the vast open spaces of Wyoming.

Day 5

Thursday, July 4: Spend another day on horseback with morning and afternoon spent on the trail.

Day 6

Friday, July 5: Morning trail ride, followed by an afternoon team sorting competition, which enables you to further develop your cattle skills.

Day 7

Saturday, July 6: Picnic ride into the forest, which for some groups will involve checking up on the cattle.

Day 8

Sunday, July 7: Breakfast and departure.

Tour Map

Tour Dates & Pricing

2025 Departures & Options

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Jun 29, 2025
Jul 6, 2025

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $2,800
  • Fees
  • $560A 10% charge for gratuities and a separate 10% charge for taxes and fees will be added to the trip cost
  • Single Supplement
  • $300
Additional Pricing Information:
Rates include accommodations, all meals, fishing and daily riding except for the first and last days. Ride price is set, guaranteed, and final at the time deposit is paid.

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Do you have questions about this tour itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right tour for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the tour consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have

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1.800.545.0019

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Contact Hadley Fox

Of all our ranch vacations, this one offered the most variety of terrains and rides. Every day a different surprise - Wind River and Absaroka ranges, Elk range, river canyons, volcanic ash hills, cattle driving, riding lessons, yoga, fly fishing, easy hikes to great scenery between rides, very well cared for horses, healthy but hearty meals with fresh veggies and wine, immaculate rustic cabins and excellent entertaining and knowledgeable hosts, the Fox family, attending to every detail. A total escape from the business stresses! This was the best ranch vacation we have had. So we're going back again this year!

Ferguson, 2019

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