Sweet Grass Ranch

Sweet Grass Ranch is a working cattle ranch secluded in the Crazy Mountains of south-central Montana, about 40 miles from Big Timber at 6,100 feet. The land was homesteaded in the 1880s; Bill and Shelly Carroccia bought it in 1965 and began taking guests, and their children and grandchildren run it today, with the sixth generation now on the land. The original buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is a ranch for riders who want the real thing. From June through September guests can join or watch cattle work, which depends on grass, water and the herd and is never staged, and branding usually happens in June or July. Riding is scheduled and unscheduled, in the morning, afternoon and evening, with weekly natural horsemanship clinics and pack trips. Stays are a week, Sunday to Sunday, for up to about 25 guests, and three adults-only weeks close the season. The ranch suits children aged 9 and over best; riding starts at age 5 but there is no formal kids’ program.

Guests stay in historic lodge rooms, a lodge suite, cabins, most with private baths and wood fireplaces, or a yurt. Meals, activities, lodging and riding are included; Montana tax, a recommended 15% gratuity, massages and airport transfers are extra. Published rates are about $300 to $430 per adult per night. Bozeman and Billings are each about two and a half hours away, and a 4×4 rental is recommended.