ACTIVITIES

Riding: The 63 is a real western working dude ranch. Guests often join cowboys in moving or gathering cattle and learning to throw lariats (lassos or ropes). Horses outnumber guests by more than two to one. You'll admire the quality and condition of our stock which are a real joy to ride. We have mounts for children to the most expert of equestrians. Children as young as 4 and 5 may be led on a gentle horse around the corral area while children 6 years and older may go on extended rides. You can ride morning and afternoon six days a week with full day rides offered weekly. There are well over 100 miles of trails to explore within minutes of the ranch corral while the immediately adjoining Gallatin National Forest and Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Area to the south include well in excess of one million pristine acres. But there is more than riding at The 63.

Children: Since our very beginning, families have been coming to 63 to enjoy their vacations together – children included. Although we do not offer a formal “children’s program”, children are included in ranch activities such as horseback riding (children-only rides and/or family rides subject to our minimum age of 6 yrs); fossil hunting; fishing our stocked pond; square dancing; volleyball; playing in the children’s game room; roasting marshmallows; playing with the ranch pets and much more. And let’s not forget about making new friends! A “Family Vacation” at 63 Ranch is one they’ll NEVER forget.

Fishing: Mission Creek, full of fat wild trout, runs for 31/2 miles through the ranch. We encourage catch and release fishing. Our stocked pond for youngsters is great for learning fly casting. Fishing in nearby Blue Ribbon rivers, spring creeks and lakes is world famous. Ask for our "Fishing Brochure" for details.

Photography: The 63 is a "shutter bug's" delight with sunny days, big skies, changing light and awesome scenery. Wildlife, wildflowers, waterfalls, cowboys, horses and cattle create endless picture possibilities.

Pack Trips: Our popular overnight horseback packtrips take you to our "Bear Wallow" camp located in the Absaroka / Beartooth Wilderness south of the 63 Ranch. A vast playground of dark forests, lofty peaks and lakes, canyons and cascading creeks. It is home to elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, mountain lion and bear. You'll want to reserve space early as these seasonal trips (mid-July through August) are offered only once each week and are limited to 4-6 people. They fill quickly! We don't recommend our overnights for beginners, children under 12 years of age or those who fear heights. Rates: $200.00 per person extra. (We also offer mid-September - early October big game archery hunts. Inquire for details)

Activities: At The 63 there's volleyball, softball, horseshoes, table soccer, billiards, square dancing, nature walks, cards, games or reading from our library on western life and natural history. There's even a swing set and sandbox for toddlers. Hike trails, climb mountains, explore caves, watch birds (80 species we'll send you a list.) Sunbathe next to our pond, or take a bracing swim after a hot afternoon ride. Kid's marshmallow roasts in our Indian tipi or sleep under the stars.

Weekly Yellowstone Park Tours: Yellowstone National Park, our nation’s oldest national treasure, is a mere 65 miles from our front gate. Our weekly tour of Yellowstone can offer a welcome break from horseback riding mid-way through your week at the ranch. We have been taking regular trips through the park now for many years and are intimately familiar with the most direct routes to Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake and Hotel, abundant wildlife and many other spectacular natural wonders. The trip is offered once each week at no additional charge and tends to reflect the interests of the group. Be sure to inquire early as these trips book full quickly!

Livingston, Montana: Nearby Livingston is a picturesque railroad/ranch town of 7500. Take a walking tour of the restored historic district. Visit museums (regional history and art), art galleries, gift shops, western apparel emporiums, fly fishing/ sporting goods stores, western saloons and restaurants. There are racquet ball, tennis, bowling, a public swimming pool and a nine-hole golf course overlooking the Yellowstone River. Rub elbows with cowboys, ranchers and Hollywood stars, famous authors and artists, trainmen, miners and loggers.

Liability Waiver: "With our guests' safety and enjoyment in mind, we will require all guests who plan to ride horses at any time during their visit to sign and date our horse liability waiver form and then participate in our basic horsemanship and horse safety program Monday morning (each week) before going on any horseback rides."