WESTERN RIDING PACKAGES

Few experiences compare to exploring the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park on horseback. With Skyline Guest Ranch, you’ll ride deep into some of the most remote and visually stunning landscapes, far from the crowds and into the wild heart of the Rocky Mountains. Our private, full-day rides take you through vast valleys, along rugged ridgelines, and across meadows teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re hoping to spot bison and bears, capture breathtaking photos, or simply immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the park, these rides offer a truly unforgettable way to experience Yellowstone. Each location is unique and offers a different riding and sightseeing experience.

The Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park​- Often called “America’s Serengeti,” Lamar Valley is one of Yellowstone’s most famous wildlife-viewing destinations. Ride through vast open grasslands where herds of bison roam freely, pronghorn antelope graze, and the call of coyotes echoes in the distance. This area is also prime territory for spotting wolves, bears, badgers, and other iconic Yellowstone wildlife, offering an unparalleled backcountry experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Russell Lake, Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness- From the moment you leave Skyline’s hitching post, each step of your trusty mountain horse carries you further into a land unchanged by the hands of time, across granite rockslides and over alpine streams that sparkle like silver threads. At Russell Lake (8,794ft), time slows down. The soft rustle of wind through the pines and the gentle lapping of water against the lakeshore create a stillness that feels almost sacred, inviting you to savor the moment and simply be. The crystal-clear waters mirror the sky, and the mountains stand like silent guardians. Here, you’ll unpack a simple but perfect picnic lunch and breathe in the magic of a place untouched by time.

Hellroaring Creek, Yellowstone National Park- Start your adventure with a breathtaking descent down a series of switchbacks, dropping 600 feet in just a mile, all the way to the suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River. Ride across the bridge with the roaring Yellowstone River 220 feet below your horse’s hooves. The trail then leads you through rolling sagebrush-covered terrain, stands of Douglas fir, and ancient rock outcrops—nature’s time capsule. If you’re lucky, you might spot a pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer, moose, or bison crossing your path in the early morning light. At the confluence of Hellroaring Creek and the Yellowstone River, cold, clear waters tumble into the deep, surging current. A sandy beach hugs the shoreline while the sheer cliffs of the Black Canyon rise dramatically around you. Look up—you’ll likely spot osprey soaring overhead, scanning the water for trout. The trail continues through rocky forests to Yellowstone’s northern boundary, eventually leading into the Gallatin National Forest.