Bar W Guest Ranch

This was my second visit and first for my niece. I did a Winter sleigh ride with my husband and horse trail ride with my niece for her birthday this Summer.. Both times we had excellent experiences. Deb was an outstanding guide. She was so helpful, informative and encouraging. She took extra care of my niece who was a first timer, and helped the whole group along the entire way. So much fun! Hope to come again for more adventures!

We had the best family vacation here. We went for family week last minute (we booked a month before). The ranch itself is beautiful and the kids never wanted to leave. The ranch staff are amazing - friendly, helpful, can-do attitude. We arrived with a full week long itinerary presented to us. It was great to not have to plan or think about anything! The ranch even organises a trip to the rodeo! We were never bored (we aren’t advance riders), but there was also space to adjust the schedule to go white water rafting or make a trip into town. The wranglers were great at teaching us to ride and guiding us on our various trail rides. Whitefish is an easy 10 minute drive away with a great farmers market and fun restaurants. There’s a good western store to stock up on anything you forget to bring. We stayed in the newly built cabins which were really comfortable for our family of 6. There was a kitchen and living room. However, we were so busy with the fabulous itinerary they planned we didn’t have much down time! We can’t wait to go back!

A vacation for people looking for a more active experience. (Swisher Package) Days are busy and go on regardless of weather so go in prepared for heat, cold, rain or wind. When you watch how the ranch works you understand fully where your money is going. Between the amenities, the food, and the quality of the horses you understand where your money is going. The staff is very engaging in a genuine way. Everyone was so knowledgeable in their field and eager to keep you completely satisfied of your needs. I went with my wife who is a weekly rider and myself as a novice rider (5 or so times riding). The staff quickly built my confidence up and got us right out to hit the trails and activities. I recommend bringing comfortable working clothing as you’ll be wearing it all day until dinner. Dinner was different and great every night. This review doesn’t do the experience justice, but believe me when I say we will be back.

The weather was 41 degrees and pouring down rain and high winds. It was horrible and dangerous conditions to take a horse ride. They don’t provide any gear for visitors to use for these weather conditions and they didn’t give any refund or options for a later day to ride. Terrible customer service.

Deb and Bella best guides on our horseback riding trip...group of people 2 beginner riders 2 experienced riders and had a wonderful time...From start to end great...check in was easy and again Deb and Bella were imformative safe and couldnt have asked any better..My horse Soda the best!!!

My daughter and I took this trip together on the eve of my 60th birthday. I wanted to ride horses, she wanted to hike mountains! We both had different plans but an equally wonderful time! The staff was so enthusiastic about making sure everyone was both happy and safe! The food was family styled and delicious, housekeeping kept everything fresh and clean as well. The wranglers were the best and the horses were well trained and behaved. It was an excellant place to totally "unplug" and just breathe! I can not wait to go back one day!

We had a really fun/active family vacation at Bar W. The whole experience was great top to bottom. If I had anything to do differently, I would have booked one more room for our family of 10. The kids/adults had a blast and enjoyed the trip. From the horse riding lessons, trail rides, clay shooting and scavenger hunts, there was something for everyone. There is a dining hall where everyone ate all meals Ina communal style. There are no "made to order" options to any picky eaters will need to leave that at home! Our cabins were equipped with full kitchens so we could cook but didn't. We did stock the fridge with drinks for the adults and kids.

I've done two trail rides at the Bar W Guest Ranch this month -- one with a friend and the other with my husband. Both two hour rides were fantastic. I had the same Guides for both; Kaia (sp?) and Deb. Both are very accomplished riders and provided excellent instruction to everyone on the rides. The horses we rode were chosen for us based on our experience and both times I was given horses that I enjoyed riding -- thanks, Daisy & Oscar! The two hour ride really gives a person a chance to get to know their horse AND their guides. I've ridden on a lot of trail rides, but have never had such a great time getting to know my guides. In particular, Deb, who has been in Montana for over 20 years, was outstanding. She made everyone on the rides feel good about their abilities and was always quick with a suggestion and compliment to go along with it. Her ability to build the confidence of all of the riders on the outings was amazing. And, wow, she can handle a horse! I'm lucky I'm a local because I intend to do a lot more riding at the Bar W next year -- and you can bet I'll ask when Deb and Kaia are working so I can ride with them!

Wanted to see the ranch for possible upcoming stay but visits not allowed…so booked a trail ride instead. Ride was great, wranglers were capable and friendly…vey informative. Ride was nose to tail, as expected, but scenery was great and horses sound. Would highly recommend!