Creating Memories at
Hardscrabble Ranch

Learn more about our on-site activities and nearby adventures

Experiences at the Ranch

Outdoor adventure is right outside your glamping tent or lodge. Whether you're seeking a relaxing retreat or a stay packed with activity, the ranch offers a variety of experiences to suit every pace and passion. Complete your stay with a visit to our crew. Our friendly dogs, curious chickens, playful pigs, draft horses, and herd of yaks are always excited to meet guests (especially when they bring treats).

  • Horseshoes

  • Western roping 

  • Cornhole and lawn games

  • Fishing* on Brackett Creek

  • Hiking and biking trails

  • Firepits and Adirondack chairs

  • Dips in the creek

*Montana state fishing license and personal equipment required

More Adventure: Summer

Many guests enjoy exploring the Bridger Mountains, whether it’s a scenic walk around Fairy Lake or a challenging self-guided hike to the summit of Sacajawea Peak. While there’s no shortage of hiking nearby, ask us about booking some of these exciting warm-season activities to add even more variety to your stay.

  • Horse-drawn wagon ride

  • Guided horseback riding

  • Fly fishing casting lesson

  • Guided fly fishing trip

  • Guided whitewater rafting trip

  • Pizza-making experience

  • Axe-throwing

  • Guided yurt experience with lunch

  • Expert-led astronomy evening

  • Campfire sing-along with local talent

More Adventure: Winter

When winter hits on the east side of the Bridger Mountains, it’s all about the snow. And we get a lot of it. 

Bridger Bowl Ski Area is an easy ten-minute drive away and the cross country ski and fat biking trails at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center are even closer. The activities don’t end there: Winter guests are a stone’s throw from world-class snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing.

Take a Tour of Town

Hardscrabble Ranch is located between the vibrant towns of Bozeman and Livingston, both just a 30-minute drive away. Whether you're seeking restaurants, shopping, or groceries, you'll find it all nearby—while enjoying the peaceful seclusion of the ranch.

Bozeman: Activities and Attractions

Montana State University

Museum of the Rockies

Historic Downtown Bozeman

Livingston: Activities and Attractions

Yellowstone Gateway Museum 

Pine Creek Falls Trail

The Yellowstone River

Explore Yellowstone National Park

Take a scenic drive through the stunning Paradise Valley to visit Yellowstone National Park via the North Entrance.

After a 90-minute drive past the Yellowstone River and picturesque mountains, you’ll pass under the iconic Roosevelt Arch and into the park. Keep an eye out for elk, wolves, and bears in the sagebrush hills, or explore the boardwalks around the mesmerizing Mammoth Hot Springs.

Rest Your Head

Why stay at expensive hotels in Bozeman when the good times start right here? Learn more about the variety of lodging options we offer on the ranch.

Glamping Tents

In Montana, we like to sleep close to nature. Our 15 canvas glamping tents are spaced along Brackett Creek—each with a five-star mountain view.

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Lodges

Large groups can sprawl in our two comfortable lodges. The Brackett and Bridger Lodges have accommodations for 24 guests and include all the conveniences of home.

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Hideaway

Available for bridal party day-of preparations and exclusive nightly rentals, the newly renovated Hideaway is a comfortable and private retreat for guests.

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Let us host your event or retreat.

Invite your friends, family, or team members to Hardscrabble Ranch for a fun Montana-stye gathering.

Photo Credit: Brieter Photography

Weddings

Make our 78-acre guest ranch the center of your multi-day wedding celebration. With event space for 200+, you can invite all your loved ones to join you for a truly unforgettable reunion-style wedding.

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Winter Retreats

Plan a winter getaway for easy access to the joys of winter in Montana. Bridger Bowl Ski Area is an easy ten-minute drive away and the cross country ski and fat biking trails at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center are even closer.

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Family Reunions

Centered around outdoor adventure, Hardscrabble Ranch has hiking and biking trails, fishing on Brackett Creek, lawn games, friendly farm animals, and easy access to Yellowstone National Park.

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Corporate Retreats

Conveniently located 40 minutes from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, we’re an easy choice for teams traveling from major cities. Professionals will build strong connections while hiking our trails and exploring the surrounding area.

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Photo Credit: Bozeman Media Design

Dude Ranch

Come experience the best parts of life on our working ranch. We offer guests the opportunity to explore on horseback and visit with our yaks and other animals. After a day of riding, relax in an Adirondack chair or make s’mores over the outdoor firepit.

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  • Rates

    We offer overnight accommodations at the best rates around.

  • FAQs

    Find answers to commonly asked questions.

  • Contact the Ranch

    We look forward to helping you plan your visit.