USA - Montana, Sunrise Ranch

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from SR of on 14/09/2024

No previous riding experience is necessary to ride on the ranch. The rides gradually increase in difficulty and time, so no training is needed before riding out. There are usually two daily outrides of about 2 hours daily, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and during the week there are two full-day rides of about 4-6 hours. The pace depends on the groups' ability. All rides are done on mountain trails with open meadows and small timber trail riding included on most rides.
The pack trip is offered as a part of the rider's stay. An additional fee of $25 per person is payable on site and covers the Forest Service fees. Riders should bring their own sleeping bag and ground pad for the two-day pack trip. There must be a minimum of six and a maximum of twelve people for this activity; the minimum age is 13 years old, 10 years old if accompanied by a parent and has qualified riding ability. Longer custom pack trips are available by prior arrangement.

The accommodation is in comfortable log cabins, all with their own living area and verandah. The main lodge, where the living and dining areas are situated, is extremely spacious and solid with animal decorations and a huge open fire. This building was built as a movie set and opened by Cary Grant. Mobile phone service is not available at the ranch due to the mountainous location, but there is wireless internet access in the main lodge area for guests. The food is typical ranch style and there is little chance of losing weight here! Family style breakfast meals, lighter lunches and full dinners with a separate childrens menu is available. Beer and wine can be purchased in the ranch store, and a stop will also be made at the local shops on the way from the airport so guests can buy alcohol, western gear or telephone cards they need before heading out to the ranch. There is a cocktail hour every day where the ranch provides ice and mixers while the children are taken care of. There is a ranch store on premise for souvenirs and personal purchases. Beer and wine can also be purchased here.

Please note that all the ranch prices are fully inclusive of all taxes, charges and gratuities. Extras that are commonly charged on site at ranches which we include in our prices are: state taxes (2-8%), local town taxes (1-5%), accommodation tax ($1-5/night) and gratuities (12-15% is commonly expected as the staff are paid largely via tips). Our prices include all of the these and are guaranteed not to be affected by currency fluctuations once booked.

Non-rider and other activities:
Apart from the full horseback riding programme with a weekly gymkhana, there are also guided or unguided fly-fishing, softball, horseshoes court, children's playground, hay wagon rides, cookouts, an unheated swimming pool, and an evening entertainment program. For an extra charge, a massage therapist is available.
If you have a rental car Yellowstone National Park is on the doorstep with Old Faithful geyser being about a one and a half hour drive. The ranch will give you a packed lunch, which can be enjoyed, at one of the many picnic spots along the way. There is a tour company who will pick up at the ranch for a Yellowstone tour called Yellowstone Tour Guides in Big Sky, Montana. 
 

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The horses are mainly Quarter horses and with some Quarter Horse cross and Appaloosas and range in size from 14.3hh to 15.3hh. There are about 120 horses on the ranch at any time of which 100 are available for riding. The horses are all ridden in Western tack and the Western riding style is utilised. The horses vary from schoolmasters to responsive. Hints and tips on Western riding will be given particularly on the first day to those with no previous western riding experience. There are usually two , outrides of about 2 hours daily, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and during the week there are two full-day rides of about 4-6 hours. The pace depends on the groups' ability. All rides are done on mountain trails with open meadows and small timber trail riding included on most rides.

No previous riding experience is necessary to ride on the ranch. The rides gradually increase in difficulty and time so no training is needed before coming out. There is a weight limit of 225lb (102kg) for riding activities, and pregnant women are not allowed to ride. Children may ride from 6 years, under this age they will have other supervised activities including a lead-around ride if they are capable.

The weight limit for this ride is 225 lb/102 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The accommodation is in log cabins of a good standard, all with their own living area and verandah. The main lodge, where the living and dining areas are situated, is extremely spacious and solid with animal decorations and a huge open fire. This building was built as a film set and was opened by Gary Cooper. There are 9 single bedroom cabins, 11 two-bedroom cabins, and one each of three and four bedrooms respectively. Some are close to the main lodge while others are more remote and private. Each cabin has a private bathroom en-suite. The 3 and 4 bed cabins have more bathrooms. There is no television or telephone in the cabins, the ranch telephone can be used with appropriate calling cards if necessary. There is a wireless satellite internet connection available for those bringing their own laptop computers.

Laundry facilities are available. Breakfast is served at the table and offers continental and full cooked options. Lunch consists of family style dining with dishes served on the table for guests to help themselves - soup, sandwiches, salad, fresh baked bread, and dessert. Dinner can include prime rib, halibut, pork tenderloin, and steak, all fresh ingredients, and home baked breads and deserts. Children's meals are created to their tastes. Beer and wine are available for purchase in the ranch store. There is a cocktail hour every day where the ranch provides ice and mixers while the children are taken care of. A guest fridge is provided for adult beverages.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. You should be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen on or after 1 March 2011, you are normally not eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Typically the night time temperatures drop to the low 40's F and daytime temperatures are usually in the 70'sF but can reach the 80'sF in July and August. This means it is cool enough to sleep under a blanket and pleasant to ride in during the day.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

BE AWARE: There are restrictions and prohibitions on the import of certain prescription drugs into the US. The USA Food and Drug Administration website contains further information and advice on bringing medicines into the USA.

Medical treatment is expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

You should take suitable steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks. There are occasional outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Health authorities have classified the USA as having a risk of Zika virus transmission in Florida and a few parts of Texas

You can contact the emergency services by calling 911.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in the USA and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

No specific health precautions are required for visits to the USA.

Medical treatment can be very expensive; there are no special arrangements for British visitors. The British Embassy and Consulates-General cannot assist with medical expenses.

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is essential; at least $1,000,000 cover, which includes hospital treatment and medical evacuation to the UK, would be wise. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake including horse riding.

For further information on health, visit the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

In the USA the supply voltage is 120V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).

Camera with plenty of film – it is nigh impossible to video, ride and carry out cattle work simultaneously!
Cameras can be charged every night. There is no mobile phone reception at the ranch (nearest reception is Big Sky or West Yellowstone) but WiFi is available in the main lodge area. A guest phone is available for long distance calls made with either a credit card or calling card. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:

Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Sleeping bag if doing the pack trip
Torch / Headlight
Sleeping bag/pillow/sleeping mat if doing the pack trip
Wet wipes

Beer and wine is available to buy at the ranch store and guests may bring their own. A guest refrigerator is accessible for adult beverages.

This is an 7 day / 6 nights programme available from mid June to mid September. Arrivals are on Sundays and departures are on Saturdays.

Two day pack trips are scheduled each week for an additional fee of $25, payable on site. These trips generally go into the Yellowstone high country with a camp on a mountain lake or stream. If you plan on the overnight pack trip, all you will need is a sleeping bag and ground pad - the ranch supplies everything else.

2025: Sunday to Saturday
Family season: 15, 22, 29 Jun; 6, 13, 20, 17 Jul; 3, 10, 17 Aug
Adult Only season: 24, 31 Aug

Child prices available - please ask your Travel Consultant

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E. Annie Proulx’s three books of Wyoming short stories (“Close Range”, “Bad Dirt”, “Fine just the way it is”)

Mary O’Hara’s “Flicka” triology.

The Virginian” by Owen Wister (a classic one) and

Zane Grey’s Western novels.

C.J. Box (i.e. “Open Season”) and

Craig Johnson (i.e. “The Cold Dish”).

Cowboy poet Baxter Black 

“Where Rivers change Direction”, a memoir by Mark Spragg about life on an early dude ranch.

“Where the Rivers Run North” by Sam Morton, a historical novel.

“The Meadow” by James Galwin.

Lone Star: A History Of Texas And The Texans by by T. Fehrenbach 

Discovering Natural Horsemanship: A Beginner's Odyssey by Tom Moates.

.Monty Roberts books, particularly ‘The Horse Whisperer’

Notes From A Big Country by Bill Bryson and

Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck.Anything written by Nicholas Evans is a brilliant and captivating read, in particular The Horse Whisperer and The Divide.

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com 

Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Like to see some wildlife? The ranch and its surrounding area have quite a selection. Keep your eyes open for elk, moose, deer, badger, mountain lion, coyote, beaver, fox, antelope, wild turkey, eagles and more whether you are on foot or on horseback.

The USA has 4 main times zones - Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Vermont is on EST, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah are all on MST, California is on PST. Weights and measures are imperial although weight is always expressed in pounds, not stone. The US gallon is 3.8 litres in contrast to an imperial gallon which is 4.2 litres. Mobile telephone: 4G and 5G is widely available throughout the US in cities, towns, villages and along main highways with AT&T having the best overall coverage and T-mobile offering better speeds in cities. There is NO cell reception at the ranch, but there is WiFi in our saloon and office. There are still a few rural areas which have the older CDMA telephone networks. To be able to call from these areas we recommend buying a cheap Verizon phone from eg Walmart (from $13) and topping up with credit. Almost all hotels and airports offer free wifi connection.