Helpful info to plan your trip to Covered Wagon Dude Ranch
We are eagerly anticipating your arrival at the Covered Wagon Dude Ranch! The following information should be helpful to you in planning your stay with us. Check in is 4pm, and check out is 10am, see you soon!
Big Sky Country Weather
While it is impossible to say what the weather will be like when you are here, one thing is for certain, it is likely to change! This said, if you come prepared for varied conditions, you are sure to enjoy your time on the ranch.
JUNE average temps range from 35 -80 degrees with a chance of rain or snow in the beginning of the month! The key is dress in layers, you can always take it off you cannot put it on!
JULY average temps range from 40 – 85 degrees, rain is unlikely in July, but Mother Nature can be unpredictable!
AUGUST average temps range from 40 – 90 degrees and it is usually dry.
SEPTEMBER average temps range from 32 – 75 degrees with a chance of rain/snow in the later part of the month.
Essentially our mornings start out cool, our afternoons get comfortable, and our evenings go back to cool. Dressing in layers is always the best plan. If it does rain or snow, we still ride so if you are visiting the ranch in a time that is more prone to that, pack accordingly!
Suggested Pack List
It is only taken a couple hundred years, but cowboys have figured out how to dress for riding. Taking a few cues from them may make you more comfortable. Below, are some items we suggest packing!
- Jacket/Coat
- Sweaters or sweatshirts
- Light shirts, short sleeve, long sleeve
- Blue jeans (we require long pants when riding)
- Shorts
- Swimming suit
- Cowboy boots
- Comfy shoes, swim shoes, hiking boots
- Cowboy hat or brimmed hat (remember a stampede string)
- Casual wear for around the ranch. We are very informal; guests enjoy dressing up for dinner.
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Fishing Gear: most people in Montana Fly Fish. We have some equipment to borrow but it’s limited. We recommend you bring your own, rent, or go with a guide. We don’t offer guided fishing but are happy to make recommendations.
- Alcohol: BYOB – Stock up in town or have it shipped here. Belgrade Liquor sells alcohol and wine, Albertsons sells beer and wine. Both are on the way from the airport. NOTE: state law prohibits buying alcohol from the liquor store on Sunday, but no worries, you can run into Big Sky from the ranch on Monday! We serve iced tea, lemonade and water, we do not have soda on the ranch.
- Riders are provided with a water bottle to use and keep.
- Helmets: guests have the opportunity to use helmets if they would like. Some guests bring their own. Helmets are not mandatory.
- Forget something? Stop by the gift shop!
Note: There is NO cell coverage at the Covered Wagon Dude Ranch. You can get cell coverage about 15 minutes from the ranch. WIFI is available throughout the ranch.
What’s Included?
All Inclusive Rider Rates include accommodations, meals, maid service, use of our Montana dude ranch facilities, guided hiking, horse and wrangler services daily, riding lessons, and participation in ranch activities. Non rider rates including everything mentioned above, minus horseback riding.
Cabins are stocked with hair dryer, fan, travel size shampoo, bar soap, space heater, wood stove or propane stove, towels, robes, and a cooler – the ranch supplies ice for free.
Saddles have slickers and saddle bags. Riders are also provided a water bottle to use and keep. Helmets available if you choose.
The Library is fully stocked with books, but you may want to bring a book that suits your fancy.
Wifi throughout, but no cell service. About 10 minutes down the road at the Corral Bar you can get cell reception. You’ll lose service when you hit the canyon coming from Bozeman, but it will pick up again in Big Sky, until you lose it again after the Carral Bar.
Laundry Room: Housekeeping and guests share the laundry space. Due to Covid-19, washers and dryers will only be available Wednesday and Friday afternoons for guest use. Tide is available for purchase in the Gift Shop. We ask you to run a cycle of bleach (we provide) in between guest use and remember to sanitize the area upon leaving.
What our Guests are Saying:
“I can’t call our week here a vacation. That simply does not do it justice. It was an experience. An experience that we WILL have again because WE WILL BE BACK.” – Will M.
