If you’re looking to escape it all and experience the natural beauty of Montana in a unique way, then you may want to consider staying at a dude ranch.
A Montana dude ranch is an all-inclusive rustic Western experience where you’ll spend your days riding along wilderness trails, participating in various ranch activities, and eating hearty meals.
Your nights are filled with evening entertainment, s’mores around the campfire, and sleeping in cabins underneath a starry sky.
There are 22 dude ranches in Montana and the OTO Dude Ranch just so happens to be Montana’s very first dude ranch. Keep reading to discover what it’s like to stay at the OTO Dude Ranch in Montana!
What it’s Like to Stay at the OTO Dude Ranch in Montana
Table of Contents
- History of Montana’s OTO Dude Ranch
- What are the accommodations like at the OTO Dude Ranch?
- What is included at an all-inclusive Montana dude ranch?
- What is the food like at OTO Dude Ranch?
- What are the trail rides like at OTO Dude Ranch?
- What other activities are included at OTO Ranch?
History of Montana’s OTO Dude Ranch
Montana’s rugged landscapes, expansive skies, and untamed wilderness have long captured the hearts of cowboys, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Nestled within the breathtaking scenery of the Absaroka Mountains just outside of Yellowstone National Park is the OTO Dude Ranch.
This hidden gem offers an authentic Western experience like no other.
As you step onto the well-worn trails of this historic ranch, you’re transported back in time to a bygone era of cowboys, cattle drives, and open prairies.
The historic OTO Ranch was Montana’s first dude ranch and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was first established in 1898 by Dick and Dora Randall. Dick worked as a cowboy until 1888 when he moved to Yellowstone and began driving a stage coach for tourists.
It was here that he first caught the vision for a unique business venture. He wanted to offer guided hunting trips and trail rides for wealthy eastern and European travelers looking to experience the lure of the wild west.
Dick and Dora purchased squatters’ rights to a one-room cabin and this stretch of land along Cedar Creek where they began offering these guided trips.
The guided trips became so popular that they decided to build cabins to accommodate the guests.
In 1912, the OTO Dude Ranch was officially born and began welcoming its first guests.
The ranch continued to expand over the years and a lodge was built between 1914-1920. The same lodge still stands today.
The Randalls successfully ran the ranch until 1934 when they retired and sold it to a former guest.
Operations continued for a few more years until permanently closing in 1939. It has since been sitting relatively vacant until now.
The ranch changed hands a few times over the years until it was acquired by the USDA Forest Service in the 1990s.
More recently, the Custer Gallatin National Forest has been working to preserve the ranch with the help of the True Ranch Collection.
The ranch has been restored to maintain its original charm and it looks much like it did over a century ago.
It is neat to be able to walk around the property and see the remains of so many original structures.
After extensive restoration, the True Ranch Collection opened its first pop-up ranch in 2022 as a fundraiser in cooperation with Custer Gallatin National Forest.
All of the proceeds from the pop-up ranch are donated to continue the preservation and restoration of this historic ranch.
This is the second year that the pop-up ranch has been running during the summer months and the hope is that it can become a permanent operation.
There is just something special about this place.
What are the accommodations like at the OTO Dude Ranch?
While time has marched on, the spirit of the Old West is alive and well at the OTO Dude Ranch.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to step into the boots of the past and immerse themselves in a world where simplicity, connection with nature, and genuine hospitality reign supreme.
Guests at the OTO Ranch will be exploring the same Montana wilderness by horseback and sleeping in the same log cabins that the early guests did over 100 years ago.
These cozy little historic cabins have been updated to seamlessly blend modern comfort with Western authenticity.
You’ll find thoughtful touches, such as a welcome gift bag for each guest, a basket of toiletries, canteens for the trail rides, bedside books, fluffy robes, curated decor, and cozy bedding.
It provides the perfect retreat after a day of adventures on the ranch.
Each cabin has its own glamping-style bathroom that is clean and modern with flush toilets and hot showers.
Cedar Creek flows behind the cabins and you can hear the rush of the river while you’re showering. It’s so relaxing to be immersed in nature’s spa.
You can also hear the sound of the creek through your screen window as you fall asleep under a sky brimming with twinkling stars. It’s pure Montana magic.
Single-room cabins are available with two twin beds or a queen bed.
There is also a two-room family cabin with a king bed and a set of bunk beds.
There is no air conditioning in the cabins, but the summer days are mild and it cools off at night so be sure to keep your windows open for a nice cool breeze.
Just keep in mind that you are out in nature and mice like to investigate the cabins looking for food, so be sure to securely store any food in your cabin.
This is also bear country, so guests are required to take the provided bear spray with them if they venture outside of the main ranch area.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when determining if this is the right kind of vacation for you, I wouldn’t want you to be caught off guard!
What is included at an all-inclusive Montana dude ranch?
One of the things that we love about staying at a dude ranch is that everything is included in the price. There are no surprises or unplanned expenses so it’s easy to budget for this trip.
It is also a great value as it includes three hearty meals each day, drinks and snacks, trail rides each day, a variety of activities both on and off the ranch, and evening entertainment on top of the accommodations.
What is the food like at OTO Dude Ranch?
The culinary offerings at OTO Dude Ranch are a true highlight of the experience.
Savor hearty cowboy breakfasts, trailside picnics, and sumptuous dinners that showcase the flavors of Montana.
Many of the ingredients used are sourced locally, offering a farm-to-table experience that’s both delicious and sustainable.
Some of the food we enjoyed included elk steak, roasted chicken, steak and eggs, grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches, BBQ brisket, strawberry and cream waffles, apple cobbler, chocolate cake, and more.
Each morning, a tray of pastries, fruit, and coffee is delivered to your door for you to enjoy on your porch while watching the day break.
A proper cowboy breakfast is then served an hour later up at the lodge, so be sure to save your appetite!
The meals are served at the same time each day and are signaled by the dinner bell.
The guests eat all of the meals together in the lodge and it’s a great opportunity to get to know each other.
This ranch is smaller compared to some of the other dude ranches in Montana, hosting only 12-16 guests at a time.
We loved the intimacy and connection of the smaller ranch. The staff is also so friendly and attentive that by the end of our stay, we felt like one big ranch family!
What are the trail rides like at OTO Dude Ranch?
The highlight of staying at a dude ranch are the horses and the trail rides.
The horses at OTO Ranch are calm, gentle, and well cared for.
Each guest is assigned the same horse for the duration of the stay. Horses are matched according to each rider’s level of experience, as well as height and weight.
Trail rides are offered each day, some days there will even be a morning and afternoon ride.
Guests can choose between slow or fast rides, which include trotting and cantering.
The rides are typically around 2 hours, but a longer ride around 4-5 hours with a picnic lunch is also offered.
The trails meander through the meadows and pines, up and over ravines, and through streams. It truly is the best way to experience the beauty of Montana.
What other activities are included at OTO Ranch?
In addition to the trail rides, there are a few other activities around the ranch.
This includes archery and target shooting. These activities are led by one of the ranch guides who will teach the guests about safety while helping them sharpen their skills.
The historic lodge also has a billiards room that houses the original pool table which has been meticulously restored.
This is also a great place to pass the afternoon with a game of cards.
The nearby Cedar Creek and Yellowstone River are teeming with fish, and there are fishing poles available at the lodge for guests to use.
You can also find a cornhole game on the front lawn, as well as lassos where guests can hone their roping skills.
Evening entertainment is also offered and includes everything from guest performances to s’mores around the campfire.
My favorite thing to do was to take a nap and read in the afternoon when a summer storm rolled in.
It was so relaxing to cozy up in bed and listen to the pitter-patter of the rain on the roof and the rustle of the wind through the trees.
Off-ranch activities
In addition to the activities at the ranch, there are also a few activities available off the ranch.
Our favorite activity was a whitewater rafting excursion on the Yellowstone River.
The tours are run by Flying Pig Adventures and are included at no extra cost for guests at the ranch. The ranch will coordinate the tour time and also provide transportation to and from the river.
The white water rafting tours are 2 hours long as you float 8 miles downstream on the Yellowstone River.
The rapids range from class 1 to class 4 rapids. The rapids are bigger during the spring runoff when the water level is higher, and they mellow out towards the end of summer.
If you are nervous about the rapids, the experienced guides are great and ensure the safety of the guests.
We always felt safe and never worried about our raft flipping over. It really is fun for the whole family!
You’ll take a bus back to the starting point after you’re done on the river. Be sure to sign your name on the roof of the bus, give “The Boss” a pat on the head, and tip your tour guide.
Day passes and transportation to the Yellowstone Hot Springs are also available at no extra charge for guests at the ranch.
The Yellowstone Hot Springs were the first mineral hot springs near Yellowstone Park and date back to the late 1800s.
The current pools were constructed in 2018 and include a cold plunge pool as well as the hot pools. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a full day of adventure!
When booking a stay at the OTO Dude Ranch, guests have the option to book either a 6-day or 3-day package. The 6-day package also includes a Yellowstone National Park Tour by Yellowstone Forever.
I am hopeful that this pop-up ranch will become a permanent ranch. Be sure to check the True Ranch Collection website for updates.
The ranch is located just outside the north entrance of Yellowstone, National Park so you will definitely want to spend time exploring the park. See our guide 10 Things to Do in Yellowstone for recommendations.
And if you are planning to drive to Yellowstone from Utah, see our guide Best Road Trip Stops From Salt Lake City to Yellowstone.
We also loved visiting these True Ranch dude ranches in Arizona, and I would highly recommend checking them out:
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A stay at OTO Dude Ranch in Montana really is such a unique experience for family vacations, solo travelers, company retreats, couples getaways, or a girl’s trip destination.
It is more than just a vacation, it is a journey back in time to a world of cowboys, wide-open spaces, and the untamed beauty of the West.
As you explore the ranch’s rich history, immerse yourself in daily ranch life, and partake in a range of fun activities, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
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