In the heart of Montana, lies an experience of a lifetime on an 1800s ranch that transports its guests back in time.
The Circle Bar Guest Ranch isn’t your typical guest ranch. Beyond its rich history and unfathomable beauty, guests have an opportunity to immerse themselves in a world untouched by modern society; in a place where the west is still wild and only a few ever get to experience it. With its season running from the end of May to the first of October, guests can experience Montana at its best in any way they choose, from horseback riding or fat tire electric bicycles to guided tours or hiking. Whatever your preference might be, Circle Bar Guest Ranch has you taken care of. Let’s dive a little deeper into what makes the Circle Bar so special.
Adventures at Circle Bar Guest Ranch
With 520 acres of vast Montana wilderness, there is no shortage of things to do during your stay at the ranch. Depending on your sense of adventure, there are several different ways to see the best of the ranch.
Horseback riding is what the ranch is known for, and this isn’t your typical nose-to-tail trail ride (it can be if you want) but one thing I love about this ranch is they give you the opportunity to really ride and enjoy the land. They have horses suitable for every type of rider and experience level whether you want to lope through a meadow, ride through one of the many rivers in the area, or even go on a cattle drive, your opportunities are nearly endless.
If horseback riding isn’t quite your speed, maybe try horsepower of a different breed. Circle Bar also offers guided UTV rides, not only through the ranch itself, but also the neighboring Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. If you’re trying to see as much country as possible, this might be the best route for you!
If you enjoy stopping and smelling the wildflowers, then you could go for a relaxing hike. There are several caves around the ranch that make for some great spelunking. There truly are endless possibilities. In addition to the ones mentioned, you can also enjoy archery, shooting, fishing, or even the ranch’s fat tire E-Bikes!
Lodging at Circle Bar Guest Ranch
There are several options for lodging depending on what kind of vacation you are looking to experience. For example, if you are a couple or traveling with a friend, it might be best for you to book one of the Buffalo Rooms, located right off the main Lodge. There are three Buffalo Rooms, all with King beds and the suite has a twin bed also. These rooms are great because guests don’t have a far walk to where they gather in the Lodge to share some cocktails before dinner.
If you’re traveling with a small family or even a group of friends, then you might want to consider booking one of the historic cabins that are onsite. There are a total of nine cabins and they each have their own name and personality. These cabins vary in size, so make sure to look for something that will suit your travel needs.
The last lodging option that the Circle Bar offers is a complete Ranch House! With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this house sleeps a total of eight people, which makes it great for large families looking to get away this summer. The Ranch House has everything you need for your stay including a full kitchen and living room. Regardless of where you decide to stay, the experience will be unforgettable!
What to Expect
If you’ve been wondering if the west is still alive, then staying here will answer that question for you. Something magical happens when you step outside of your normal routine and experience the ruggedness that Montana is known for. The Circle Bar Ranch has been able to capture that ruggedness and allow its guests to experience it in one of the most beautiful ways possible. The beauty of your surroundings is just one perk of staying at the ranch.
In addition to the scenery, guests can enjoy the picturesque, red barn that sits on the property. It was built in 1902 and is great for evening entertainment, group activities, or even basketball or badminton. There is also a glass-enclosed hot tub for those chilly nights and a game room for kids, or the whole family!
History of the Circle Bar Guest Ranch
Circle Bar Ranch sits on the first mile of the Judith River. The river got its name from the famed western explorers, Lewis and Clark. On their journey west, on the morning of May 29th, 1805, the men worked their way up the Missouri River and passed the mouth of a “handsome” river and so, Clark named it the Judith, in honor of his future bride. The ranch itself sits at the headwaters of the Judith, where in 1880 a sixteen-year-old Charlie Marion Russell came to the Judith Basin to learn to wrangle and paint, which he did both very successfully for his entire life. His legacy still lives on today, not only in the Circle Bar Ranch but also in the roots of our western heritage.
One of the ways that the ranch continues to honor Charlie today is by taking guided UTV tours to the historic Hoover Cabin. This is a guest favorite as the guides take them up to see the home where prospector Jake Hoover discovered the Yogo Sapphire in the late 1800s. He also happened to be Charlie Russell’s first friend in Montana and lived with Hoover in that cabin for a couple of years after Russell first arrived in the state. This is a guided tour that you can request during your stay, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.
Charlie was a storyteller first, and that was what gave him an edge when it came to creating art. He was able to completely capture the personalities and events of his era and place in the West. It was this unique quality that gave Charlie the ability to play a part in setting the standard for many Western artists after him.
The ranch didn’t start as the Circle Bar though. The land was originally inhabited by the Blackfeet Native Americans who used it as a hunting ground. It wouldn’t be until 1890 that the ranch got its first name and one of the earliest registered brands in Montana, the “S Lazy 4 Bar”.
Over time, it later became the Middle Fork Cattle Company and was used to buy, sell and raise cattle and horses. Then as hunting and recreational traveling became more popular, in 1904 the owners procured a hotel license, as they planned to serve meals and become a guest facility. Then finally, in 1920 the ranch took on the new brand and name of Circle Bar Ranch to bring to life the vision you can experience today.
Learn more about booking a stay with the Circle Bar Ranch at CircleBarRanch.com or call (406) 272-3403. See you in Montana!
All photos were provided by the Circle Bar Marketing team. This article was originally written for the Summer 2022 Issue of Modern Cowboy Magazine. (Previously known as Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine). Catch more stories from this issue below!
