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Basics
- Activity Type:
- Horseback Riding
- Length:
- 8 days
Description
The Bitterroot cattle graze on the adjacent national forest land from July to October. Guests who ride well enough can help the cowboys with the challenging work of herding the cows into the mountains the first week of July (the cattle drive) and rounding them up again the last week of September (the cattle roundup). The cattle are spread out over fifty square miles of high mountains, forests, clearings and river valleys so that riders are often off the beaten path in grizzly country where one encounters wild game like elk, deer and moose. Return to a cozy bed in your log cabin each evening.
Length:
Additional Details:
Day 1: Arrive at Bitterroot Ranch in the afternoon. Meet your fellow riders. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Start the day with orientation and an evaluation of riders before enjoying a short morning trail ride. This afternoon guests are encouraged to participate in team sorting in the arena. This helps riders become acquainted with some of the techniques used in working cattle.
Day 3: Today’s ride will cover the Castle Rock section of the allotment. Castle Rock will be towering above all day. Far across the valley riders will see the perpetually snowcapped Wind River Mountains forming the Continental Divide. Stop to enjoy a saddle bag lunch. The elevation today will be over 9,000 ft. with riding through forests and open meadows rounding up any strays.
Day 4: Take a picnic lunch and go looking for cows in the East Fork Basin area of the national forest above the ranch. They could be anywhere in this area of about 15 square miles. The terrain is comprised of the wide, grass covered valley of the East Fork Basin as well as forests hiding many large and small clearings which must be checked. Riding will be at 8,500 to 10,000 ft. elevation.
Day 5: Once again take a picnic lunch. Head up to the East Fork Basin and gaither the main herd of about 185 mother cows with their calves and move them back to the ranch.
Day 6: The morning will be spent gathering, loading and shipping cows. In the afternoon ride to the east of the ranch.
Day 7: Back ride over the Alkali section looking for any strays missed in the gather.
Day 8: Depart after breakfast.
The itinerary for this ride is subject to change and totally dependent upon the location of the cattle. Riders participate in the routine of a working cowboy gathering scattered cattle, driving them down from summer pasture, and sorting animals. This routine is varied and unpredictable but requires long hours in the saddle. Please note that weather, unexpected movements of cattle or Forest Service instruction could change plans.
Customizable Directions
| Formatted Directions | Map |
