Hit the Trail: Horseback Riding Near Billings
Article by Jessica Plance
If you're based in Billings and looking to experience Montana from the saddle, you don't have to go far. Within a three- to four-hour radius, you can ride across sandstone rimrocks, foothill forests, working ranches, high desert badlands, and even into the edge of Yellowstone country. From quick sunset rides to full backcountry pack trips, here are some of the best horseback riding experiences in the region.
Close to Billings: Easy Half-Day Rides
Bitter Creek Outfitters — Billings Rimrocks
Just minutes from downtown Billings, Bitter Creek Outfitters offers one of the most accessible horseback experiences in the region. Rides take place on a working cattle ranch along the Rimrocks, with sweeping views over the Yellowstone Valley.
Trails wind through ponderosa pine, prairie grass, and sandstone outcrops, giving riders a surprisingly remote feel despite being so close to town.
It's a strong option for beginners and first-time riders, families, photographers (especially for golden hour rides), and visitors short on time. What makes it stand out is its small-group, family-run approach. Fewer tour operations, more Montana ranch experience.
What makes it stand out is its small-group, family-run approach, less “tour operation,” more Montana ranch experience.
Elk River Outfitters — Billings/Pryor Creek Area
Elk River Outfitters offers rides near Billings and toward Pryor Creek, featuring rolling hills, pine-dotted plateaus, and wide-open views of multiple mountain ranges. The horses are known for being calm and well-trained, and the rides are designed to be accessible to beginners while still offering enough variety for experienced riders.
It's a good choice for easy day rides close to town, for first-time riders wanting confidence-building horses, and for scenic prairie and foothill landscapes. They also operate longer excursions toward Red Lodge and Pryor Mountain country, where the terrain turns more rugged and wild horse viewing areas come into range.
Red Lodge & Beartooth Foothills: Mountain Country Riding
Elk River Outfitters — Red Lodge Region
The Red Lodge area is where Montana's plains begin to rise into mountain foothills. Elk River's Red Lodge rides move into more dramatic terrain, creek crossings, forested slopes, and views of the Beartooth Mountains. Compared to rides closer to Billings, this region feels cooler and more alpine, more forested and rugged, and closer to true backcountry riding. It's a strong option for visitors wanting a step up in scenery without committing to a multi-day trip.
Paradise Valley & Wilderness Edge: Immersive Montana Riding
Bear Paw Outfitters — Paradise Valley/Livingston Area
Bear Paw Outfitters offers one of the most classic Montana outfitting experiences within driving distance of Billings. Located in Paradise Valley between Livingston and Yellowstone National Park, rides take place beneath the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains in some of the most iconic scenery in the state.
This isn't just a trail ride operation; it's rooted in traditional outfitting culture, with options ranging from short scenic rides to multi-day wilderness pack trips. Expect beginner-friendly trail rides, small-group or private trips, horseback access to backcountry terrain, and overnight pack trips for experienced riders, all with a strong emphasis on safety and traditional horsemanship. Bear Paw is ideal for travelers wanting a more immersive, less tourist-style riding experience in true wilderness-edge country.
Yellowstone Gateway Rides: Big Country Views
Diamond P Ranch — West Yellowstone Area
Near West Yellowstone, Diamond P Ranch offers rides through Gallatin National Forest with views of Hebgen Lake and the Continental Divide. This region feels very different from eastern Montana: dense forest trails, higher elevation, cooler temperatures, and frequent wildlife sightings. Ride options range from short guided trips to longer, more immersive experiences, making it a natural add-on for anyone already traveling to Yellowstone National Park.
What to Know Before You Go
A few basics stay consistent across most outfitters in the region. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots, and bring water, sunscreen, and weather layers. Expect weight and age guidelines to vary by outfitter, and book ahead during peak summer months. Morning and evening rides offer the best light and temperatures. And always listen closely to your guide's safety instructions.
Most importantly, riding in Montana is less about speed and more about rhythm, learning to move with the horse and the landscape rather than through it.
