My wife and I along with our 15 year old granddaughter spent a half week at the CWR in June. Everything about our experience was outstanding. Cody and Melissa, their two young sons and all of the ranch staff made us feel at home. They were genuine, personable, well-presented, respectful and knowledgeable. They worked to get to know us and that made the experience even more memorable. The food was freshly prepared and delicious. We stayed in our own 100 year old two bedroom cabin. It was authentic, unique and comfortable. While all of these experiences were great, the riding problem was top notch. Over 3 days we probably rode for 10 hours through beautiful country. Our wrangler, Lance, was personable and patient and did an excellent job leading us on beautiful trail rides. One of our best memories is actually the afternoon of our last day there. The ranch let all of the horses out to roam and graze among the cabins and Lodge. It was beautiful and peaceful to have horses roaming and grazing outside of our cabin. We literally walked out and rubbed them. If you want a place where things are comfortable, relaxed, and trail riding focused this truly family run business if for you.

Earlier this year I was invited on a girls trip to Covered Wagon Ranch. While it was a ‘Bucket List’ trip for me, I already had several big trips planned for the year. In the end, I couldn’t say no because I thought this would be a ‘One and Done’ trip and likely not have another chance for a trip to a dude ranch. I am so thrilled I said yes. Words cannot express what this trip with this incredible group of women, this ranch, and these horses did for my soul.We arrived at CWR on August 10th and were greeted warmly by everyone. Melissa, Kurt, and the boys are wonderful hosts and the love and passion they have for their horses is contagious. While I have always loved horses, I had limited experience over my 59 years. I ended up riding every single day and could not get enough. I grew very attached to ‘my’ horse, Pistol. I believe CWR is one of the few that ‘trailers’ their horses, which means they can load the horses (and you) and take you to a wide variety of trails. We rode through Yellowstone on two of the days. All of the trails they chose were magnificent. The wranglers were all amazing, professional, and experienced, (Jessica, Raegan, and Carissa – I can’t say enough how much they contributed to the experience).The cabins are exceptionally clean and comfortable. This city girl was even ok without a lock on the door. The food was amazing, fresh, and plentiful. Coffee was always on, even at the crack of dawn. If you are looking for a ‘dude ranch’ experience that is focused on horseback riding, look no further. As I mentioned, I thought this would be a ‘one and done’ trip for me, but I was so wrong. I will certainly be back soon. I will invite friends, but I would also 100% go alone.

If you dream of experiencing Montana at its most welcoming, do yourself a favor and book the Covered Wagon Ranch. We stayed in July 2025 and can’t stop talking about it. From the moment we rolled up the drive, every single member of the team—and even the other guests—greeted us like old friends. Owners, Kurt and Melissa, have hospitality down to an art form, anticipating and fulfilling wishes before we could even voice them. Their crew shares the same spirit: upbeat, patient, and genuinely proud to showcase this slice of Montana. It’s a rare combination: everyone is at once highly professional and genuinely funny, which makes every interaction a joy. Even their kids, Braxton and Sawyer, were outstanding hosts in their own right. Braxton turned out to be an ace ranch transporter, shuttling Joerg with an easy smile. Sawyer joined us on a wonderful hiking day and made the outing unforgettable, delivering every detail of the trail with infectious enthusiasm and humor.  Shandi is a fantastic hiking guide—we spent a superb day on the trail with her. Another highlight for us was a full-day ride into Yellowstone National Park with our wrangler, Dan, who not only crafted spectacular rides but also kept us laughing and taught us invaluable horsemanship skills.  Wranglers and owners balanced safety and fun flawlessly, matching horses to each guest’s ability and sprinkling the ride with stories about wildlife and local lore. Back at the ranch, evenings meant hearty family-style dinners. The food from Chef Kirsten and the entire kitchen team was outstanding from start to finish—every meal felt like a celebration.  Cabins were rustic-chic yet stocked with all the comforts you’d hope for after a day in the saddle. In short, the Puckett family are wonderful, funny people, and Covered Wagon Ranch delivers everything a Yellowstone-country getaway should: breathtaking scenery, top-notch riding, and a team that turns guests into lifelong friends. We left with happy hearts and will definitely be back. We miss all these wonderful people already. Highly, wholeheartedly recommended!

Where do I begin? I’ll start by saying I am back home in NY yet I am homesick to go back to Covered Wagon Ranch - what an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is simply nothing like it around. I was a solo traveler (33F) from NY never having been to MT or out west - reading reviews online I liked that the ranch didn’t seem to be like a “mill” and looked like more of an individualized experience & boy was everyone right. I was immediately put at ease before I even booked when I called the ranch and Melissa spoke with me right away answering all of my questions - she is extremely knowledgeable, responsive & informative. Upon booking she sent a bunch of information for packing/activities/etc. - there were absolutely no surprises and I felt very prepared for the trip & of what to expect - if you miss something it’s because you didn’t read it carefully & that’s on you! My cabin immediately felt like home - it was cozy, clean, and beautifully decorated. There is so much charm to the ranch. Every meal was better than the next. Melissa, Kurt, & the wranglers are the real deal - they know the country better than the back of their hand & I was so impressed by them all. Having never experienced this kind of country I quickly went from being apprehensive to eager to go out every day and explore simply because of how at ease the wranglers made me feel. Kurt & Melissa have a real talent for reading horses & people and paired everyone PERFECTLY with their horses for the week as well as the group I rode with. I have never seen better cared for/happier horses in all my years of riding - I don’t even want to say my horse’s name here (& I won’t) because I selfishly want her for the next time I go but she was really just such a great horse. There are not enough words or space in this review to say how much I loved this ranch and how much I appreciated the kindness and warmth Melissa, Kurt, their 2 boys, the guests, animals, and the entire staff of the CWR showed me. This place will forever hold a special place in my heart & I look forward to coming back as many times as I can!!

My sister and I had the most amazing time at the Covered Wagon Ranch- a 100-year-old family-run dude ranch in Gallatin Gateway, Montana! Our first visit was a three-night stay last year, and this year we made it a full week- a must if you intend to do much riding while there. The owners, Kurt and Melissa, as well as every employee, are wonderful- warm, welcoming, and passionate about ranch life and making sure each guest is happy and having a great time! You're treated like family from the moment you arrive.The horses are fantastic and well cared for. Though we're slightly more advanced riders, their horses are responsive and safe for even novices. The trail rides were nothing short of spectacular, taking us through pristine wilderness with jaw-dropping views. Plenty of wildlife sightings didn't disappoint- elk, moose, mama grizzly and her cubs, deer, sandhill cranes, etc. So if you love horses, ranch life, and ranch folks, a stay at Covered Wagon Ranch is a must. We'll be returning each year, Lord willing!Thank you again Kurt, Melissa, and every member of the CWR family!! See you next year. (But don't tell Lance, yet!)