Exploring Nature: The Joy of Horseback Trips

Yellowstone is one of the most incredible places on Earth, but as many visitors know, fighting the crowds and for a parking spot to see it isn’t always magical. What if you could leave the traffic and crowded boardwalks behind? Imagine swapping the hum of engines for the gentle rhythm of horse hooves on a quiet forest trail just outside of Yellowstone, and experiencing an authentic view of the wild you can’t get from the road.

This is the real beauty of experiencing the backcountry just outside of Yellowstone on horseback. Far from being an adventure reserved for experts, a guided horseback riding tour is one of the most accessible ways for families and first-timers to connect with nature. These horseback riding trips help you focus on seeing the wilderness from a new perspective, feeling the mountain air, and creating a memory that lasts longer than a photograph.

Just a short, scenic drive from the park’s main entrance, Diamond P Ranch offers this exact escape. We provide an authentic Montana experience where you can trade the crowds inside Yellowstone for sweeping views of the of the natural landscape just outside of the park. Find your perfect ride and make it the highlight of your Yellowstone vacation.

"But I've Never Ridden a Horse Before!" 

That’s the number one question we hear, and the answer is simple: you absolutely don’t need any experience for a trail ride with us. In fact, most of our guests are first-time riders or families looking for a safe way to share an adventure. Our entire experience, from the horses we choose to the trails we ride, is designed for your comfort and safety.

A huge part of that confidence comes from our horses themselves. These aren't high-strung show horses; they are calm, gentle, and incredibly sure-footed mountain professionals. They know these trails by heart and have spent years carrying riders of all ages and abilities. Think of your horse as a patient teacher, whose steady pace and calm demeanor let you relax and soak in the scenery.

You’ll also be in the constant care of a friendly, expert guide, making this the perfect West Yellowstone trail ride guide for beginners. Before you even climb into the saddle, your guide will give you simple instructions on how to sit and hold the reins. On the trail, your horse will naturally follow the guide in a single line, so you can focus on the incredible views of the Montana Forests instead of worrying about where to go.

With a calm horse leading the way and an expert guide ensuring your comfort, you have the perfect team for a fun and memorable outing. This focus on beginner-friendly adventures makes our rides ideal for family friendly horseback riding in Montana.

What Will I Actually See and Feel on the Trail?

The moment your horse steps onto the trail, you leave the modern world behind. Our rides don't just go near the mountains—they take you right into the heart of the forest, your gateway to an authentic western landscape. You’ll wind through groves of aspen and fragrant pine trees, with the only sounds being the gentle rhythm of hooves and the whisper of the wind. This is your chance to trade traffic and to-do lists for fresh mountain air and quiet moments of discovery.

As you climb higher, the forest opens up to reveal breathtaking panoramas. You'll see the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and an immense, wild landscape that surrounds the national park itself. These are the views that make for unforgettable scenic trail rides in the state. Wildlife is unpredictable, but it’s not uncommon to spot a mule deer, Elk, or Grizzly Bears in a meadow and forest. Occasionally, you might spot a hawk soaring overhead as well.

Beyond the incredible sights, it’s the feeling of peace that truly defines this adventure. You get the chance to breathe deeply, slow down, and feel a sense of quiet awe. This is what experiencing the backcountry on horseback is all about. 

How to Prepare for Your Ride: What to Wear and Bring

To ensure you can fully soak in the views, showing up prepared is key. The good news is that you don't need any special equestrian gear. This simple Yellowstone trail ride guide for beginners focuses on comfort and safety, using items you likely already have packed. The most important rule is for your footwear: everyone must wear closed-toe shoes. This protects your feet around the horses and in the stirrups.

For a comfortable and safe adventure, we recommend sticking to this simple checklist on what to wear for a Montana trail ride:

• Long Pants: Jeans are perfect. They protect your legs from rubbing against the saddle.
• Closed-Toe Shoes: Sneakers or any kind of boot will work great.
• Layers: Mountain weather can change in a heartbeat. A t-shirt with a light jacket or sweatshirt is the ideal combination.
• Sunglasses: The Montana sun is bright, and a pair of shades will make it easier to enjoy those sweeping mountain views.

You can leave bulky backpacks in your car, as they can get in the way while you ride. Your guide will have a saddle horn bag for small, essential items like your phone, keys, or a water bottle. We've got you covered so you can focus on the fun.

Finding the Ranch: Your Easy, Scenic Drive from West Yellowstone

Diamond P Ranch is conveniently located just 7-miles west of the city of West Yellowstone, Montana. It sits along Highway 20, which is also known as the Nez Pierce Trail. Chief Joesph of the Nez Pierce Tribe traveled this path toward Canada while eluding the US Army with 2000 people and 2000 horses. In 1877, Nez Pierce crossed over what is now The Diamond P Ranch.

As you travel to the ranch, soak in the history of West Yellowstone, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park.

If you are traveling from West Yellowstone on Highway 20, look for the Big Log gate located on Northside of Highway 20. Then, turn South directly across from the log gate.

If you are traveling East from the Island Park, Idaho area on Highway 20, again look for the Big Log gate on the Northside of Highway 20. Then, turn South from the big log gate.

We are trying to avoid crossing the highway with guests and horses, like we have done for over 70-years. We have moved our horseback riding operations to the Southside of Highway 20. This will keep everyone safer! The address is 2860 Targhee Pass Highway, West Yellowstone Montana 59758 

Ready for Your Adventure? 

Securing your spot in the saddle is simple and can be done right from our website. Our online booking system guides you through selecting your preferred ride—whether it’s the popular 2- or 3-hour tour. We also have private 2-, 3-, 4-, and 8-hour tours. You’ll just need to know the number of people in your group, their approximate weights, and how experienced of a rider each person is.

Here's a crucial tip for planning: Yellowstone is an incredibly popular destination, especially from June through August, and our trail rides often fill up weeks in advance. To avoid disappointment and guarantee your place on the trail, we highly recommend booking as soon as your travel dates are firm. This ensures you get the exact adventure that fits your family's schedule and helps you plan the rest of your vacation with confidence.

Once you're ready, you can explore availability and finalize your trip on our secure booking page. We’ve designed the process to be as smooth as our trails, and after you receive your confirmation, the only thing left to do is get excited. As you'll see in countless Diamond P Ranch trail ride reviews, the anticipation of leaving the crowds behind for an authentic western experience is part of the magic.

If you would like an a private, 2-, 3-, 4-, or 8-hour trip, please call the number in the footer. We can arrange this for you. Each offers an excellent private ride experience! The longer rides will take you to the top of the Continental Divide with look outs into Yellowstone, Montana and Idaho.

Please note: all of our rides are guided trail rides near Yellowstone and do not include trips or overnight excursions inside the national park.