You are invited to participate in one of the West’s real cattle drives!  Trail cattle on the same routes that have been used for over 100 years by the ranchers that homesteaded this country.  We are located in the Grasshopper Valley of southwest Montana where the history runs deep and the cattle ranch has been a way of life for over a century.

History: On August 8, 1805 Sacagawea recognized the “Beaver’s Head Rock” and told Captain Lewis that “her people lived on this river or on the river immediately west of it’s source...”  Within a few days Lewis met Clark at what they referred to as Camp Fortunate. There Sacagawea reunited with her brother, Shoshone Chief Cameahwait. Through Sacagawea, Lewis and Clark were able to negotiate for the necessary horses to continue their trip over the mountains, on the way to the Pacific. In July of 1806 Clark returned through the Big Hole and Grasshopper valleys on his way back to Camp Fortunate and the cache of river boats from the year before.

 Montana's first territorial capital, Bannack located in the Grasshopper valley, was the site of the territory's first major gold strike in 1862 and the cradle of Montana's government. During its heyday, Bannack was terrorized by renegade Sheriff Henry Plummer, whose desperadoes murdered 102 individuals and robbed countless others. Bannack's law-abiding citizens rebelled against those atrocities, however. Formation of the "Vigilantes" spelled an end to Plummer's forays. Twenty-eight of his murderous gang, including Plummer himself, was hanged. Some on a gallows previously built by the outlaw sheriff.  The "Toughest Town in the West", Bannack, then faded as new gold strikes lured its one-time population of over 3,000 away.

After the gold rush of the mid 1800's the Grasshopper valley was settled by cattlemen whose families still operate today on the same ranches their forefathers worked. Each summer the cattlemen would trail their cattle into the high country of the Pioneer Mountains where they would graze on the rich summer mountain grass. This same practice takes place every summer such as it has for the past 100 years. You are invited to join us on a real Montana Cattle Drive in the heart of cattle country!

MAIN DRIVE - TRAIL TO THE HIGH COUNTRY
June 26  -  July 2

WEEKLY DRIVE & SHORT DRIVE
Summer months - Flexible Itineraries

FALL GATHERING
Last week September - First day of October

“Trail to the High Country ” - Sample Drive Itinerary  Day 1:  Arrive at the Montana High Country Ranch the first afternoon after any time after 3p.m. Where you will get acquainted, have supper and orientation. Day 2:  After breakfast an introduction and familiarization to your horse and the tack. Basic riding class and safety briefing. Lunch followed by a trail ride. Dinner. Day 3, 4 & 5:  Breakfast, saddle up horses, gather cattle and start them on the trail. Lunch on trail or at lodge. Trail cattle to holding pasture, where they'll be corralled for the night. Dinner. Day 6: Breakfast, saddle up horses, gather cattle and start them on the final leg of the drive. Time permitting, an afternoon visit to Bannack Ghost Town - Montana's first territorial capital. Dinner. Day 7:  Breakfast and depart by 10 A.M.

Weekly Drive & Short Drive:  During the summer months we offer cattle drives every week.  Our weekly drive (6 days) & short drive (3 days), both include one-day orientation - introduction as described in “Main Drive” and remaining days moving cattle in their summer range. This is more the daily tending of cattle, moving them to and from water and grazing areas. Lots of riding, great scenery, a cowboys dream!

Fall Gathering:  The last week of September and the first few days of October the cattle are gathered from their summer high country pastures and trailed back down to the valley ranches. Cool, crisp morning and bugling elk give way to a warm fall day and the task of gathering and moving cattle back home for the winter. Your choice of either 3 or 6 days of trailing cattle.

What To Bring:   Blue jeans, long-sleeved shirts, rain gear (pants & coat), warm coat, cowboy hat, leather gloves, cowboy boots, long underwear, prescription medications, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, bathing suit, camera, film, chap stick, flashlight, extra socks, toiletries and any other personal items you might need. We provide bedding and towels at the lodge and bunkhouse. There is a “mineral Hot Springs” 1 mile from our lodge and a Jacuzzi & Sauna at our lodge to soak those sore muscles in.

Anyone wishing to fish can pick up their fishing license at any license agency in Dillon or Butte. We have a fly Shop at the lodge but do not sell licenses. We don't provide any alcoholic beverages, but do allow you to bring your own for after activity consumption.

Horses:  We begin every drive with a fundamental class and trail ride. The “Trail Boss” and his crew will assess your riding ability and match you to the perfect horse. Our horses are trail wise and gentle. They are working horses used to trail cattle every year as well as daily ranch chores.

Cattle:   We move cattle for three ranches in the valley, DL, Z5 and –T Diamond. Each ranch has different routes and destinations with their cattle and all are real working cattle ranches that date back 100 years. Drive size range from 250 to 500 pairs (cow and her calf). Cattle are moved early each day to beat the heat of mid afternoon. This gives you plenty of time to go fishing, learn to rope or just relax in our mountain paradise!

Price:   Week Long Drives: $2100.  per participant (limit 12). Short Drive:  $1125. per participant (limit of 6 - minimum of 2). Prices include lodging and meals at our guest ranch lodge. Does not include extra days lodging or activity pre or post cattle drive. Professional outfitters, guides and ranchers will accompany you throughout the drive.

Deposit:  A 1/3 nonrefundable deposit is due upon booking. The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival. All funds are payable to Montana High Country Tours, Inc.

If you have any questions, would like to check availability or discuss adding days and activities to your trip feel free to call or Email us. Don’t be fooled by staged cattle drives, we offer real western cattle drives where we guarantee fun and that there will always be more cattle than riders! It’s time to cowboy up with:

MONTANA HIGH COUNTRY TOURS, INC
MONTANA HIGH COUNTRY RANCH
7501 Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway
P.O. Box 460473
Polaris, MT 59746
Phone: (406) 834-3469

Email: montana@mhct.com        Web:  http://www.mhct.com

“Providing year round guide service to Montana's best since 1979!”