Bar W Guest Ranch: A Year-Round Pick for Solo Travelers
This Montana guest ranch on Spencer Lake in Whitefish is popular among single and solo travelers.
by Darley Newman
One of the draws is Bar W Ranch’s small, family atmosphere, but also the scenic rides. Guests traverse mountains, foothills and open prairies in Montana Big Sky country. Riding events also take place in the indoor and outdoor arenas, including barrel racing, egg races, pole bending and beyond.
Located on Spencer Lake, there are 3,000 acres available for horseback riding at Bar W, a Top 20 Ranch pick.
“A benefit to single women traveling is the small family like atmosphere,” writes Kate Gullickson, who handles Bar W’s outreach. “The Bar W is small enough that travelers do not feel alone and are part of multiple group activities during the week. Not only are single travelers surrounded by other guests but they constantly interact with the staff during meals, activities, and evening events.”
Being close to the resort town of Whitefish allows travelers more options than just the ranch. Bar W is located just 12 miles from Whitefish Mountain Resort, where you’ll find world class skiing and snowboarding, meaning in the winter you can combine a ski and horseback vacation. On top of summer packages, Cowgirl Up and Adult Only weeks are a good fit for single travelers.
Ranch and area activities include team penning and cattle sorting, archery, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, rifle shooting, square dances, Cowgirl-Up weeks, and more.
Single Supplement Lowdown:
Single occupancy rates are slightly higher than double occupancy, depending on which room you choose, whether it’s the main lodge or a cabin suite. The Bar W Packages work under the American plan and include accommodations, all meals, maid service, all ranch activities and facilities and more.
When to go:
Year-round, through a particularly good time is during the ranch’s special weeks, including women only weeks, cattle drives, and photography weeks.
Learn about Bar W Guest Ranch on their website and on their page in the Equitrekking Vacation Guide and Top20Ranches.com.
