The 10 Best Tours in Livingston, Montana (MT)

For a truly authentic western experience, nothing beats touring Erik’s Ranch from atop a horse. From early settlers to John Wayne himself, people have found there’s no better way to see, smell, and experience the Wild West! Enjoy time away from life’s stress as you meander the beautiful grounds of Erik’s Ranch. Our trail rides offer a truly exhilarating experience, as you are surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside that Montana has to offer. When registering, please provide the heights and weights of all riders. It is the Certified Horsemanship Association’s recommendation that the weight of the rider does not exceed 20% of the weight of the horse. We can accommodate a maximum weight of 200 pounds. Please note that if there is a rider with special needs, we will gladly accommodate you with a horseback ride in the safety and quiet of our barn. Please call us directly to book!

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Food and drinks

See for yourself why iconic movies such as “A River Runs Through It” and “The Horse Whisperer” were filmed in Paradise Valley. Ascend switchbacks on Antelope Butte – formed of volcanic rock 60 million years ago and once home to the Crow Native Americans – where you will be greeted to a statuesque, snow-capped view of Emigrant Peak towering in the distance. At the summit, you will also see a cairn standing in reverence – an homage to the Crow Native Americans’ presence on the Butte dating back to the 1880s. Be sure to bring your binoculars – and camera! – as you may have the unique opportunity to view some of Montana’s natural inhabitants including Mule deer, Golden Eagles, fox, elk and more!

Inclusions: All activities, Professional guide

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Gratuities

Grab your binoculars and get ready to head to Tom Miner Basin! Did you know grizzly bears once roamed throughout the entire western United States, through the Great Plains, into Mexico, and along rivers in desert habitats? Sadly, control actions and habitat loss has eliminated them from 98 percent of their original domain in the U.S. But you can still find them in Montana! These awe-inspiring giants tend to be solitary animals, so while there is no guarantee that every tour group will see one, there are usually a wide range of creatures to be spotted! From grizzly bears, to black bears, to mule deer, to elk, to raptors, and more. To view our furry friends from a safe distance, we have a spotting scope and binoculars. If you have a pair of your own, bring them along! Please call us directly to book!

Inclusions: A shared scope

Exclusions: Binoculars, water, snack

Our enthusiastic tour guides are members of Erik’s Ranch, which provides young adults on the autism spectrum with first-of-its-kind living, working, and social environments. They will lead you on this trek to Chimney Rock and back. Along the way, your ears will be treated to birdsong and your eyes will be treated to panoramic mountain views. Our members enjoy pointing out the best scenery to capture with a camera, should you bring one along. So, come meet us and see for yourself why iconic movies such as “A River Runs Through It” and “The Horse Whisperer” were filmed in Paradise Valley. Many thanks for supporting our mission of providing limitless opportunities for young adults with autism! Please be aware that this is a hike, not a walk, and the difficulty level is moderate. Guests must be a minimum age of 6.

Inclusions: Enthusiastic Tour Guide

Exclusions: Water and snacks- make sure to bring them!

Looking for something for the younger members of your family? We also offer pony rides at Erik’s Ranch. Show the kids a sweet and memorable time on our pony or one of the gentler horses. A staff member will guide your child around at a gentle walk as you click away at the camera to forever document their adventure. This is a fun experience that allows a young child the opportunity to ride in a safe and controlled setting. Also remember that when you schedule a pony ride at Erik’s, you not only create memories to last a lifetime for your child, but you contribute to our mission.

Inclusions: Pony, Staff member to guide

Exclusions: Transportation to and from property

Experience the spectacular scenery of Paradise Valley on this guided horseback trek along the Blue Flower Trail. No worries about directions or navigation; simply follow your guide and you can focus on capturing photos of the striking vistas. Each of our members has a passion for the outdoors, animals, and wildlife. They will entertain you with facts about the ranch and the surrounding area. With the majestic Absaroka Mountains as your backdrop, learn about the land’s original inhabitants, the Crow tribe, and the local ecosystem. Be sure to bring your binoculars – and camera! – as you may have the unique opportunity to view some of Montana’s natural inhabitants, including mule deer, golden eagles, fox, elk, and more! When registering, please provide the heights and weights of all riders. It is the Certified Horsemanship Association’s recommendation that the weight of the rider does not exceed 20% of the weight of the horse. We can accommodate a maximum weight of 200 pounds.

Inclusions: Horse, Professional Guide

Exclusions: Bottled water, Snacks

Consider it a wellness hour for you, and the horse. You will get to groom, pet and photograph our horses, while basking in the serene energy of these gentle giants. And the horses will benefit from kind touch and some extra TLC.

Inclusions: Use our saddles, brushes, helmets, and everything you will need for tacking up and grooming your horse.

Exclusions:

While winter may bring cold temperatures, snowy days and a resounding stillness to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, it is also undoubtedly one of the most exciting seasons to go on a wildlife safari. Yellowstone in winter is an extreme, exclusive place. Of the 300 miles of road in the Park, only 50 miles are open to regular vehicles between the months of November to April. A private, full-day winter tour with Yellowstone Safari Co. focuses on this region, the spectacular Northern Range between Mammoth Hot Springs and Cooke City, Montana, where some of the best wildlife viewing in North American can be found. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a region steeped in history and wildness, where nature thrives as it did prior to human settlement. On your safari you will have an opportunity to view hundreds, if not thousands, of large mammals and other wildlife, including herds of bison and elk, gray wolves, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and more.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup, Professional naturalist guide, Private safari, Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Souvenir water bottle, Use of spotting scopes and binoculars

Exclusions: Gratuities, National Park entrance fees. Cost is $20 per person, charged at the gate, subject to change.

Yellowstone National Park forms the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with one of the highest levels of wildlife diversity in North America. Our full-day private safari endeavors to highlight the hundreds of species of animals and plants that call this place home by utilizing the vast knowledge and experience of our naturalist guides. Our guides provide not only the understanding of wildlife habits, and the story of their importance on the landscape. Throughout the day as you ride in our comfortable vehicles, your guide will educate and converse with you about the incredible ecosystem. They will also be attuned to all our guests' needs and desires, and will plan accordingly for walking, viewing, picnicking and moments of wilderness solitude. The use of optics such as binoculars and spotting scopes makes for incredible and personal moments of connection with this wild place. Your guide is at your service to help you have the best experience from start to finish.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup, Breakfast, Lunch, Private safari, Professional naturalist guide, Snacks, Souvenir water bottle, Use of spotting scopes and binoculars

Exclusions: National Park entrance fee ($20 per person, charged at the gate, subject to change)., Gratuities

Immerse yourself in the wildness of Yellowstone’s landscape by utilizing the ancient technology of snowshoes. This tour provides an unmatchable backcountry experience of magnificent winter ecology. Though winter can seem like the least likely time to go for a walk in the woods, it is really one of the most rewarding. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem comes alive as wildlife moves from summer to winter ranges. Snow illuminates the landscape in a way you may never have noticed. Wildlife tracks appear frozen in time, and plants and rivers allow for our reflection on resilience and longevity. On this private full-day snowshoe trek, you will explore the environment in an in-depth, hands-on way. Your expert naturalist guide will interpret what you find and what you see, and you may be surprised by the story that arises.

Inclusions: Use of snowshoeing equipment, Hotel pickup, Breakfast, Lunch, Private safari, Professional naturalist guide, Snacks, Souvenir water bottle, Use of spotting scopes and binoculars

Exclusions: National Park entrance fees. Cost is $20 per person, charged at the gate, subject to change., Gratuities