The 63 Ranch has been welcoming families, couples and singles since 1930. Founded by Paul Christensen, the great grandfather of the present day owner Jeff Cahill, along with his brother and sister in 1930, welcomed their first two guests from the Chicago area. Today 63 Ranch is still owned and operated by its founding family. A traditional and very real western working dude ranch, guests are welcome to join cowboys in salting, gathering, working and moving ranch-owned cattle. But what if “work” is the furthest from your idea of a “vacation”? Then join a gentle trail ride into the spectacular Absaroka Mountains just outside our back door or take a lope across the sagebrush flats for a real thrill!

Horses out number guests by more than 2 to 1 at horseback riding ranches like this one and we’re confident you’ll admire the quality and condition of our stock. We have mounts for children as young as 6 as well as for the most experienced of equestrians. Ride morning and afternoon 6 days a week over more than 100 miles of trails. Although the ranch encompasses 2,500 deeded acres, our riding opportunities extend over tens of thousands of acres with the Gallatin National Forest and Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness just a few yards from your front porch. Full day rides offered weekly.

Activities

Cattle Drives, Fishing, Horse Shoes, Volleyball, and Ranch Work. Evening activities include live entertainment, square dancing, and weekly steak fry.

Accommodations

Tucked among aspen and pine trees, rustic log and frame cabins welcome singles, couples and families with comfort, peace and privacy.

Food

Wholesome family style meals are included. We are happy to accommodate low cholesterol, high fiber, vegetarian, porkless or special diets for those with allergies with prior notice.

Area Attractions

Yellowstone National Park, our nation’s first national park is just over 50 miles south of the ranch. Whitewater floats, Lewis & Clark Caverns, Custer Battlefield or the spectacular Beartooth Highway are all available as off-ranch activities.

Ranch History

It all started in 1863, when the Bruffey family, who homesteaded what was to become 63 Ranch, first arrived in what was to become Montana Territory. The Bruffey family first landed in the Virginia City area but later moved to Mission Cr. to homestead what is now the lower holding of 63 Ranch. Their son then moved to homestead what is now the location of the guest accommodations. George Bruffey commemorated the year that they arrived in Montana by designing the one iron brand that is still use today on all of the horses. Interestingly, the brand (and Ranch logo) is one of the oldest brands still used in the state of Montana. It's also the ranch’s logo and referred to as a "monogram 63" in which the three is connected and part of the lower part of the 6. Paul Christensen, the great grandfather of the present day owner, was successful in purchasing this brand from the Bruffey family when they purchased the homestead in 1929 and actually named the ranch after the brand. Learn more about 63 Ranch’s history by visiting their website’s history page.