Accommodation

There are 8 rooms in total here at the Rocking Z, spread across two buildings and accommodating up to 18 people in total. Each bedroom is spacious and comfortable, with its own bathroom and a natural-gas fireplace.

Dining

Great home cooking is offered at the Rocking Z Ranch – from roast meats and mashed potatoes to chicken alfredo, dutch-oven cowboy potatoes and steak – the food served is absolutely delicious. Fresh fruit is always available throughout the day, and vegetables are served with every meal. The staff love serving freshly-baked goods, so you are sure to find something to satisfy a sweet tooth. Three of the Wirth family are gluten intolerant, and are therefore very proud of their gluten-free cooking, and will be delighted to prepare special meals for guests with specific dietary requirements. Advanced notice of dietary needs is required. Most weeks see a wagon ride and cook-out one afternoon, with great Dutch Oven cooking and a campfire.

Horse Riding

From beginner riders to the very experienced, the Rocking Z Ranch offers exceptional riding for all abilities to enjoy at their own pace. Riding is the core activity at the Rocking Z Ranch, and they are very proud of their horses. Through the use of the Parelli Natural Horsemanship techniques, they have very talented and versatile horses – there is a horse for every rider, and as the staff here at the Rocking Z know each of their horses so well, you are sure to be paired with the perfect horse for you, whose attitude fits with yours. As the ranch has a number of Parelli qualified instructors onsite, you may have the opportunity to improve your own Natural Horsemanship techniques and practice team penning. On arrival at the Rocking Z, you will spend a little time getting to know the staff and the horses, and you will learn what makes your horse tick, and how he likes to be handled. Then, it’s time to head off on your horseback adventure, and the possibilities are endless. From riding in the arena and taking short easy rides up the valley, to long endurance rides through the mountains, up to the peaks, learning how to chase and work cows, or testing out your balance by riding bareback, there really is something for everyone. Cattle work is often available, to put a purpose to your riding skills. You can learn how to move a cow, get a cow to a specific place, to move and to stop. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to rope, understanding the western style in a deeper way.

Children

Children of all ages are welcome at the Rocking Z Ranch. Children aged six and above are able to spend much of their day learning to ride and play games on their horses. Children under the age of six can experience being around horses, and riding in front of a wrangler or parent. Hiking trails around the cliffs are great fun to explore with an experienced guide, and there are also always kittens around the ranch for the young ones to play with. The creek provides entertainment for a great afternoon playing in and out of the water, learning all about the bugs and plants here. The kids’ activities are guided by an enthusiastic young adult, who will make the children feel like each adventure is their own idea, rather than being part of the schedule. In the late afternoon, everyone joins back together at the ranch, and adults and children can play volleyball together before dinner.

Activities and Facilities

The Rocking Z is a very laid-back ranch. No plans are set in stone – the staff will check the weather the night before, and find out from the guests what everyone fancies doing the following day. They will always do their best to make sure each guest gets what they want from their ranch stay, and more. For fishermen and women, the Little Prickly Pear Creek that runs through the ranch is fantastic for fly-fishing, with the home water running from the Missouri River. Brown and rainbow trout spawn in the creek, and it is not unusually to catch a 20 inch brown trout here. Fishing equipment is available from the ranch, but you will need to get a day or week season fishing license from a local fishing shop. Or why not try your hand at shooting? Zach, Ben or Maria here at the Rocking Z will provide great instruction for shotgun shooting at flying clay pigeons, or target shooting with a .22 caliber rifle. If you are after a more traditional western shooting experience, there is also a cowboy style .357 pistol for those who wish to try it, and the staff feel it is appropriate. Ben can also assist you in shooting a bow and arrow, as he is an experienced archer. Birding enthusiasts will be in their element here – there are nearly 250 different species in the area, and the ranch can organise a trip out to a lake 50 miles away that sees a migration of swans and geese in March and April, and again in November and December. The area is also excellent for raptor viewing, with Bald and Golden Eagles spotted almost every day. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars! In June, July and August, guests of the Rocking Z Ranch are often taken to local rodeos, put on by local communities each summer. The ranch will provide the transportation, and you will then pay the entrance fee (usually between $5 - $15) and purchase any food and drink whilst there. Wireless internet access is available in the majority of areas throughout the lodge, including within half of the guest rooms. There is also a ranch laptop and printer available for all guests to use. Montana can be quite spotty in terms of mobile phone signal – texting is fairly consistent but making and receiving calls can be an issue. Therefore, the ranch land line is available for all guests day and night.

Getting to Rocking Z Ranch

The Rocking Z Ranch is located roughly half an hour from Helena, where there is a small airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Great Falls. Transfers are available from Helena or Great Falls at a cost of $175 per car (for up to 4 people), which is payable locally to the ranch. If your flights do not tie in with the arrival/departure times of the Rocking Z Ranch, we will arrange overnight accommodation in Helena or Great Falls. If you are self-driving to the ranch, detailed driving directions will be provided, as sat-nav systems cannot be depended on in this area.