This was an up close experience with Larry and Lenny the llamas. We were able to brush, feed, and walk them around the property. Our guides were a blast.

This was a nice ride through some gorgeous scenery. I have not been on a horse in 50 years but I was made to feel comfortable and it's not a difficult ride. Had a great time, and the horses are very docile and know the trails. The two guides we had did a great job, very friendly and knowledgeable.

My husband and I decided to book this horseback riding experience based on previous reviews and the availability that worked with our week visit to the Bozeman area. We are experienced riders, but not professionals or regular riders in any way. To start our trip off, we received emailed directions to the ranch that seemed pretty easy to follow. I would suggest that they provide approximate mileage while on 89 heading towards Trail Creek Road as you're just driving blind waiting for the turnoff that mentions the green sanitation containers and to turn there. For those reading this, it's probably 10-15 miles before you reach that point. After a few turns, you will find yourself on a dirt/rocky/bumpy road for quite a while until you reach the ranch. Our rental car definitely took some abuse! Once we arrived at the "15 minutes prior to your ride" point, we were greeted by Chuck who was our lead guide. We found him to be personable and friendly and got us fitted with helmets right away. Our second guide was Stephanie, and she was equally as friendly and personable as Chuck which we both enjoyed and appreciated. We were matched with our horses, who were John and Dolly. John being the largest horse and Dolly being the smallest. Both horses were calm and good natured which is helpful for a relaxing trail ride. Once the other riders arrived (late) our group was ready to go. The horses walk the entire time for those curious if they run or trot in anyway...They do not. The trail followed the dirt road for quite a while which I felt was boring and disappointing to some degree. We did get off the road and went up a hill to see the gorgeous scenery and had the opportunity to take pictures which was nice. Overall, the trip was basic and uneventful in the middle of mountain views in every direction. If I were to make a suggestion for future trips, I would like to hear the guides offer more information about the area and what you were seeing. That can add much more interest to the rider altogether. Perhaps a route that isn't right along the dirt road, but more in the meadows that are surrounding the area. We saw zero wildlife but did encounter a couple of cows that seemed to have separated from their herd, otherwise, it was just peaceful and calm.

Wonderful and accommodating to scheduling changes. The guides were informative about the horses and area.

The staff were very accommodating, personal and great. The whole experience was really awesome. Highly recommend.

I liked this experience a lot, I was more than somewhat satisfied, but also offer some ideas for improving it for the guests. We saw some beautiful country and had a very pleasant hike of about 5 miles total. Our two guides were friendly and engaging. We appreciated their flexibility and willingness to take us to the ridgetop. We really enjoyed hearing about the mission of Erik's Ranch and the history of the land ownership and land uses in the area on our hike. I read another review that said I needed to bring a truck for the upper road sections before the hike so I was prepared. This really should be noted in the advertising and description sent to people. I think a high clearance vehicle will work in most instances, not necessarily a 4WD. Also, for expectations it would be good to tell people it is a hike to a nice viewpoint, rather than to the base or top of Chimney Rock itself. Not a big deal. I hope more people are able to take this hike with the great staff and maybe we will be back to try Antelope Butte someday. Thank you for a very nice afternoon in the Paradise Valley.

Well, it says no where in the description that once you arrive at Erik's Lodge you will have to drive to another destination. It also fails to say you will need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to make this trip. I booked this trip because none of this information was listed. Once we arrived we were told our car would not be able to make the trip up to the place where the hike starts. So, we were not able to make the hike. Very, key and important thing to leave out of the description don't you think? Really disappointing because we were looking forward to the hike. Did talk to some nice people at the ranch though. Still waiting on my refund.

We found this little gem of a place and are so glad we made plans to visit for a trail ride It is a ways off the main road/highway so don’t freak out if you think you’re lost; you will find it. They give funny directions but get you exactly where you need to go. Our guides Stephanie and Brendan were warm and friendly full of fun facts about the horses as well as the area. It was peaceful and relaxing.

The location and view do not get any more quintessentially Montana than Erik's ranch. The property is stunning, has excellent facilities and is meticulously maintained. I had originally wanted to do their 2.5 hour trail flower ride but it booked up before I had the chance to reserve so I ended up booking just the hour 'trail ride'. It was really nice that all the horses were saddled and ready to go when we arrived. They were careful to pair us with a horse that matched each of our skills and temperament. The 'trail ride' was beautiful ride up a small mountain if you will and then back down through a little valley to the stable. It was pretty short but for $50/person, I honestly did not expect more. It was a great price point to experience the horses and see the stunning views from a 360 perspective for an hour. Pro tip: Book early for the longer ride!

Our group ranged in age from 14 to 80 and were all inexperienced riders. Branden, the ranch manager, took extra care to be sure all stirrups were adjusted properly (i once got a saddle sore from poorly adjusted stirrups). He led on a ride up a butte and and the view was wonderful.Next time I would take a longer ride. Highly recommended for novices, although more experienced riders would also love the trails. All had a great time.

I am a 72 year old infrequent rider. In spite of this Brandon, the ranch manager and trail ride leader, made everything feel easy and enjoyable. The horses were patient with all of us, and between Brandon and the other leader I was able to enjoy every moment of our ride up the butte and along the trails. The views were magnificent and I came away knowing that I would take this ride again if I have a chance. Our group ranged in age from 14 to 80, and we all had a great experience. You can't miss this if you are ever in Paradise Valley.

My trip to Erik's Ranch and Retreat was all I could hope for, and more. Each day offered new vistas and adventures. Trail rides and guided nature tours, hikes and swimming in a huge enclosed pool were there for me to enjoy. Our Safari group ranged in age from 14 to 85. We all participated, enjoyed each others' company and ate one wonderful meal after another. I highly recommend this trip for families, couples and individuals. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.

My wife submitted a review for our stay @ Eriks Ranch...I just needed to add a bit more...It was our Last day @ the ranch and we were due for a regular checkout time but wanted to have a trailride on the property before we departed....Long story shortened Everyone was accommodating and we had our 2 and a half hour ride on the property WOW AMAZING Not only did we get a hassle free Late checkout but pictures really Do Not give justice to the spectacular views Enjoyed Brandon and the young Adult with Autism were very informative and seamless giving us Memories for a Lifetime CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN THANKS AGAIN