Barron Ranch

Dating back to 1873, this 5th generation ranching family’s roots are deep in Montana soils, even before the homesteading days. As Wanda puts it, “there’s five generations worth of stuff parked out behind the barn.” Today Wanda Wilcox and her family continue the long standing tradition of sheep and cattle ranching and mindful stewardship.

Wanda Wilcox, rancher and back country guide, exemplifies the pioneer spirit of the American West. She was recognized by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame as a woman who displays courage and the strength of her convictions. They made a documentary called “Kinship with the Land” and it features her relationship with the land from ranching and working with animals to her community spirit and zeal for preserving her heritage.

This hard working family enjoys sharing their love of the ranching way of life and the sheer beauty of the Beartooth Wilderness. They offer customized three to five-day packages. Your choice—stay on the ranch and participate in ranch/cattle work and go on scenic rides, or rough it in comfort and style on one of their mountain pack trips….or a choose a combination of activities and excursions.

• Daily riding, as much or as little as you’d like. With 100 horses to choose from, they can match horse and rider with the best of them. All skill levels of riders are accommodated and welcomed.
• Moving cattle to new pastures and gathering strays in scenic country from the end of May right up to the fall gather in mid-October.
• Non riders can enjoy the cattle roundup riding along in the horse-drawn chuck wagon bringing up the rear and joining the cowboys around the campfire in the evening.
• Rodeos are part of the heritage here, not just an event. Both sons (Ty and Troy) tried their luck on the professional circuit before finding their way back to the family ranch. If you want to learn roping basics (from the ground,), just join them in the arena almost any evening.
• Fish for trout in the Stillwater River that runs right by the ranch house, if you need a break from horseback riding.
Guided Rides as well as Overnight Camping in the Beartooth Wilderness area:


• Scenic day rides with options for guided fishing for all ages at “Sioux Charley Lake” (3 miles)
• Overnight camping to an area near Trout Creek—the name speaks for itself! (6 miles)
• Two day pack trips to “the Meadows” offering great fishing and breathtaking scenery. (8 miles)
• Custom Pack trips– three to five days in the Custer National Forest. Boasts a wide range of fishing experiences, wildlife viewing, horseback riding in unforgettable scenery, and campfire camaraderie.

Excursions

• Yellowstone National Park is a must see—let us do the driving for you.
• “Saddle to Paddle” features a morning trail ride and an afternoon float on the Stillwater River.

Accommodations

• The Stillwater Haven is your 1400 sq. ft. handcrafted custom home away from home. This guest house with full kitchen, 3 bedrooms, and 2 baths, will sleep 6-8 people in queen, double, or twin beds. Located right on the river where the Stillwater and Rosebud come together, you can literally fish from the deck. (Ask about its availability as a Vacation Home Rental.)
• Tent camping on guided pack trips into the Beartooth Wilderness for the more adventurous.