Padlock Ranch

The folks at the Padlock Ranch have been in the ranching business since 1943 when the Scott family put down roots along the Tongue River near the Montana-Wyoming border. The operation has expanded over the years and currently runs over 11,000 reputation beef cattle. The ranch also supports a fine string of horses that know the ropes, and encompasses 450,000 acres.

The scope and scale of this working cattle ranch will refresh and rejuvenate your senses. The expanse of land and sky not only give you beauty, they give you perspective. With the Big Horn Mountains to the west and the high grassy plains to the east the ranch is divided into units which are spread from Hardin, Montana to Sheridan, Wyoming. There is seemingly no end to the open range with cattle grazing on native grassland.

Most guests come here to ride. The ranch offers a flexible schedule with individual attention. Those who choose rugged days in the saddle are rewarded with authentic experiences including roundups, cattle drives, brandings, and riding herd with the cowboys—not to mention incredible views and comfort at day’s end.

• Vast and varied riding is the main attraction. All cattle work is done on horseback and there is riding available every day but Sunday.
• The activities are centered on the daily ranch operations which include gathering and moving cattle, sorting, branding and shipping.
• Chuck Wagon Branding Camp is keeping the traditions of Western ranching alive during the month of June. As featured in the Western Horseman magazine, guests camp in wall tents, eat chuck wagon breakfast with the cowboys, and trot out with the crew first thing in the morning.
• Stockmanship Clinics focus on safe and effective methods of stock handling and the horsemanship skills used on a day-to-day basis at the Padlock Ranch promoting sustainability of the ranching lifestyle both in the arena and on the range.
• Cowboying School –find out if you have what it takes!
• Those who opt for scenic trail riding and wildlife viewing will not be disappointed. Rolling prairie, alpine meadows, Indian reservation, and high mountain forests provide incredible riding diversity.

Excursions

• The Battle of the Little Bighorn Monument is just one of many historical sites and battle fields located in the area.

Accommodations

• The beautiful and spacious Wolf Mountain Bunkhouse has been carefully crafted with log architecture and furnished with cowboy plush décor. Guests enjoy the natural surroundings of this remote location from their private deck or the hot tub. Adults only. Capacity 5 – 10.
• Seasonal Cow Camp Bunkhouse and/or wall tent accommodations are available for smaller groups who prefer a more rustic adventure. Adults only. Capacity 1 – 4.
• Special requests by families are considered on a case by case basis.

Cowboying doesn't build character...it reveals it.

Be sure to check out our new Cowboy School!

Recent guests from Ireland (Dermot and Charlie) earned their “bragging rights” during the Wolf Mountain fall gather and cattle drive and so the folks at the Padlock posted these pictures on YouTube to be shared with friends and family. If you’d like to join the crew next year, just give us a call!