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Battle Creek Ranch
Montana
USA
Battle Creek Ranch, located in Montana, 40 miles west of Townsend and 20 miles south of White Sulfur Springs, lies at nearly 6000 feet of elevation with warm summer days as a rule and cool summer nights.
Battle Creek is a working cattle ranch in the heart of south-western Montana and is located in the area referred to as the "Sixteen Country" in Ivan Doig's best selling book, "This House of Sky".
We, as owners of this particular land, have not tried to change its demanding nature or its colorful history. We have maintained it as a working cattle ranch over the years and have done all that we can to preserve its rustic beauty. The Ranch at Battle Creek is a part of that history featuring a rustic, though very comfortable, "hand hewn" log home nearly 100 years old.
Working Ranch Cattle Drive, Round Up Riding with fishing options Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Townsend
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Airport:
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Bozeman or Helena
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Transfer:
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Bozeman or Helena
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
12
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodation, All meals & Activities as described in itinerary
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates do not include:
Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1 (Monday): Arrival
On your way to the ranch, stop in Townsend for any needed supplies (liquor, fishing license, etc). Meet and greet, & dinner.
Day 2 (Tuesday): First Full Day
This morning, you will have a safety meeting, followed by an introductory trail ride. After lunch, we gather cattle or take a scenic trail ride.
Day 3-5 (Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday):
Every morning will consist in either trailing cattle or goign on a trail ride. The afternoon and evening activities include many fun activities (hot springs, Ringling, MT, target practice, sight-seeing, cornhole, horse shoe competition, tetherball, campfire, etc.).
Day 6 (Saturday): Departure
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye.
Meeting:
Townsend
Airport:
Bozeman or Helena
Transfer:
Bozeman or Helena
Distance:
80 miles
Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter horses
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Pace:
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All paces according to riding level
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
275 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
12
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Riding Experience
Guests of all experience levels are welcome. However, we encourage you to consider a few riding lessons before your trip to Montana, especially if you are a novice rider, as they will allow you to be more effective on your horse.
Time spent in the saddle varies each day. Be assured, you will get in plenty of riding. If you ever feel that you don't want to ride, that is not a problem. You can relax in the lodge or take part in another ranch activity if you like.
We divide guests into groups of 4-6 people per wrangler and try to group people according to riding ability.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
Townsend area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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34
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39
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49
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59
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67
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75
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83
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83
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72
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60
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44
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34
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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13
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16
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24
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31
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39
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47
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51
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49
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41
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32
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22
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13
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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1
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4
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10
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15
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20
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24
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29
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28
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22
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15
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7
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1
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-11
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-9
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-5
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-1
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4
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8
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11
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10
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5
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0
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-6
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-10
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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1
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1
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2
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4
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7
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8
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5
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5
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4
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3
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2
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2
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Cold waves, which cover parts of Montana on the average of 6 to 12 times per winter, are confined mostly to the sections northeast of Glacier Park – Miles City line. A few of these cold waves cover the entire area east of the Divide, and will cover the State all the way from the Dakotas to Idaho. These cold waves do not hold the dangers they did years ago before transportation, roads, communications, and even heating plants developed to their present levels.
During the summer months hot weather occurs fairly often in the eastern parts of the State. Temperatures of over 100°F sometimes occur in the lower elevation areas west of the Divide during the summer, but hot spells are less frequent and of shorter duration than in the plains sections. Hot spells nowhere become oppressive, however, because summer nights almost invariably are cool and pleasant. In the areas with elevations above 4,000 feet, extremely hot weather is almost unknown. Summer days, however, are usually warm enough for light summer clothing.
We recommend packing the following items:
- Jeans and Riding Boots - COMFORTABLE, DURABLE MATERIAL!
- Hat (baseball hat or cowboy hat with a stampede string to secure hat).
- Warm Coat / Gloves / Clothing you can layer. Temperatures vary from hot and dry to cold and wet.
- Swim Suit and Extra Socks. (Make sure they are comfortable in you boots!)
- Sunglasses
- Rain Gear: slicker, hat cover (optional), waterproof pants.
- Sunscreen and Chapstick with Sunscreen. (We are at high altitude. You will burn much faster here!)
- Toiletries and medications. Lotion or Cream is recommended. Baby or Talc powder is optional in case you become saddle sore!
- ID for fishing license if you intend to fish
**You will have a quick opportunity to purchase alcohol, tobacco products, a fishing license and a few other items upon arrival in Townsend**
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.
Description
Our rustic cabins relay all the comforts of home. Each cabin has its own shower and bathroom.
Please, note that cell service is infrequent. However, don't worry, in case of emergency, we can get to service quickly. If you need to access cell service during the week, we can accommodate you.
There is no Wi-Fi available. We consider visits to the ranch to be a great time to unplug from our devices.
Meals
All meals are included on this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
Meals are served family style at the ranch.
Special Diets
We can happily accommodate most needs with advance notice.
Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter horses
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Pace:
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All paces according to riding level
|
Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
275 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
12
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Riding Experience
Guests of all experience levels are welcome. However, we encourage you to consider a few riding lessons before your trip to Montana, especially if you are a novice rider, as they will allow you to be more effective on your horse.
Time spent in the saddle varies each day. Be assured, you will get in plenty of riding. If you ever feel that you don't want to ride, that is not a problem. You can relax in the lodge or take part in another ranch activity if you like.
We divide guests into groups of 4-6 people per wrangler and try to group people according to riding ability.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
N/A |
Other EU |
Yes |
Visa Required? |
British |
No/2 |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
N/A |
Other EU |
1 |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
N/A |
Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Battle Creek Ranch
Tour Code:
WRMT05
6 days /
5 nights
Dates :
June to August
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
| Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
| Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
| Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
| All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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