Nine Quarter Circle Ranch

Our whole family, including our adult children and grandchildren recently shared a week of vacation at Nine Quarter Circle Ranch. It was the first time our family had ever been to a dude ranch and we had an amazing week! The owners of the ranch and their staff are extremely hospitable and accommodating and they do a wonderful job planning and overseeing activities for all age groups. Our youngest grandchildren participated in the daycare program, while the older grandchildren really enjoyed the "Rough Riders" horseback riding program. Knowing that their children were involved in their own activities and taken care of, allowed our adult children to relax and enjoy themselves with horseback riding, fishing and hiking on their own. They all commented that it was the most relaxing vacation that they had ever shared with their kids and even our grandchildren are asking when they can return! Thank you Nine Quarter Circle Ranch for a magical week! Jeff and Dede DeNooyer and family
Jeff DeNooyer

This place is a rare gem 💎. Being there felt like being with extended family. Surrounded by nature and horses, it was the perfect bonding trip for my son and I. Meals were delicious and plentiful. Staff and wranglers were kind and accommodating. Accommodations are minimal, but you’re not in the room that much. This was of the best and most memorable vacations ever.
Lisa Martinelli

My 70th birthday gift from my wife was a trip to 9QCR with our 5 children, their spouses and our six grandchildren. Their ages ranged from 42 years to 3 months. It was our first visit; we’d gotten (great) advice from close friends who have visited the ranch for decades. Few gifts could have been more rewarding. It was an opportunity to see our children and grandchildren, already close, connect with each other on horseback rides, fishing, or over meals in a way that is harder on a holiday get-together or even a ski trip. Three things distinguish the ranch: 1. The guests are people you’ll like to be around a. The other families—some large and some small—were terrific. From diverse backgrounds and locations, they all seemed to share a love for nature, for their families and for new experiences. b. We quickly connected with each other. There are no TVs, no video games to get in the way, and phones fade into the background. c. The cohort of kids, probably 20 in total, bonded instantly at the barn, playground, kids program and at cookouts. The older kids mixed enthusiastically with the younger kids and with the adults. 2. The activities are run by people who love what they do a. The Rough Riders program gets the younger kids right up on the horses and gives them confidence in handling a big animal on the trail b. Horseback riding was exceptionally well-done. Good horses, capable and interesting wranglers who were patient and skillful with all ages and experience levels. c. Ditto for fly fishing; the ranch is 100 yards from a beautiful tributary of the Gallatin and there are dozens of spots. d. Hiking is self-guided, but there are trails for any taste and the staff gives informed advice. e. The day care for the smallest kids is just what you want—“kid next door” feel and capable. 3. The ranch and its people care about you a. Sally and Kelsey are hands-on owners with pride in what they deliver to guests and the staff genuinely cares about your experience, in their own personal style. b. The meals are superb—you are eager to learn what the menu is for each hearty meal. The format and seating changes each night, so you will never be bored. Meals are promptly served, so kids don’t run out of patience. c. The ranch’s setting along the Taylor Fork River is stunning. The ranch itself is authentic, simple, with comfortable cabins. With National Forests surrounding the ranch, wildlife is abundant and the solitude is genuine. We’ll be back!
William Huyett