Yellowstone – MT – Ranch Ride

If you are as crazy for the Dutton clan as we are – you are going LOVE this ride.  But what, you ask, is a “pop up” ranch?  It’s truly that – a curated absolutely authentic old world ranch experience that is not on offer to the general public – so grab your best boots and hat and get your reservations in early as rooms (and dates) are limited!

Just over 10 miles from the north gates of Yellowstone National Park in a mountain valley along the Cedar Creek lies the O.T.O. Ranch, Montana’s very first dude ranch. Now you can return to this historic ranch for an exclusive pop-up dude ranch experience that will raise funds to help shape its future.  100% of the proceeds of this special pop-up event will be donated toward the efforts to preserve and restore the historic O.T.O. Ranch, which operated as a dude ranch from the 1910s to 1930s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is an incredible chance to stay at a venerable ranch, enjoy wonderful meals and fun riding – and the icing on the cake – your trip directly benefits this historic Dude Ranch – what a way to make an impact! The O.T.O. Ranch was established in 1898 when Dick and Dora Randall purchased land north of Yellowstone National Park. They offered guided trips in the surrounding wilderness until 1912 when guests became so numerous they opened up cabins, followed by the construction of the expansive lodge by 1920. Considered the “Father of Montana Dude Ranching,” Dick Randall promoted the O.T.O. Ranch heavily, drawing guests to the rustic western experience until the sale of the ranch in the mid-1930s to Gay Randall and Chan Libbey. It was run as a dude ranch until 1939.

During its heyday, the O.T.O. attracted illustrious guests and  became a centerpoint of western architecture, craftsmanship and furniture—including being one of famed western craftsman Thomas Molesworth’s first commissions.

Lodging will be in the historic O.T.O. log cabins with cozy bedding, Navajo rugs, and beautiful appointments. We’ll provide modern glamping- style bathrooms for each ranch cabin.  Meals during this pop-up dude ranch experience will range from Cowboy Cookouts on the front lawn, cocktails and dinners enjoyed in the expansive, historic lodge; or sack lunches out on the trail.  Classic dude ranch adventures await, including horseback riding in the Montana wilderness, sport shooting, and hiking; plus special events, evening entertainment and off-ranch activities.

Not on offer for 2026