We did a two hour ride with four adults and four children. It was the best experience we've ever had at a day ranch (versus overnight guest ranch). The horses were awesome--easy to ride, responsive, gentle--and the staff was exceptional. The scenery was amazing. We would go back there again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great Montana expereince.
I know...you're trying to decide if you should trust TripAdvisor on this one. Lots of things to do around Flathead. You should definitely sign up to do a trail ride with these guys. Very friendly, gorgeous views, wonderful overall experience. We did a 2-hour ride...that was plenty. I would have been too sore to go any longer...I don't ride horses regularly. They also have a trail ride with BBQ on Thursdays. I really would have liked to check that out.
We had an excellent 4 hour ride with our guide Alex (and guide dog Marty). The horses were quiet and calm and the trail had beautiful views. Alex was very reassuring for the guests who had limited experience with horses. Cecil the owner was very gracious on the phone, even as we made last minute reservations the night before our ride. He explained everything about the horses when we arrived. We had a great time and it was fun to mix our hiking in Glacier National Park with horseback riding.
Cecil and staff were wonderful hosts. They are very proud of their 'family' of horses, most of which are related and have wonderful temperments. Riders were matched with compatible horses and instructions given. Out on the trail we saw deer and had beautiful views. Following the ride we shared great company around a bonfire and had an excellent homecooked BBQ.
We were there just off-season so our guide was Cecil, the owner. We had a lovely 2+ hour ride with outstanding views, good conversation and plenty of quiet time to enjoy the peaceful scenery! Great weather, too - that area isn't as affected by weather systems that go through the mountains. Highly recommend this spot!
Cecil, his staff, and family created a very memorable experience for us. We were on his first ride of the wagon that he made over the winter; it is a great experience for guests who did not feel like riding a horse but wanted a trail experience. Those who want to ride a horse leave at the same time so part of your group can ride horses while the other portion ride in the wagon. Everyone meets at the same time after the ride. If you opt for the BBQ (which you should definitely do!),it is held in a beautiful meadow that he has set up for entertaining chuck wagon style. There were three choices of entrees and everyone liked their choice. A huge fire pit was stacked with firewood and was lit for our enjoyment and also for making smores. Cecil and his chef Chuck had invited some friends over with their guitars so we could enjoy some bluegrass. While we were eating, the horses wandered into the meadow for grazing and certainly added to the setting and enjoyment. I, as well as others, felt like we had just been welcomed into a family gathering; guests were hesitant to leave because we were so welcomed, relaxed and truly enjoying the experience.
For a great trail ride in a beautiful setting on well-seasoned paint horses, Artemis Acres is the best choice in the Flathead Valley. These are well cared for trail horses. Cecil is a 4th generation Montanan and experienced outfitter and his guides are horse people, friendly and helpful. My grandson who has done therapeutic riding got a half hour lesson first which helped him become familiar with his horse and the trail ride with his Dad and guide went very well. The trails on private land were well maintained and the views of the Valley were outstanding. Call ahead to schedule your ride and talk to Cecil about your options. There are many choices and we saw two different family groups take a trail ride together, one group with teens and the other adults. All levels of riders can be accommodated on horses just right for them. Artemis Acres is easy to find and just off the Kalispell Hwy.93 by-pass. At the roundabout at Airport Road go to Partick Creek Road and take a left. There's a sign and orange ribbon on the tree.
40 plus years to be exact. It was mid October when we were out near Kalispell. I called Cecil to see if they were still operating this late in the season. He said sure and we set up a time for the next afternoon. It turned out to just be Cecil, me and my wife on the trail ride. Cecil made us very welcome and very comfortable. The horses were great. The scenery was spectacular. Saw deer and Cecil's dog flushed several grouse. The ride made a great vacation memory. We highly recommend it.
We thoroughly enjoyed our ride with Artemis Acres. The horses were well-behaved and our guide, Alicia, was friendly, informative and a good wrangler. Cecil runs an excellent operation. The costs are reasonable and the ride is more than worth it!
Once in a while you run into people that really care about you, life and their business. This was true with Cecil. As soon as we got there and looked at the horses we knew we had made a good choice. Cecil cared for his herd of horse by the great shape they were in. Others we had seen were either old nags, or so poorly in shape we were afraid to rid them. Not so, here, they were well fed and cared for. Our guide was Liz, although she was kinda new at the job she was a horse person and knew a lot about them. Our only disappointment was the ride was to short. We wanted to ride a half day or even all day, but the trails were closed due to logging in the area. The trails were great the views were better than in Glacier Park! I would recommend this place for your riding, singles, couples or groups, they have something for everyone.