Horse Ranch on the Yellowstone River. Close to Gardiner and Yellowstone Park.
About this bed and breakfast
If you are looking for a perfect base camp to explore Yellowstone National Park and Montana, you've found it! Our guest house is situated on the banks of the Yellowstone River, just 17 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. It is a free standing structure which sleeps 4 comfortably. Stay with us and you'll have easy access to the river, the national park, and the rest of the "Big Sky" state of Montana. *Until the Carbella Bridge is replaced, the home is an extra 4 miles north of Gardiner. Our family raises horses and maintains pasture and grazing for clients. In the summer, you'll witness the everyday chores of a working ranch--irrigating, haying, fencing, etc. In other seasons, breeding and training horses take up good parts of the day. While you enjoy the peace and quiet of this agrarian setting, rest assured that it's a short ride to the amenities of town. We think it's the best of both worlds. National parks, you may know, are not pet-friendly. We offer a variety of kenneling choices for dogs, and corrals or stalls for horses. Guests are free to keep their pets in the guest house, if they wish. Children especially, but adults as well, are encouraged to enjoy our cats and dogs, collect fresh eggs from the chicken coop, watch as horses are trained in the round pen or as ferriers tack shoes on their hooves. It's a safe, fascinating environment, and a welcomed reprieve from the rigors of traveling. We're happy to help you plan your days, in and around the Yellowstone ecosystem. Hopefully, you'll return home with an idea of what life is like on a ranch, as well as many memories of Yellowstone Park and "Big Sky" country. THE SPACE The guest house is clean, comfortable, and has all the basic amenities. The queen master is downstairs with a closet, dresser, and fan. The full bathroom with a stand up shower, vanity, separate toilet room is on the main floor. The kitchen and living room complete the ground floor. The kitchen is fully equipped with a full size refrigerator, freezer, coffee maker, basic spices, oven, range, microwave, toaster, baking and cooking equipment, cutlery, glasses, bowls, plates, and more. A view of the Yellowstone River consumes the east facing window of the living room. Two rocking chairs, a sofa, small ottoman and chest make a cozy seating area. Satellite TV programming and a flat screen TV make winding down at the end of the day easy. Steep stairs lead to the loft with two twin beds, a small seating area, closet and fan. The side room in the hallway has a washer and dryer for guest use as well as all veterinarian supplies for livestock. The house shares a front space with horse tackle and feed. We provide a big crate for your dog should you ever leave them at the house to go into the Park or out to dinner. *Please note it will take 40 minute to get to Gardiner, the northern entrance of Yellowstone Park, until the Carbella Bridge is replaced.*
Amenities
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Map of Montana
Bed and Breakfast in Montana
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsKitchen / Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi, Parking and more
RRRR
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(107 Reviews)
5.0
This home is an amazing place. One cannot find a better, more relaxing spot in the heart of Paradise Valley. This is a true Montana/Yellowstone experience. Close to it all....while also being far away from the madding crowd. Very accommodating hosts, a very charming horse ranch, and wildlife within minutes of the place, the likes of which are rarely seen inside the park. Can't say enough great things about our experience here.
5.0
Wonderful stay and wonderful people! Couldn’t ask for more except to take the horses and dogs back home with us❤️
5.0
A bit of a bumpy road getting to the property, but it was beautiful.
5.0
We stayed three nights here, and it was the best part of our road trip through Idaho and Montana. The hosts were so gracious and helped guide our activities. The kids enjoyed helping with farm chores, playing with the dogs, and spotting wildlife. The cabin was perfect and just as described. We are already trying to find a time we can return and stay longer. Thanks so much!
5.0
Couldn’t have ask for a better stay, Vern & Laura were a wealth of information about the area. The tip on bear watching and the wildlife in the area was a reason our trip was so memorable. Thank you for sharing your home and ranch with us. Would come back a million times. 😎🇺🇸
5.0
Nice property, excellent recommendations from Vern regarding animal watching
5.0
We loved our time at the guest house! The house had everything we needed, and Vern and Laurie were generous with tips about when and where to enter the park, and where we could see bears! Perfect spot for our family to explore Yellowstone. Thank you!
5.0
We had a great stay at Vern and Laurie’s guest house. A comfortable house in a beautiful setting. We really appreciated the proximity to Yellowstone as we visited there quite a few days. We really enjoyed the patio and firepit. We would definitely stay here again.
5.0
Our stay was perfect. We had an amazing time on the Smith Ranch. The cabin was very clean and well kept, and the location can only be described as amazing. The minute we pulled in we felt at home. The kids were able to collect fresh eggs every day, ride horses, and visit with their new best friend, Vern! We can’t say enough about the hospitality and generosity of the Smiths. You will on not regret staying here, except the fact that you will eventually have to leave!
5.0
We absolutely loved our stay at the cabin. The Smith Family went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and made us feel incredibly welcome. Their kindness and hospitality made our experience even more memorable
5.0
We started 3 nights, showing 2 full days to explore Yellowstone. Hosts are very welcoming. The day we arrived, Laurie and Vern sat down with us at their kitchen table and talked about the best way to see Yellowstone. So great to get local advice! Kids loved petting the dogs and horses and collecting eggs! Cabin was comfortable. Great place to relax after a long day of exploring Yellowstone.
5.0
Vern and Laurie Were wonderful hosts. Their property is amazing and we felt right at home. Loved all the animals, the beds were super comfy and had all the comforts of home. Location was amazing with the mountains and ranches.
5.0
Great little cabin right on the yellow stone river. Going to bed and waking up to sounds and sites of river was great. Vern was great showing us things to see and making sure we got the most out ourtime. Dont forget getting to see tge horses and dog, and magnitudes of other wildlife.
5.0
Vern, Laurie and daughter, Tanya are wonderful hosts. They are friendly, down home, hard working individuals. Their cabin is truly a haven for the city weary travelers. If you sit straight up in the master bed, you can see the Yellowstone River. On a moonlit night, the movement and sound of the river can be hypnotizing. I will miss seeing the river everyday and the tall grass swaying in the breeze.
We were quickly enamored with Dobbie, Rose, Coda and Dixie - their canines. We had terrific privacy yet could feel right at home as we see our hosts working on the ranch. They would draw you into conversation.
They are very warm and welcoming people. I cannot say enough to their candor. It made us feel less of a guest and more like a friend.
Smith Ranch is a great home base about 20 minutes north of Gardiner and 38 miles south of Livingston. Their home is at Yankee Jim Canyon. It's fun to see the fishing boats and rafts come by the cabin. I lost track of all the fishing access points but there are plenty.
Make a fisherman in your life happy. Come stay here!
5.0
We absolutely loved our time at Smith Family Ranch. The cabin was rustic and cozy, and we loved being able to hear the Yellowstone River. Vern was extremely knowledgeable on the area, especially with the best places to see animals and hike. We would love to come back!! Thank you for a fantastic few days:)
5.0
Good experience!
Enjoyed the location. Beautiful setting.
5.0
We enjoyed ourselves! Since our whole stay revolved around traveling to Yellowstone-then the north gate closed due to the flood, Vern and Laurie were very helpful in coordinating other things for us to do.
5.0
Beautiful property, beautiful location
We enjoyed ourselves! Since our whole stay revolved around traveling to Yellowstone-then the north gate closed due to the flood, Vern and Laurie were very helpful in coordinating other things for us to do.
5.0
Phenomenal Montana Mountain Vacation Spot
We cannot be more pleased with the property itself and property owners who were beyond welcoming and full of information not to mention providing a wealth of horsemanship education to our family! This is a stunning please to visit!!! Vern and his family were incredibly hospitable while continuing to run their horse ranch, their knowledge of the area and wildlife to us was second to none! We plan to come back as often as we can! My 13 year old daughter would love to spend time with Vern again and soak up as much of his knowledge as she is able! The entire property was maintained at the highest level! This is a A+++ place to stay on vacation in Montana!
5.0
What a pleasure to meet Vern and Laurie and stay at their slice of heaven. They were not only kind and hospitable, but were also a plethora of knowledge about Yellowstone and the surrounding areas. The cabin was perfect for our family of four, we didn’t want to leave! We enjoyed s’mores by the fire pit, home cooked meals in the well-equipped kitchen, the beautiful vistas and the sounds of the river with our morning coffee. Thank you, Vern and Laurie!! We will be back!
5.0
Texan Approved!
What a pleasure to meet Vern and Laurie and stay at their slice of heaven. They were not only kind and hospitable, but were also a plethora of knowledge about Yellowstone and the surrounding areas. The cabin was perfect for our family of four, we didn’t want to leave! We enjoyed s’mores by the fire pit, home cooked meals in the well-equipped kitchen, the beautiful vistas and the sounds of the river with our morning coffee. Thank you, Vern and Laurie!! We will be back!
5.0
We could not have been happier with our stay with Mr Vern and Mrs Laurie!!! We loved every minute of our whole vacation. The house was perfect for our family and the proximity to Gardiner and Yellowstone was exactly what we were looking for. We can't wait to come back in the future!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!
5.0
Fantastic Experience! Great location to Yellowstone!!!
We could not have been happier with our stay with Mr Vern and Mrs Laurie!!! We loved every minute of our whole vacation. The house was perfect for our family and the proximity to Gardiner and Yellowstone was exactly what we were looking for. We can't wait to come back in the future!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!
5.0
Our stay was exceptional! The location is perfect. Jusy off the beaten path, but close enough to Yellowstone National Park and the amenities Gardiner has to offer. We traveled through YNP on our way to the Smith Ranch, and we loved their VRBO and all the area had to offer we didn't go back to the Park as planned. This rental offers so many chances to see wildlife, enjoy the Yellowstone river, and relax in all of Montana's beauty!!
We will definitely be back-planning to make Montana an annual trip. We love it there!
5.0
Paradise
Our stay was exceptional! The location is perfect. Jusy off the beaten path, but close enough to Yellowstone National Park and the amenities Gardiner has to offer. We traveled through YNP on our way to the Smith Ranch, and we loved their VRBO and all the area had to offer we didn't go back to the Park as planned. This rental offers so many chances to see wildlife, enjoy the Yellowstone river, and relax in all of Montana's beauty!!
We will definitely be back-planning to make Montana an annual trip. We love it there!
5.0
Stunning views
The location was perfect for us. Off the beaten path, marvelous view of the river, and comfortable accommodations. We loved our stay!
5.0
We arrived after doing a Northwest National Park circuit. What a wonderful private accommodation to relax and regroup. We were welcomed with a surprise basket filled with lots of goodies along with fresh farm eggs! The location is perfect for viewing locale wildlife within a short drive or just relaxing by the river. Daily walks along the country roads to ponder the Wild West of the past is a must! The communication with the host family whether through email with or in person was flawless! Thank you for a great stay!
5.0
Relaxing Rustic Retreat
We arrived after doing a Northwest National Park circuit. What a wonderful private accommodation to relax and regroup. We were welcomed with a surprise basket filled with lots of goodies along with fresh farm eggs! The location is perfect for viewing locale wildlife within a short drive or just relaxing by the river. Daily walks along the country roads to ponder the Wild West of the past is a must! The communication with the host family whether through email with or in person was flawless! Thank you for a great stay!
5.0
Amazing Property & Incredible Hosts
My husband and I LOVED staying here! The property is absolutely gorgeous and is located around 20 minutes from the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. We had everything we needed there as a home base including bed linens, towels, a nice kitchen and washer/dryer. The private patio next to the house is beautifully done and has a great view of the Yellowstone River. Having access to a grill after a long day in the park was great. Vern & Laurie were so friendly and welcoming. They were more than happy to share their local knowledge and tips for activities in the area. One thing I found particularly helpful was the binder located in the house that suggested some of the top sites in the park as well as other information. Tanya was a great property manager who was only a text away if we needed something. Overall, this property served as a great home base and made it so easy to explore YNP. We cannot wait to come back!
5.0
Great location
This property was just as advertised and was in a nice, quiet setting. Beds were very comfortable. Do not let the fact there is no air conditioning drop this off your summer vacation list—it gets very cool at night so you open the windows and you keep the shades closed during the day and there are no issues. This is a great location for day trips and our 12yo grandson had a wonderful time with the animals and his own “private” loft space. He and his Papa had a competition to see who could skip a rock the most times on the river outside. We went up the road about 10 minutes to watch the bears dig for roots. We will definitely stay here again in the future.
5.0
We had a wonderful experience at the Smith Family Ranch. Vern and Laurie were such gracious hosts. Vern gave us fantastic tips on where to spot wildlife both inside and outside of Yellowstone. Not only were the accommodations great, but the location was a perfect launching spot for our trips down to Yellowstone. We can’t wait to plan a return trip to the Smith Family Ranch.
5.0
Pure Heaven
We had a wonderful experience at the Smith Family Ranch. Vern and Laurie were such gracious hosts. Vern gave us fantastic tips on where to spot wildlife both inside and outside of Yellowstone. Not only were the accommodations great, but the location was a perfect launching spot for our trips down to Yellowstone. We can’t wait to plan a return trip to the Smith Family Ranch.
5.0
Loved our Stay!!
We absolutely loved our stay here. Of a two and a half week trip (all on the go), this was by far our favorite place to stay. My only wish is that we had more time here. My daughters loved the the horses, my husband and I loved the setting. Vern was so gracious in taking us out and showing us hotspots for local wildlife (bears!!!) and we had such a great time. Thank you thank you for opening your space to us and allowing us to stay with you. We made memories that will stay with us forever.
5.0
Already looking forward to our next stay. Great home-base for family’ and Vern was very knowledgeable about the area.
5.0
This was a great base location for our Yellowstone visit. We thoroughly enjoyed the Yellowstone River in the back yard and the wildlife nearby in the Basin. Vern pointed us in the right direction to see grizzlies.
5.0
We had an amazing time staying at the Ranch. Learned a lot about the area from Laurie and Vern and what to see in Yellowstone which was a short drive from the North Entrance. The property was stunning and saw so much wildlife right up the mountain / valley. Very welcoming environment and fantastic experience. 5 star touches in a rugged Ranch setting.
5.0
We really enjoyed our stay at the Smith Family Ranch. The surroundings were very peaceful being 20 minutes outside the hustle/bustle of Gardiner. The outer feed room was the perfect place to store all our fishing gear. The cabin was well supplied with everything we needed for cooking, and the basket of goodies was a welcome treat. We would stay there again if in the area.
5.0
Relaxing visit
We really enjoyed our stay at the Smith Family Ranch. The surroundings were very peaceful being 20 minutes outside the hustle/bustle of Gardiner. The outer feed room was the perfect place to store all our fishing gear. The cabin was well supplied with everything we needed for cooking, and the basket of goodies was a welcome treat. We would stay there again if in the area.
5.0
Great Location, Outstanding Hosts!!
Beautiful property and very comfortable. Great location on north end of Yellowstone NP. Wildlife views nearby with wolf, coyote, and bear.
Vern and Laura are great hosts !! Thank you for everything!!
Will stay here again on next trip!!
5.0
We could not have been happier with our stay at the Smith Family Ranch.
The rental was so clean and charming.
We loved the fresh eggs and other goodies on arrival. We really enjoyed our talks with Vern and Laurie about their animals and the area. Our teen daughters were so excited to see the horses and dogs each day. We were able to get so much out of our stay in the Yellowstone area, our only regret is that we weren’t able to stay longer. We hope to be back again one day!
FAQs
How much does this bed and breakfast cost compared to others in Montana?
The average price for a rental in Montana is R 4,567 per night. This rental is R 1,369 above the average.
Is parking included with this bed and breakfast?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Horse Ranch on the Yellowstone River. Close to Gardiner and Yellowstone Park.. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this bed and breakfast?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this bed and breakfast. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Horse Ranch on the Yellowstone River. Close to Gardiner and Yellowstone Park. pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this bed and breakfast is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Horse Ranch on the Yellowstone River. Close to Gardiner and Yellowstone Park.?
We found 7 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, laundry, and balcony / patio.
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