Day Trips

Spend a Day Horseback Riding, Hiking, and More!

Choose to ride horseback or hike, and let us be your guide to exploring Montana. You may also choose a combination of horseback riding and white water rafting. Our tours are tailored to your desires, so you can get more out of your Montana vacation. These activities can also be combined in your ranch vacation or wilderness vacation.

Guided Horseback Rides
We offer trail rides on the ranch for 1hr or 2hr. Plus full day with lunch to some of Montana’s scenic locations. Full day rides go to many of the different mountain trailheads in the area. We often see deer, fox, coyote, along with elk, moose, and others on our horseback rides. Rides are offered year round. Mountain rides are offered as long as weather conditions allow.

Saddle to Paddle
Enjoy a combo of horseback riding and white water rafting. Visit Adventure White Water and Absaroka River Adventures for more details on rafting trips.

Guided Hikes
Hikes can be tailored to individuals, families or groups, and persons of virtually all fitness levels. Explore the beautiful Absaroka/Beartooth Wilderness, stop for lunch, and we’ll have you back by late afternoon.

Paintbrush Adventures

5.0

Based on 78 reviews

review us on

Kate V

17:59 16 Mar 25

This was my friends and my first and second time riding horses! The whole time was amazing and felt exhilarating. What a fantastic adventure!Shannon and her daughter Abigail were our tour guides. We learned so much information about the history of the ranch as well as the history around the surrounding areas. We loved getting to know our tour guides and the horses! Not only were Shannon and Abigail hilarious, they were incredibly knowledgeable about anything involving the ranch, land, and history. We also loved learning about the horses and their different personalities! The horses are all so well behaved and know what to do as the trail guides and Wanda have done a fantastic job training them. We also enjoyed walking through the enchanted forest and looking for fairies! It was sobering to learn about the grave sites on the land, and we appreciated how respectful Shannon and Abigail were while they told us about the history of the graves.If there was one thing that would make this experience better, it would be improving communication between employees who book trail rides and the owner Wanda. Even though I already confirmed our reservation and the details with the reservation via email and phone call, I had also received a text from Wanda asking if we were planning on coming. These communication issues were disappointing, especially when it felt like I was getting blamed for not responding to her text in a timely manner and letting her know that we were coming (even though we had already confirmed the reservation via phone call and email). If the communication issues get resolved, I think these adventures would be even more amazing!Overall, even with the communication issues, I would highly recommend Paintbrush Adventures for anyone interested in trail rides, great company, and a fabulous time! We will most definitely be coming back for another trail ride/a day ride! Thanks for an amazing experience Paintbrush Adventures!

Judy DeWitt

01:26 22 Oct 24

Amazing ride, scenery and conversation.

rick johns

20:07 01 Oct 24

Abigail was an awesome host and trail guide. The horses here are very well behaved. Great place for a trail ride.

Jason Kraft

22:23 05 Aug 24

It was my wife and I 14 year wedding anniversary and I had asked if they could put together a surprise pack for my wife and a bottle of Dom these ppl went way above and beyond to make sure our request was made our ride was with sharen and her youngest daughter those 2 made our trip to be amazing loved hanging with them 2 gorgeous scenery challenging trails way more of a ride then we expected if your looking for horse ride where they will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best time call these ppl you won't be disappointed my wife and I will be back and for sure be requesting sharen for our guide what an amazing lady and so much fun her daughter is such a sweet young lady very polite and super smart you could not find a better pair to hang with

Kirsten White

16:11 03 Aug 24

Amber Fletcher Jones

18:04 02 Jul 24

Loved it, and I had an awesome time. I will definitely do it again!

Brittany Thiele

02:43 27 Jun 24

This was a great experience. They were knowledgeable and casual, the horses were excellent, and the scenery was beautiful.

Jessica Bernier

13:53 21 Jun 24

Have a great day out in trail . The guides are friendly and helpful , the landscape beautiful and the horses and dog are a delight . Overall 10 out of 10 would recommend!

Kim Johnson

17:41 13 Jun 24

Last summer my husband and I had a long awaited opportunity to go to west from Panama City FL to work. Upon our arrival to Stillwater county I saw a little red barn with the words "Trail Rides" written on the side. Calling that number changed my life. Lucky for us we had 4 months to make lifelong friends and indescribable memories. If you want to experience the Real west, not the altered, made up version, call Wanda and Tiny at Paintbrush Adventures! Take a trail ride with Sharon Cavender, the best guide Anywhere !! I went on several rides over my stay in Montana that were fabulous but the day ride up the Soiux Charlie trail in breathtaking Nye, Montana was off the charts!Call Paintbrush Adventures today!!

Robert Bohne

16:19 13 Jun 24

BOOK ASAP AS THEY FILL UP FAST!Without a doubt the best horseback riding experience around the Beartooth along beautiful Stillwater creek. Sharon is kind and patient unless you’re mean to her! The knows horses and meets you right where you are at your level of experience.

Anna Deleo

18:45 08 Jun 24

Absolutely a delight! Great horses great scenic route for the price and the ride it’s phenomenal! The guides were amazing! Would absolutely recommend to all ages!

Windy Lady

15:22 23 Apr 24

Brought my grand kids from LA. This is something you shouldn't miss in MT., They are great prices and patient

Autumn Whitener

12:46 11 Nov 23

My mother in law and I went together. Our guides name was Sharon. Wow! What an unbelievable experience we had! Thank you so much! This wasn't just a job to our trail guide, her passion was obvious and not only was she friendly and great to be around she was educational too! I really learned so much more on this ride than i have on any other ride before. If I ever get to come back to Montana I can guarantee I'll be back here to ride with you! Thank you for this amazing experience! ????Autumn Whitener

Sharon Me

14:56 29 Oct 23

Hello Wanda,My mother in law and I were there for a ride Tuesday. I believe our guides name was Shannon but I could be wrong, she had her daughter with her.I just wanted to leave you guys and amazing review but I didn't see where to do so. So I'm seending this message to say, Wow! what an unbelievable experience we had! thank you so much! This wasn't just a job to our trail guide, her passion was obvious and not only was she friendly and great to be around she was educational too! If I ever get to come back to Montana I can guarantee I'll be back here to ride with you! Thank you for this amazing experience! ????Autumn Whitener

Emily Downer

20:51 22 Oct 23

I took a 2 hour trail ride and full day trail ride with Paintbrush Adventures in October 2023. Sharon and Rebecca both ensured I, and everyone else on the rides, were taken care of and had a wonderful time. I was vacationing solo and felt completely safe and comfortable with these great people. The horses were sweet, the views and scenery were amazing, and we even got to see a bear and a bald eagle. Many thanks for a wonderful two days back home in the great state of Montana!

Mark Ramsey

17:57 20 Oct 23

Stayed with Wanda and Tiny at the ranch for a week and had an amazing time. Two of the kindest and caring people in the world and showed me the way of ranching. I will 100% be back.Sharon is an excellent guide and really cares for her horses. Fun terrain on the rides and great views. All skill levels will have a great time.

Joshua Bantam

16:49 18 Oct 23

Very good group! Ride guide was fun and kept the conversation going. She kept the whole ride entertaining, fun, and even mixed a bit of education in. The horses were well-trained and very well behaved.You can tell Paintbrush Adventures takes good care of their animals, and there's a bond of trust built.Thank you for a very pleasant experience!

Monique Crapper

21:55 23 Sep 23

What a unique piece of paradise! My family from Australia visited so we decided on a ranch stay in Montana and Wanda and Tini treated us to an unforgettable experience. Trail riding everyday was a highlight as we got to explore the breathtaking Beartooth Mountains. The sound of the Stillwater was majestic, the food delicious and the special meetings Wanda arranged so we could learn from local farmers was so thoughtful. The entire team at Paintbrush Adventures are kind, friendly and fun. Special shout-out to Sharron! I hope we’ll be back!

Razzi

20:40 10 Sep 23

My boyfriend and his parents are regular horse riders, but as it was my first time, they brought me here. The horses were so well trained! I couldn't have asked for a better experience, especially as someone who has a totally (ir)rational fear of heights.

Rene Younger

22:58 13 Aug 23

What an amazing morning! Sharon, Abigail, and Sophie were awesome guides for the 2 hour ride. Beautiful scenery, mountains, and eagles. The horses were fitted to each rider for the best ride. We had 4 children (5-10 y/o) and they thought it was a perfect day! Special shout out to Abigail as she ponied our young grandson and engaged him the whole time. Thanks for a great experience!!

Shane Langemeier

23:21 21 Jul 23

Our family spent six wonderful days with Paintbrush Adventures in July 2023. 3 days in their beautiful cabin sitting along the Stillwater River and 3 days on horseback with their mountain pack trip. I cannot say enough about Wanda, Tiny, Troy, Meagan, Jace and their entire crew at Paintbrush. Amazing country and people. Come visit soon. You will not be disappointed.

Jennifer Smith

20:17 21 Jun 23

Took a horseback ride with Paintbrush Adventures as park of a Saddle and Paddle package. Highly recommend! Friendly and knowledgeable guides. Gorgeous area.

Karen Kennedy

03:53 20 Jun 23

My girl friend and I took a trip out west from Columbus, Ohio. We booked a trail ride with Paintbrush Adventures. Our guide's name was Tiny and he was fantastic. I had been in a horseback riding accident 11 years ago, with a helicopter ride and an ICU stay. Had not ridden out side a fence until this ride. Tiny was so careful and gave me the most wonderful horse, Sherpa. We roade for 2 hours and I crossed a bridge and I had not done that since the helicopter ride. A very memoriable time.

RAY GRANGER

20:37 03 May 23

Scheduled a 2 hour ride today for two. Had a great relaxing ride. Beautiful views of the mountains and deer. First time rider here and was a little nervous at first. Horses were beautiful and well trained. Would definitely do it again!

Kathy Seymore

15:40 02 May 23

My husband and I absolutely loved it! Our guides were amazing. Definitely will do this again when we are back in Montana.

Marina Mitchell

12:20 20 Aug 22

What an amazing adventure we had with Paintbrush Adventures! My husband and I have been home for a week but, we are both still living off emotions and stories from our Pack Trip. Paintbrush Adventures Pack Trip was above and beyond anything we could could have imagine. I would highly recommend this Ranch to anyone. WE WILL BE BACK!

Stephen Merritt

19:45 07 Aug 22

Great horseback riding place offering rides along the river or as we were told could also do day and multiple day rides into the mountains. Very friendly people made for an enjoyable time.

Arbuckles Adventures

01:06 12 Jul 22

You won't be disappointed!

Chris Woolston

15:42 20 Feb 22

The Stillwater cabin sits on a beautiful stretch of river. You likely won't see any other fishermen except for maybe the occasional bald eagle, but the fishing is so good it would draw crowds just about anywhere else. Wanda offers true Montana hospitality. This isn't a resort. It's a real place for a real stay.

Scotty Thompson

21:45 05 Oct 21

Sharon took my father and I on a two hour trail ride and it was fantastic. 5 of 5 would recommend to anyone looking to see the countryside from a horseback point of view.

Kaitlin Winchell

21:27 04 Sep 21

10/10 would recommend! Beautiful trails and you can tell the horses are well taken care of. Our trail leader and her daughter were absolutely great to ride with. Will definitely be back next time we’re in the area!

SandJ Lund

00:28 19 Jun 21

We brought our two 13 year old girls for a two hour trail ride. They loved it! Their guide, Sharron was wonderful. Couldn't ask for more, a beautiful ride through gorgeous country. Thank you!

Thomas Mead

00:23 19 Jun 21

Our family of 5 went on the 2 hour ride as part of the Saddle and Paddle schedule and we loved it! We are on a year long family RV adventure as a family and this is totally one of our highlights! We were impressed at how all the horses were ready and lined up and at how little time it took for us to do our paperwork. Our guide was excellent! The horses were great and the scenery was amazing! We had places to stop and take pics and the guides helped us take them. It was a great time! I don't think I stopped smiling the entire time! I would recommend to anybody!

Emily Van de Wall

01:00 21 Sep 20

My husband and I booked a 3 day/2 night pack trip with Paintbrush Adventures and it was absolutely amazing! We had never done anything like it before and now cannot wait to come back and do it again. Wanda and Tiny know the Absaroka Mountains like the back of their hand. We felt safe and comfortable the entire trip. It was a breathtaking 8 mile ride into camp, which was right along the Stillwater River. We learned how to fly fish, hiked around and walked upstream with lunch/drinks in our backpacks and enjoyed our time in the wilderness. We loved getting involved with helping with the horses and mules. Tiny was not shy on showing us what to do and how to help! Wanda and Tiny have the biggest hearts, are so accommodating and provide you with the real deal! We are looking forward to visiting them again in 2021!

archerdork

15:25 10 Jun 18

We had a blast on our trail ride, the view was lovely, as was our horses, and Wanda told us a lot about the land surrounding us. I’d happily return.Thanks to Paintbrush for squeezing us in on such short notice!