Covered Wagon Ranch

05/27/2026

Spring Vaccination Day was a success! A big thank you to Dr Tami Parott and our friends, Papa T, two little boys, and a couple of our wranglers who came and helped! It went smooth because of you all!

05/02/2026

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year! We have our crew assembled for the 2026 season and they can’t wait to meet you all. It’s time to get excited for our 101st season. Be sure to leave a comment to say hello!

We're so excited to be welcoming many new and familiar faces back to the Covered Wagon Ranch for our 101st season! Read all about them in their own words, and be sure to leave a comment to say hello!

04/30/2026

After years of just an idea discussed around the Covered Wagon Ranch dinner table, Forever After All became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit! I co-founded Forever After All with Kurt, to fill a critical gap in the equine industry: when horses can no longer work, many ranches and programs lack the resources to keep them, putting these horses at risk. Through a sanctuary model, partnerships, and education, we are committed to ensuring that horse retirement is not temporary, conditional, or at risk but instead filled with dignity, stability, and lifelong care.

Give Big Gallatin Valley is our community’s 24-hour giving initiative, bringing people together to support the nonprofits that make this area of the world so special. This year, every gift is 100% fee-free, meaning every dollar you give goes directly to the organizations you care about.

From April 30 through May 1, I’m inviting you to be part of this incredible tradition by supporting something deeply personal to the Covered Wagon Ranch and to us, Forever After All.
Over the next 24 hours, you have the opportunity to help us build that future.

This link will take you directly to Forever After All’s Give Big donation page with lots of information about the non-profit. Remember that Donations to 501(c)(3) are tax-deductible as allowed by law. https://www.givebiggv.org/organizations/forever-after-all

Your donation—no matter the size—directly supports the care, land, feed, and long-term security these horses deserve.

If this mission speaks to you, we would be so grateful for your support.

Together, we can change what retirement looks like for the horses who have given us everything.

With gratitude,
Melissa Puckett
Founder, Forever After All

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. If you have any questions, please fill free to contact me.

I’m ready to support Forever After All on April 30, 2026 during Give Big Gallatin Valley 2026. Learn more about Forever After All and all the other organizations participating in Give Big Gallatin Valley 2026.

04/15/2026

***Now Hiring Breakfast/Lunch Cook***

Covered Wagon Ranch is a small, family-owned guest ranch seeking a Breakfast/Lunch Cook for the 2026 season, June 1 through October 4.

The Breakfast & Lunch Cook is responsible for preparing breakfast to order, making house-made pastries, assisting with kitchen prep, and cooking and serving lunch. Throughout the season, our kitchen serves an average of 50 people per meal, cooking from scratch for both guests and crew. We value calm, consistency, teamwork, and professionalism, and we are very intentional about maintaining a respectful, supportive kitchen environment. It is Monday-Friday with two days off. Salary, room and board, and guaranteed tips.

The ranch is located an hour south of Bozeman, just three miles from the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, with hiking right out the door, Big Sky only 15 minutes away, and some of the best fly fishing on the Gallatin River directly across from the ranch. This is a unique opportunity to cook great food in an incredible setting while being an active.

NO PETS

To apply please fill out our online application

Our Montana dude ranch jobs offer salary, room & board, year-end bonus with riding and hiking on your days off.

04/06/2026

WE STILL HAVE AVAILABILITY FOR 2026!

It has been a bit since I updated availability for 2026 Season! Some of the weeks there is only one cabin left, so it does change quickly.

Family Friendly Time Frames
August 2-8 (six-night stay)
August 16-22 (six-night stay)

Shorter Stay Family Friendly Offerings
Family Friendly Five-Night Stay August 9–14
Family Friendly Three-Night Stay August 19-22

Adults Only Six-Night Stays
August 30-September 5
September 6-12
September 13-19

Shorter Stay Adults Only
August 23–28 Five-Night Stay
September 20–23 Three-Night Stay
September 20-25 Five-Night Stay

Here is the link to our website for rates and policies and more information. www.coveredwagonranch.com

To make a reservation, please call Melissa at 406-995-4237

Our Dude Ranch is located near Yellowstone National Park and provides an all inclusive dude ranch vacations with great food, lodging and fun!

03/14/2026

03/09/2026

***Now Hiring Cooking Positions***

Covered Wagon Ranch is a small, family-owned guest ranch seeking two culinary professionals for the 2026 season, June 1 through October 4: a Breakfast & Lunch Cook and a Dinner Chef.

The ranch is located an hour south of Bozeman, just three miles from the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, with hiking right out the door, Big Sky only 15 minutes away, and some of the best fly fishing on the Gallatin River directly across from the ranch. This is a unique opportunity to cook great food in an incredible setting while being an active, visible part of the guest experience. The first two weeks of the season are dedicated to opening, deep cleaning, organizing, menu planning, and training, setting the tone for a smooth and successful summer.

Throughout the season, our kitchen serves an average of 45 people per meal, cooking from scratch for both guests and crew. We value calm, consistency, teamwork, and professionalism, and we are very intentional about maintaining a respectful, supportive kitchen environment. We have zero interest in a “Hell’s Kitchen” atmosphere, this is a collaborative workspace where everyone pulls together and takes pride in what they do.

The ideal candidate for either position is clean, organized, detail-oriented, and able to stay composed during busy services. Both positions must be comfortable working closely with others in a small kitchen, assisting with food ordering and inventory, and maintaining high standards for cleanliness and presentation. These positions are well-suited for individuals who enjoy being seen, interacting with guests, and contributing to the overall ranch experience rather than working behind closed doors.

Little experienced required-The Breakfast & Lunch Cook is responsible for preparing breakfast to order, creating daily specials, making house-made pastries, assisting with kitchen prep, and serving lunch.

Must have experience-The Dinner Chef prepares a complete from-scratch dinner five nights per week, including an appetizer, main course, homemade bread, and dessert, and takes pride in creating a welcoming and memorable evening for guests.

Both positions are five days a week with two days off and include salary, room and board, and tips. For the right candidates, this is more than just a seasonal job, it’s a chance to live in a remarkable place, work with good people, and cook food that matters.

To apply please fill out our online application

https://coveredwagonranch.com/the-ranch/employment/

For more questions regarding the positions please call 406-995-4237

02/13/2026

Covered Wagon Ranch’s two winter employees cleaning the trailer out after a trip to the vet.

02/11/2026

When you see guests and just know snacks are coming.
photo by