The scenery is absolutely beautiful, the staff friendly and very helpful. We encountered a problem with hot water in our cabin (as we were the first guests there for the summer season), and were immediately moved to an even larger cabin (no extra charge), complete with bunnies living under the front porch! Woodburning stoves in all cabins. Food was very good, desserts excellent. Riding Appaloosas was a great experience for us as we strive to become better riders. Big, strong horses! We were a bit limited on trails as we were unable to cross the raging river at end of the week due to heavy snowmelt from a harsh winter. We did witness a rockslide on the mountain across from where we were riding, that was very cool! We became very close with the other guests, as this is a really nice, laid-back atmosphere. Be sure to check out Kelly Kelsey's home-made kids' jackets for sale at their little shop, they are the cutest things you've ever seen. Tons of bluebirds and swallows all over the property, fun to watch. Overall we had a great experience and the week went by too fast! NO cell service, but can pick up wi-fi OK there.

My family had been going to "the ranch" for over 20 years and when we drive in we always say "thank goodness nothing has changed!". We have made many wonderful friends at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch over the years - guests, staff and the Kelseys (owners) alike.

This authentic dude ranch offers excellent twice daily riding in beautiful country for all levels of ability. The opportunity to see elk, moose, bear, deer, coyotes, sand hill cranes, marmots, etc. on each ride is a daily delight. Some in my family go on the twice weekly all day rides which are simply fantastic. There are opportunities for overnight pack trips into the back country as well. Those who don't like to ride twice a day (or at all) can fly fish, hike, mountain bike, or go into Yellowstone Park.

The log cabins are nicely appointed (not luxurious though) and very comfortable. The food
is good home cooking - nothing fancy- and is served family style. What makes this place so special is the setting, the activities, the fact that cell phones don't work and TVs and newspapers are nowhere to be seen. There are family activities in the evening including a baseball game, hay ride, campfire, square dance. etc which bring all the guests and staff together. Guests at the ranch love the outdoors and go out of their way to share it with each other - "old timers" lead "first timers" up Mt Lincoln's steep slope,show them where to sign in to the mailbox at the top and then lead them off the "edge of the world", down dirt/shale slides that afford the adventurous a summer skiing simulation. Riders share stories of their adventures at the nightly adult only happy hour before dinner. Fly fishermen share favorite flies and fishing holes. Bring a few great books, a deck of cards, a cooler of beer, wine, etc and you don't need to get in your car for a week!

Babysitting is another element we appreciated when our kids were young. My husband and I were able to go riding or fishing, knowing that our children were having fun with the babysitter (ages 1-5) on the ranch grounds, or with the kiddy wrangler on horseback (ages 6-9).

We've met guests who stayed at the ranch in the 1940's through the 1970's, and when they come back they say "nothing has changed - it's great". If you go to the ranch you'll get to experience the freedom of being out of doors, taking in the beauty of the Taylor Fork
Valley, and getting away from all the distractions of "our technology driven lives" - simpler is better!

I was looking for a place to relax and enjoy the out of doors as a single traveler. After a quick chat with Kelly and reviewing the location on Google Earth, I knew this was the right spot! This is a terrific place to really enjoy all that Montana has to offer. The location and scenery is unbeatable, my cabin was terrific, the staff and horses so accommodating. A super place to bring your family, or feel totally comfortable by yourself. Plenty to do, but also just a great place to chill out if you want. Be sure to check out the location of any ranch you are looking at - many are located right on or near the highway. Nine Quarter Circle is FIVE miles off the highway, back in a valley with beautiful mountains all around. Even driving those five miles, you will catch your breath! Don't miss an opportunity to have a real ranch vacation, hosted by real ranchers who are wonderful people.

My family has stayed at this ranch for the last 3 years and will go again this summer. Wonderful family retreat and the Kelseys are fantastic. I would highly recommend this ranch for a perfect vacation.