Chimney Rock Trail Ride Paradise Valley: Horseback to 7,650 Ft

Chimney Rock rises 7,650 feet above three converging mountain ranges.

A 3-hour horseback ride through Paradise Valley's private trails to Chimney Rock, a striking natural formation overlooking the Absaroka, Bridger and Gallatin ranges. You meet staff at Erik's Ranch, then drive to the trailhead in a high-clearance vehicle before saddling up. A riding helmet is included. Prior riding experience is strongly recommended, and the weight limit is 220 lbs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride to Chimney Rock

• Meet staff at Erik’s Ranch
• Drive to trailhead in vehicle
• Ride horse through Paradise Valley trails
• Stop and admire Chimney Rock views
• Enjoy scenery of Gallatin National Forest
• Take in views of Paradise Valley
• Return ride to trailhead

The experience

You start at Erik's Ranch, where you'll meet your guide before driving together to the trailhead in a high-clearance, AWD or 4WD vehicle. The trails wind through private land rarely seen by the public: dense pine woods, alpine meadows and mountain streams that feel remote despite being in Paradise Valley. The route builds toward Chimney Rock, a giant piece of rock that commands the landscape at 7,650 feet and overlooks three different mountain ranges: the Absaroka, the Bridger and the Gallatin.

Once you reach Chimney Rock, you'll dismount and take a break to absorb the views in every direction. The vantage point sits high enough that the surrounding terrain, snow-capped peaks meeting rolling ranchland, spreads out below you. On the return ride, the scenery shifts as the light changes, giving you another window to photograph and soak in the Montana wilderness. A riding helmet is provided, and your guide leads the pace throughout.

Prior riding experience is strongly recommended for this trail. The weight limit is 220 lbs, and the ride suits travelers with at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Children are welcome from age 8. The entire outing runs about 3 hours, which includes the drive to the trailhead, the ride itself, and the break at Chimney Rock.

What’s included

• Riding helmet.
• live English-speaking guide throughout the outing.
• access to private trails through Paradise Valley and remote terrain rarely seen by the public.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Erik's Ranch

Is this one for you?The 3-hour timeframe fits into a half-day itinerary, leaving room for other activities in Paradise Valley or nearby towns before or after. Prior riding experience is necessary, so this ride suits travelers comfortable on horseback and ready for mountain terrain.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Chimney Rock and why does it matter on this ride?

Chimney Rock is a striking natural formation that rises at 7,650 feet and overlooks three mountain ranges: the Absaroka, the Bridger and the Gallatin. It's the destination of the ride and the vantage point where you stop to take in views across Paradise Valley and the surrounding wilderness.

Do I need riding experience to do this trail?

Prior riding experience is strongly recommended. The trail winds through remote terrain and the ride assumes you're comfortable in the saddle and can handle the terrain.

How do I get to the trailhead?

After meeting staff at Erik's Ranch, you'll drive together to the trailhead in a high-clearance, AWD or 4WD vehicle. The trailhead sits on remote land, so a capable vehicle is necessary to reach it.

What's included in the ride?

A riding helmet is provided. Your guide leads the entire outing and speaks English. You'll need to bring closed-toe shoes, which are required but not provided.

How long does the whole experience take?

The ride runs about 3 hours total, including the vehicle drive to the trailhead, the horseback ride itself, and a break at Chimney Rock to take in the views.