The Bar W
The Bar W is nestled at the base of Spencer Mountain, between two pine-covered ridges. The ranch consists of a 6,200-square-foot lodge, guest cabins (on the way), indoor and outdoor horseback-riding arenas, stables, a barn, an entertainment area and a gazebo on the lake – all helping to make the Bar W an idyllic piece of paradise for our guests to soak in all year long…

About Our Horseback Riding
The Bar W has developed the most advanced and diverse equestrian program in the West. As you may have already guessed the Bar W Guest Ranch is a very horse oriented ranch with a diverse horseback riding program and some of the most experienced training available anywhere. The Bar W offers riding in the mountainous terrain surrounding the ranch, the foothill country of the Rocky Mountain Front range, and the wide-open prairie of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, in addition to our indoor and outdoor arenas. The Bar W is a horseman's dream

What Are The Riding Facilities Like At The Bar W?
The Bar W has a top-notch equestrian facility with the ability to support riders of all capabilities. The Indoor arena 60X100 is heated and can be utilized all year round to improve riding skills, take lessons, take part in scheduled clinics or watch a trainer work with the horses. The outdoor arena 136 X 232 is a true western style arena where we conduct clinics, give lessons, and do ranch sorting and team penning with cattle. The arena is a great place to improve on your horsemanship and to try out barrel racing and other fun activities.

In addition to the exciting and challenging ranch sorting and team penning in the arena, some cattle work is also available on the ranch. Your vacation on horseback will begin with the proper matching up of you and one of our well-trained ranch horses, followed by a morning clinic. The clinic is designed to help you begin to get your "seat." Emphasis is always placed on your safety and the welfare of the horse. That's the idea. By the end of the first morning you'll be doing barrel patterns in the arena and ready to begin putting on the miles.

About The Lodging
The main lodge is 6,200 square feet of classic elegance and traditional western informality. The lodge has 6 bedrooms, three common areas, and a game room. There is no shortage of great views from the decks that overlook the back horse pasture, the arena, and even the wildlife rich wetlands surrounding Spencer Lake. All in all, the Lodge can sleep 18-22 people. In addition there are 2 lovely cabins overlooking the east pasture being built in 2006 by skilled Amish craftsmen.

Do You Offer Special Vacation Packages?
Absolutely! At the Bar W we offer you special vacation packages depending upon your preference and what kind of experience you would like to have at our ranch. Some of our packages include:

• Cowgirl Up- The "Cowgirl Up" is an all-inclusive woman's adventure retreat in keeping with the simple yet elegant Bar W style. Before exploring close to a million acres of trails, your get-a-way starts with a "Saddle Up" horsemanship clinic in the arena where you’ll choose your horse and find your seat. Each and everyday you can ride to your hearts delight with one of our expert wranglers - or not - perhaps you just want to kick back relax and let Montana surround you.

• Glacier/Yellowstone Package- The Bar W Guest Ranch – Whitefish, Montana has teamed up with the Covered Wagon Ranch – Big Sky, Montana to offer you a very special vacation package. Experience the jaw dropping beauty of both Glacier National and Yellowstone National Parks in one absolutely spectacular vacation.

How Is The Food?
The Bar W not only offers a celestial vacation for the soul and body, it also takes your palate to places that are out of this world.  We have a great menu with an excellent array of ranch-inspired dishes.  We always serve a full breakfast, including juice, fruit and a marvelous selection of egg dishes, bacon, sausage, ham, muffins, waffles, hotcakes and coffee cakes are all available.  Montana Coffee Traders coffee awaits you as you awaken each morning, and we have a wonderful array of herbal and specialty teas available. 

Lunch is packed for the trail on most days and they are full and hearty, with beverages, sandwiches, fruit and snacks.  Lunches at the Lodge include soup, sandwiches, salads and desserts. 

Dinners are served family style or buffet style at the Lodge, over the campfire or lakeside at the Gazebo.  We have a delicious selection of  hot and cold hors'd oeuvres that can be served at the gazebo, in our stable reception area of fireside at the Lodge.  Soups are always homemade, always hearty and always hot...and there is a great variety!  We have hot rolls and whole grain served fresh from our oven!  We have delicious salads and meats available include beef, pork, poultry, fish and a delicious array of BBQ selections.  At your request, we happily accomodate vegetarian and vegan preferences, or other special dietary needs.  Desserts...well, all are homemade and all are out of this world!  Whether its at the Lodge, or over the campfire, our meals are always delicious and always served with a warm smile!

What Do Guests Say About Their Stay?
Bar W Thank you very much! Wonderful hospitality! I felt like a special guest the whole ten days!
Larry

Thank you – great place – hope to visit again. Dave, thanks again for dinner. Regards to Janet, Phil, and Larry.
Steve F

Thank you for an incredible adventure. We had an amazing time and can't wait to come back again!
The Melnick Family and the Marmetschke Family

First time in Montana! Love the Ranch – every one is so hospitable and the views are spectacular! God Bless! P.S. Hank is the man! Look forward to seeing him on the rodeo circuit.
The Patrick Family from Orange Park, Florida

Call The Bar W Today!
Great vacations don't happen by accident! The  Bar W has a horse vacation that will keep you coming back year after year. Pick up the phone or send us an email and we'll make sure to have a room ready and your horse saddled!