Parade Rest Ranch Yellowstone National Park: A Complete Guide

Parade Rest Ranch, located just 10 minutes from Yellowstone National Park’s west entrance, offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. This guest ranch features 15 log cabins, ranging from one to four bedrooms, set against the backdrop of Montana’s stunning landscape. With its proximity to Yellowstone, world-class fly-fishing opportunities, and unlimited horseback riding, Parade Rest Ranch provides an authentic Western experience for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation.

What Makes Parade Rest Ranch Special?

parade rest ranch yellowstone national park
Image ‘File:Wildfire in Yellowstone National Park produces Pyrocumulus clouds1.jpg’ by Brocken Inaglory, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Parade Rest Ranch stands out for its prime location near Yellowstone National Park and its commitment to providing a genuine ranch experience. The ranch offers:

  • 15 rustic log cabins with modern amenities
  • Unlimited horseback riding
  • Access to world-class fly-fishing
  • Guided tours of Yellowstone National Park
  • On-site restaurant serving hearty meals
  • Family-friendly activities and accommodations

Where Is Parade Rest Ranch Located?

parade rest ranch yellowstone national park
Image ‘File:American bison in Yellowstone National Park.jpg’ by Frank Schulenburg

Parade Rest Ranch is situated at:

  • Address: 1279 Grayling Creek Road, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
  • Distance from Yellowstone: 10 minutes from the west entrance
  • Proximity to town: 9.3 miles from the center of West Yellowstone

The ranch’s location provides easy access to:

  • Yellowstone National Park attractions
  • Blue Ribbon fly-fishing rivers (Madison, Gallatin, Henry’s Fork)
  • Hiking and biking trails
  • Nearby activities like whitewater rafting and ghost town visits

What Types of Accommodations Does Parade Rest Ranch Offer?

Parade Rest Ranch features a variety of cabin options to suit different group sizes and preferences:

  1. Homestead Cabin
  2. Original cabin built in 1912, remodeled in 2014
  3. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

  4. Creekside Cabins

  5. Creek North and South
  6. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom each
  7. Can be connected for larger families

  8. Mountain View Cabins

  9. Various options including Firehole, Gallatin, and Madison
  10. 1-2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom each

  11. Larger Family Cabins

  12. Mammoth: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  13. Upper Aspen: 3 bedrooms, sleeps up to 7 people
  14. Lower Aspen: 2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 5 people

All cabins come equipped with:

  • Comfortable beds
  • Modern bathrooms
  • Porches
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Heating
  • Linens and towels

Some cabins also feature wood-burning stoves for added coziness.

What Activities Are Available at Parade Rest Ranch?

Parade Rest Ranch offers a wide range of activities for guests of all ages:

  1. Horseback Riding
  2. Unlimited trail rides
  3. Western horseback riding lessons
  4. Corral rides for children

  5. Fly-Fishing

  6. World-class fly-fishing opportunities
  7. Instruction available
  8. Access to nearby Blue Ribbon rivers and streams

  9. Hiking and Biking

  10. Trails accessible directly from the cabins
  11. Routes to hidden mountain lakes and scenic viewpoints

  12. Yellowstone National Park Tours

  13. SeeYellowstone interpretive van tours
  14. Visits to Old Faithful and other park attractions

  15. On-Site Activities

  16. Game room
  17. Lawn games (horseshoes, basketball)
  18. Kids’ outdoor play equipment

  19. Nearby Adventures

  20. Whitewater rafting
  21. Golf
  22. Ghost town visits

How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Parade Rest Ranch?

Parade Rest Ranch offers all-inclusive packages with varying rates:

Guest Type Daily Rate (Riding) Daily Rate (Non-Riding)
Adult $296 $239
Child (12+) $296 $296
Child (8-11) $226 $226
Child (5-7) $99 $99

All-inclusive packages typically start at around $300 per person per night. These rates include:

  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Most on-site activities

What Do Guests Say About Parade Rest Ranch?

Recent reviews of Parade Rest Ranch highlight several positive aspects:

  1. Scenic Beauty
  2. Guests consistently praise the ranch’s beautiful setting and views

  3. Friendly Staff

  4. Many reviews mention the attentive and welcoming staff

  5. Quality of Horseback Riding

  6. The horseback riding experiences receive high marks for both scenery and instruction

  7. Comfortable Accommodations

  8. While rustic, the cabins are described as comfortable and clean

  9. On-Site Restaurant

  10. The hearty meals served at the ranch restaurant are frequently complimented

Some guests note that the cabin amenities are basic, lacking items like fridges and TVs. However, this is often seen as part of the authentic ranch experience.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Parade Rest Ranch?

Parade Rest Ranch operates seasonally:

  • Open: Mid-May to mid-September
  • Peak Season: June to August (warmest weather, all activities available)
  • Shoulder Season: May and September (fewer crowds, potential for cooler weather)

Consider visiting during:

  • Early June for wildflower blooms
  • Late August for cooler temperatures and potential wildlife viewing
  • Mid-September for fall colors (though some activities may be limited)

How Can I Book a Stay at Parade Rest Ranch?

To book a stay at Parade Rest Ranch:

  1. Visit the official Parade Rest Ranch website
  2. Check availability for your desired dates
  3. Choose your preferred cabin type
  4. Select any additional activities or packages
  5. Complete the booking process online or contact the ranch directly

For personalized assistance or special requests, you can also:

  • Call: [Insert ranch phone number]
  • Email: [Insert ranch email address]

Early booking is recommended, especially for peak summer months, as the ranch has a limited capacity of 40 guests.

Parade Rest Ranch offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Yellowstone National Park while enjoying the comforts and activities of a traditional Western guest ranch. With its variety of accommodations, outdoor adventures, and proximity to one of America’s most beloved national parks, it’s an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking an authentic Montana experience.

References:

  1. HotelsCombined – Parade Rest Ranch
  2. Rustic Vacations – Parade Rest Guest Ranch
  3. Parade Rest Guest Ranch – The Cabins

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