Despite its size, Montana is the third-least populated state in the country, meaning that vast expanses of land continue to exist as pristine, untamed spaces of wildness. Pine Butte is such a place, and The Nature Conservancy is working to ensure it remains one of the jewels in the Crown of the Continent. The area is one of the last places in the lower 48 where grizzly bears roam free on the planes, and its patchwork of habitats supports a remarkable level of biodiversity.
In addition to on-the-ground land management, TNC works with local ranchers on collaborative stewardship and conservation tools. Community-based partnerships like this help to ensure land protection and restoration efforts are sustained long into the future. TNC's Pine Butte Swamp Preserve recalls an earlier time of rugged, American beauty, and we look forward to having you join us in this special place.
With nature at your doorstep, you will spend your journey surrounded by breathtaking landscapes while gaining exclusive insight into local programs and strategies. Your trip begins in Great Falls, Montana, where your guide will meet you at the airport. Transfer to Pine Butte Preserve and get comfortable in your cozy cabin. Over the next few days, explore the preserve on foot, learning about the diverse forests, wildlife, and native flora and fauna. Local TNC staff will accompany you on this journey, guiding you through the history of the lands.
Options to hike, horseback ride and relax amidst the big Montana skies are at your disposal throughout your stay.
Dates: July 15-20, 2025
Price: $6,310 per person based on single and double occupancy
For Questions and To Register, Email Us at travel@tnc.org
Horses at The Nature Conservancy's Pine Butte Guest Ranch ready to take ranch guests for an afternoon horseback ride in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana.
Program Highlights
- BEHIND THE SCENES — Take a behind-the-scenes tour of TNC conservation projects focused on preserving one of the remaining pristine Western landscapes and listen to naturalists talk about North America’s largest intact ecosystem.
- HORSEBACK RIDING — Ride horseback through the high meadows of the Rocky Mountain foothills and set out on trails that pass lush wetlands, century-old pines, rock outcrops, alpine streams and views that never end. Learn how Pine Butte has enabled TNC's conservation work to reach a much bigger scale and encompass the entire Rocky Mountain Front.
- WILDLIFE VIEWING — Hike the many wandering trails in search of the numerous species that roam the preserve. In addition to 200 types of birds, you can find beaver, muskrat, mink, elk, moose, mountain lion, bobcat, lynx, black bear, mule deer and bighorn sheep.
Lodging
- Pine Butte Lodge — Nestled in the foothills along the Rocky Mountain and the South Fork of the Teton River is Pine Butte Lodge. With nature at your doorstep, the lodge’s cozy cabins are the perfect spot to explore the property. Take time to explore the Preserve and surrounding areas on foot and horseback looking for flora, fauna, and diverse wildlife.
Guests of Pine Butte Ranch taking an afternoon hike.