Horseback Riding at Moonlight Basin

Moonlight ride
Horseback riding with Cedar Mountain Corrals
By Laura Bell

The skyline never ends in the Big Sky environs. The smell of sage, open plains and an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle are but a few of the hundred reasons to ride into the sunset or experience an early morning ride or even a daylong ride at Moonlight Basin with Cedar Mountain Corrals.
Cedar Mountain Corrals is owned and operated by BJ Morgan, a long-time area wrangler. Morgan and crew offer daily rides from one hour to all-day 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. excursions. The latter includes a packed lunch. Or, as the easy-going Morgan says, “We can cater to anyone’s request. Whatever they dream up, we can do.”
One group of guests on an all-day ride, wanted to get in some fishing time. “No problem,” said Morgan. “We have access to Beehive Basin Lake. On the all-day rides we bring an extra horse as a pack horse to carry the lunches. That way guests can bring extra clothing, cameras and other items in their saddle bags.”
Riders can explore trails in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Beehive Basin, North Fork drainage, Bear Basin and thousands of private acres which have never been accessible to the public before.
The one hour rides offer views of Lone Peak and Fan Mountain, while the two- hour plus rides afford views of Cedar Mountain, hence the company’s moniker.
Even those who have never ridden will feel at home with Morgan and his knowledgeable guides, Will Dutiel and Bobbi Chatriand, a senior at Whitehall High School who participates in goat tying, pole bending and barrel racing rodeo events
Most rides which the Corral takes out are done at a walking pace and ages of participants vary. While the minimum age is eight, Morgan will make exceptions.
There are 20 horses at the Corral including a pony named “King.” All are safe for riders of any age.
Greg Pack, general manager of Moonlight Basin, is very pleased that Morgan is based at the resort. “We have such a pristine environment between the two wilderness areas and horseback riding there is a wonderful opportunity for people to experience,” Pack said.
“We’ve had a lot of requests from owners and guests to have horseback riding on property. We have great trails that lend themselves naturally to horseback riding. The terrain varies you are in and out of trees, meadows and small valleys and wide open view corridors,” he enthused.
Morgan is very familiar with the terrain as well as the area. Morgan worked as a wrangler at the 320 Guest Ranch for a few years in the 1990s. For several years he operated Big Sky Stables at Big Sky Resort until his lease expired. During the final summer at the resort Morgan reckons he took out 6,000 riders.
When his lease expired Morgan and Lisa- his savvy wife and business partner- started Virginia City Overland Stage and Horseback. This highly-popular business runs Tuesday through Sunday in Virginia City and the couples’ two children, Ty and Brand often help out in Virginia City and are sure to be part of the Moonlight team in the coming months.
In addition the Morgans have a carriage service to help create the ultimate fairytale wedding.
If that’s not enough to keep the family and staff busy, BJ will participate in the Big Sky Farmers’ Market and have a horse and King the pony available for rides. He is also going to have the horse rides at Moonlight’s barbecue dinners and in the winter offer afternoon sleigh rides at Moonlight Basin.

If you have any questions, call Cedar Mountain Corral at 406-539-4065. You won’t find more helpful or experienced wranglers than BJ and his dedicated crew Cedar Mountain Corrals is open daily through mid-September.
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Cedar Mountain Corrals Horseback Rides:
One Hour $38.00 / person
Two Hour $58.00 / person
1/2 Day $100.00 / person (4 hours)
Full Day $150.00 / person (6-8 hour ride, lunch included)
Pony Ride $15.00 / rider - free with paid rider (dependent upon wrangler availability)

Private Rides:
Cedar Mountain Corrals can accommodate private advanced rides catered to your group’s needs and ability level.

Reservation:
Reservations can be made through Cedar Mountain Corral at 406-539-4065 or the Mountain Concierge at (406) 995-7716. Rides are schedule throughout the day to easily accommodate your plans with no pre-set riding times. Reservations recommended but walk-ins welcome based on availability.

Cancellation Policy:
24-hour cancellation notice required.

Restrictions:
- Children need to be at least 8 years old to ride (exceptions allowed)
- One person per horse
- 250 lb maximum weight per horse