The Best Montana Ranch Retreat Yet?

Last month marked 8 years of Dare to Detour (!). As I reflect on our recent retreat at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, I can't help but feel this might have been our best one yet…

The ranch was bustling with energy this year, and the weather could not have been more perfect. Every day was breathtaking, and the group of Darlings who joined me were wonderful. The dynamic among our group was so extraordinary that we're even considering a reunion trip in 2026! The level of support and camaraderie was unparalleled from any I’ve seen — truly amazing. And we had ladies from all walks of life. Two sets of sisters, a mother-daughter duo, the youngest participant we've ever had, and three widows of varied ages who connected profoundly with one another. Over the week, everyone genuinely embraced the experience and supported each other in their unique ways. There was NO DRAMA. And the wranglers encouraged the women to truly break free and ride their horses. The laughter was constant and contagious. It got to the point where I had to ring the big cowbell multiple times before dinner just to bring the chatter to a halt — and that's a great problem to have!

The transformations I witnessed during this retreat were beyond what I had anticipated. One woman decided to change her major upon returning home, while another confided in me that she woke up at 3 AM one morning at the ranch and realized she needed to quit her job and break up with her boyfriend — and she felt great about it. The mother and daughter who chose our retreat over a traditional bachelorette party shared an unforgettable horse experience, strengthening their bond in a truly magical way.

My personal highlight was the ranch Olympics. The entire ranch crew got involved and it was a blast! We even had a couple of ladies take a tumble during the three-legged race, but they laughed it off and embraced the fun. This playful, giggly energy was the perfect complement to the deeper work we were doing, and I'm so glad we included it.

Another wonderful piece of feedback was that everyone slept exceptionally well. With minimal tech and no interference on the ranch, I chalk it up to the peace and tranquility. Also, the food was outstanding as always, and satisfied everyone's dietary needs without a hitch.

What truly blew my mind was the entire ranch team, including the wranglers, joining us for line dancing on the last night and Roly Poly coffee the following morning. Their repeated comments of "this was the best way to close out our season" resonated deeply. The ranch owner, Sally, who has seen it all, was equally impressed and remarked on what a GREAT week it had been.

This seventh time back at the ranch, to me, was a testament to the power of community, connection, and, of course, the stunning backdrop of the Big Sky.

My Guide to Bozeman, Montana