Our Mission 

Grizzly Riders International works to foster and promote the development of The University of Montana by bringing together people with diverse national and international interests. 

We are united by our love of Montana’s natural environment, the fellowship nurtured in Montana's outdoors and our support for the University of Montana.

What We Do

In cooperation with The University of Montana Foundation, the Grizzly Riders provide a unique social opportunity for members and their guests and act as a channel for endowments, scholarships and memorial funds for past Riders. 

The Grizzly Riders provide grants and financial support to a wide range of University of Montana related academic, conservation, artistic, student and scholarship projects.

Grizzly Riders Paul Williams, Deborah Doyle McWhinney and Jack King at the E Bar L Ranch 

History and Background

Founded in 1965, members of the Grizzly Riders International first gathered to ride, fish and enjoy a wilderness experience in 1966 after a University of Montana Foundation Trustees meeting at The University of Montana.  The original concept of taking a group of people with diverse national and international interests into the Montana back country still binds the Grizzly Riders together on our annual Ride.

The Riders gather each September at one of Montana's renowned guest ranches to enjoy riding, hiking, fly fishing, floating, evening conversations....and of course, good food, the pleasures of an evening fireplace and fellowship nurtured in Montana's outdoors.  

Grizzly Riders International is led by a Board of Directors that is responsible for the bylaws, planning and direction of the organization.  Each Rider may nominate guests for the annual Ride.  An attempt is made to develop an eclectic group of individuals who share in the Riders' mission, goals and love of Montana. Those who have come as guests may, in time, be considered for membership in Grizzly Riders International.

"Heading out on the trail" - Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, Gallatin Gateway, Montana

 The Lodge at the historic E Bar L Ranch  

Grizzly Riders and guests gather in the E Bar L Ranch lodge each evening to share stories of their day's ride and fishing trips, enjoy a great meal and listen to The University of Montana faculty and staff update them on outstanding academic programs and current research projects. 

Calendar of Events

2019 - 53rd Grizzly Ride

September 7th - 11th

at the E Bar L Ranch

April 26              Grizzly Rider Spring Board Meeting

• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• DoubleTree Hotel

    Grizzly Ride Spring Cocktail        Reception

September 6       Grizzly Rider Fall Board Meeting

• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• DoubleTree Hotel

                             Grizzly Ride Cocktail Reception

• 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
• DoubleTree Hotel

September 7        Grizzly Ride Breakfast

• 7:00 - 8:30 AM
• DoubleTree Hotel           

After Breakfast, Riders and guests proceed to the E Bar L Ranch to check into their cabins, meet the staff, enjoy a brief trail ride or hike around the ranch and have lunch.

Shuttle Bus leaves the parking lot of the DoubleTree Hotel at 5:30 PM for guests attending the Grizzly Ride BBQ at the E Bar L Ranch

                               Grizzly Ride BBQ           

• 6:30 -8:30 PM
• E Bar L Ranch 

How To Give

You may support the Grizzly Riders International and its many charitable projects by making a gift to the Grizzly Rider Memorial Fund.  

By Mail:

Make checks payable to The University of Montana Foundation Grizzly Rider Memorial Fund and mail to:

       Grizzly Riders International

       P.O. Box 3176 

       Missoula, MT  59808-3176 

Wire Transfers:

To make a wire transfer contact the  Trail Boss.

Securities:

Contact the Trail Boss to make a gift of securities or to learn more.

Pledges:

Pledges are gifts that are paid over time.   To make a pledge  contact the Trail Boss.

Important Links 

(Click the Grizzly Paw Logos for more information)

Montana Fishing Information

  Purchase a Montana Fishing License On Line

   Montana Fishing Regulations

   Missoula Area Fishing Reports

   Missoula Area Weather Report

Missoula Area Fishing Guides

   Montana Flyfishing Connection 

   Grizzly Hackle 

   Montana Trout Outfitters

Montana Stream Flow Reports 

   Blackfoot River near Bonner, MT

   Clark Fork River above Missoula, MT

  Clark Fork River below Missoula, MT

   Clark Fork River at St. Regis, MT

  Bitterroot River near Florence, MT

  Rock Creek near Clinton, MT

   Missouri River below Holter Dam

Premium World Class Fishing Experiences

  Smith River - 5 Day fly fishing float trip

  South Fork of the Flathead River - 5 to         9 day horseback/float fly fishing trip