The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana

Location 

Halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, and 20 miles from the historic mining town of Philipsburg, Montana, The Ranch at Rock Creek sits in the heart of 'Big Sky Country' at an elevation of 5,200 feet, amid lush hay meadows and rolling foothills surrounded by snowy mountain peaks. The Blue Ribbon river of Rock Creek itself also runs through the property for four miles. The ranch is a 90 minutes' drive from Missoula International Airport, from where private ground transfers can be arranged.

Accommodation

The Ranch at Rock Creek offers four distinct all-inclusive styles of lodging: the opulent and individually-designed suites of the main Granite Lodge; the remodelled Historic Barn, which can be booked by the room or exclusively for families and larger groups; Glamping Cabins of various styles and sizes, each with five-star amenities, a private porch, bathroom, and gas stove; and six luxury homes, which are dotted around the property.

Dining

The culinary team make the most of Montana’s natural bounty through a rich mix of venues and dining experiences. Early risers can find fresh-made pastries and tea/coffee in the Great Room from 6:30am each day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Granite Lodge’s main dining room and, in the warmer months, in the open-air Blue Canteen. In the early evening, guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails, local beers and hors d’oeuvres before dinner, and there are weekly opportunities to sample grilled steak and salmon on the terrace, rodeo barbeques, and traditional Dutch oven dinners. Menus change daily and shift according to the season but all ingredients are organic, local, and sustainably-sourced. All dietary restrictions and preferences are provided for and children’s menus are always available.

Facilities 

The Ranch’s owner spent 20 years scouting the perfect location for his dream resort and Rock Creek has it all: horseback riding, with trail rides and lessons to suit all abilities and comfort levels; fly fishing in the Rock Creek Blue Ribbon Stream and trout ponds; four ranges, with a variety of shooting options; a state-of-the-art ropes course; archery; mountain biking; extensive hiking trails; wildlife tours; kids club; stagecoach rides; and a weekly rodeo. In the winter months, the focus turns to skiing (downhill or cross-country), ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and snowcat tours. Whatever the season, if all that gets too much, guests can unwind at the luxury spa, which includes a cedar sauna, as well as private indoor or outdoor yoga classes (some even take place on a mountaintop). Personal cruisers or mountain bikes are also provided to all guests to help them move around the ranch.