Montana represents some of America’s last untamed wilderness, particularly within the lower 48 and its alluring collection of natural attractions. From Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks to an abundance of wildlife, numerous mountains, some of which haven’t even been named yet, lush valleys and charming small towns, you’ll find numerous spots to enjoy relaxing and playing in the wild. For those looking for luxury with their wilderness experience, these resorts offer up some of the very best.
The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough
The Resort at Paws Up stands out from the rest and is one of the best resorts in the Rocky Mountains, offering incomparable luxury among Montana’s unspoiled wilderness in the lush and picturesque Blackfoot Valley just 30 minutes east of Missoula. Guests enjoy a magical escape to tranquility among the peaceful countryside at this grand ranch resort tucked into some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet. Set across 37,000 acres on an authentic working cattle ranch, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options from luxurious, expansive private homes to upscale, sophisticated safari-style tents known as glamping – glamorous camping. This wilderness sanctuary offers the chance to spend an hour, day or even a week on horseback, cast your line into world-class fly fishing waters for cutthroat trout and indulge in heavenly in-room spa treatments.
The Wilderness Club, Eureka
Just outside the town of Eureka, a quaint village on the Tobacco River just five minutes south of the Canadian border, the Wilderness Club offers the ultimate secluded resort, surrounded by Lake Koocanusa and U.S. Forest Service Land. The area is so remote, that it’s not uncommon for residents to drive over 50 miles to Kalispell or Whitefish to do their shopping. This wilderness retreat in the forest is known for combining the cowboy lifestyle with sophisticated, modern amenities, including a meticulously groomed, golf course that’s been called Montana’s finest.
Some of the other highlights include a natural, spring-fed lake that guests can paddle across in a canoe or paddleboat, enjoy swimming or just take a stroll along its boardwalk. The Wilderness Park features tennis and basketball courts, a volleyball court, a soccer field and an outdoor amphitheater. Choose from a variety of accommodations, including cottage suite rooms and luxury cottage suites with a cozy fireplace.
The Lodge at Big Sky, Big Sky
This rustic Rocky Mountain Lodge is a picturesque slope-side experience, nestled in one of the most popular towns in all of Montana. Cozy guestrooms and suites are available at this mountain retreat, some accommodating up to seven guests. The breathtaking scenery includes mountain views of Lone Peak, Big Sky, and Moonlight Basin or the Gallatin Valley. Complete with a fun après ski scene and year-round activities, The Lodge at Big Sky boasts the “Biggest Skiing in America,” and visitors spend their time snowboarding, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and hiking all nearby the resort. The complimentary shuttle to the surrounding Mountain Village helps you easily hit the lifts and other activities.
Triple Creek Ranch, Darby
Located in the small town of Darby tucked within the spectacular Bitterroot Mountains of Western Montana, this intimate adults-only resort is ideal for a romantic winter escape. Set among the towering pines on the side of the region’s highest mountain, Trapper Peak, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable retreat that includes a blend of unmatched natural beauty with the height of extraordinary service and comfort. It features distinctly different private cabins, each of which includes a wood-burning fireplace and easy access to a hot tub. Numerous activities are available right on the property, including golfing, horseback riding and hiking. Arrive in winter, and you can even try your hand at dog sledding. Gourmet meals using fresh, local ingredients, are included in room rates.
The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg
This 6,600-acre ranch spreads out over 10 square miles, bordered by the Sapphire, Anaconda and Flint Creek mountain ranges. It packs on the privileges as an all-inclusive luxury resort on some of Montana’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Cabins contain multiple villas that feature ornate bathrooms, deep soaking tubs and huge brass beds with soft down quilts and woolen wraps. Living rooms include large leather furnishings, a fireplace, an open kitchen, and a large screened-in porch. Glamping in Creekside tents is also available, warmed by big potbelly stoves and featuring an expansive wooden porch for lounging. A private Jacuzzi is just steps away. Enjoy legendary fly-fishing just after dawn followed by a relaxing massage treatment and perhaps a horseback ride at sunset. Regionally inspired, world-class cuisine is on the menu for dinner to satisfy those hunger pangs.
Grey Cliffs Ranch, Three Forks
This exclusive B&B ranch/resort in Three Forks, about 30 minutes west of Bozeman in the heart of the Madison Valley, is set across 5,200 acres overlooking rolling hills, mountain peaks and trout-filled ponds. A premier bird hunting and fly fishing lodge, the 8,000-square-foot post-and-beam style lodge is luxurious and spacious yet cozy and intimate, featuring worldly decor with a contemporary western feel adorning each room of the lodge. Accommodations are fully customized to suit groups of different sizes and different interests, with full-service lodging and dining provided. The property has a large organic garden and its own beehives – the chef often utilizes the freshest ingredients right from the ranch.
While guests enjoy attentive service they also appreciate the independence to create their own adventures. A few of the activity options include backcountry horse riding trips into Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding National Forest, guided fly fishing on some of Southwest Montana’s best rivers and guided hunting trips too.
Rainbow Ranch Lodge, Gallatin Gateway
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in southwest Montana, the Rainbow Ranch Lodge combines the rugged West with service you’d expect from a world-class resort. Here, guests can enjoy a wide range of outdoor adventures and savor all sorts of luxurious comforts at the award-winning lodge, the epitome of rustic elegance and warm hospitality. The main lodge features a renowned restaurant and lounge as well as a wine cellar. Guests can look forward to an indulgent massage, hiking, snowshoeing and horseback riding.
Rainbow Ranch also has fly poles available for guest use, which can be utilized on the stocked trout pond or anywhere along the Gallatin River which borders the property. In fact, some of the best fishing on the Gallatin is just steps away from your door. Guided wade or drift boat fishing is also available.
Double Arrow Resort, Seeley Lake
Nestled in the Seeley Swan Valley, this premier resort is rich in history and Western charm, offering a practically endless list of activities all set among the breathtaking Rocky Mountains under a brilliant Montana sky. For more than 75 years, the resort has hosted numerous memorable vacations that include everything from horseback riding, fly fishing and golfing to cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and even horse-drawn sleigh rides. Accommodations include lodge rooms and cabins, each offering a unique blend of Western hospitality and European elegance with charming antiques, cozy comforters and the magnificent Montana wilderness right outside your door.
Vacations can be customized for couples, families or a corporate retreat – no matter what you desire, you find lots of peace and quiet, comfort and fine cuisine along with spectacular mountain and lush forest surroundings.
Summit at Big Sky, Big Sky
The Summit at Big Sky has been known to host and please celebs and dignitaries – President Obama and Vice President Biden, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, Brooke Shields and Tiger Woods are all said to have stayed here. This elegant Euro-Western resort is one of the finest slopeside properties in the Rockies, combining luxury appointments with Boyne Bends and an amazing location in a cozy mountain village setting. You’ll find a variety of accommodation options, including larger rooms with kitchens and fireplaces as well as condos with hot tubs.
Meadow Lake Resort, Columbia Falls
Meadow Lake Resort, located in Columbia Falls, the gateway to Glacier National Park in the northeast corner of spectacular Flathead Valley, is made up of condos, vacation homes and a hotel that lines the fairways of a championship golf course. The property’s concierge will plan your ultimate Montana adventure which can include a multitude of activities. In the summer, the possibilities include biking, hiking, gondola rides, golfing, fly fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and kayaking, sailing and scenic boat cruises. Winter brings the chance to enjoy dog sledding, alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Year-round you can pamper yourself at the full-service spa, take a refreshing swim in the indoor/outdoor pools or soak in the soothing spa.
Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish
Sitting adjacent to Whitefish Lake Golf Course and the winter Glacier Nordic Center, Grouse Mountain Lodge is known as one of Montana’s finest lodge facilities. Guests enjoy excellent service and luxury accommodations within a beautifully scenic location close to exciting year-round activities, just minutes from Glacier National Park and the ski slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort. The area is also filled with an abundance of trout streams and some of the nation’s finest greens and fairways. Enjoy well-appointed Western-style rooms with rustic ambiance, outdoor hot tubs, especially wonderful for gazing up at the stars, a day spa, indoor pool and a full-service restaurant on site.
