The Ranch at Rock Creek
Hotel Name: The Ranch at Rock Creek
Number of Rooms: 28
Location: 20 miles outside of historic town of Philipsburg, Montana in an area known as Gold Country, approximately half-way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Located on 6,600 stunning acres in Big Sky Montana, the lavish Ranch at Rock Creek is surrounded by soaring mountains, picturesque pine forests, expansive meadows, and a vivacious river that runs through it all. This is the only dude ranch to ever receive a Forbes Five Diamond rating, which comes as no surprise as this epic combination of setting, experience, and style is one of a kind. Rock Creek is a working ranch, and most guests pack their days with activities, from horseback riding to fly fishing, shooting to archery. There are stylish rooms, suites, houses, and tents on either side of the river, and while the warm, genuine staff hails from around the nation, it seems almost everyone grew up on a ranch of their own. All this action works up an appetite, and from cowboy BBQs to five-course tasting menus, don’t expect to maintain your diet.
What We Loved: From Calistoga wagons to converted stables to standalone cabins with names like Moose House and Bluebird, there’s no escaping the rodeo spirit at Ranch at Rock Creek. The attention to detail in décor and activities is sparkling, as you might expect from a former sapphire mine.
What We Didn’t Love: If you’re imagining a trip full of post-rodeo spa treatments, book early as the five treatment rooms can fill quickly.
Right For: The whole family (pets can come too!); craft beer enthusiasts, urban cowboys, and low-down line dancers.
Wrong For: If action-packed days don’t feel like vacation to you, we might not recommend life on the Ranch. Cell service is also spotty-to-dismal here, though wifi is zippy throughout the rooms and public areas.
Best Time to Visit: Summer holidays bring full-on families, and the outdoor activities are endless. But we especially love Christmas time at the Ranch – think hiking out to chop down your own tree, draft horses pulling Santa’s sleigh through the snow, and spiked s’mores hot chocolate by the fire.
TLF Tip: Meet with the property’s certified herbalist, Eve, to create a custom tea blend to lower stress or help with sleep.