Learn how to fly fish on the same river made famous in Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It.” Saddle up for a horseback ride through the trails of the ponderosa pine-rich Blackfoot Valley. Take an ATV to explore an abandoned 1800s ghost town with its buildings still intact. Herd cattle alongside seasoned ranch hands. After a day of adventuring, indulge in a deep tissue massage or dine on Rocky Mountain elk and gourmet s’mores by the fire under the wide open sky. All these adventures and more can be achieved at the luxurious Paws Up Montana, a 37,000-acre resort on a working cattle ranch that offers a rare mix of outdoorsy authenticity and refined hospitality.
The elevated dude ranch is in Greenough, which is roughly a half-hour scenic drive from the Missoula airport—the resort provides complimentary rides to guests to and from. These guests range from multigenerational families that return year after year, corporate workers on team-building retreats, honeymooners, friend groups, and more. Customizable experiences help it appeal to a range of travelers. For example, fly-fishing excursions can be half-day wade trips or full-day float trips, with pacing, locations, and techniques adjusted to ability. Optional lessons are available to guests before embarking on a horseback ride. And luxury camps come equipped with a dedicated chef who will accommodate dietary requests.
A variety of luxury accommodation options can also be tailored by preference. Safari-style tents put the “glam” in glamping, boasting heated floors, en-suite bathrooms, and personal butler service. More traditional vacation homes offer full kitchens, private cars, and hot tubs. Get the best of both worlds by booking a select vacation home with a private luxury tent on property. For a sophisticated, adults-only stay (anniversary trip, anyone?), look to the sleek homes nestled in the forest with floor-to-ceiling windows at The Green O, the sister property to Paws Up Montana. These homes are particularly stunning when surrounded by snow in the winter months.
Whether you're relaxing on a front porch or herding cattle across open fields, this one-of-a-kind resort offers a deeper appreciation for Big Sky Country and the beauty and adventure it holds.
“[It] offers a rare mix of outdoorsy authenticity and refined hospitality.”