Elkhorn Ranch

Elkhorn Ranch

Take a load off, unplug, and stay awhile! Disconnect to reconnect with a week or more in rugged mountains and rustic cabins bordering Yellowstone. At this family-oriented guest ranch, you’ll recharge with horseback riding into rugged Montana backcountry, fly fishing on blue-ribbon fishing streams, or heading a mile down the road into Yellowstone. Enjoy modern amenities in the comfortable and original log cabins near Yellowstone National Park. Each guest cabin is set apart to offer unique meadow views and comfortable privacy.

Unique Features: The ranch is just minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Founded almost ninety years ago by legendary Montana guide Ernest Miller and his wife Grace, Wildlife abounds, including elk, deer, moose and an occasional bear or wolf. Yellowstone National Park is a nearly 3,500-sq.-mile wilderness recreation area atop a volcanic hot spot. Mostly in Wyoming, the park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho too. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful.

Accommodations: The fifteen original guest cabins complement the values of the Elkhorn Ranch: rustic comfort, hospitality, and appreciation of natural surroundings. Discover cozy cabins nestled strategically along the forest’s edge. Each cabin has its own unique view, porch, private bathroom, electricity, and wood-burning stoves. Cabins vary in size, with some sleeping up to eight people. You’ll love your private cabin accommodations built with materials sourced from the ranch. A 6-night stay is required.

As Suite As It Gets: When money is no object, go for the Log Cabins. All cabins are equally as nice. You’ll feel stress drain away as you disconnect and settle in with a satisfied sigh to a cabin in the woods that doesn’t have a television or phones, gets no cell service, and skips out on Wi-Fi to help you concentrate on the beauty that surrounds you. (Wi-Fi and phones are available in the office, when necessary.) These authentic, historic log cabins were built mostly in the 1930s, along with their hand-hewn log furniture.

Dining: You’ll never have an empty stomach for your ranch adventures. Enjoy lunch on the trail or stay at the ranch to be served an inviting lunch buffet-style. Bottomless cookie jars await guests who need to satisfy a quick craving. Delicious and restorative dinners with incredible desserts put a nightcap on the perfect days you’ll enjoy at Elkhorn Ranch. Let the “Peanut Butter Mothers” take care of your children during mealtimes so you can more fully enjoy the hearty, but healthy meals.

Activities: Ride along to the peaceful sounds of babbling creeks, wind in the trees, and the steady cadence of your horse’s hooves. With rides of eight or less, there is time for tips from the wranglers about the country, wildlife and ways to make your riding experience even more enjoyable. Even if you’ve never ridden before, you’ll soon feel safe and comfortable on these mountain-trained horses, at ease to enjoy the gorgeous terrain you’re passing through. With Yellowstone a stone’s throw away, you’ll find an abundance of outdoor activities like blue-ribbon fly fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, and more.

Spa & Fitness: There is no on-site spa or fitness center, but with all of the amazing outdoor activities and fresh air though, you won’t need them. Chart a path from the many trails that lead out from the ranch, walk along the nearby Gallatin River, venture into the Gallatin Canyon for miles of new country, or drive a little north to hit easy, amazing hikes like Lava Lake or more moderate, but rewarding hikes like Ousel Falls.

Location: Gallatin Gateway is twelve miles southwest of Bozeman on the Gallatin River. It is located at the mouth of the canyon on the road leading to Yellowstone National Park. Located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Gallatin Gateway, visitors can enjoy Spire Rock Campground and Spanish Creek Picnic Area. From the Spanish Creek parking area there are many options for ski routes into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Kirk Wildlife Refuge provides fishing access along the Gallatin River.

Closest Airport: Most guests fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), and the regional West Yellowstone Airport. If you have extra time to spend exploring before or after your time at the ranch, look into flying into Jackson Hole or Salt Lake City.

Children’s Programs: Yes. The only people who like the children’s program more than kids are the parents who see the confidence, competence, and sheer joy that it brings out in them. Peanuts (Ages 6-12), supervision available from breakfast to 8:30 p.m. The “Peanuts” usually ride together, play together, and eat together. The “Peanut Butter Mothers” preside over meals, supervise play, organize games, and lead rides. Jets (Teenagers), Jets will enjoy covering the country with their own Jet Wrangler.

Pet Friendly: No. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed.

Weddings: No. They do not normally host weddings but they may by special request.

Meetings: No. They do not have the facilities to host large business meetings.

Extra Info: June often has the best wildflower viewing but late snows or rain along with high-mountain snow can limit rides to the highest peaks. Fishing is usually better later in the summer when the high water recedes. July is great for wildflowers and green meadows. You’ll probably see young deer and elk. The fishing is good. Late August brings a hint of fall as the first snows dust the highest peaks, pushing the wildlife and big game down where you’re more likely to see them.

www.elkhornranchmontana.com