Ranch at Rock Creek FAQs
WHERE IS THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK LOCATED?
The Ranch is located 20 miles outside of historic town of Philipsburg, Montana in Granite County, an area known as Gold Country. We are off the beaten path in the western region of the state and approximately half-way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The Ranch is near the cities of Missoula, Butte and Helena. We are at an elevation of 5,200 feet and a Latitude/Longitude of 46° N, 113 W. Our GPS coordinates are: Lat 46.256434 Lon 113.522075
WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENT AND LANDSCAPE OF THE RANCH?
The Ranch property is comprised of mountains, soft hills, meadows, pasture, forest, a mountain-fed creek and gravel roads. It is a short distance from the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area, as well as Discovery Ski Area. Nestled at the base of the John Long Mountains, our 6,600 acres of ranch land also encompasses four miles of frontage along Rock Creek, a Blue Ribbon designated fishery that flows into the Clark Fork River. To the far south, soft rolling hills give way to snow-capped peaks of the Pintler Mountains. Northward, cottonwood trees stretch along the valley floor following the creek flowing deep into the Sapphire Mountains.
WHAT IS RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX?
The Ranch is honored to be a member of this collection of the world’s finest small hotels and restaurants. A member since 2012, our passion for hospitality and commitment to exceptional standards unites The Ranch with top worldwide resort destinations. The world of Relais & Châteaux – hospitality, generosity and the art of living – comes alive in the unforgettable and unique experience we offer our guests. In the spirit of the association’s mission, we strive to be an incomparable way to discover the world, a door open to the fine art of living well. May The Ranch at Rock Creek always be celebrated for its Character, Courtesy, Calmness, Charm and Cuisine.
HOW DO I GET TO THE RANCH?
The most convenient commercial airport with the best flight availability is Missoula International Airport (MSO), a short 1.5-hour drive to The Ranch. Other commercial airports within reasonable distance include:
Butte Bert Mooney (BTM): 1.25 hour drive
Helena Regional Airport (HLN): 2 hour drive
Bozeman Yellowstone Int’l Airport (BZN): 2.5 hour drive
During our summer season, carriers such as Delta and United add direct flights from major cities to Missoula and Butte.
If you are traveling by private aircraft, you have the option of traveling in and out of the following airstrips, in addition to the above-mentioned airports:
Bowman Field Airport in Anaconda (3U3): 45- minute drive
Riddick Field in Philipsburg (U05): 25-minute drive
Helicopter travel between The Ranch property and regional locations can be arranged through The Ranch’s transportation partners.
A Ranch employee will greet guests at the Missoula and Butte airports and provide a private vehicle for guests to transport themselves to The Ranch. They will be greeted at Rock Creek Road and ushered to The Ranch. Water and snacks are available for the drive.
Guests who drive to The Ranch on their own will be provided with complimentary vehicle valet service upon arrival and departure. Guest vehicles will be kept in a parking area close to the Granite Lodge.
ARE YOU OPEN YEAR-ROUND?
Yes.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY AT THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK?
We encourage guests to stay for a minimum of five to seven nights in order to take advantage of all the activities and dining experiences The Ranch has to offer. During the summer months and seasonal celebrations, such as Memorial Day Weekend, the Fourth of July, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we host an extended itinerary of special events, which may include stagecoach and sleigh rides, a rodeo, a barn dance, group yoga classes and unique dining experiences in the Buckle Barn. Staying a full week ensures that you will be able to experience more of our all-inclusive weekly experiences. You will also have more time to enjoy our Granite Spa treatments and mind & body classes as well as our off-Ranch excursions such as sapphire mining.
WHAT WEATHER SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE RANCH?
Located at 5,200 feet, The Ranch has a typical mountain climate.
Spring
April – H: 52° | L: 26°
May – H: 61° | L: 24°
June – H: 70° | L: 41°
Summer
July – H: 81° | L: 46°
Aug – H: 80° | L: 44°
Autumn
Sept – H: 68° | L: 36°
Oct – H: 55° | L: 27°
Nov – H: 43° | L: 16°
Winter
Dec – H: 32° | L: 5°
Jan – H: 32° | L: 7°
Feb – H: 35° | L: 9°
Mar – H: 44° | L: 19
WHAT SHOULD I PACK AND WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
The Ranch does not have a formal dress code, but most guests dress Western casual, no jacket required. Attire is relaxed and comfortable, even at dinner. For activities, we recommend dressing in layers. Hiking boots, shorts or loose-fitting pants, and short and long-sleeved shirts are best for summer hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. For winter, please pack mid-weight to heavy jackets, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts (fleece, wool and flannel), jeans, weather resistant pants, long johns, warm socks, snow pants, winter snow boots, hats, gloves, and scarves. Other extras you may want to pack include sunglasses, a camera, and a swimsuit. Riding and hiking boots are available in limited sizes on-site, as is all gear necessary to participate in all Ranch activities.
Due to enhanced sanitary procedures, we recommend that guests pack their own boots, hats, gloves, sunglasses and coats for the safety of staff and guests.
WILL I HAVE WI-FI AND CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE?
Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet is available in all accommodations and public guest areas.
Due to The Ranch’s remote mountain location, we have equipped all accommodations with landline phones for use during your stay. All local, domestic and international calls are included in your all-inclusive rate. Verizon Wireless customers have service in the Granite Lodge and in several other locations on property. Other carrier service is limited or non-existent.
IN WHAT TIME ZONE IS THE RANCH LOCATED?
Montana is located in the U.S. Mountain Time Zone. Thus, when it is noon at The Ranch, it is 11:00 am in Los Angeles, 1 pm in Chicago and 2 pm in New York City.
WILL I NEED A FISHING LICENSE?
Yes. Montana requires that our guests purchase their licenses to fish, in addition to a $10 conservation license and a $15 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass. Our Rod & Gun staff will facilitate your purchase when you book your stay and plan your activities. Children age 11 and under do not require a license to fish. Non-Resident Montana Fishing License Fees are: 2-day for $50, 10-day for $81 and season licenses for $111. Please call the Rod & Gun Club from your accommodation to inquire about a fishing license.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RANCH AND A DUDE RANCH VACATION?
The Ranch at Rock Creek is inspired by dude ranch vacations that allowed people to experience an authentic cowboy life in the West. However, instead of simply offering opportunities typical of dude ranches in Montana, we strive to offer an authentic view of both historic and modern Montana pursuits while providing luxury travel amenities, world-class cuisine, a full-service spa and private yoga classes. Our authentic homestead is located on ranch land that is also home to moose, elk, deer and big horn sheep, and it offers both views and access to America’s National Forest and Wilderness areas.
Our activities program has extensive equestrian and rodeo opportunities, like trail riding, arena events and roping. Recreation on our guest ranch also includes dozens of other year-round activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, pistol shooting, cross-country skiing, ice skating, archery, ropes course and zip lines, snowmobiling and some of the world’s best trout fly fishing. Being a versatile luxury guest ranch allows us to appeal to travelers of all ages with varying interests and levels of expertise.
HOW IS THE RANCH DIFFERENT FROM OTHER MONTANA GUEST RANCHES?
The Ranch at Rock Creek is honored to be a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection and the world’s first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ranch resort. In 2015, The Ranch became a founding member of National Geographic Society’s Unique Lodges of the World—a designation held by no other ranch or resort in the US.
Unlike other ranches or luxury resorts, The Ranch at Rock Creek is truly all-inclusive. You are invited to make The Ranch your Montana home away from home by enjoying three gourmet meals a day, premium wine, beer and spirits and guided hiking, horseback riding, fishing and all of the other outdoor activities twice a day.
Our exceptional amenities, staff and service differentiate The Ranch from other properties in many ways. These are some of the advantages and attributes of The Ranch at Rock Creek, which are highlighted by our guests, global travel industry partners, the media and experiential travel and lifestyle bloggers:
Small and intimate size, part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection
Knowledgeable, friendly staff that anticipates guest needs
Professionally designed for authenticity and comfort
Homesteaded ranch with historical buildings
Remote location near National Forest and Wilderness land, with no highway noise
On-Ranch access to 4 miles of Blue Ribbon-designated Rock Creek trout fishery
Children are always welcome and offered daily engaging activities
Full-service Granite Spa
Outdoor heated pool and hot tub facilities
Complimentary use of bicycles for each guest during spring, summer and fall seasons
No vehicle needed on property. All accommodations, with the exception of the remote Trapper Cabin, are within walking and riding distance of common areas, including the Granite Lodge Dining Room, the Blue Canteen, the Rod & Gun Activities Center, the Silver Dollar Saloon, the Granite Spa and the Mercantile
Main lodge area for gathering with full bar, fireplace and television
Silver Dollar Saloon evening entertainment including four lanes of bowling, billiards, karaoke and a private movie theatre
Alpine skiing 35 minutes away at Discovery Ski Area
Located near historic mining town with award-winning brewery, old-fashioned candy store, ghost towns and Montana’s oldest opera house
Located approximately half-way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks
HOW BIG IS THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK?
Our maximum occupancy is 75 guests – recently reduced from 125. This includes the use of each of our 29 accommodation units: nine suites in the Granite Lodge, ten luxury canvas cabins (glamping), seven luxury homes and three Historic Barn accommodations.
The Ranch is 6,600 acres, or 10 square miles in size.
HOW DO GUESTS GET AROUND ON PROPERTY?
Each able bodied guest is encouraged to walk or bike using the personal mountain bike provided during their stay. The Ranch’s system of roads, trails and pedestrian bridge across Rock Creek are provided both as a fun way to explore the landscape and as a way to keep traffic to a minimum and allow for a serene and safe environment. E-bikes are available to make The Ranch accessible to guests of varied ability levels.
Mountain bikes, cruisers and children’s bikes (and training wheels) are available, and our Bike Wranglers are on hand to ensure your bike returns to your accommodation each morning. Guests staying in Trapper Cabin are provided with a vehicle or an EZ-GO to use on property or offered a shuttle service. Should a guest be in need of alternate transportation, our Front Desk team is happy to coordinate a shuttle service.
DOES THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK ALLOW PETS?
Yes, The Ranch at Rock Creek is a pet-friendly hotel. Well-mannered, people-friendly dogs will enjoy the endless trails, dips in the river and fresh mountain air. The pet rate is $50 per pet, per night. We will ensure accommodations are equipped with pet bowls, plastic bags for clean-up and a comfortable place to rest sleepy heads. Leashes may be encouraged in outdoor common areas. Please be aware of wildlife when bringing pets to The Ranch.
DOES THE RANCH WELCOME CHILDREN AND FAMILIES?
Absolutely. The Ranch has no age restriction and welcomes guests of all ages, including children. The Ranch is an exciting Western adventure for the whole family.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR KIDS?
Our staff aims to make sure that each young guest has a truly memorable and safe experience at The Ranch. Families with children of multiple ages with different interests are able to keep everyone happy with our diverse activity program. Most of our activities are available to children with adult supervision, on a case-by-case-basis. The Little Grizzlies Kids Club (ages 4-12) provides children with a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to life on The Ranch and the Montana outdoors.
Daily programs feature activities such as wildlife viewing, arts and crafts projects, early settlers and cowboy history, sapphire mining, discovering aquatic life, geocaching, sledding and snowman building, lawn games, guided hikes and bike rides, pony rides, chaperoned pool use, and story time. Children are supervised by experienced counselors during morning and afternoon sessions.
WHAT BABY AMENITIES DO YOU OFFER?
We have car seats, highchairs, cribs and pack ‘n plays (with sheets) available for guest use. We also have one pull-behind bike cart for small children. We do not provide strollers or hiking carriers. We encourage guests to inform our reservations staff about any infant and toddler needs to ensure the appropriate equipment is ready upon your arrival.
Babysitting is an additional fee of $40 per hour per babysitter for a minimum of two hours. You may sign up for babysitting services at The Ranch with a 48-hour notice. Cancellation has to be given within 24 hours of a babysitting session or guests will be charged in full.
WHAT TYPE OF DINING EXPERIENCES DO YOU OFFER?
Professionally trained in the culinary arts, Executive Chef Drage is celebrated for creating unique Montana ranch cuisine. At The Ranch, he focuses on real food from local producers offering organic and sustainable meats and produce. The Ranch features several different menus and dining experiences that mirror Montana seasonal bounty. Guests enjoy dining in the Granite Lodge dining room, on the Flagstone, in a Pastoral Picnic setting and in the Buckle Barn, depending on the season.
All meals and premium wine, beer, spirits and other beverages are included and tailored to dietary restrictions and preferences. A children’s menu is always available.
WHAT KINDS OF WILDLIFE DO YOU HAVE ON PROPERTY?
The Ranch is home to an array of wildlife, including moose, deer, elk, big horn sheep, fox, wolves, coyote, bald and golden eagles and an array of birds. Montana is one of the last places in the lower forty-eight states to have more animals than people.
WHAT IS THE HORSEBACK RIDING PROGRAM LIKE AT THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK?
Upon arrival, you may head to the barn to meet our barn manager and wranglers, as well as our 73 horses. Whether it’s your first time on horseback or you’re a seasoned rider, we have a horse for every skill level. The Ranch at Rock Creek experience is built in the spirit of play, where travelers immerse themselves in the riding culture of Western Montana, rather than seeing it through the slats on a corral.
Our equestrian program includes one and two-hour trail rides, an obstacle course arena lessons, games and roping lessons. The Ranch also offers a weekly rodeo and barbeque during the summer season.
WHAT IS THE DRINKING AGE IN MONTANA?
The drinking age is 21 and older for all guests. IDs will be required at the discretion of the bartender and service staff.
CAN I PRE-SHIP MY LUGGAGE TO THE RANCH?
Yes. Guests may pre-ship luggage to The Ranch by addressing it to the following address: C/o Guest Name, The Ranch at Rock Creek, Attn: Reservations, 79 Carriage House Lane, Philipsburg, MT 59858. Packages may be shipped via FedEx, FedEx Ground, UPS, or USPS. You should allow up to five business days for standard shipping options. Please notify our Reservations team that you are pre-shipping so that we may have your luggage placed in the appropriate accommodation prior to your arrival.
DO YOU PROVIDE COMPLIMENTARY MEDICINE AMENITIES TO GUESTS?
No. The state of Montana does not allow The Ranch to give out complimentary medicine to our guests. We do, however, have a limited supply of non-prescription medication and first aid items available for purchase in the Mercantile. The nearest hospital is Granite County Medical Center located 25 minutes away in Philipsburg, MT. In addition, many of our employees are CPR/First Aid certified, including two who are registered EMTs.
DO YOU HAVE AN ON-SITE GIFT SHOP?
Our on-site Mercantile is open daily and features an array of high-end, Western-style apparel, footwear, jewelry, accessories and gifts.
