best family destination in united states

April 27, 2020

Take a Journey to Paws Up with Two New Short Films

Point your lens in any direction the next time you visit The Resort at Paws Up, and you’re likely to capture a stunning scene. It’s just that beautiful. But when seen through the eyes of an exceptional filmmaker, the majesty of Montana truly comes to life. Two new short films will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget: Ranch. Island. Resort. by Dan Goldberg and Across the Blackfoot by Stuart Thurlkill.

Ranch. Island. Resort.

From fog-draped hillsides and a single canoeist plying calm waters to the gentle swirl of whiskey and nightfall setting on a quiet sliver of land, Goldberg’s contemplative video reveals the raw beauty of The Resort in all its glory. “We wanted to capture that serene, kind of ethereal, relaxing feeling Paws Up generates. Whenever I visit, as we land in Missoula, I feel my blood pressure dropping. I wanted this to come across in the video,” Goldberg said.

One scene stands out and demands your attention. “I knew I had to capture the bison as they were running at sunset. It’s a brief moment, but with the dust and the light filtering through, it’s pretty spectacular,” he said. And there’s stunning fly-fishing footage as well that takes the viewer underwater to catch a glimpse of a rainbow trout wiggling away after a catch-and-release. Yet as a former sous chef, Goldberg is a food photographer at heart: “We shot this epic dinner party at the Island Lodge with Executive Chef Sunny Jin. He did a full-on surf and turf thing with seafood paella, tomahawk steaks and desserts—it was chuck wagon dinner meets massive seafood spread.” In all, it’s only two minutes long, but this mini epic film manages to capture the total Paws Up experience. Watch Ranch. Island. Resort.

Across the Blackfoot

Allow yourself to be transported back in time to 150 years ago in Thurlkill’s latest opus for Paws Up, Across the Blackfoot. This minute-and-a-half-long film captures the heart and soul of what makes Paws Up a cherished slice of Montana. The vision of steely-eyed wranglers running a herd of horses down to the Blackfoot River and across its churning rapids feels so real because it simply is.

“We shot everything in 4K with all kinds of angles—we had two drones working and a body cam on a wrangler, an underwater camera, some super slo-mo stuff—we even put our iPhones to use,” Thurlkill said.

Because they were filming animals, there was an element of serendipity to it all. “We knew where the horses should cross, and then jump up to the other bank,” Thurlkill said. But editor/assistant Annie Lambiasse, shooting from the water’s edge, got a surprise when the thundering herd unexpectedly broke her way. The result was a very startled camerawoman, but also another great shot that added a moment rarely, if ever, seen on film.

Watch Across the Blackfoot.

April 20, 2020April 20, 2020

10 Reasons Paws Up Feels Like Your Own Private National Park

With 37,000 acres of pristine and undeveloped land, 100 miles of trails and 10 miles of the Blackfoot River, Paws Up may not be a national park, but it sure feels like one. Our Montana landscape is big enough for everyone to rush outside to enjoy it. In fact, you may even see more bison than bipeds. You’ll find ample opportunities to soak in the sun and drink in the fresh air. Here are 10 reasons why Paws Up feels like your own national park.

1. Knee-buckling views

From Yellowstone to Glacier and beyond, national parks share one thing in common: iconic and expansive landscapes that are simply unforgettable. The 37,000 acres at Paws Up qualify, big-time.

2. Wildlife in abundant supply

Whether it’s hundreds of wild elk, herds of deer, a grizzly bear chewing on huckleberries or an eagle feasting on a creek-side snack, Paws Up teems with the hustle and bustle of local wildlife.

3. Watery wonderlands

Few rivers are as revered, as canoe-friendly, as scenic and as full of trout as the Blackfoot River, which cuts through mile after mile of Paws Up. The Island Lodge at Salmon Lake and the Lake House at Seeley Lake further expand water recreation possibilities.

4. Trees for all seasons

Coniferous trees dominate much of the landscape, with Douglas firs towering 80 feet skyward and shading alongside Ponderosa pines and western larch, whose needles actually take on a golden hue each fall.

5. Trails that transcend the ordinary

After spending time on trails through nature’s living room, it’s hard not to be inspired in one way or another. Whether striking out on foot or on horseback, communing with the wilderness begins right off of your back deck.

6. Accommodations rising to the spectacular

After the last s’more has come off the campfire, friends and families can return to accommodations that are every bit as distinctive as the best of the national park lodges and quite a bit more luxurious.

7. A historical perspective

National parks typically have a story to tell. At Paws Up, at first blush it’s about cattle—the rich history of cowboys and ranching is everywhere. But it’s also easy to imagine yourself following in the footsteps or paddle strokes of Meriwether Lewis as he explored this region in 1806.

8. Knowledgeable folks serving your needs

From camping butlers who provide insight into local flora, fauna and the Blackfoot River to a Wilderness Workshop leader demonstrating primitive skills unchanged for hundreds of years, you’ll sense an ongoing reverence for the land.

9. Long lines of cars. Well, maybe not.

Okay, so Paws Up isn’t totally like a national park. Because here, the only cars you’re likely to encounter are the Lexus luxury SUVs that guests get to use during their stay. This is a place of natural beauty you won’t be sharing with more than about a few hundred other guests. Ever.

10. Easy access to Montana’s wilderness

Creating your very own national park experience doesn’t take an act of Congress—just a call to The Resort at Paws Up Reservations at 877-580-6343.

February 13, 2017February 13, 2017

10 Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss AdrenZen

The Resort at Paws Up will host its first-ever wellness weekend event, Adrenaline Meets Zen (also known as “AdrenZen”), May 5–8, 2017. Adrenaline Meets Zen’s dual theme fits perfectly with the Paws Up experience. Our sprawling 37,000-acre resort offers exhilarating wilderness adventures, including everything from the challenging Grizzlyman Fitness Trail and the Sky Line Aerial Adventure Course to more than 100 miles of trails.

But don’t let the wellness aspect fool you—there’s no strict dieting during this event—just delicious gourmet cuisine, healthy cocktails and fine wines with a heaping side of adventure. And in case you need a bit more convincing, below is our list of top reasons not to miss AdrenZen. (We capped the list at 10, but we could go on and on.)

1. Special guest fitness instructor Jen Widerstrom—Get up close and personal with The Biggest Loser star during small daily group fitness classes. Widerstrom will also lead activities, including the Ranch-Athlon and Grizzlyman Fitness Trail adventures. Widely known as America’s favorite bighearted trainer on NBC’s hit series The Biggest Loser, count on Widerstrom to inspire participants while injecting a healthy dose of morale.

2. Ranch-Athlon—A combination ATV tour and rappelling excursion or a Sky Line Adventure Course experience led by Widerstrom is sure to be a big adrenaline rush. With more than twice the acreage of Manhattan, The Resort offers plenty of wide open spaces to explore from the seat of your all-terrain vehicle. Follow the tour with a rappelling adventure for a unique and challenging cap to the day. After a climb to the famed Lookout Rock—where Meriwether Lewis once stood—you’ll descend a sheer, 167-foot rock face for the ultimate rush.

3. Spa treatments—No trip to Paws Up is complete without booking something special to enjoy at the serene location known as Spa Town. No matter what your body needs, there’s a massage, scrub or facial to handle it. From body treatments to altitude adjustments to enhancements like scalp massages, it will be hard to tear yourself away from our renowned spa.

4. Guest yoga instructor Lauren Taus—There’s a reason why Self magazine refers to this New York City yoga instructor as one of the top trainers to follow. She teaches regularly at some of the city’s most elite studios, including Equinox, Pure Yoga and Soho House. Join her at Paws Up for a weekend of yoga to increase your current practice or give you the confidence to continue as a beginner once you return home.

5. Vino Yoga—Speaking of yoga, how about a little vino with your Vrksasana (tree pose)? During this class, you will warm and stretch your muscles through a range of movement while pleasuring your palate with a sampling of fine wines.

6. Grizzlyman Fitness Trail—Join Jen Widerstrom for adventures on this one-mile trail that features 12 fitness stations. Each one includes equipment made from the surrounding timber as well as challenges such as climbing, balancing, swinging and more. The trail offers a picturesque setting to burn off those extra calories.

7. Hiking—We might be a bit biased, but there’s no more gorgeous place to go on a meditation-minded excursion or a sunset hike than in the Montana wilderness. Exhale and enjoy the landscape at this prime time of day.

8. Horseback riding—Saddle up for spectacular views of the legendary Blackfoot River and the surrounding wilderness as you explore forested trails and scenic overlooks. Maybe you’ll even spot some of the wildlife that make their homes amongst The Resort’s property. With miles of trails to choose from, you will make one breathtaking turn after another atop one of our groomed horses.

9. Sky Line Aerial Adventure Course—Soar with the eagles—or at least get a little closer to them—on our challenging ropes course, which is tucked neatly into the middle of the forest. You’ll navigate rickety bridges, spider nets, swinging platforms, tight ropes and a heart-pounding 40-foot free fall during this two-hour adventure.

10. Awesome accommodations—With all the adventure, fitness classes and exquisite food and drink provided by Featured Chef Kelly Liken (a finalist on Top Chef), you want a pretty place to lay your head at night. Nothing is missing from our world-class accommodation options. Our Big Timber Homes feature roomy, Montana-size showers, lofts, comfy seating areas, front porches with views and back decks with oversize hot tubs. Of course, just because you’re in the wilds of the West doesn’t mean you can’t tune in to civilization by viewing your flat-screen TV or checking email with complimentary Wi-Fi. These luxurious accommodations are unmatched in Big Sky Country.

This three-night, all-inclusive package includes two yoga classes per person, one vino yoga class per person, one fitness activity* per person (per day), the Ranch-Athlon, your

choice of a horseback riding excursion or a fly-fishing experience, your choice of a sunset hike excursion or a Meditation Minded Hike, two spa treatments per person, a gift bag, transfers to and from the Missoula International Airport, taxes and the resort fee. Starting rate for two adults staying in a Wilderness Estate suite is $734 per person (per night).

*Fitness activities include a guided hike, the Sky Line Aerial Adventure Course and a two-hour property bike tour.

December 20, 2016December 20, 2016

39 Posts on The Resort at Paws Up from 2016

2016 was a big year at The Resort at Paws Up, and we want to share with you 35 media posts that recap the best of the past year. 2017 is going to be even better! For starters, this will be the first year we are open 365 days. We will be introducing a brand new glamping site—North Bank—scheduled to open in June; new culinary events such as Eat Drink and Meet Merry, WildFlavor, AdrenZen, long table events and Smoke & Around the Fire; additional activities and much more, so stay tuned. But first, take a stroll down memory lane as you relive some of our events and accolades from 2016.

10 Affordable Wellness Vacations for 2017 via U.S. News and World Report