montana ranch vacations | The Last Best Blog

April 17, 2018April 17, 2018

4 Montana-Style Girlfriend Getaways

The girlfriend getaway is one travel trend that increases in popularity every year. At The Resort at Paws Up, we have several incredible options for your next gal pal vacation. How does an all-female chef and wine weekend, wellness retreat or cowgirl weekend held on our 37,000-acre ranch sound? If you’re overdue for a weekend of pampering, togetherness, adventure and luxury travel, we have four great event weekend options for you.

Cowgirl Spring Roundup

April 26–29, 2018

Channel your inner cowgirl alongside your best friends and amazing Cowgirl Hall of Famers. Their workshops teach horsewomanship and other cowgirl skills. At night, relive a day filled with relaxing trail rides, wildlife adventures and Western art and photography and shoot the breeze around a roaring campfire. Enjoy exceptional cuisine by Executive Chef Sunny Jin, expertly paired with wines from our featured vintner Planeta Winery. Pack your bags and saddle up!

AdrenZen: Spring

May 4–7, 2018

There’s no better place to jump-start your health goals than on our property with more than 100 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. With help from leading wellness experts in the Missoula area, your adrenaline will be pumping during outdoor adventures, and vino yoga will put you on a path to Zen-like tranquility. Guests will enjoy one-of-a-kind activities, including Buti and vino yoga classes, glide barre and mat Pilates classes and outdoor cardio and muscle building with a former pro bodybuilder utilizing a gorgeous Montana backdrop. You’ll even learn the art of juicing and preparing raw foods.

When you need a minute to rest, the scenery alone invites you to unwind. Meditate on the banks of the Blackfoot or find your bliss in a massage at our serene Spa Town^®. Plus, you’ll dine all weekend long on freshly prepared gourmet cuisine with a health-conscious twist. AdrenZen: Spring is the ideal girls’ getaway to relax, recharge and renew.

Montana Master Chefs^®

September 27–30, 2018

Each year, one of the most exciting highlights of fall is Paws Up’s Montana Master Chefs. And this year, it’s even more special because we’re celebrating the best of the best—not just among women, but among all who rule in food, wine, beer and spirits. Join us as we plate up our first female-inspired signature culinary event: The Wonder Women of Food and Wine.

In addition to gourmet meals, the weekend-long event offers live music, celebrity cook-offs, spa treatments, wilderness adventures and a little mixing and mingling with talented stars under big Montana skies.

Wine Weekend with Chappellet

November 9–11, 2018

Before the holidays, enjoy a weekend away with your friends toasting to the season. Spend a weekend getting to know one of the most celebrated family-owned wineries in Napa Valley. At our fall Wine Weekend, you’ll be sipping (and quaffing) right alongside Chappellet owners Amy and Dominic Chappellet.

Guests will explore the crisp, autumnal landscape on horseback or on the back of an ATV or test their aim on a sporting clays adventure. If you’re craving pure relaxation, relax with a little retail therapy, a host of spa services and, of course, a glass of Cabernet while soaking in your private outdoor hot tub.

September 28, 2017August 16, 2022

Possibly the World’s Most Uplifting Countdown

Make a resolution to finally have the New Year’s Eve of your wildest dreams. No crowds, no traffic. Join us for a weekend filled with wintery outdoor adventures like snowmobiling, horseback riding, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing. Then get cozy inside with movie nights, shopping and bowl game watching. And when it’s time to ring in the new year, you can celebrate in spectacular fashion right here at The Resort. You’ll find a dazzling night that begins with an elegant, five-course dinner and ends with fire dancers, fireworks and a live performance by American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox. After you retire to your private vacation home and wake up to a lavish breakfast buffet, you’re looking at an ideal welcome to 2018.

Our vast menu of activities provides opportunities to do things you love, as well as things you’ve always wanted to try.

Paws Up’s Featured Entertainment

“Crystal has ‘a voice like dirt and diamonds.’ Her music is intended to bring a positive message of love and light to the world—things that folks will be able to take with them on their own journey, so that they, too, can feel truly alive.”

— from crystalbowersox.com

Crystal Bowersox will provide the music for Paws Up’s extravagant end-of-the-year celebration. She will perform with her trio for all New Year’s Eve revelers to enjoy. Crystal Bowersox’s emotive folk-rock-country style catapulted her from the cramped coffeehouses and cavernous subway tunnels of Chicago to millions of homes across the United States when she placed second on Season 9 of American Idol. Along with her old soul of a voice, her carefree style and “don’t mess with me” attitude set her apart from the other contestants and landed the self-taught songstress performances with Joe Cocker, Harry Connick, Jr. and Alanis Morissette.

This Year Between Christmas and New Years, the Holidays Are Even Sweeter at Paws Up.

Because we like to do everything right, down to the last little detail, we’ve arranged for our very own Sugar Plum Fairy to make a visit this winter. Chef Mindy Segal of Chicago’s ever-popular HotChocolate restaurant will be providing heavenly cupfuls of her signature dessert. Stop by the fully stocked HotChocolate Bar for an assortment of concoctions. Winner of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef and author of Cookie Love, Segal will also be leading cookie-making classes* and creating a featured dessert. As if you needed any other reason to visit during this magical time of year.

September 24, 2017September 25, 2017

10 Reasons to Celebrate Christmas at Paws Up

This holiday season, leave behind the hustle and bustle for something truly magical: Christmastime in Montana. At The Resort at Paws Up, you’re in for a warm and adventurous holiday weekend. We have elves to take care of everything. Here are 10 reasons to spend Christmas at Paws Up in pictures and words.

You get to experience a picture-perfect backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
You’ll rock around your very own decorated tree.
You’ll receive a surprise personal visit from Santa, right in your cozy luxury home with gifts and all.
You’ll experience bonfires with s’mores and downhill snow tubing with a snowmobile chauffeur, followed by hot apple cider.
You’ll participate in a gingerbread house decorating contest.
You’ll enjoy quality family time with bingo game nights and more.
You’ll warm up with indoor activities such as holiday crafts, movie nights and plenty of shopping at our Wilderness Outpost.
You’ll experience a family broomball game on the Paws Up ice skating rink.
You’ll enjoy the best Montana Christmas brunch and a glittering Christmas dinner with live music.
You’ll end each day soaking in a soothing hot tub and then relax by your roaring fireplace.

Enough said? Contact our live chat on pawsup.com now for more information.

August 18, 2017June 30, 2023

Top 10 Personal Paws Up Faves

My Summer at Paws Up

by Cameron Gutierrez, Paws Up Intern

With all the beauty and adventure here at Paws Up, you may wonder what it’s like to work at the most gorgeous place in the United States. I’m lucky enough to have spent the summer interning here at The Resort. At the end of the summer, I’ll return to California State University in Chico, California, where I am a senior majoring in business administration. (Prior to enrolling in college, I spent six years in the military.) However, once I graduate, my fiancée and I plan to make Montana our permanent home. Paws Up and Montana truly are The Last Best Place. Here are my Top 10 favorite things about working as an intern at Paws Up.

Top 10 Personal Paws Up Faves

1. Paws Up is located in a beautiful part of western Montana. Even after two months of driving to work every day, I will never tire of the magnificent views on Highway 200.

2. The Resort is located on vast land that lends itself to deer and jackrabbit sightings, while hoping for an elusive bald eagle to soar above.

3. River Camp and Moonlight Camp are my two favorite glamping® camps. River Camp has a small private beach with an amazing view of the Blackfoot River, located just past the Dining Pavilion. Moonlight Camp, although secluded, has a phenomenal meadow view. Take a small hike down a dirt road, and you’ll find yourself at an access point to the Blackfoot River. The slow-moving water is perfect for a midday swim.

4. The opportunity to meet guests from all over the country and world is incredible.

5. Working in the Transportation Department (Bell Stand) opened my eyes to the inner workings of The Resort, as well as the hard work required to make the entire operation run smoothly.

6. Being a small part of guests’ experiences has been amazing, especially when I hear them talking about how much they enjoyed their time at Paws Up.

7. On my first day at Paws Up, I witnessed the birth of two beautiful baby deer, and I have been able to watch as they grow older each day.

8. A piece of the ranch’s history—and something I really love too—is located off Elk Creek Road, just beyond the pastures. The Morris Ranch House (built in the late 1800s) is beautiful on the outside as well as the inside. Located next to the front door is a picture of the Morris family when they lived in the house.

9. The pasture animals are a great addition to the Montana guest experience. I’ve seen so much unique wildlife here on a daily basis: cattle, horses, buffalo, Watusis and even a beefalo.

10. My time at Paws Up has given me a wonderful summer away from home, and working for The Resort reinforced my dream of living in Montana. I can’t wait to get back!

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.

January 18, 2017June 30, 2023

The Resort at Paws Up Introduces North Bank Camp

It used to be next to impossible to get this close to Montana’s unbridled nature while enjoying all the rich comforts of a luxury resort. Then the masterminds at Paws Up invented glamping®. And ever since, adventure seekers have been gazing out from our well-appointed tents and casting their eyes over a pristine landscape, complete with the rush of water just 50 feet below.

To help ensure our guests can reserve a stay and enjoy the experience they crave, we’re expanding our glamping options—and we’re doing it in a way that keeps the wilderness intact.

Sneak Peak

On a beautiful site about a half-mile downriver from the chuck wagon dining area, the new North Bank camp will offer beautiful views of the Blackfoot River. It’ll encompass the same safari-style tents as our other camps and include the same uncompromising amenities, such as rustic chic décor, sumptuous bed linens and en suite bathrooms with heated floors. Each tent will have a private deck overlooking the majestic river. And like the other camps, North Bank will be the perfect jumping-off point for any number of exciting outdoor activities.

What makes the new camp different is its size. According to Brian Bandy, project manager for The Resort at Paws Up, while the other camps have four double tents and two single tents, the new camp will have four doubles and two triples, and the triples will have two full baths instead of one. This means North Bank will ideal for larger families and groups wanting to buy out an entire site.

To accommodate more people, North Bank’s Dining Pavilion will be about 30 percent larger than the pavilions at the other camps. It will also feature sliding glass doors, so guests will be able to take in the magnificent view while dining.

Of course, in keeping with the Paws Up aesthetic and our strict environmental principles, Bandy pointed out, “Whenever we build a camp, we’re concerned about the Blackfoot corridor; we want to make sure nothing looks out of place. We do as little excavation as possible. We don’t remove trees, and we do as little trimming as possible.” In other words, anything Paws Up creates needs to be in harmony with nature. Guests can look forward to seeing the finished North Bank camp in late May 2017.

What’s new this year in all our camps? Paws Up is installing complimentary Wi-Fi, not just in the pavilions, but in the tents as well. To plan your stay at North Bank or any of our other incredible sites, don’t wait. We’re already taking reservations for unforgettable stays under Montana’s Big Sky. Click here for more.

July 28, 2016June 30, 2023

9 Reasons to Visit Paws Up in August

If you’re still looking to embark on the ultimate Montana family adventure, you’re in luck. Paws Up, America’s premier luxury ranch resort, still has limited availability for both glamping® and our chic rustic homes. For anyone who loves the mountains, outdoor adventure, five-star cuisine, starry nights and the biggest sky in the West—and we don’t know a soul who doesn’t—The Resort at Paws Up is The Last Best Place. See below for what’s happening in August—there’s something for everyone.

1. DRUM CIRCLE MADNESS AND THE GREAT SCOTTS

July 30–August 6, 2016

Artists in Residency: Scott Besaw and Scott Schaefer

Make as much noise as you like. Sound like fun? Then join us for workshops, sing-alongs and up-close performances with two of our favorite returning musicians. Scott Besaw is usually entertaining audiences and instructing students at Chicago’s world-famous Old Town School of Folk Music. He was also a cast member of the original New York City production of Blue Man Group and a conductor for the award-winning Denver Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.

Scott Schaefer has been rocking out the Chicago music scene for more than two decades as a sought-after lead singer. Having managed several independent record labels, he now hosts weekly live-music open- stage nights and spins vinyl as a DJ at several of the city’s best watering holes.

2. GETTIN’ PRIMITIVE FAMILY CAMP

August 7-13, 2016

Artist in Residency Gary Steele

Learn about the old ways from a honest-to-goodness mountain man. For one week at his self-built camp, you and your kids can show up and get hands- on instruction in primitive skills like longbow archery, orienteering, tracking, woodsmanship, knot tying, fire making, shelter building, ecology, edible plant identification and storytelling. You can also meet our resident mountain man at the Kids Corps of Discovery, at a luxury camp near you or on a Chuck Wagon Dinner ride.

3. NATIONAL S’MORES DAY

August 10^th, 2016

National S’mores Day is Wednesday, August 10, but you already knew that, right? Well, as the pioneers of glamping in North America, we thought it was appropriate to give this day the recognition it deserves. Move over, apple pie. America has a new national pastry pastime. Acclaimed pastry chefs will team with The Resort at Paws Up’s Executive Chef Ben Jones to prepare decadent desserts at dinner. You’ll even create your own gourmet s’mores from a selection of unique and special ingredients and compete with other guests for the title of S’more Savant. Live music around a glowing campfire will provide the perfect ambience for this all-you-can-eat s’morgasbord.

4. KNIT GRAFFITI

Artist in Residency: Suzanne Tidwell

August 14–20, 2016

For one very bright week, Artist in Residency Suzanne Tidwell brings her unique yarn-bombing skills to our expansive and beautiful landscape. You’ll get to watch as she knits and installs original works of art in unexpected places around The Resort. What’s more, she’ll help you and your kids create masterpieces of your own during special workshops and visits to various camps and events.

Suzanne Tidwell is a fiber artist working primarily in the Seattle area. She’s known for creating large-scale, site-specific fiber installations of vibrant color that transform undesirable and underused public areas into places people want to frequent. The somber tones and rich vegetation of the Pacific Northwest influence her brash and nontraditional work, which demonstrates that being exposed to bright color can have the same effect as experiencing a sunny day.

Note: All Knit Graffiti Workshops are complimentary. Space is limited. Reserve early.

5. BOUNTY ON THE BLACKFOOT

August 20, 2016

A Long Table Event Featuring Chef Brooke Williamson

Many chefs try but few can deliver a true farm-to-table dining experience. During Bounty on the Blackfoot, you’ll learn just what it takes. We’ve invited Brooke Williamson to demonstrate her signature talent—taking locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and turning them into mouthwatering masterpieces.

Along with Chef Ben Jones, she’ll stock up at the Missoula farmers market in the morning, and then return to create an unforgettable, one-day-only tasting menu before your very eyes. Everything will be based entirely on what produce, spices and proteins happen to be at their freshest that day. And at least one dish will pay homage to the Blackfoot Indians who grew, hunted and harvested their food on the land where Paws Up is located today.

6. CHUCK WAGON DINNERS

Five Nights a Week

Step aboard our old fashioned horse-drawn wagon and enjoy a unique ride to the Blackfoot River. Sit back, relax, and take in the joy of watching Montana’s famous Big Sky play host to the rolling hills, gorgeous backdrop and the local wildlife that call Paws Up Ranch home.

This scenic ride ends at the banks of the Blackfoot River, where you’ll enjoy an authentic chuck wagon dinner. The finest offerings are prepared before your eyes. Send your stomach on an adventure. From all-natural chicken, angus prime ribs, fresh corn and asparagus grilled over a campfire, to simple, yet scrumptious classics like baked beans and fresh fruit cobbler baked over the coals in a Dutch oven, you won’t walk away with an empty stomach.

Before and after dinner, enhance your authentic Montana experience by pitching horseshoes and enjoying the extraordinary talent of a local banjo player and cowboy poet.

7. BBQ AT THE YARD FOLLOWED BY WILD WEST SHOW & LIVE MUSIC

Every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Join us each Tuesday for BBQ at the Yard with Wild West Showstoppers (a sample menu includes anything from Poached Shrimp Cocktail and Snow Crab Claws to Korean Pork Sliders and Vegetable Crudité Jars), Light and Cool offerings (think crisp salads, fresh pastas, etc.) and The Main Event (featuring steaks, seafood, pork and/or chicken). We serve a special sweet offering for dessert and a Children’s Ranch Table is available for younger guests. Dinner will be followed by our very own comical Wild West Show starring the Paws Up staff as well as live musical guests.

8. Happy Hour at The Wilderness Outpost

Daily 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Enjoy happy hour at the Wilderness Outpost daily from 4 p.m-6 p.m. Our ultimate 11,000-square-foot rural boutique is the ultimate place to unwind and to find the best in western fashion and gifts.

9. Happy Hour at Tank

Daily 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Tank is hosting happy hour daily from 3-6 p.m. We will have charcuterie and cheese to graze on, as well as a daily featured cocktail and wine specials. Select from tastings of our local Montana-made spirits which come from five different Montana distilleries, including Montgomery Distillery in Missoula and Roughstock in Bozeman.

June 21, 2016

3 Most Requested Activities at Paws Up

Take a wild guess at the three most requested activities at The Resort at Paws Up. If you picked fly-fishing, horseback riding, and ATV trail rides, then you are correct—and you should reward yourself with one of the above! These three activities in particular are extremely popular due to the multiple offerings, times, and uniqueness that come from the setting of the resort. Activities Director Mark Houseman says, “Their popularity stems from the fact that these three activities offer a great representation of the Montana way of life. From the world-class fishing to the wide-open exploration of our state, they allow our guests a way to escape busy city life and marvel at the beauty of the Montana landscape. Personally, my favorite is the three-hour ATV tour, as you get to drive deep into the back part of the property, enjoy the thrill of two hill climbs, snap a photo at the best picture spot at Lookout Rock and experience the ever-changing landscape that you experience along the route.”

For our ATV trail rides, guests can choose from a one and a half-, three-, or five-hour excursion. For the first two options, guests explore the woods, tackle hill climbs, take in the picturesque scenery from Lookout Rock and view the beautiful Blackfoot river. On the five-hour ride, guests will explore the woods, and then take the ATVs off-property to Elevation Peak (about 7,000 feet). Once they have completed this climb on the ATVs, guests will hop off for a hike to the top. From there, views are breathtaking, and guests will experience the grandeur that earned Montana its Big Sky State nickname. Post-hike, adventurers head to Garnet, an abandoned-but-intact ghost town where guests will travel back to the 1800s as they check out the saloon, hotel, general store and so much more. Lunch is provided before driving back to the resort.

Horses are iconic to Montana, and riding is probably the first activity that crosses the mind when thinking of Montana. The Resort at Paw Up houses 40 horses on-property for all of our equestrian activities. Whether you are have never been in a saddle before or are a riding expert, Paws Up has something for every ability with one-, two- or three-hour trail rides, cattle drives, lessons and more. The Resort’s wrangler will pair guests with a four-legged friend that will be the perfect match for exploring more than 100 miles of wilderness trails. You will pass towering ponderosa pines, whose size and beauty are surpassed only by the views of the distant mountain ranges of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

This year, there are several additions to the equestrian program, including a new evening ride that takes you past our quaint line shack (where you will enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer) to the top of Scout’s Point to take in a signature Montana sunset. Or enjoy a lunch ride to a gorgeous spot in the shade where guests indulge in a Paws Up-style picnic. Kids can participate in lessons at the Saddle Club arena, complete with games, obstacle courses and more, and adult beginners can join instructional group trail rides. For advanced riders, the all-new, three-hour trail ride allows equine enthusiasts to cover terrain that no Paws Up guests have ever traversed. For an authentic taste of Western ranch life, participate in a cattle drive where novice and advanced riders alike saddle up with seasoned ranch hands and drive a herd of cattle across the majestic rolling pastures of the Resort property.

Montana is known for fly-fishing, and Paws Up hosts 10 miles of the Blackfoot River—arguably one of the most famous rivers in which to fly-fish, thanks to the movie “A River Runs Through It.” This gorgeous river flows right through our property, where all of our guided excursions are strictly for fly-fishing. Our guides have fished the surrounding rivers for years and will help you find the best trout fishing holes. At Paws Up, we offer spin rods for guests who are more comfortable with these rods, but only for independent fishing.

Also near the resort is the Missouri River—one of the best hot spots for fly-fishing and a treasure trove for trout. This massive river travels approximately 700 miles along the entire state of Montana.

Other options include Bitterroot River—a dry-fly paradise that is famous for 95 percent dry flies and great hatches, which start in mid-March and extend well into October—and the Clark Fork River, the largest river by volume in the state and also one of the longest. The Clark Fork is approximately 310 miles long and is close to the resort. The best fishing on the Clark Fork is found between its origin and the confluence with the Flathead River near Paradise.

June 3, 2016

National Trail Day: The Best Trails at Paws Up

“Going to the woods is going home.”—John Muir

June 4, 2016, is the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, the country’s largest celebration of trails. The Resort at Paws Up offers more than 30 miles of marked trails for hiking on your own or with a naturalist guide. Choose from a variety of excursions through our 37,000 acres that will allow you to seek quiet, peace, solitude and inspiration. Our guides can offer information about native plants, wildlife and the history of the Blackfoot Valley.

“The top two favorite trails on our property would be the Sunset Trail and Jones Pond Trail through Lubrecht Experimental Forest,” says Justyne Palermo, Resort Reservations Manager at The Resort at Paws Up. “The Sunset Trail follows the Blackfoot River, and then you hike up to Lookout Rock, which provides grand views of the Blackfoot River and Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. The Jones Pond Trail is the perfect hike for wildlife viewing with many visible tracks of elk, deer and bears near the pond. The hike through Lubrecht Experimental Forest is also interesting as it’s a track of land owned by the university, which provides a location for forestry research, resource management and ecosystem science,” says Palermo.

All trails are accessible to all ranch guests and free-of-charge to visit, so don’t miss a chance to explore our rolling hills and expansive meadows.

Six Paws Up Trails Not to Miss

For a quick, easy hike, choose Sacagawea Trail, an easy one-mile hike that is nearest to the Paws Up Village. Another option is the Grizzlyman Fitness Trail—a one-mile course near Spa Town that includes 12 fitness stations. Each station features equipment made from surrounding timber as well as unique challenges, including climbing, balancing, swinging and more. It’s a great way to relish in nature and burn calories at the same time.

Ponderosa Trail is The Resort’s 2.5-mile hike with a slight elevation through Lowland Forest (considered a moderate hike).

Anaconda Trail is four miles long with elevation changes, forest areas and a historic mining area.

Sunset Trail is filled with beauty for three miles as it follows Elk Creek and spans from the Camp to Village.

Jones Pond Trail is 2.5 miles uphill into Lubrecht, and it is considered a moderate to difficult path, more suitable for the avid hiker.