If your only point of reference for a dude ranch experience is the NBC Bonanza TV series, you may have fantasized about being a cool dude, but perhaps you did not realize how good a ranch holiday can be.
So grab your spurs and head to Montana’s Big Sky country for the all-inclusive, five star Ranch at Rock Creek.
It’s 45 minutes drive from 19th century mining town of Philipsburg (reminiscent of Bonanza) and notice how your breathing slows down in this forest-clad destination.
Each night you'll lay your head on beds made sumptuous with soft cottons and down quilts, knowing you will wake up to the scenic backdrop of the Sapphire, Anaconda and Flink Creek mountain ranges that offer snow-capped peaks amid pristine wilderness.
There are several styles of accommodation on this 6,600-acre ranch either in the main lodge, log cabins, canvas cabins and suites in a barn that can between them sleep around 85 people at most.
The rustic chic cabins have a veranda, plush bathrooms, a fireplace and the luxury tents—huge luxurious canvas cabins offering superb glamping (ultra luxurious camping)—are set by the creek that runs through the ranch. They have a creek-side Jacuzzi and a large porch and when its bed-time imagine falling asleep to the sound of running water.
The summer months are the most fun. Every week there’s a rodeo down at the corral and the various dude ranching activities include mountain biking and hiking in the nearby mountains.
Perhaps the highlight is horseback riding over several trails—all the cowboy kit is available to use—or if you fancy handling a gun, there is a shooting range in the foothills beyond to practice or learn.
There’s also fly fishing in the creek or at some secret spots. And when the tackle is all gone take a rubber tube and spend a serene moment or two floating down the Rock Creek.
Copyright © 2014 by The Travel Magazine. This article was written by Sharron Livingston and originally published on thetravelmagazine.net
