In Montana, a wide-open space beckons families, couples, and adventurous spirits.
In the middle of it all, a herd of some 200 bison graze.
But what’s behind the staying power of this luxe Montana ranch?
The Resort at Paws Up on a summer night.Credit:Stuart Thurkilll/Courtesy of
I had to find out for myself.
What We Like
The Rooms
Guests have a lot of options regarding where to stay.
I stayed at Camp Fortunate, a sprawling three-suite, four-bath lodge in the Wilderness Estates category.
Inside a Wilderness Estate at Paws Up.Stuart Thurkilll/Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up
On the porch outside, rocking chairs looked out upon a gently rolling hill.
The Wilderness Estates feel like home rentals that have all the perks of a luxury resort.
The cuisine at Green OsSocial Haustastes just as good, and is styled with an eye for haute presentation.
A spring salad at the 23-seat Social Haus restaurant.Dan Goldberg Photography/Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up
My friend and I ate looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows, where dappled sunlight filtered through the surrounding forest.
A highlight was talking to executive pastry chef Krystle Swenson.
“So, I made an ice cream heavily infused with pine and mint.
A group ride at Paws Up.Stuart Thurkilll/Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up
Year-round, horseback riding is a big draw.
Its important to me that it never be a surface-level experience, said equestrian manager Jackie Kecskes.
One morning, I met Tonto, one of the first mustangs who were rescued under Kecskes watch.
A treatment tent in the Paws Up “Spa Town.".Stuart Thurkilll/Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up
With his bright eyes, gentle demeanor, and stocky body, he reminded me of a teddy bear.
Another prime, perhaps unexpected activity at Paws Up?
Whiling away an hour or two at the Wilderness Outpost boutique.
Guests staying at the Blackfoot River Lodge or the seasonal glamping camps get prime views of the Blackfoot River.Stuart Thurkilll/Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up
I felt like a kid myself, ruffling through Pendleton button-downs and pearl-snap shirts from female-owned Wyatt Outdoors.
The individual cars, shuttle service, and dog-friendly policies also provide travelers with a greater level of autonomy.
For specific inquiries, it’s recommended to call the resort ahead of travel.
A Paws Up staff member picks up guests at the Missoula Montana Airport.
