Vacations in 2020 are looking less like international excursions and more like remote relaxation here at home. We’ve been working hard at Extraordinary Journeys to provide you with a few destinations that are a little closer to home.
A quick trip to Big Sky country is the perfect destination for social distance, rustic luxury, and natural beauty.
Here recommendations for three great Montana ranch properties that team member, Amelia, visited in July.
Grey Cliffs Ranch for Cozy Seclusion and Space to Explore
This upscale bed and breakfast offers guests the option to book the entire house and guesthouse for exclusive use. Groups of 16 can gather safely and enjoy private access to all that your hosts have to offer. Guests also can just book a single room, as the ranch is following health and social distancing guidelines.
Centrally located to Bozeman and Big Sky and Yellowstone National Parks, Grey Cliffs is set on 5,200 acres of rolling, grassy hills, boasting endless vistas, and grazing cattle dotting the landscape.
The ranch is a 25-minute trek off the main road down a well kept gravel road. After passing through the private gate, you enter the lodge through the front door and are welcomed into the large living room and kitchen area. From there, a staff member will accompany you to your room.
Each room boasts a comfortable king or queen-sized bed and some rooms have attached smaller rooms to accommodate children. All rooms have a large, attached bathroom stocked with basic necessities.
A private chef is on-site for each meal and will accommodate any preferences and dietary restrictions but must be submitted prior to arrival. Meals are served with two small appetizers and a main course. A full bar also awaits you upon arrival and is available anytime during your stay.
Activities include four-wheeler rides, fly-fishing, horseback riding, pottery classes and more. Private helicopter tours can also be accommodated through 2nd party companies. While excursions may be at the top of your to-do list, this accommodation is also perfect for an afternoon of board and card games with family and friends.
We recommend you stay at booking at least two nights to get the full remote relaxation experience.
Lone Mountain Ranch for Luxury, Adventure
Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana, is a secluded, luxury ranch property set on 150 acres adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. Featuring 23 secluded, luxury log cabins and two private homes, Lone Mountain is nestled between the Montana Rockies and some of the state’s most notorious rivers and grasslands, a hidden gem located just 18 miles beyond the northwest border of Yellowstone.
Each cabin is spacious with, luxurious and outfitted with plush bedding, large windows, and ensuite bathrooms featuring a large clawfoot bathtub and walk in shower. While the cabins offer different floor plans and bed sizes, there isn’t a single one that doesn’t emanate luxury.
Executive Chef Eric Gruber oversees the property’s locally sourced, farm-to-table menu and his culinary expertise will not disappoint. The best part? They offer all inclusive packages so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Lone Mountain Ranch has an expansive list of activities and excursions for all guests of all ages. Onsite yoga and spa services are available for those looking for complete rejuvenation. For those looking for an adventure, guests can book horseback rides, fly fishing tours, guided trips to Yellowstone, or whitewater rafting excursions with the concierge. can be booked right at the ranch. Maybe a horse drawn covered wagon ride is more your style?
If you’re looking for a secluded, remote destination packed with one-of-a-kind outdoor excursions, divine dining, and private, luxury accomodations, Lone Mountain Ranch should be at the top of your list.
320 Ranch for Active Families on a Budget
This charming guest ranch is the perfect, family-friendly accommodation for travelers that desire seclusion, modest pricing, and true rustic retreat. Located just off the Gallatin River in Big Sky, Montana, 320 Ranch is a great place to get reacquainted with nature. Guests can book one of the main lodge’s 50 rooms or select a private cabin, chalet, or log home.
The private accommodations offer kitchens or kitchenettes, so you can cook together and explore together. While 320 Ranch doesn’t offer an extensive list of on-property activities, the concierge is well versed in the top local outfitters to fill your trip with trail rides, fly fishing, rafting, hiking and beyond.
Only 45 minutes from Yellowstone, 320 Ranch is the perfect launchpad for families wanting a driving tour of the park and a secluded place to return home to.
If cooking isn’t your thing on vacation, 320 Ranch does have on-site dining in the charming cowboy kitchen, McGill’s, featuring a down-home menu the kids will love, plenty of wild game and local delicacies for the grown ups, and full bar in the form of a historic saloon.
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