The Resort at Paws Up, Montana & Wyoming

rooms

It’s a challenge indeed to provide accommodation that matches up to this world-class setting, but the Resort at Paws Up really pulls this off.  The first decision is whether you should opt for one of the 28 spacious, atmospheric and beautifully decorated luxury timber lodge homes or commune with nature in one of the 30 deluxe safari style tents pitched along the Blackfoot River.

All the lodges benefit from completely private locations, panoramic vistas and exquisite Western décor and furnishings. They boast a wealth of features including well-equipped kitchens, complimentary hire car, flat screen TVs and wireless internet. Some of the homes even feature their own private tent nearby. Honeymooners have the option of a specially built honeymoon home.

If you opt for the resort’s award winning glamping you can choose from one of five separate luxury tented safari camps that cater for families, couples and groups. You’ll find six tents in each camp featuring fine linens, chic rustic furnishings, art adorned walls, luxurious bathrooms, electricity, air conditioning – and best of all your butler and chef!

All the camps have their own personalities, but the ultimate option is Pinnacle Camp situated on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Blackfoot River and Elk Creek with the most breath-taking views.

facilities & activities

The resort offers a vast choice of activities to suit all ages and tastes. In a break from the traditional charging system seen on many ranches, the resort’s rates include accommodation and meals, but most activities are paid for separately – worth factoring into your costs before you arrive.

The knowledgeable local staff will help you tailor your own personal activity programme from an impressive menu.  Horse lovers of all abilities are in for a real treat: you can trail ride and even join local ranch hands to drive a herd of cattle - an unforgettable experience. The 10 miles of the beautiful Blackfoot river that dissect the resort are not to be missed – try kayaking, rafting or fly-fishing here. Other options include quad biking through pine filled trails, world class clay shooting, mountain biking, abseiling, hot air ballooning and paintballing.

Complimentary activities and equipment include an extensive hiking system, all fishing equipment, volleyball, badminton, group yoga classes, pony rides, inflatable watercraft for kids, croquet, disc golf, ladder golf, basketball and working out in the extensive fitness centre.

Spa Town at Paws Up is equally impressive. Set on the edge of a meadow near a babbling brook there is no need for the usual background music – the sounds of nature are provided by the setting itself. Relax in the colony of pristine white tents joined by a wooden boardwalk and choose your favourite treatment from the extensive menu.

The resort is an extremely professional operation – now even boasting its own dedicated phone app! Simply use this to make dining reservations, book wilderness activities and arrange transport.

dining

There are two main restaurants, both offering excellent locally sourced food and attentive service. The Pomp – refined yet rustic – is open to the public for dinner. The Trough is a more casual  ‘family’ dining experience where groups can share a selection of dishes  - great fun. This is open for breakfast (don’t miss the huckleberry pancakes), lunch and dinner. Menus can be enjoyed in your ‘home’ for no extra charge.

Clients staying in the tented camps have their own private chef on site, or can visit Pomp for an additional charge. You can also experience an authentic campfire dinner at the end of a scenic wagon ride along the banks of the Blackfoot River. There are regular BBQs in different locations around the resort too. The resort also caters for vegans and vegetarians and is happy to accommodate special dietary needs.

If it’s just a drink you’re after the bartenders at the resort’s Tank bar will be keen to mix you your own unique beverage while you relax taking in its spectacular views.

family

The resort welcomes children of all ages and can accommodate families of all different sizes in one of their 28 large, unique timber lodge homes that have separate bedrooms, bathrooms and lofts. These come in four sizes – homes with one bedroom plus lofted bedroom, to two, three or four bedroomed homes – and accommodate between four and eight guests.

The glamping option is great for families too as children will love the sense of adventure. Two-bedroom en-suite tents work really well for two adults and two children. The camp chef and butler will take care of all the usual camping chores leaving you to enjoy family time.

The restaurants offer children’s meals and portions and youngsters will particularly love the relaxed family dining experience in The Trough restaurant and campfire experiences (especially the s’mores).

Babysitting is available for a charge and family DVDs are on offer in the homes.

The Paws Up ‘Kids Corps of Discovery’ is held seven days a week during June, July and August (call for availability outside these months). Full and half-day programmes are available for children aged four to 17 for a charge. Supervised, age-appropriate activities include everything from horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and fishing to nature education and panning for gold  well as age-appropriate crafts and daily feedings of the animals at the Cow Pokes’ Corral. We particularly recommend the Junior Wrangler day plus a visit to the Ghost Town activity! Quad biking is bound to raise a smile too.

location

Set on a 37,000 acre working cattle ranch just outside the small town of Greenough in the astonishingly beautiful central western Montana, Paws Up ranch feels a world away from the everyday - but is surprisingly accessible. You are just a 30 minute scenic drive from Missoula International Airport and complimentary transfers to and from the airport are included in the price of your stay.  Missoula is accessed by Allegiant Air with Gateways in Las Vegas and other major Cities.

Situated on the legendary Blackfoot River, overlooked by the peaks of the Glazier National Park and surrounded by forests this is pristine Montana wilderness at its very best.