Lowdown

  • Established

    1900s. Guest ranch since 2010

  • Owner

    James E. Manley

  • Manager

    Jon Martin

  • Tel

    877-786-1545

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    Summer: $1,400 - $9,000
    Winter: $1,800 - $7,400

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $850

  • Minimum Stay

    Summer: 5 days
    Winter: 3 days

  • Maximum Guests

    125

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery

  • Memberships

    Relais & Chateaux, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Network, National Geographic Unique Lodges of The World, Virtuoso, Signature, Andrew Harper, AFAR, Kiwi Collection
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

The Ranch at Rock Creek is the world's first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star guest ranch. A Relais & Chåteaux property, this all-inclusive luxury guest ranch brings together upscale amenities and wide open spaces like never before.

Set among 10 square miles of rugged Montana ranchland just outside historic Philipsburg, Montana, The Ranch offers guests over 30 outdoor recreational activities, 29 unique accommodations featuring four different styles (lodge rooms, canvas cabins (glamping), historic barn and luxury homes), memorable ranch cuisine, and a full-service spa. Families, couples and friends will discover that The Ranch at Rock Creek is a special place that offers the best of America's “true West” without sacrificing true comfort.

Our activities program, like everything at The Ranch at Rock Creek, is designed with individual tastes, preferences, and needs in mind. Everything is included here - horseback riding on trails that weave among stunning 6000+ acres, fly fishing on our stretch of Blue Ribbon Rock Creek, fishing our stocked trout ponds, wildlife watching, target shooting, ropes course, hiking, biking and evening entertainment in The Silver Dollar Saloon are all popular pursuits. In the summer months, guests enjoy a weekly rodeo, breakfast ride and barn dance. Open year round, The Ranch becomes a winter wonderland with adventures including cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowcat tours, sleigh rides, snowga and snowmobiling just outside the door. Alpine skiers and snowboarders can join The Ranch's Ski Concierge to enjoy nearby Discover Ski Area - included in the nightly rate. Weather permitting, horsebacking and target shooting are available as well.

In the spring and fall, The Ranch features special offers for anglers, wildlife and nature enthusiasts, and couples who want to reconnect under the big Montana sky. The Buckle Barn, which includes a library, expo kitchen and grand hall, is wonderful venue for group events such as weddings, retreats, team building, musical performans, group yoga, barn dances, and grand dinners and receptions.

Good time to go

The most popular time to visit is May through October due to all-inclusive activity offerings. However, spring and fall are prime fly fishing and horseback riding seasons. Winter is gaining in popularity as The Ranch now includes all-inclusive downhill skiing and snowboarding at nearby Discovery Ski Area, in addition to over a dozen included on-Ranch winter sports. Seasonal celebrations including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Autumn Harvest Weekend, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve.

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 4 and over

Whether it’s pretending to be cowboys or learning to be outdoor explorers, Montana has limitless ways for kids to realize their dreams – and at The Ranch at Rock Creek, we always enjoy sharing this unique part of the world with them. We encourge families to participate in our guided outdoor activities together. The Ranch is a wonderful vacation spot for families with children of different ages because of the array of activities that are available.

The Little Grizzlies Kids Club is available as a featured activity for children ages 4-12. These supervised, fun and educational sessions take place in the morning and afternoon throughout the week. Each day features a theme, from Rivers & Ponds to Cowboys & Horses to Ranching History.

Arts & Crafts

play-doh, coloring, sketching, Decorating cookies, popsicle stick creations, tie dying, face painting, nature walks, swimming and so much more

Activities

hiking, biking, picnics, supervised swimming, Sand castle building, cooking class, and more

Games

scavenger/treasure hunts, board games, horseshoes, soccer, bowling, volleyball, badminton, ping pong, pool table, ring toss, hula hoop, shuffleboard, and more

Riding based activities

animal care, horse care, pony rides, arena riding, trail riding, rodeo

Baby Sitting

Hourly cost $Varies.

Baby Sitting Provided By

Can be pre-arranged.

Environmental & Social Practices

Environment

The Ranch is proud of its responsible stewardship of the ranch land and Rock Creek. Rock Creek is one of few American waterways that has earned the Blue Ribbon status. Our guides and guest practice catch and release at all times to preserve this viable fishery. The freestone mountain stream boasts seven species of fish: Westslope cutthroat, rainbow, cut-bow, brown, brookie, bull and the Rocky Mountain whitefish.

Community

The Ranch at Rock Creek is dedicated to serving the Granite County community and surrounding area through the support of local organizations and events that improve the lives of our fellow citizens.

Conservation

The Ranch is actively involved with regional conservation organizations and is proud to be a founding member of the National Geographic Society's Unique Lodges of the World.

Ranch History

Following the Homestead Act of 1862, people over the age of 21 were allowed to claim a federal land grant in the Western territories. As was typical, The Ranch originally began as a mining claim. Nearby Philipsburg came to life during the silver mining boom of the late 1800s. Sapphires were first discovered in the Rock Creek drainage in 1892.

Along side the mining boom, Utah cattle baron Fred Burr introduced cattle ranching to the Flint Creek Valley in the 1850s - a pursuit that has persevered through the decades. In the late 1800s, this land was homesteaded by WW. Shaffer and P.W. White.

It has changed hands through the decades, but has operated continuously as a working cattle ranch during that time. In the 1940s, The Ranch was purchased by F.S. LeGrow. Subsequent owners include a former member of the Roosevelt administration, named Hobson, businessman Bucko Staninger, military officer Paul Burdette, Donna and Dean Strand and Max Watson. Current owner, Jim Manley, spent 20 years looking for the perfect ranch, following his childhood love of the frontier West. Manley searched for specific qualities in a ranch, including a river running through the property and a nearby ski hill. In 2007, his search for the perfect ranch ended. After several years enjoying The Ranch with family and friends, he decided to share the experience with others. He added many wonderful features and it soon became the all-inclusive luxury guest ranch it is today.

Lowdown

  • Types of water

    Streams

  • Rivers you can fish on

    Rock Creek.

  • Types of Fish

    Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout.

  • Fishing Experience Level

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Guided Fishing Included in rates

  • Unguided Fishing not available

  • Fishing Instruction Included in rates

  • You can borrow

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Boots, Hats, Waders, Fishing Nets.

  • Bring your own

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Boots, Hats, Waders, Fishing Nets.

The Setting

Whether you’ve dreamed of Montana fly fishing for years or you’ve yet to cast for the first time, you will not be disappointed by the opportunities on our namesake Rock Creek. Rock Creek is a Blue Ribbon waterway famous for its salmonfly hatch starting in late May and lasting into July, as well as additional hatches including mayflies, golden stoneflies and caddis fly.  A Blue Ribbon fishery is a designation made in the United States to identify recreational fisheries of notable high quality. 

 

 

The Fishing

Anglers from beginners to experienced will enjoy four miles of private access and pristine river frontage on this freestone mountain stream that boasts seven species of fish: Westslope cutthroat, rainbow, cut-bow, brown, brookie, bull and the Rocky Mountain whitefish. Our licensed and trained fishing guides are excited to share their professional expertise and personal passion for fishing. They go above and beyond to ensure that your fishing experience is both enjoyable and successful. You can enjoy all-inclusive walk and wade fishing on Rock Creek, casting lessons and fly tying. Anglers can also arrange for a float fishing trip on Rock Creek or other nearby waterways for an additional cost. 

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet, Ranch-style, Health oriented

  • Meals served

    scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    wine provided with dinner

  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, patio, dining room (casual attire)

  • You'll definitely love

    ranch-raised beef, ranch-raised pork, ranch-raised chicken, farm fresh eggs, ranch garden, organic produce, locally grown produce, fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, other

The Ranch at Rock Creek kitchen tells a story about Montana stock, wildlife, herb and harvest. With regionally and locally-sourced organic ingredients, Chef Drage's Ranch menus and dining experiences mirror Montana seasonal bounty. Professionally trained in the culinary arts, Chef Drage is celebrated for creating unique Montana ranch cuisine.

Our all-inclusive rates structure includes three meals per day with premium wine, beer and spirits. Snacks and beverages are on hand and in mini-refrigerators in accommodations.

Meals are served in The Granite Lodge, the Blue Canteen and the Buckle Barn (depending on event), with some flexibility to accommodate guests individual schedules and preferences. This way, if you'd rather be out hiking or fishing the evening rise than rushing back for dinner, you won't miss out on The Ranch's remarkable culinary experience.

Guest Favourites

  • Paradise MT Rum Cake with Cinnamon Spiced Ice Cream
  • Kettle House Beer Braised Pork Shoulder with Calimyrna Figs and Melted Leeks
  • Braised Leg of Organic Lamb with Roma Tomatoes and Mission Mountain Garlic

Your Chef, Joshua E. Drage

Cooking has always been a big part of my life. My first meals were simple, but I liked preparing dinner for the family. I always looked up to both of my grandmothers who were great scratch cooks. Dixie would put together huge dutch oven dinners in Logan Canyon for up to one hundred of her friends, I can almost smell the chicken crisping up now. My Grandma Bobbie would take everything from Grandpa Paul’s garden and can it for a later meal. I remember her apricot jam made from fruit off their trees as the best I ever had. They both cooked seasonally and locally - this is how I cook now.

I grew up in a cabin outside of Anchorage, AK in Rainbow Valley. With no electricity, my Mom would bake homemade raisin bread out of her Majestic wood burning oven. After high school I spent one winter skiing in Colorado and working at the Butcher Block in Aspen. It was my first job in the industry. Although I was just making sandwiches, I am sure there are a few skiers who still speak of those legendary lunches I put together in the winter of 1995. I later attended the University of Montana and received a degree in environmental studies, which gave me wonderful insight into the importance of following your food from farm to table.

I enrolled into culinary school at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in 2002. Upon completion I found a job as a grill cook at Tarbell’s Restaurant, where after a year I became their Sous Chef. I learned many things there, but none more important than the value of genuine customer service. While I enjoyed my work in Arizona, I needed to move back North. I headed back to Montana, which eventually led me to Granite County at The Ranch at Rock Creek.

I buy the majority of my products from local producers who have chosen to dedicate their lives to growing and raising the best. Out of respect for what they do I decided to dedicate my life to cooking and finishing what they started. I get excited to meet our producers because they have invested so much of themselves into their products that their enthusiasm is the real story about the food that is on the table. When I put together a meal I am creating an event for that specific occasion to showcase the farmer’s hard work. There is no need to over manipulate the food, rather accentuating the highlight flavors of the product is what I think is important. When you listen to people speak of food it is the simple things that they keep coming back to, and that is what inspires me. When you cook with passion from within with ingredients that are grown the same way your food has character. With purpose comes excellence and if that is what our pork guys strive for than that is what I too have to strive for.

There is undeniably proper technique in creating good food, because that is how you arrive at the best tasting product. I am not recreating food rather learning the best way to cook quality food. By way of technical discipline and local product I can express myself and the landscape of The Ranch at Rock Creek through great tasting food.

When people come to eat in Montana at The Ranch, I want to further enhance their experience through food. From my point of view, our guests are eating what they should be eating on a ranch in Montana. When the setting and the food come together, that is an unbeatable combination.

Sample Menu

  • Entrées

  • Braised Leg of Organic Lamb with Roma Tomatoes and Mission Mountain Garlic
  • Whole Seared Cod Loin with Preserved Lemons, Fingerling Potatoes, Cippolinni Onions, and Brussel Sprouts
  • Dry Rubbed and Roasted Bone In Miller Farms Pork Loin with Yukon Potato Gnocchi, Delicatta Squash Parsnips, and Fried Sage
  • Brined Hutterite Chickens with a Golden White Wine Gravy, Tuscan White Bean Puree, and Charred Tomatoes

  • Desserts

  • Praline Pecan Bread Pudding
  • Apples of Paradise, Tarte Tatin and Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Paradise MT Rum Cake with Cinnamon Spiced Ice Cream

Lowdown

  • Address

    79 Carriage House Lane
    Phillipsburg
    Montana
    59858
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    5280 ft

  • Private Land

    5000-10000 acres

Nearest Town - Philipsburg

Philipsburg has a population of 3,000 (approx), and is situated 20 miles / 30 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in Philipsburg include: grocery store, pharmacy, church, school, post office, medical clinic, bank, atm, gas station, museum.

For shopping Philipsburg offers: small hometown necessity shops, boutique shops, western wear.

Nearest Airports

Missoula Airport, Missoula

Distance

75 miles / 1 hour 30 mins

Airlines

Delta, United, Skywest, Allegiant, Horizon, Alaska, United Express

Ranch shuttle

Included in 2017

Butte Airport, Butte

Distance

55 miles / 1 hour 15 mins

Airlines

Delta, United, Allegiant, Horizon, Alaska

Ranch shuttle

Included in 2017

Private Air Travel

Nearest location(s)

Missoula, Butte, Anaconda, Philipsburg

Travel by

Helicopter, Airplane

Ranch shuttle

Inquire for details

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    Summer: $1,400 - $9,000
    Winter: $1,800 - $7,400

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $850

  • Minimum Stay

    Summer: 5 days
    Winter: 3 days

  • Style of accommodation

    Ranch rustic, Tents, Glamping, Western rustic chic, Luxury 5-Star
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

The Ranch At Rock Creek can cater for up to 125 guests. Accommodation includes Lodges, Luxury Tents and Houses. See below for details and indicative rates.

Lodge | The Granite Lodge Rooms

Rates (Per Person)*

Summer: $1,500
Winter: $900
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

The Granite Lodge sits on a small ridge just west of Rock Creek and is the primary home base during a visit to The Ranch. The great room and the dining room are located here, as well as the Silver Dollar Saloon with the four-lane bowling alley, pool table and 14-foot HD television screen. Also located in a wing of The Lodge, The Mercantile is stocked with beautiful gifts and supplies, while the five-room Spa offers an array of professional treatments. There are 9 rooms in The Granite Lodge.

Rooms

9

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

safe, mini-bar, fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, air conditioning, Handicapped Accessible

Entertainment

tv, dvd, cable / satellite tv

Lodge | Historic Barn Rooms

Rates (Per Person)*

Summer: $1,100 - $1,600
Winter: $867 - $1,000
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

The Historic Barn is an original structure dating back to 1882, which was lovingly restored and converted into three luxury accommodations. Each of the 3 rooms can be taken individually, or larger groups and families can occupy the entire barn.

Rooms

3

Bathrooms

Private bathroom, Shared bathroom

Amenities

safe, mini-bar, fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, air conditioning, Handicapped Accessible

Entertainment

tv, dvd, vhs, hot tub, jetted tub in bath

Luxury Tent | Luxury Canvas Cabins

Rates (Per Person)*

Summer: $1,433 - $1,600
Winter: $867 - $1,000
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

For some, the definitive experience at The Ranch is to stay in one of our signature luxury canvas cabins. Yards from Rock Creek, these accommodations offer the best way to feel a part of nature. They are individually furnished in a rustic camp style, but offer private baths, comfortable beds and luxurious bedding, and the murmur of the river running just outside your front door. Rates are per person. The luxury canvas cabins are truly the best of both worlds.

Rooms

10

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

safe, mini-bar, fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes

House | Luxury Log Cabin Homes

Rates (Per Room / Accommodation)*

Summer: $3,400 - $12,400
Winter: $2,000 - $7,400
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

The Ranch offers 7 Luxury Log Cabin Homes, ranging from the one bedroom Bluebird to the five-bedroom Bear House.

Rooms

7

Bathrooms

Private bathroom, Shared bathroom

Amenities

safe, mini-bar, fridge, microwave, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, air conditioning, wood fireplace, washer / dryer, Handicapped Accessible

Entertainment

tv, dvd, cable / satellite tv, hot tub, jetted tub in bath

Booking Policy

To confirm your reservation, we ask for a 50% deposit of your total reservation amount. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to your arrival (we’ll send you a reminder). If you cancel more than 60 days before your arrival, we will refund your deposit, less a transaction fee that is 10% of the total reserved stay. If you must cancel fewer than 60 days prior to your arrival, your deposit is non-refundable. Children: We welcome children of all ages, but recommend six or older to maximize their enjoyment of The Ranch and its amenities. For children under eight, we have found it best for everyone’s ranch experience that they be under the full-time care of a parent, guardian, or nanny. For children age three to 12 the rate is $700 per night provided they are sharing a room with two adults. There is no charge for children two and under, provided the child shares a room with either a parent/guardian or nanny.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, lodging, Riding, Daily activities for each guest. These activities may be guided. Our inclusive activities are as follows: - Horseback riding: trail rides & arena lessons - Fly fishing: Rock Creek & trout ponds - Shooting: sporting clays/shotgun, rifle & pistol - Archery - Mountain biking - Hiking - Paintball - Little Grizzlies Kids Club - Wildlife watching - Stagecoach rides - Horseshoes - Outdoor swimming pool & hot tub - Cross-country skiing - Snowshoeing - Ice skating - Snowmobiling - Snowcat tours - Downhill skiing and snowboarding at Discovery Ski Area - Sauna - Entertainment in the Silver Dollar Saloon: bowling, billiards, shuffleboard, movie cinema & board games

Extras

Other

*All room rates are subject to a 20% ranch fee. The following are not included in the listed room rates: - Spa treatments - Reserve wine list - Private sessions with guides/instructors - Off-Ranch excursions for fishing and/or sightseeing

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Cowboy hats, Cowboy boots, Saddle bags, Rain coats

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone, free long distance.

  • Cell Networks

    verizon. Cell service is limited, Verizon is the best carrier..

  • Business Services

    printers, common computer.

Onsite

Shopping

The Ranch at Rock Creek Mercantile features all things Cowboy Couture.

Outdoor Activities

mountain biking, Yoga, Golf - 18 hole course, sporting clays, wagon rides, bird watching

Water based Activities

outdoor pool, hot tub, river floating

Spa

relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, rock treatments, couples massage, scrubs, manicures, facials, pedicures, Saddle Sore Soak

Winter Activities

cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, down hill skiing, snowshoeing, winter ice fishing, Ice skating, hockey, horseback riding, skeet shooting, sleigh rides

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of 50-75. Offers buyout options for corporate retreats, family reunions or weddings.

Weddings

We can cater for groups of 50-75. There’s nothing quite as memorable as a wedding in the mountains of Montana at the Ranch at Rock Creek.

Local Attractions

Phillipsburg

The historic town of Philipsburg – Long the county seat of Granite County, Philipsburg has a rich history in mining and ranching. The roots of the area started as a booming mining town in the late 1800's. It's historic downtown is full of beautifully restored buildings from that era. Today these buildings are full of friendly shops, saloons, and other enjoyable establishments. Situated 30 miles south of I-90 on the famous Pintler Scenic Loop, also known as Montana Highway 1, the picturesque town is halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier Parks, and only about an hour from the Missoula (78 miles) and Butte (52 miles) airports. Per the location, the area offers many outdoor attractions - all year long. Philipsburg is the perfect headquarters in the Rocky Mountains for recreation any time of year. The town lies at an elevation of 5280 feet, and is within a 30 mile drive of two National Wilderness Areas. With the Sapphire Mountains on the west, the Flint Range on the east, and the Pintler Mountain Range to the south, you'll have a spectacular view no matter which way you look. Home to 930 people in the town itself, and 2,632 in the county.

Ranch shuttle

free!

Discovery Ski Basin

On property, we offer snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and our own ice skating pond. For winter sports, we are minutes away from Discovery Ski Area and miles of nearby snowmobiling trails.

Ranch shuttle

free!

Rental car

4x4 recommended

Granite Ghost Town

Hector Horton first discovered silver in the general area in 1865. In the autumn of 1872 the Granite mine was discovered by a prospector named Holland. The mine was relocated in 1875. This is one of the best of all ghost camps. This was the richest silver mine on the earth, and it might never have been discovered if a telegram from the east hadn't been delayed. The miner's backers thought the venture was hopeless and ordered an end to its operation, but the last blast on the last shift uncovered a bonanza, which yielded $40,000,000. In the silver panic of 1893, word came to shut the mine down. The mine was deserted for three years, never again would it reach the population it once had of 3,000 miners. Today there is no one living in the camp. The shell of the Miners' Union Hall still stands. The roof supports have caved to the bottom floor, the third-floor dance hall, second-floor union offices, and ground-floor saloon/cafe are about to collapse together. The company hospital still stands.

Ranch shuttle

free!

Highs

  • Visually stunning, it’s an artist's dream backdrop and appealing for those looking for a rustic setting, yet boasts all the luxuries and conveniences you’ll need
  • Tailor-made experiences, but with no strict schedule. There’s a weekly authentic rodeo or try their dedicated five-room, full-service spa
  • Five-star hospitality and service where their goal is to enhance your ranch experience through food and wine
  • Winter season offers an ideal alternative to busy, expensive resorts, with phenomenal skiing just minutes away. The ski resort is authentic, quaint and exclusive

Lows

  • High-end and detail-oriented comes with a high price tag, making this ranch one of the most expensive in our line-up, but with tailor-made experiences and exceptional service, it is beyond worth it

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Ranch Perfection

My husband and I just returned from four wonderful nights at Rock Creek. Everything was wonderful from arrival until sadly we had to leave. The lodge and accommodations are spectacular. We stayed in one of the tents by the creek. The meals were all excellent. There are more activities then we possibly do. Our main focus was horseback riding and we had so much fun on trail rides, arena lessons and roping lessons. We also did the 3D archery and couldn't believe how much we enjoyed it. The instruction was great. What really makes the Rock Creek Ranch experience a standout are the employees. They are warm, welcoming and seemed to know what we wanted before we did. The horse instructors have the patience of Job with a great sense of humor also. We can't wait to return.

5 stars

You can find more reviews for The Ranch At Rock Creek on TripAdvisor