With the turn of each season, the ranch offers intense beauty and recreational opportunities.
Spring
After a long winter, the Blackfoot Valley undergoes a rapid transformation in mid-May. In a matter of days the entire valley turns to bright green, rivers and streams explode with snow melt, yellow arrowroot and blue lupine give bloom and mama does hide their newborn fawns in the tall grass. Your horse will have an extra spring in its trot as you explore trails around the ranch, along the river and into the highlands. The transformation reaches its climax by the summer solstice as cooler days and rain showers give way to warm summer days.
Fall
Fall starts early at the ranch, and Montanans will often say September and October are the best months of the year. The tourists are mostly gone, the fishing is crazy good and the mountains are ablaze with color as the tamarack trees shine their golden needles. It’s a time to slow down — to take long journeys on horseback, bike, or on your own two feet. It can even be a time to stay indoors — cooking, reading by the fire or exploring local towns.
Summer
Summer is high season. Great fishing usually starts in mid-June and you’ll spend most of your time hiking, biking, horseback riding and exploring. With daylight lasting until 10pm, “Magic Hour” starts just as dinner ends allowing for evening walks, fishing and campfires during the most spectacular time of day. By August, farm activities slow down. The land becomes drier and there’s potential for nearby wildfires to bring hazy, smoky skies. Due to warmer and lower river levels the fishing is quieter, but it’s the best time for tubing, swimming, rafting and kayaking.
Winter
While most of our staff is gone during the winter, we keep our main road plowed to ensure the ranch is accessible and open for guests. The Ranch offers a cozy and adventurous winter paradise for your group to settle into. With over 100 inches of snow each year it’s the perfect time and place to watch the local elk herd, follow animal tracks, and enjoy an evening fire after a day of cross country skiing or snowshoeing.