Just Back From … The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana

On getting there:
“I flew into Missoula, where a driver met us at the airport. From there, the drive to the ranch took about 90 minutes. Most guests are typically picked up in a Suburban or another luxury vehicle, but since our group was large and arrived together, we were in a Sprinter van and they towed our luggage behind us.”

On travelers who will love visiting the Ranch: 

“Whether you crave thrilling activities, world-class dining, or peaceful relaxation, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers something for every traveler in an unforgettable Montana setting. It’s perfect for couples seeking a romantic retreat, solo travelers looking for adventure and serenity, multi-generational families wanting quality time together, girls’ getaways filled with luxury and outdoor fun, and guys’ trips packed with adventure like snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing.”

On the accommodations:

“The ranch features luxury cabins spread across the property, as well as Granite Lodge for those who prefer a more traditional stay. Everything was very thoughtful—even our refrigerator was stocked with non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. I stayed in the three-bedroom Ponderosa Cabin with another travel advisor, but it was so spacious, I felt like I had the place to myself. Each bedroom had a king-size bed and a private bathroom, all with stunning clawfoot tubs—a perfect way to warm up after a cold day outdoors. Our cabin felt rustic but chic with wood walls and traditional touches. There are also two new modern cabins [the Red Tail and the Golden Eagle] that were originally built for the owners’ children and their families.” 

On the dining:

“Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were wonderful sit-down experiences in the main lodge. If you don’t want to sit down for a full breakfast, you can choose to have a pastry and coffee at the bar. In the summer season, there’s another location on property for breakfast and lunch. For me, every day was a beautiful experience. I'm pescatarian and they accommodate all dietary restrictions, and also have healthy, delicious juices. One morning, I enjoyed mushroom toast with a poached egg, fresh fruit, and coffee. One night, they featured an elegant multiple course experience paired with wine, and on another night, a traditional fried chicken dinner with all the Southern fixings served family style. Instead of chicken, I had the breaded cod which was phenomenal. We had a tremendous amount of snow that day, so it just felt so hearty and warm.”

On the top-notch service:

“Everyone who works there is so friendly, inviting, and passionate about their job. While on our activities, I asked the guides how long their contract was and how long they’d been there. And every story I heard was, ‘Oh, I signed up for a four-month contract, and I've been here seven years’ or ‘I was supposed to be here for an internship over the summer, and I've now been here three years.’ You can tell how much they love being there.”

On the thoughtful amenities: 

“I always prefer to travel light, especially for a short trip with layovers. The Ranch at Rock Creek had me covered—coming from Florida, I didn’t need to pack bulky winter gear. Before your activities, you can borrow snow pants, jackets, boots, gloves, and all the necessary equipment like skis and fishing gear. You don’t have to bring anything from home.”

On the cross-country skiing:

“Most of the people in our group had never been on cross-country skis before, but the two guides were so wonderful and helped us along. They chose a trail that was not very challenging, and if someone fell, they’d pick you right up. We skied to a picnic lunch they had set up for us, where two fire pits were burning, Purple Hands winery was offering tastings, and there was a full lunch menu with options that accommodated dietary restrictions for those of us who didn’t eat meat.”

On the snowmobiling:
“There were only three of us with two guides, so it was really personalized and a lot of fun. It was snowing, but the snowmobiles had heated handlebars that got so warm, I had to turn them down. If you're a beginner, they put a key in so you can’t go faster than 22 miles per hour. The best part? I was never cold—they gave me a full jumpsuit, gloves, and boots.” 

On the sapphire mining:

“This area of Montana is known for sapphire mining, which was fascinating to learn about. You go into this little hut where they’ve already collected and washed the debris. Then they dump it out on the table and you dig through it, looking for these tiny sapphires. It’s kind of like a scavenger hunt and you can keep everything you find. I found a couple little pink sapphires and some transparent ones, too. A few years ago, a child found a five carat-sapphire and got to keep it!”

On the horseback riding:

“I think I rode once many years ago, so I am a novice. But horseback riding in the snow here was such a beautiful, wonderful experience. Rock Creek is not an equestrian lodge so you cannot ride every day—the wealth and health of the horses is their number-one priority. My horse, Melvin, had a funny personality and liked to play games with me, stopping and trying to go in different directions. But there was a guide in the front and in the back of our group and they were so reassuring and helpful!” 

On the extra-special touches:

“One of the most unique experiences was the hat bar where you can pick a felt or straw cowboy hat and personalize it with bands, pins, ribbons, and feathers. It was such a cool souvenir, and something I’d absolutely recommend to clients. The ranch also has a saloon with bowling, a pool table, karaoke, TVs, and a bar with saddle-shaped stools. It’s such a fun spot to unwind at the end of the day.”

On the benefits of booking with WhirlAway:
“Since I just visited the Ranch, I have insider knowledge about the property that you’ll probably never find on Google. I toured the accommodations so I know where they’re all located, how far they are from the main lodge, and which cabins are best for families, for couples, and for larger groups. I can give you the scoop on horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and many other activities, along with the hidden gems that you should not miss. I’ll also share Signature Travel Network benefits so you can enjoy added amenities. If you’re thinking about visiting, book early—especially for summer. The Ranch’s high season fills up a year in advance!”