Some places are just more than a vacation — they are a full immersion into a world that feels almost mythical. My recent stay at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana was exactly that: a place where the rugged beauty of the West meets quiet, luxurious comfort, and every day is an invitation to explore, play, and simply be.

Arrival: The Beginning of Something Magical

Even before stepping foot on the ranch, the journey begins with ease and style. A new airport and check-in lounge ensure your adventure starts the moment you arrive. From there, a 45-minute drive winds through sweeping landscapes of mountains and valleys, dotted with trees that, in the fall, shimmered in stunning yellows and greens. The crisp Montana air fills your lungs, and suddenly, the rest of the world fades away.

The Ranch: Where Authenticity and Luxury Collide

What makes Paws Up extraordinary is its authenticity. This is a working cattle ranch with a living history, yet every inch of the property has been thoughtfully designed to offer comfort and beauty. With 37,000 acres of wilderness, 100 miles of trails, and 10 miles of the Blackfoot River, the scale alone is breathtaking.

I stayed in the Green O area, an adults-only retreat featuring the stunning Tree Hauses. Nestled among towering pines, these homes offer floor-to-ceiling forest views, indoor-outdoor living, and private hot tubs that invite long, slow evenings under the stars. My Tree Haus was a masterpiece of design and comfort — cozy yet expansive, luxurious yet intimately connected to the landscape. The nearby Green O restaurant served meals that were as memorable as the scenery, each bite a reminder of why Montana feels so alive.

Adventures That Surprise and Delight

The true magic of Paws Up lies in the experiences. During my stay, I tried clay shooting, fly fishing, and even a cattle drive. Each activity started with a little nervous anticipation — and ended with exhilaration and awe.

I discovered skills I never knew I had: mastering my dominant eye for clay shooting, casting a fly rod into the river, and communicating with cattle alongside my horse, Bandit. Each moment was a rush of adrenaline and a quiet reminder of how joyful learning something new can be. By the end of every experience, I was grinning ear to ear, amazed at how fully the ranch draws you in, letting you step into a life that feels at once thrilling and serene.

Glamping: Iconic Luxury Under the Star

No visit to Paws Up is complete without glamping — and it’s nothing short of extraordinary. Seasonal tents are perched in dreamlike locations: on cliffs, beside rivers, or in quiet meadows. Inside, heated floors, plush décor, heated blankets, and attentive camp butlers create an experience that feels impossibly indulgent. Here, the wild and the luxurious coexist in perfect harmony.

The Little Things That Make It Perfect

From gourmet meals and daily snacks to on-demand shuttles, a 24/7 gym, and the outfitter store filled with Montana-inspired treasures, The Ranch at Paws Up leaves nothing to chance. Every detail — from the attentive staff to the firewood stacked for your evening fire — allows you to focus on what matters most: soaking in the beauty, the experiences, and the quiet magic of the ranch.

And then there’s Spa Town®, the resort’s serene open-air spa village. Set beneath billowing white tents with views of the meadow, it’s where you can unwind to the sound of birdsong and the whisper of the breeze. Whether it’s a deep tissue massage after a day on horseback or a soothing facial infused with local botanicals, the experience feels deeply grounding and connected to nature. It’s luxury in its purest form — simple, sensory, and soul-nourishing.

A Place You Won’t Want to Leave

I didn’t want to go home. Four to six nights are ideal to truly experience the ranch — from sunrise over the Blackfoot River to the golden glow of the Montana mountains at sunset. Whether it’s a multi-generational family adventure, a luxury couples’ escape, or a friends’ getaway, The Resort at Paws Up captures your heart in ways that linger long after you leave.

This isn’t just a destination — it’s a story, an experience, a dream realized. Montana’s wilderness, its luxury ranch accommodations, and its endless outdoor adventure activities combine in a way that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and smile.

And here’s something I’ve barely touched on: the ranch offers an incredible variety of accommodations — from glamping tents to luxurious homes — and endless activities to fill your days. Each season brings a new personality to the ranch: vibrant fall colors, sparkling winter snows, lush summer meadows, and the fresh green awakening of spring. No matter when you visit, every stay feels unique, alive, and perfectly tuned to Montana’s magic.

And here’s a little extra for the imagination: go watch A River Runs Through It. Many of the film’s iconic fly fishing scenes were filmed right along the Blackfoot River at Paws Up. Picture yourself there, rod in hand, the river flowing at your feet, the mountains rising around you — then give me a call to start planning your dream Montana ranch getaway. When you book with me, there are exclusive perks and added amenities to elevate your stay, ensuring your Paws Up experience is as unforgettable as it is effortless.