Triple Creek Ranch, Montana

When I told family and friends we were getting ready for a trip to Montana, here were the various reactions: “Montana? What are you going to do in Montana?” “Do you have family there?” “Are you guys doing that “yuppy glamping thing” I’ve been reading about?” The responses were simple: We’re going to one of the top resorts in the world. We don’t even come close to having family there as we come from generations of “city folk.” Perhaps we are going glamping, still tbd.

While a resort with the name “ranch” in it conjures up images of Billy Crystal in the movie City Slickers, Triple Creek Ranch is no stranger to awards and accolades as they are regularly listed in the top 50 ranches.  Named for three creeks that border the property, Triple Creek Ranch sits on the Montana and Idaho state line and is a place to truly “disconnect” from it all. The property itself is situated along Trapper Creek, on the highest mountain in Montana, where cell service is unavailable, Wi-Fi is only accessible in the main lodge, where there are no high rises, no signs of any hustle and bustle of city life, no texting, pinging, or emailing, and no kids (adults only 16+ years). While I admit this concept was out of my comfort zone at first, bit by bit I eased into it and it was refreshing not to have to constantly check email, voicemail, and texts and pleasing to engage in conversation with fellow guests and staff without thinking about what I was missing at home.

On the ranch (located in Big Sky Country) it felt as if life was being lived as it’s supposed to be:  the freshest air to breathe (no signs of smog or pollution), the most beautiful natural landscapes to view (like walking into a life-size landscape mural), exercise to be found everywhere (not on a Stairmaster) and wholesome food to eat.  Yes, I think I could get used to this.

In Triple Creek’s main lodge meals are served, activities planned, wine savored, and fireplaces stoked all surrounded by one to three bedroom cottages. Each cottage is equipped with a wood burning fireplace, Jacuzzi and fully stocked wet bar and fills every afternoon with the aroma of freshly baked cookies that magically appear. Horses graze in open fields surrounding the property and there you can also have a fly fishing lesson, practice your archery or take to the surrounding trails for a nature hike. Feel like going further afield?  Fish for trout in the fresh water streams or get out and photograph the wildlife. Upon your return a heated pool and hot tub await aching feet and tired limbs weary from the day’s activities. Triple Creek is known, too, for offering seasonal adventures year round from ice fishing to cattle driving and dog sledding, from white water rafting to cross country skiing and snowmobiling.  There is something for everyone regardless of their level of experience. I chose to horseback ride every day and lose myself in breathtaking hikes.

In the evening the energy level picked up as guests gathered in the bar for cocktails, often sitting by side by side and sharing tales with the ranch’s owner and inn keeper, Craig Barrett.  Then they segue to the main dining room where dinner is an extraordinary experience. Fresh meats and seafood are flown in from Hawaii and Alaska and produce is brought in from local farms and orchards. Specialty wines are paired with each course and for parties of 6 or more looking to heighten the culinary experience, they can opt for the chef’s table seven course meal with wines poured from the award winning wine cellar. The beauty of all this is you can enjoy the exquisite meals wearing fleece jackets and cowboy boots as the ranch believes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mr. Barrett and his wife were frequent guests at the ranch as guests in the mid 1980’s and eventually decided to purchase the property. Now he spends time with guests each evening and hosts a cocktail party in his home every Sunday. His staff is incredibly passionate about what they do from the Orvis trained fly fishing instructors to the real cowboys that help with cattle drives and horseback riding instruction.

My time at Triple Creek Ranch with authentic people like Craig and other members of his staff really was a moving experience for me and one that everyone should have. Am I ready to take on this lifestyle fulltime? Not exactly, but I learned some lessons that I know will stay with me a lifetime.

When Craig purchased Triple Creek he wanted to, ‘create an environment that made you feel like you were part of a family.’ Well, Mr. Barrett sure made this city slicker, a cowgirl at heart, feel that to the fullest. And yes, now I can tell my friends that I have family in Montana!