Elite Traveler Spring 2021

RANCH LI FE MONTANA, USA

Montana’s Flint Creek mountain range, nestled in a spotless valley, is where you’ll find The Ranch at Rock Creek. This dude ranch is an authentic 19th-century homestead featuring 29 accommodations (17 of which are in separate, secluded buildings — think luxe hybrid glamping tents and two-story log cabins set into the hillside) spread across 6,000 acres. The entire resort is available for exclusive use, and the ranch has recently partnered with Jet Edge, so you can board one of their aircraft, including a Gulfstream GIV/GV or a late model Bombardier Challenger 300/350s, to ensure utmost privacy and safety. When you arrive at the ranch, you’ll soon discover there are more activities than you can shake a stick at: fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, photography workshops, scavenger hunts and the ‘5 Peaks’ geotagging challenge. All equipment for activities is provided (including cameras). To really get deep into nature, try your hand at the survivalist experience where you’ll learn to build your own shelter, or head out with a naturalist to learn about the natural history of the unique Rock Creek Valley — the valley was carved by Glacial Lake Missoula during the last ice age, and it still boasts a thriving waterway in its namesake stream. In such a pristine location, it’s no surprise that sustainability and environmental best practices are at the heart of this working ranch: It eliminated all single-use plastic in 2019 and is the only US charter member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World eco-lodge collection. Activities director Patrick Little also founded the Clark Fork Cleanup effort, where volunteers from the ranch partnered with nearby organizations to successfully remove three tons of trash from the Clark Fork River. Best for Getting back (and giving back) to nature From $79,000 exclusive use in winter season; $149,000 in summer. Contact Jon Martin, general manager, welcome@theranchatrockcreek.com, +1 877 786 1545, theranchatrockcreek.com

Photos Michael Chilcoat