What do you get when you bring together several Texas chefs with Montana cowboys and cowgirls? Happy horsemen and women! You, too, can be a happy horseman if you pack your cowboy boots and blue jeans and mosey on over to The Resort at Paws Up, a luxury Montana resort near Missoula. The luxurious equestrian hideaway is home to fly fishing, fine dining, cattle drives and river rafting, among other wilderness adventure options in Montana.
Readers of Writing Horseback know that I am a huge fan of Montana. I’ve enjoyed horseback riding vacations at Triple Creek Ranch for a Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, indulged in spa time and trail rides at Ranch at Rock Creek and explored Yellowstone and beyond at Lone Mountain Ranch to name a few places in the Big Sky state. My mouth began watering when I read the Montana Master Grillers 2016 schedule and I simply had to share this culinary opportunity with you.
This four day event (May 27-30, 2016) is for the culinary aficionado, as well as the equestrian and outdoor lover. The best part about a Missoula horseback riding vacation is that you get to select your level of activity. Guests may participate in daily horseback trail rides through 37,000 acres of Montana heaven, fly fish or raft on the Blackfoot River (yes, this is the location from A River Runs Through It), try their hand at sporting clays, hike, mountain bike, and enjoy the spa or simply hang out and watch the river pass by. This is in addition to the grilling workshops and cooking demonstrations, chuck wagon lunch, wine tastings, and evening entertainment. For the more adventurous equestrian there is an option of a cattle drive for an additional $100 fee. As with all ranch activities, check the website for current pricing and availability.
Need to know:
Rates include three nights in a home or luxury tent
Daily meals and non-alcoholic beverages
Daily cooking demonstrations
Alcohol tastings (must be of legal drinking age)
Three adventure activities (cattle drive additional charge)
Roundtrip transfers to Missoula International Airport
Rates start at $969 per person, per night
I have not yet had the opportunity to review The Resort at Paws Up. However, I have heard that this is the place for a girlfriend getaway or glamping vacation. Fellow travel writers and bloggers have reported positively on cooking classes, as well as vacations for the novice rider. I hope to be able to include a first-hand review in the near future regarding this Montana ranch. For additional insider tips follow @Nancydbrown and TheResort at Paws Up on Twitter.
If You Go:
The Resort at Paws Up (877) 588-6783
40060 Paws Up Road
Greenough, Montana 59823
Article by Travel Writer and horse lover Nancy D. Brown. Photography courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up.