Ultimate Montana Bucket List: Paws Up Edition

A trip to Montana isn’t just another getaway – it’s an invitation to embrace the spirit of the American West, try something new, and break free from the ordinary. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the call of wide-open skies, rivers winding through untouched wilderness, and moments that make you feel alive is impossible to resist. At Paws Up Montana, rugged adventure meets refined living, and authentic ranch experiences find their perfect setting on 37,000 acres. Ready to start checking off your Montana bucket list? Here’s how to experience the West as it was meant to be.

Glamping lets you embrace the wild while enjoying every comfort. Wake to the scent of pine and the sound of the Blackfoot River drifting past your door, then savor a Montana-inspired meal prepared by your private camp chef. Spend evenings beneath a sky so clear the stars feel within reach. Then retreat to your safari-style luxury tent, complete with Western decor, heated floors, a copper soaking tub, an en-suite bathroom, a private deck, and a bed as soft as the clouds above, with layouts for couples and families. 

Saddle up for an authentic Western tradition. Start your day with the Morning Jingle, a sunrise ride to gather the ranch horses for the day’s adventures. From there, explore the land on horseback, crossing wide-open meadows and winding forest trails, or step into the arena for lessons suited for both kids and adults. Equestrian experiences offer a glimpse into the finest Western heritage. Grab your hat, pull on your boots, and feel the rhythm of the land beneath your horse’s hooves.

Fly fishing is woven into Montana’s heritage – a symbol, a tradition, and a rite of passage. Wade into the legendary Blackfoot River, immortalized in A River Runs Through It, or drift down the Clearwater as the water shimmers around you. Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing world-class waters or a first-timer ready to learn, our expert guides will help you master the art of Montana fly fishing in a setting that feels timeless.

When the Blackfoot River and Alberton Gorge swell from snowmelt, the rapids make for a thrilling ride. Take your pick – an easygoing float, an exhilarating whitewater run, or something in between. For a slower pace, slip into a kayak or canoe and let the current guide you through breathtaking scenery. Head to the lake for a private boat rental, perfect for tubing, swimming, or simply basking under Montana’s big, blue sky.

Reconnect with your mind and body in Montana’s wilds. Follow a boardwalk to Spa Town, where white canvas tents open to sweeping meadow views and pine lingers on the breeze. Sink into a hot stone massage or other nature-inspired treatments in this open-air sanctuary, complete with private baths and showers. Beyond the spa, restore balance with wellness activities such as yoga, breathwork, sound healing, and forest bathing, for a mind-body reset surrounded by nature.

For a true taste of the American West, gather by the Blackfoot River for a chuck wagon feast. Savor the aroma of Montana-smoked meats and flame-roasted favorites as chefs prepare a spread that may include a Tomahawk steak, tender chicken, garden-fresh vegetables, and a warm fruit cobbler – all cooked over an open fire. Between courses, try your hand at horseshoes or tap your boots to live music. Offered May through September, it’s outdoor dining with a dash of Western spirit.

Montana moments are better with your best friend along. Explore miles of trails together, or pamper your pup with dog spa services or daycare while you go on wilderness and ranch adventures. Add the Pet Package for a plush bed, dog dish, locally made treats, and other surprises. Available in select accommodations.

Paws Up offers endless opportunities to connect with Montana’s wild side. Watch horses, bison, and cattle roam the open ranchlands, catch sight of elk during the fall rut, and look to the skies for bald and golden eagles gliding overhead. For a closer look, ride an electric bike along the Blackfoot River or join a guided tour in search of moose, whitetail deer, bears, mountain goats, and more. Every outing is an opportunity to witness the untamed beauty of Big Sky Country.

Here’s how an unforgettable day might unfold:

Morning
Wake up in your safari-style tent to sunlight filtering through the trees and the sounds of birdsong in the mountain air. Sip coffee on your deck, then join the Morning Jingle for a sunrise horseback ride across open pastures.

Midday
Enjoy a chef-crafted breakfast at Trough featuring Montana-sourced ingredients and favorites like huckleberry pancakes or a classic Eggs Benedict. Then, soothe your muscles with an après-adventure massage treatment on the edges of a meadow.

Afternoon
Test your aim with a round of sporting clays, kick up some dust on an ATV ride along the nature trails, or cast your line into the river while fly fishing. 

Evening
Raise a glass before indulging in a multi-course fireside dinner at Pomp. Then linger under a star-filled sky for s’mores by the fire before retreating to your tent for a restful night, ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

From luxury glamping and private homes to authentic ranch experiences and guided outdoor adventures, Paws Up Montana brings you closer to nature and each other for the ultimate Montana bucket list escape.