november2011

November2011SanDiegoMagazine.com 91

Arrive
Fly into Butte and drive westward
one-and-a-half hours through the
Anaconda-Pintlar mountain range; wind
your way through scenic valleys, up
dramatic hills, and past blink-and-you’ll-
miss-them towns.

Sleep
The 6,800-acre property has been a
working cattle ranch since the late
1800s, but this is only its second winter
as a luxury resort. Opened to the public
just last year, The Ranch at Rock
Creek boasts nine luxuriously-appoint-
ed rooms in the main Granite Lodge, as
well as fi ve fully-furnished log homes,
two charming cabins, and two unique
suites in the converted 19th-century
barn. The Lodge sits on a ridge just
west of Rock Creek, a good-sized
stream that bisects the Ranch and
burbles merrily, even in winter. Priced
from $900 per person per night, it’s not
a budget vacation. However, given the
level of service, range of covered of-
ferings (everything but spa treatments
and specialty wines are included in
that price), and unique experience, you
defi nitely get your money’s worth.

Play

You’ll want to spend all your time

outdoors. The vistas are breathtaking—

dusted with pristine snow, sparkling

in the winter sun, and unmarred by

crowds of tourists or locals. Here are

some of the activities off ered.

Downhill skiing. Nearby Discovery

Basin is a rustic ski area with more

than 60 runs catering to all skill levels.

Sleigh rides. Take a hot-buttered-

rum-fueled ride powered by elegant,

midnight-black Percheron horses.

Ice-skating. Hit the private pond just

steps from The Granite Lodge.

Snowmobiling. Pilot your own

machine. Open up the throttle on an

isolated bluff just to see how fast she

will go.

A chauff eured Sno-Cat excursion.

Climb 870 feet above the valley fl oor.

Horseback riding, hiking, biking,

snow shoeing, cross-country skiing.

Nearly 20 miles of trails lead up from

the valley fl oor and climb above the

tree line along the steep ravines.

Shooting. A er a thorough safety

lesson at the Ranch’s private open air

shooting range, the thrill of hitting

a target makes even the most timid

shooters eager for one more round.

hide out in

montana

The Ranch at Rock Creek

off ers all-inclusive adventure

with a luxurious twist

Dine

Most meals are enjoyed in the dining

room in The Granite Lodge where the

chef Josh Drage showcases local ingre-

dients to spectacular eff ect. His cuisine

pairs well with the inspired wine list

and refl ects the region with a focus on

organic beef, elk, and bison; free-range

chicken and organic eggs; fresh fi sh;

and seasonal local fruits, vegetables,

and herbs. Try dishes like succulent red

wine-braised venison shoulder served

puttanesca-style with Kalamata olives,

capers, and roasted red peppers; melt-

in-your mouth grilled bison tenderloin

seasoned with smoked sea salt and

fresh thyme and paired with red wine

demi glace and a gratin of Yukon gold

potatoes and morel mushrooms; and

deserts like honey crisp apple tarte

tatin with maple whipped-cream, or

huckleberry milkshakes with white

chocolate biscotti.

Socialize

At night, the rounds are served up at the

lodge’s Silver Dollar Saloon, where

the four-lane bowling alley, pool table,

and karaoke scene are presided over by

a charming native-Montanan who’s not

only a top-notch mixologist but does

a fi ne rendition of “Say My Name” by

Destiny’s Child. The Saloon also boasts a

screening room with a 14-foot television

(which is nice, because the rooms don’t

have TVs!). //KATE BUSKA

Silver Dollar Saloon

The Granite Lodge