In September, I had the incredible opportunity to experience Paws Up Montana for myself, and it was unforgettable. If you’re seeking an upscale dude ranch experience that combines rugged adventure with high-end comfort, Paws Up is unmatched. This exclusive, 37,000-acre luxury ranch in Montana’s pristine wilderness offers everything a luxury traveler could dream of: serene privacy, thrilling outdoor pursuits, and exceptional service—all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana’s Rocky Mountain scenery. Here’s why Paws Up Montana is the ultimate luxury dude ranch for travelers craving both adventure and refined relaxation.

Why Choose Paws Up?

As a premier all-inclusive luxury dude ranch, Paws Up Montana attracts families, couples, and sophisticated travelers looking to escape to a unique wilderness retreat. With activities changing with the seasons, this one-of-a-kind ranch allows you to experience Montana’s wild beauty, whether under summer’s sun or a blanket of winter snow:

• Warmer months: Cattle drives, rafting, fly fishing, ATV tours, sporting clays, go-karting, ghost town tours, hot air ballooning, horseback riding & more
  Winter season: Cross-country skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, broom hockey, winter horseback riding & more

This ranch’s extensive activity offerings set it apart from other luxury dude ranches. Many experiences, such as guided hiking and mountain biking, are complimentary, while exclusive, guided adventures add even more ways to discover Montana’s wild side.

A Day at Paws Up: Luxury Adventure, Refined Relaxation

Each day at Paws Up feels like a brand new adventure. Here’s a look into one of my most memorable days on the ranch:

Our day began with a decadent in-room breakfast—eggs topped with caviar, homemade sourdough, a fresh fruit platter, and creamy oat milk matcha lattes—conveniently ordered via text to the concierge. Energized, we headed to the Wilderness Outpost, a stunning hub for activities and luxury shopping, for some trail riding. The equestrian expert carefully matched each rider to a horse suited to their personality, and I was paired with Whiskey, a gentle and sweet mare. Together, we explored the scenic Anaconda Trail and took in the breathtaking views of open fields and rolling hills.

For lunch, we indulged in mouthwatering burgers with truffle fries and a fresh arugula pear salad at Trough, one of their main restaurants, while gazing out at the brilliant blue Montana sky. Afterward, we hit the rifle range, where I discovered I’m left-eye dominant—and a surprisingly sharp shooter! The experience kicked off in a cozy rifle lounge, complete with drinks and snacks… another point for Paws Up.

Our afternoon led us back to the Outpost for a unique hat-making session, where we crafted custom headwear adorned with bands, feathers, and personal branding—a tangible Montana keepsake! We relaxed at our cabin before heading to a lively family BBQ dinner. My plate overflowed with burrata salad, duck fried rice, honey BBQ chicken thighs, Wagyu sirloin, and decadent mac & cheese, paired perfectly with the Smoke Show cocktail—a refreshing blend of blood orange, Aperol, and black salt. Live music and campfire s’mores capped off the meal with warmth and fun.

As the day wound down, we soaked in our private hot tub under Montana’s endless stars, sipping wine and soaking in the Montana magic. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable day, and I cozied up in my ultra-comfortable bed, excited for whatever new adventure the next day would bring (e-biking, ATVing, & more out-of-this-world food).

Room Options & All Inclusive Luxury

Accommodations at Paws Up range from chic glamping tents to their newly renovated, amenity-filled Meadow Homes. With private hot tubs, cozy fireplaces, and a Lexus NX for your personal use around the ranch, these accommodations redefine luxury in nature and offer perfect options for everyone from solo travelers to large families.

The all-inclusive nature of Paws Up means dining options that range from gourmet BBQs with live music to refined culinary experiences. Paws Up’s exclusive texting concierge service makes everything easy, from activity bookings to in-room dining requests. With airport transfers and gratuities included, the luxury dude ranch experience begins the moment you arrive.

The Green O: An Intimate, Adults-Only Sanctuary

For couples or adult-only groups, The Green O is the ultimate retreat within Paws Up. This section of the ranch was built just a few years ago and is for guests 21+, offering a more contemporary, luxurious, and romantic vibe. Guests at Green O have exclusive access to Social Haus, a private restaurant led by James Beard nominee Chef Brandon Cunningham, plus all the amenities and activities at Paws Up. The tree houses here are so unique and each accommodation is thoughtfully decorated.

Holidays at Paws Up: A Luxury Dude Ranch Celebration

For a festive getaway, Paws Up offers an unforgettable holiday experience with sleigh rides, Santa visits, and personalized Christmas trees in each residence. You can even ship your gifts ahead of time, and they’ll wrap them and place them under the tree for you on Christmas eve—yet another memorable touch for the kids. Presidents Day, Fourth of July, NYE, and more also come with their own array of unique events- please reach out if you’d like more information!

Exclusive Perks When You Book Through Me

When you book Paws Up Montana through me, you’ll enjoy these added benefits:

• Upgrade upon availability (with potential for 21+ guests to experience The Green O)
• $300 activity credit to elevate your adventure
• Priority check-in/out
• A complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival

Whether you’re travelling as a family, with your significant other, or looking to plan a corporate retreat, Paws Up is a wonderful option. I recommend a stay of 4-6 nights to fully soak in all the activities and relaxation this incredible place has to offer. Pricing is a little different here (accommodation nightly rate + per person meal plan) and varies by season so please reach out to us if you’d like more details or a custom quote.