Nestled in the Gallatin Valley, between Big Sky and Yellowstone, you’ll find the 320 Guest Ranch. A stunning property whose scenery is as impressive as its accommodations. The ranch offers cozy cabins, delectable cuisine, and a myriad of activities that will make your time in Montana truly memorable.
I was fortunate to spend a few days here in February when the property was covered in a blanket of snow. And, while summer holds an obvious allure with warm temperatures and flowery fields, winter here has its own unique charm. Watching the snowfall from frosty cabin windows, enjoying a cup of hot cocoa by the bonfire, indulging in a sleigh ride through open fields… it really is enchanting!
Here are just a few reasons why you’ll want to add the 320 Guest Ranch to your winter bucket list.
The Property
Modern luxury meets old west charm at the 320 Guest Ranch. What began as a homestead back in 1898 has grown over the years into a 320-acre slice of heaven. The property (which is right along the Gallatin River) features a fly shop, trout pond, conference center, banquet hall, special events and BBQ area, laundry facility, cafe, restaurant, and saloon.
Speaking of the restaurant, McGill’s Restaurant & Saloon is a must when you stay at the 320 Guest Ranch! The eatery was named after the property’s former owner, Dr. Caroline McGill. She happened to be Montana’s first woman doctor and also had the ingenuity to bring electricity to the ranch long before power lines ran through the valley. Talk about gumption!
The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to create a truly mouth-watering menu. I, personally, couldn’t get enough of the Coffee & Carrot Bisque. And, the Not So Montana Trout is to die for! My mouth is watering just thinking about them!
The Accommodations
The 320 Guest Ranch offers a variety of different accommodations to meet your needs. Those include riverfront log cabins, deluxe log cabins, mountain chalets, 3-bedroom luxury log homes, and the historic McGill cabin.
I stayed in the TeePee mountain chalet and it was absolutely incredible! The chalet features an open living room with a fireplace and kitchen, two full baths, and three bedrooms with large windows. Plus, it offers a lot of privacy and was only a short walk away from the restaurant. The chalet was such a welcome respite from the winter chill that I never wanted to leave!
The Adventures
When it comes to activities, the 320 Guest Ranch has plenty to keep guests busy! In addition to ample opportunities for fly fishing along the Gallatin River, the ranch also offers wreath making, outdoor movies, horseback riding, and sleigh rides.
Never one to pass up the chance for a picturesque winter spin, I went on a sleigh ride. And, it was everything I hoped it would be and more! The guide regaled us with stories and history from the ranch while we glided across the snow. We stopped at a canvas tent for soup, popcorn, and a drink to warm our insides by the bonfire. And, while we relaxed, our guide showed the kids how to use a lasso (with mixed results, but lots of enthusiasm!)
But, the ranch isn’t the only place you can find adventure. Just 12 miles north is the Big Sky Resort, which is home to some of the best skiing in America. And, the 320 Guest Ranch is also only 36 miles away from West Yellowstone and the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. There you’ll find a number of restaurants, shops, and the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Home to bears, wolves, and other wildlife that couldn’t be reintroduced into the wild, the center focuses on conservation and visitor education.
So, if you’re looking for a place to unwind and let the world fall away, head to the 320 Guest Ranch! As a true Montana treasure, you’ll love every minute of your time in this wild west escape.
What are some experiences you have on your own winter bucket list? Comment below, I’d love to hear about them!
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