|
Area Information
The Madison Valley is nestled between the
Spanish Peaks, the Madison Range, and the Gravelly Range. The area is renowned
for its blue ribbon trout streams. The Madison River alone offers world
class fly fishing opportunities and add to that the Bighole, Beaverhead,
Yellowstone, Ruby and Gallatin rivers and you can truly see that we are just a
cast away from your most enjoyable fishing experience ever.
But that’s not all southwest Montana has to
offer! There are plenty of outdoor activities and attractions to fulfill
everyone’s desires.
Just 72 miles down the road is Yellowstone
National Park. Exploring this national treasure is an excellent
sightseeing activity. Experience Old Faithful, the most popular geyser in the
world, or view the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. View bears and
wolves, elk and buffalo in the Lamar and Hayden valleys. Learn about the
history of national parks and the National Park Service. Hiking, camping,
fishing, or attending a Ranger-led program or a Yellowstone Institute class,
are also popular activities. Guided tours are also available through Park
approved tour companies.
The famous historical mining ghost towns of Virginia & Nevada City are
only 15 miles from the Madison Valley Ranch, and are certainly worth
exploring. Virginia City sits high in the Rocky Mountains in a bowl along
Alder Gulch, where gold was first discovered in 1863. Within a year the town
grew to over 10,000 and became the Territorial Capital in 1865. Today,
Virginia City’s main street provides an exceptional example of commercial
architecture from the later eighteen hundreds. Many of the original structures
are filled with original artifacts. This is cultural tourism at its best and
self guided tours are available.
Full and half day horseback rides are
available and it is one of the best ways to get in and enjoy the surrounding
mountain ranges. We use Bar 88 for our horse outings.
Their goal is to provide you with a Montana
horseback ride tailored to meet specific riding experience and adventure
requests of your group. They will customize your horseback ride based upon
individual preferences. They use well trained horses accustom to mountain
trail riding. Rides are conducted on a variety of trails in the Beaverhead
National Forest and mountain elevations range from 5,000-11,000 feet.
Montana's first and best-known
state park showcases one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the
Northwest at the Lewis & Clark Caverns. This natural marvel is only 57
miles from the Ranch. Naturally air conditioned, these spectacular caves,
lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helicitites, date back
through time. See the geologic development, the history of early exploration
and gain an insight into the delicate ecology of this world without light.
Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Big Sky, and Ennis
all have many fine shops, galleries, museums and restaurants. Be sure to ask
about specifics when you arrive and we’ll chart out a day of shopping and
touring that fits your ideal itinerary. Driving around Southwest Montana is a
great way to take in the vast mountain vistas and we can point you in the
right direction for a great day of sightseeing.
Madison Meadows Golf Course
is a 9-hole course located in the scenic Madison Valley. This challenging
course runs through the foothills of the Gravelly Mountain Range. Host to one
of Montana's toughest Par 5's, this course brings you back time after time.
Although Madison Meadows is always active, it's easy to get a tee time.
In Southwest Montana, the outdoor
recreational opportunities and wildlife abound. Hiking, fly fishing in
alpine lakes, bird watching and photography are all great activities that
capture the spirit of Big Sky country! Whether you prefer a full day hike,
or just want to walk out the path from the lodge, the wildlife is plentiful.
You are apt to see deer, geese, sandhill cranes, ducks, birds of prey, and fox
as you explore the countryside.
We look forward to helping you chose an ideal
itinerary for your Montana experience.
| |
[ Print This Page ]
“Thank you for providing Erik and me with tone of the best
vacations of our lives. The entire trip exceeded our expectations—the fishing,
scenery, weather, accommodations, food and best of all the family atmosphere at
the lodge. I was looking for something to do with Erik that would be fun and
that he would remember for the rest of his life and we found it at the Madison
Valley Ranch”.
Tom VerHage
Saint Paul, MN.
|