Historic 1929 dude ranch in Paradise Valley featuring luxury cabins, a premier equestrian program, and a private Johnny Miller-designed golf course.
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, situated in Montana's Paradise Valley just north of Yellowstone National Park, has operated as a premier Western retreat since 1929. Originally established as the Ox Yoke Ranch by T.B. Story and John "Pop" Murphy, the property was a pioneer in early dude ranching, becoming the first in the region to offer modern conveniences like electricity and built-in bathtubs. In 2001, Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons, purchased the ranch after spending years visiting as a guest with his family. Today, the property spans over 10,000 acres of working ranch land and wilderness, stretching from the banks of the Yellowstone River up through sagebrush foothills and dense pine forests to the border of the Gallatin National Forest. Big Creek, a trout-filled mountain stream, runs for four and a half miles directly through the property, connecting the historic guest cabins with the active ranch operations below.
Accommodations at the ranch consist of historic log cabins dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, carefully restored to blend rustic character with modern comfort. The ranch maintains a herd of over 200 horses, supporting a robust equestrian program that caters to all skill levels with daily trail rides, cattle work, and team penning. Beyond the arena and trails, guests can fly-fish for cutthroat trout on Big Creek, hike guided wilderness paths, practice archery, or shoot sporting clays. The ranch also features a heated pool, a world-class wellness center, and a dedicated children's program. Dining is a central part of the experience, featuring gourmet multi-course dinners in the lodge, casual cookouts on trail rides, and evening drinks at the historic saloon.
A defining feature of the property is the Rising Sun Golf Course, an exclusive 18-hole championship facility reserved solely for ranch guests. Designed by Johnny Miller and opened in 2011, the course was carefully routed to follow the natural contours of the Big Creek Basin, making it the first golf course in Montana to earn certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. In 2026, Davis Love III's Love Golf Design completed a major bunker renovation on the course, adding 30 new bunkers featuring Scottish-style stacked sod walls using an Eco Bunker system. This upgrade provides a distinct links-style aesthetic against the backdrop of 10,926-foot Emigrant Peak and the rugged Absaroka Range, creating one of the most unique golfing experiences in the American West.
Summer bookings require a seven-night stay, running Sunday to Sunday, which is highly recommended to fully experience the daily trail rides and golf tournaments. Shorter packages are available during the spring and autumn seasons.
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