Exclusive Escape: Grey Cliffs Ranch in Three Forks, Montana
Wild West Luxury in Montana
Grey Cliffs is the epitome of a Western style ranch. The post & beam lodge has that Wild-West feel that you’d expect, with game heads adorning the walls, rich wood accents, and giant stone fireplaces flanking the focal rooms. Start and end your days with scrumptious homemade meals and warm hospitality. Spend your time onsite hiking next to wild horses, fishing in trout filled waters, biking epic mountains, or tapping into your creative side with the resident ceramics instructor. With almost 6,000 acres of wilderness to explore, and only a handful of other guests, it’s your exclusive slice of Montana.
Location
Land in Bozeman/Yellowstone Airport and you’ll be at the lodge within an hour. South-Western Montana is generally traffic-free, so getting to your destination could not be easier, or more picturesque.
Grey Cliffs Ranch is located in hill country along the Madison River. It’s a deeded property and the owners have proudly opened the doors of their private home to the public, not to earn a profit, but simply to share their precious land.
Their efforts to reclaim the natural beauty of their land have not gone unnoticed. By getting rid of grazing cattle and reviving habitats like wetlands and grasslands, the native ecosystem is thriving. General Manager & Guide Chris Pfadt described how years ago, sightings of elk were scarce, and now hundreds of elk congregate in the wintertime. During my stay, I saw incredible birdlife, a coyote den, and dozens of prairie dogs. Yellowstone National Park is about 2 hours South of the lodge, so you can take a day trip there for even more wildlife encounters.
Lodge Details
Grey Cliffs Ranch is secured by multiple gates, which enhances the feeling of exclusivity. After driving about two miles down the private dirt road, you’ll start wondering if you’re headed in the right direction. Shortly after that moment of uncertainty, you’ll notice the massive timber, glass, and stone building stand out amongst the natural landscape.
This main lodge contains five suites, as well as all of the amenities that you’d expect from a proper ranch. Each suite is spacious and comfortably appointed. The GCR branding continues throughout the room - I noticed it on the silky bed sheets, bathroom robes, handcrafted tiles, and coffee mugs. Most suites have direct access to a secluded outdoor deck as well.
Though you share the space with fellow travelers, the three-story lodge never feels crowded. A cozy great room and family room, an open-concept kitchen, fully-stocked bar, assorted library, and exercise room provide exactly what you need for a homey stay. A sun room and wraparound patio add even more space to spread out. Sip on a glass of wine, spot elusive hummingbirds, and let a sense of calm wash over you as you settle into ranch life.
Dining
The attire at Grey Cliffs Ranch is completely casual. Show up in your pajamas if you want, but get ready for Michelin star quality food. The ingredients are locally sourced; the chef loves cooking game meat, like bison and elk and whipping up desserts, like huckleberry cobbler. Fresh produce, herbs, eggs, honey, and edible flowers come from their own land, so it’s as fresh as it gets.
The bartender and server are professional, though they feel more like friends than staff members. Of course the service is attentive, but they also provide you with the freedom to do what you fancy. If you want to get up and pour yourself another drink, go for it. Then continue the conversations with a nightcap in the Western saloon-style bar, the White Bison Saloon.
Lodge Activities
One of the highlights of Grey Cliffs Ranch is the wide range of activities offered both onsite, and in the regions nearby. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts wonderland and here are some examples of things you can do during your stay:
fly fishing
tubing on the Madison River
white water rafting on the Gallatin River
hiking
biking
horseback riding with Kendra (seasonally)
upland bird hunting
shooting
ceramics with Licia, Chris’ wife
ranch tours
day trips to Yellowstone
day trips to the Lewis and Clark caverns
visit nearby ghost towns, Virginia City and Nevada City
winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling
The guiding team is passionate and knowledgeable. Everyone seems genuinely happy to be there and that’s sadly not always the case in the world of luxury lodging. Grey Cliffs Ranch has noticeable core values that the staff absolutely uphold. You can tell that they are excited to share their love for this beautiful piece of land and its wildlife.
I hope I encourage you to switch up your beach vacation for a mountain getaway. You’ll have the opportunity to step away from your normal day-to-day and challenge yourself with loads of thrilling physical activities. After breathing in that fresh air and soaking up those snow-capped mountain views, you’ll return home feeling rejuvenated.