The Spread:
High in the mountains at the northern end of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, Lone Mountain is a place where discovery and enjoyment of nature is as integral to ranch life as riding horses. It goes beyond ranch boundaries, too; Lone Mountain naturalists and guides take guests into Yellowstone National Park, less than 20 miles away, to explore by horse, foot, fly rod, skis, and snow coach, depending on the season. Lone Mountain has 24 cabins accommodating two to ten guests, some built 70 years ago, some constructed quite recently. The new Ridgetop Lodge sits on a ridge overlooking the ranch, with six guest rooms accommodating up to three guests in each.

Why Families Love It:
The ranch's horse program organizes morning and afternoon horse rides for ages six and older, plus pony rides for younger tots. Lone Mountain's Youth Program is for ages four to 18 (9 p.m. to 5 p.m.) with activities including archery, animal tracking, obstacle Olympics, science and nature projects down on the river, fishing, map and compass skills, and overnighters and pizza parties. Kids even celebrate the Lewis & Clark expedition, which passed through Montana, by learning some of the same canoeing skills and sharing in stories that originated with America's famed frontier explorers. Teens peel off into their own group for off-ranch activities including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The ranch also has an extensive Confidence Course with a climbing wall to challenge youngsters' skills, wits, and inner drive. Parents can join the kids' activities anytime they wish.

Special Events & Activities:
A definite highlight of each week is the naturalist-guided trip into Yellowstone National Park. Ranch guides take families to the thermal areas, Old Faithful, and help them spot the magnificent wildlife for which the park is famous.