10 Best Hotels in Helena, Bozeman, and Southwest Montana, Montana

Many guest ranches are limited to summer, when horseback riding on the range is the main activity, but in winter, when 2 to 6 feet of snow can blanket this 9,000-acre working cattle ranch, guests enjoy also spectacular adventures in cross-country skiing and wildlife tracking. The ranch shares a 6-mile boundary with Yellowstone National Park, in Tom Miner Basin, 36 miles south of Livingston. Rates include meals and activities, except at the West Bunkhouse, a six-bedroom, two-bathroom vacation rental. A four-wheel drive is recommended for reaching the ranch.

This rambling, quirky spa hotel opened in 1900, offering guests leisurely soaks in its 96°F–103°F hot-spring pools and accommodations with views of 10,920-foot Emigrant Peak and the Absaroka–Beartooth Wilderness beyond. The historic property features two large outdoor soaking pools, lots of meeting space, a hilltop spa offering a wide variety of treatments, and a mix of upscale cabins, covered wagons, and simpler rooms in the main lodge (some share a bath). The excellent restaurant serves creatively prepared local game, steaks, and fish. Painter Charles Russell (1864–1926) once stayed here.

This resort between Anaconda and Butte is a great option for families. Although not much to look at, the Fairmont (not affiliated with the similarly named luxury hotel chain) has naturally heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 350-foot waterslide, a playground, and a day spa in a beautiful setting. There's also an 18-hole golf course on the grounds.

William Clark (of Lewis and Clark) cooked his dinner in the hot springs near the site of this spacious log lodge decorated with elk antlers, a stuffed mountain lion, and other critters. Accommodations are in cabins, many with fireplaces, and there's also tent and RV camping. The Olympic-size outdoor pool is filled with artesian hot water that averages 103°F year-round. The dining room specializes in surf and turf.

Three-night to one-week packages include seasonal activities such as naturalist-guided trips to Yellowstone, cross-country ski passes, and kids' camps in the summer. The ranch, known for its Nordic Ski Center, maintains 85 km (51 miles) of groomed trails for classic and cross-country skate skiing. An additional four trails totaling 10 km (6 miles) are for snowshoers only. Some activities cost extra, such as horse-packing trips to alpine lakes, fly-fishing, and downhill skiing. Lodging is in historic cabins surrounding an elegant log lodge. Partake of a night of backcountry sleigh rides, dinner, and entertainment.

This full-service guest-ranch resort in the middle of scenic Paradise Valley and 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park is a family favorite, albeit an expensive one. The cabins feel luxurious after a day in the saddle. The children's programs offer age-appropriate activities such as hiking, swimming, crafts, hayrides, campfires, and a talent show. Dinners range from Western barbecue to gourmet treats such as grilled bison tenderloin and pan-roasted king salmon. There's a seven-night minimum stay in summer.

At Georgetown Lake, this simple, clean lodge has views of the Pintler Mountains and is 4 miles from skiing and across the road from fishing. The restaurant ($–$$$) serves simple fare such as pressure-fried chicken and burgers; there's also a salad bar.

Along with cattle herding, hunting, and fly-fishing adventures, this secluded guest ranch offers rooms in its spacious Western-style lodge or kitchen-equipped log cabins. Hearty ranch meals are available in the lodge.