MOUNTAIN SKY GUEST RANCH
PARADISE VALLEY
MONTANA
ON THE COVER
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch guests enjoying views of Emigrant Peak and Paradise Valley from horseback.
A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.
JOHN LE CARRÉ
A NOTE FROM ARTHUR
My family fell in love with Montana when we first visited more than twenty years ago. When you’re outdoors in such rich physical beauty, the world slows down and you can take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you personally.
Since the 1920’s, Mountain Sky has been a sanctuary for those looking to step away from the everyday and step into something extraordinary. After years of visiting as guests, my family purchased the ranch in 2001. We are now lucky enough to care for and share Mountain Sky with our outstanding staff, who build special, lasting connections with our guests each season. It’s a place unlike anywhere else, and that’s exactly the point.
Mountain Sky offers a deeper, richer way to connect with the world and with those you love. We trade screens and schedules for carefree days, painted sunrises, and the scent of sagebrush after rain. It’s the magic of this place – the Mountain Sky magic – that draws back even those who “never visit the same place twice” year after year.
I believe you won’t see this as just a onetime visit, but the start of a new chapter in your life story. It’s my honor to open our doors and our hearts to you, and to invite you into our Mountain Sky family.
ARTHUR M. BLANK Owner and Chairman, AMB West
MOUNTAIN SKY GUEST RANCH
YOUR INVITATION TO PARADISE
Out here in Montana’s Paradise Valley, where the rugged Absaroka mountains rise like old giants and the Yellowstone River winds its way through wide-open country, there’s a place where the wild still feels alive. A place that asks nothing more of you than to show up, settle in, and let the land do the rest.
In the mountains, the air is not filled with noise but with life. RIGHT
WES’ AERIALS?
At Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, you’ll discover a side of life that’s refreshingly authentic and deeply rooted in history. From horseback rides through wide-open fields and majestic mountain trails to whitewater rafting, enjoying gourmet meals, and sharing stories under the stars, a ranch vacation here is about connecting – to nature, to loved ones, and to a simpler, more meaningful way of living.
“That’s how summer is: no past or future but all present tense, long twilights like vandals, breaking into new days.”
GRETEL ERLICH , Islands, the Universe, Home
Mountain Sky isn’t just any ranch. While other dude ranches might offer the basics, our allinclusive experience redefines what a guest ranch can be. Picture yourself waking up to panoramic views of the Absaroka Mountains, enjoying a morning yoga session or a massage at our wellness center, and spending the afternoon hiking, riding, or even teeing off at Rising Sun, our exclusive championship golf course. In the evening, enjoy fine dining and then unwind with live music and dancing, or a soak in the hot tub under the stars. This is a luxury guest ranch experience that can be as adventurous or relaxing as you want it to be—a place to craft your own adventure.
Since the 1920s, Mountain Sky has been a sanctuary for those looking to step away from the everyday and step into something extraordinary.
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“Mountain Sky offers a riding experience that you can’t find anywhere else. The breathtaking scenery is just the beginning –the riding program here is on another level. I’ve ridden in many places, but nowhere else offers the same freedom, the same thrill, or the same sense of adventure as you get here.”
KATIE R. , Guest
A PLACE FOR FAMILY AND CONNECTION
At Mountain Sky, we know that family isn’t just about being together; it’s about finding ways to share experiences that bring you closer. That’s why we’ve designed our programs around letting everyone find their own path while still creating space for the moments that matter.
“Growing up on the ranch, the mentorship I experienced through the kids’ program was truly instrumental in helping me become the person I am today. From learning the importance of ‘not judging a book by its cover,’ to finding bravery within myself, all of the staff who touched my life in this program are to thank for these life lessons. I feel so blessed to continue to share that magic with children for years to come.”
KYLIE BLANK , GuestandFormerKids’ProgramDirector
FOR KIDS AND TEENS
Our programs get kids of all ages outside, where they can play, explore, and tap into their imagination in a place that feels both wild and welcoming. They’ll spend their days making new friends at Bear Town—their own little hideaway at the ranch— taking on the Challenge Course, and having a blast with classic games like capture the flag and our beloved splashball—a Mountain Sky favorite that puts
a splashy, hilarious spin on dodgeball.
And for teens, it’s about finding their own freedom—growing in confidence and a true sense of self while riding horses, rafting rivers, laughing by the campfire, and sleeping under the stars. Guided by our enthusiastic, fun-loving staff, every moment becomes unforgettable.
Where childhood feels like it should—days filled with adventure, laughter, and the kind of fun that only comes from being outdoors.
FOR PARENTS
Parents find a different kind of vacation—one where you don’t have to worry about what’s next. Mornings are unhurried, with the warmth of the sun spilling slowly over the mountains, setting the perfect tone for the day. The kids head off for their own adventures, and you enjoy yours—whether that’s a horseback ride, a hike up to an alpine lake, a relaxing massage, or a round of golf at Rising Sun where every hole feels like a postcard. In the evenings, after dinner, the kids return—bright-eyed beaming, and bursting with tales from the day. There’s ample time to sit, listen, watch the sun dip behind the peaks, and share the meaningful moments that seem to come naturally in a place like this.
Reconnect where it counts. Here, families come together not just in proximity but through shared experiences that create lasting memories.
“This is our 36th summer here. We first discovered Mountain Sky when my daughter was just four, and my husband wanted to fish—we thought a ranch vacation would be fun. And we wanted a family vacation where we didn’t have to do the same old thing— cook, clean, entertain. This place feels like home—a home where you don’t have to do anything. No responsibilities, just letting life happen. That’s what makes it special. And here we still are, all these years later!
There were no pictures online, no internet back then, so we arrived not knowing what to expect. From day one, it was perfect. There were so many other young families, and the kids’ program was phenomenal. It was amazing to have a nice dinner as adults while the kids were off playing, and then they come back to the dining room covered in mud— everyone got their own vacation. That’s why it’s perfect for families. And as our kids have gotten older, it’s still great. Everyone finds their own way to have a good time. I love this place. It’s a place you can always return to and feel like you’re coming home. We’ve seen kids who grew up here and come back to have their weddings here. Almost all of us come back every season, our original group that’s been coming for over twenty years. We’ve become a huge, international family that started right here. We’re in touch with people from the ranch all year round. I’ve even met friends here who live just down the street from me back home! This is home, in every sense of the word.”
SALLIE G. , Guest
ADULTS-ONLY ESCAPES
Mountain Sky offers adults an ideal retreat, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, with the freedom to create your perfect day. Mornings begin with mist in the mountains, setting the stage for whatever you choose next. Adventures await—a morning on the sporting clays range, a horseback ride through open fields, or a hike to a stunning alpine vista.
Or maybe you prefer to slow down— unwind with a massage, stretch into a yoga session, or lose yourself in a good book as the river babbles nearby.
Evenings bring simple pleasures and meaningful connections—an intimate dinner, a stroll under the stars, or conversation by the fire.
At Mountain Sky, you’ll enjoy a pace that’s all your own, and the space to be truly present.
FIND YOUR OWN RHYTHM
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We are most whole when we are wild.
Nature doesn’t hurry, and neither should we.
Mountain Sky makes it easy to disconnect from the world outside. With limited Wi-Fi and no TVs, distractions disappear, leaving only the space to be present. Maybe that means sharing stories over a campfire, playing games in the lodge, or simply taking in the views as you listen to birdsong and the wind through the pines.
“This place cuts through all the noise. My whole career in healthcare has been non-stop notifications and chaos. Here, it’s just calm – day in, day out. Instead, you might hear a horse whinnying, or the rumbling of a thunderstorm. I feel the difference right away, and by the end of the week, you can visibly see it in everyone. Honestly, I could toss my phone off the back of my horse and not miss it.”
RICH C. , Guest
We believe the greatest connections are made face to face, under open skies, and around crackling fires.
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Bison and other wildlife like grizzlies, wolves, and elk roam freely in the expansive Lamar Valley, often called “the Serengeti of Yellowstone”—just a 30-mile day trip from Mountain Sky, with optional guided tours departing from the ranch.
“The wilderness does not make you forget your normal life so much as it removes the distractions for proper remembering. “
JIM HARRISON
YOUR WAY, EVERY DAY
Mountain Sky offers a different kind of adventure – yours. Here, you can fill your days with everything or nothing at all.
There is no better way to see the world than from the back of a horse.
In the saddle, time slips away, and the world becomes simpler – a ribbon of a trail winding across the landscape, a conversation between horse and rider that needs no words.
“I
am fond of the sound of horses in the night. The lifting of feet. Stamping. The clicking of their iron shoes against rock… They sound larger than they are. The air tastes of horses, ripples as though come alive with their goodhearted strength and stamina.”
MARK SPRAGG , Where Rivers Change Direction
Discover our world-class riding program, where you are expertly paired with the perfect horse to match your spirit. From beginner to advanced, our trails welcome all – from gentle walks through meadows to exciting rides through the mountains.
Our Horse Program is the soul of Mountain Sky. It’s where people of all riding abilities come to find a sense of freedom and connection that can only be felt in the saddle. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or taking the reins for the very first time, our head wrangler will match you with the perfect horse from our herd, from spirited, adventurous mounts to calm, easygoing companions that build trust from the first ride.
We’ll guide you on trails that reveal the most stunning corners of the ranch – and you’ll get to explore wild places that few people ever reach, accessible only on horseback.
Ride through open meadows, up mountain trails, or alongside the river, accompanied by the quiet drumbeat of hooves on dirt. It’s a truly freeing experience, one where guests find themselves letting go and embracing the moment.
Our horse program is one of the best in the country, and we’re proud of it. Every guest meets with our head wrangler to find the perfect match, and from there, the mountains are yours to explore.
“We Americans are trained to think big, talk big, act big, love big, admire bigness, but then the essential mystery is in the small.”
JIM HARRISON
No matter your skill level, our rides will challenge you to go farther into exciting new terrain. For those seeking more adventure, try team penning or rolling up your sleeves to join our wranglers as they work cattle. It’s about the partnership between horse and rider, trusting in that shared and wordless understanding that brings you closer to the land and to yourself, with all the beauty of a day well-spent under the wide-open Montana sky.
“I love being on horseback in the mountains. Just being with the horses – they are so incredible. You don’t ever have to worry about them putting a foot wrong or being spooky. We’ve been to other ranches in the past where you don’t quite know what you’re going to get, and that makes a big difference, especially because our Dad’s not a rider – he’ll ride only when he comes here.
GEORGINA H. , Guest
FISHING AND HIKING
For those who prefer their feet on the ground, we’ve got hikes for every level – from gentle walks along the creek to all-day treks that take you to turquoise alpine tarns and rocky summits where the air is thin and the views stretch forever. There’s something about standing at the top of a ridge with the wind in your face that makes everything else seem small.
Our guided hikes range from family-friendly strolls to all-day peakbagging adventures.
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Or, fish the famed blue-ribbon waters of Paradise Valley with a guide, or workshop your cast at the ranch’s trout pond with our instructors – perfect for both newcomers and experienced anglers looking to fine-tune their technique.
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Fish with expert guides, whether you’re an experienced angler or casting a line for the first time.
Unleash your inner marksman on Mountain Sky’s sporting clays course—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you’ll find fun and challenge, set against the unforgettable backdrop of Montana’s rugged terrain.
Rising Sun has it all. No rush, no crowds - just stunning views of the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges. Each hole offers a new perspective, and a new challenge for golfers looking to play in an incomparable setting.
A GOLFER’S PARADISE
For those who want to play a different game, our 18-hole Rising Sun Golf Course is one of a kind. A Johnny Miller-designed championship course, it’s tucked into the landscape so perfectly you might not see it until you’re on it. But once you’re there, you won’t forget it.
You’ll tee off with nothing but the mountains around you, and it’ll feel like the whole world is yours.
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Our exclusive, family-friendly course offers opportunities for all levels. Guests have access to top-tier rental clubs, private instruction, a driving range, a versatile short game area and a comfortable clubhouse for relaxing after your round.
“Going straight from the saddle of a Quarter Horse to behind the wheel of a Club Car is a pretty singular experience that can be had at this nearly century-old dude ranch that sprawls over 10,000 acres of Montana’s Paradise Valley, situated just 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.
MIKE DOJC VeteranGolfWriter;ContributoratBreakingEighty
Birdies and birdsong – The first golf course in Montana to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, Rising Sun is where the love of the game meets the beauty of nature.
If you’re looking to unwind, our Wellness Center is a true sanctuary. You can take a yoga class, experience a relaxing massage, soak in the hot tub, or just sit and let the quiet settle in. Whether you prefer to curl up fireside or stretch out in a sunny spot on the multi-level patio, there’s always a serene corner waiting for you.
Melt away tension, ease sore muscles, and restore your body and spirit with our wellness center’s signature treatments.
Whether relaxing in silence in the heated grotto, or spending an afternoon at the pool, time slows, the senses open, and peace becomes effortless.
Poolside with a view – soak up the warm sun, savor the soft mountain breeze, and let the day unfold at its own pace.
THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE
SIMPLE, SATISFYING, AND EXCEPTIONAL
At Mountain Sky, we believe that every meal should be more than just food—it should be a celebration that brings people together.
Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and a hearty – or healthy – breakfast on the porch as the morning sun lights up the Absaroka Mountains. Mornings feature a variety of options, from eggs benedict with a delicate hollandaise to pancakes bursting with fresh seasonal berries.
Enjoy breakfast on the porch, lunch in the meadow, and dinner under a canopy of stars –each meal a new adventure for the senses.
Lunch offers a taste of just about everything, from gourmet meals served picnic-style, to a diverse buffet with international themes. Fresh salads, homemade soups, and creative sandwiches are complemented by ranch-raised beef burgers and local favorites.
Dinner is where the real magic happens. After a day of adventure, the ringing of the meal bell calls guests to gather for a multicourse dining experience, where camaraderie and conversation flow freely. Our talented chefs craft exceptional meals, with flavors to suit all tastes. And save room for something sweet—the desserts from our pastry chef are known to tempt even the most disciplined.
We work hard to accommodate our guests’ dietary needs and specifications in a way that preserves the unique flavors and creativity of our dishes.
EVERY BITE, A STORY
Our chefs are passionate about bringing the flavors of Montana to your plate, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Ranch-raised beef, freshcaught trout, mushrooms from nearby farms, and seasonal produce bring authenticity and freshness to every dish. Even as you dine in style, there’s an element of the West in every bite—simple, satisfying, and always memorable.
Our dining room combines culinary excellence with authentic camaraderie – guests gather over gourmet meals, and connections grow deeper by the day.
Kick back in our historic saloon, where you can unwind with top-shelf cocktails, live music, and the warmth of good company.
MEAL RIDES
A TRUE TASTE OF THE WEST
Our Meal Rides are among the most unique experiences at Mountain Sky. Imagine an early morning ride through a secluded meadow to the Vink family homestead, where breakfast is cooked over an open flame, or an evening ride to the historic Stewart Ranch for a barbecue, live music, and a sunset over Emigrant Peak.
Ride into the golden hour and arrive at a dinner that celebrates the best of the West –good food and great company, complete with live music and epic mountain views.
Each Meal Ride offers something different: a cowboy breakfast by a babbling creek, a midday adventure with hamburgers and brats by a secluded cabin, or a dinner that brings you to a barbecue with the lively tunes of a string band and views that stretch on forever.
“The dinner ride –you ride in with family, you drop in over the hill on horseback, you hear the band playing music, you see people playing out on the lawn, you’re about to enjoy a nice ice cold margarita or a beer and the most amazing barbeque, and then of course the pies! And you think, ‘yes, this is why I’m here – just for this one meal!’ We call it “pie night” and we talk about it all year. You know, ‘what flavor pie are you going to eat this year?’ I’ll admit on yesterday’s dinner ride I had four flavors of pie!”
GEORGINA H. , Guest
Our staff aren’t just here to serve; they’re here to share the magic of this place, making you feel like you’ve found a second home.
WARM WELCOMES + LASTING BONDS
THE CULTURE
Our staff are storytellers, adventurers, and caretakers who bring their own character and enthusiasm to their work, turning simple moments into unforgettable memories. You might find yourself lost in conversation over dinner, learning something new from a wrangler
on the trail, or enjoying the laughter of newfound friends in the saloon. Here, the magic of the ranch isn’t just in its wild beauty but in the way it brings people together, fostering easy camaraderie and creating a sense of belonging that lasts long after you’ve left.
“I always tell friends that I feel like I am most myself here. Mountain Sky just brings out the best version of me. There’s a sense of comfort and freedom.”
KATIE R. , Guest
BOOK YOUR STAY
Whether you’re dreaming of a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a celebration with friends, our reservation team is ready to help you plan the perfect stay.
From family season and Wild West Women weeks to adults-only escapes and exclusive ranch buyouts for weddings or special events, there’s a Mountain Sky experience for everyone.
reservations@ mountainsky.com (800) 548-3392 www.mountainsky.com
