320 Guest Ranch Blog
A Rustic Romantic Getaway in Montana
There’s something magical about the combination of towering mountains, pristine rivers, and cozy accommodations that make romantic getaways in Montana truly unforgettable. Whether planning a winter escape or a summer retreat, 320 Guest Ranch provides the perfect setting for couples seeking adventure, relaxation, and cherished moments together. Nestled in the Gallatin Valley, our historic ranch offers an ideal mix of rustic charm and modern comfort to create a one-of-a-kind experience for two. Cozy Cabins and Mountain Chalets At 320 Guest Ranch, you’ll find the perfect accommodations to set the stage for romance. Our charming Historic McGill Cabin, riverfront log cabins, [...]
The Ultimate Montana Winter Vacation at 320 Guest Ranch
If you love playing in the snow, then you ought to consider a Montana winter vacation at 320 Guest Ranch. Not only do we have cozy cabins to complement the crisp weather, but we also give visitors easy access to various outdoor activities. And let’s not forget the sleigh rides! All in all, we’re proud to offer a premier winter destination for those who bundle up and tough it out. Still, if you’re wondering what winter is like in our neck of the woods, we’re here to offer a glimpse of what’s possible. Rustic Lodging at Its Finest One of [...]
3 Reasons Why Montana Family Vacations Make Great Gifts
If you’re looking for a holiday gift, Montana family vacations at 320 Guest Ranch near Gallatin Gateway promise to deliver lifelong memories. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, endless outdoor adventures, and opportunities to unplug and reconnect, Montana offers something special for every family. Whether you’re seeking something that sparks joy, creates lasting memories, or offers a much-needed escape from the daily grind, a family trip to Big Sky Country could be the perfect solution. 320 Guest Ranch: The Ultimate Montana Family Vacation Spot With cozy rustic lodging, horseback riding, and access to some of Montana’s best skiing and hiking, 320 Guest [...]
320 Guest Ranch: Your Base for a Big Sky Skiing Vacation
If you want to experience the excitement of Big Sky skiing without staying at the resort, you’re in luck! 320 Guest Ranch is only about a 30-minute drive from Big Sky and is an excellent option for anyone willing to make the trek. Winter driving isn’t for everyone, but if you’re like many of the skiing enthusiasts we know, it won’t be a problem. There are many reasons to consider staying off-resort, especially at 320 Guest Ranch! Why Stay With Us for Your Big Sky Skiing Experience? If you usually stay slopeside, staying off-resort for your skiing trip might [...]
Montana Fly-Fishing Adventures in Big Sky Country
Fly-fishing in Montana is an iconic adventure that any outdoor enthusiast can appreciate. Amid majestic mountains and the glistening Gallatin River, 320 Guest Ranch is the perfect base camp for anglers to discover the joy of a legendary waterway. Here, we’ll give you some ideas of where to go and what to expect on the way to your new favorite fly-fishing destination! Fly-Fishing Casting Lessons at 320 Guest Ranch One of the best things about experiencing fly-fishing in Montana at 320 Guest Ranch is you don’t need much experience. Taking casting lessons on our stocked trout pond is the [...]
Our Winter Stay at the Ranch
One of guests shared a little about their stay with us here on ranch! "Last winter, our family decided to trade the familiar hustle and bustle our normal city life for a snowy wonderland at 320 Guest Ranch in Southwest Montana. We were craving a getaway that combined adventure, relaxation, and the magic of winter, and 320 Guest Ranch proved to be the perfect choice. Arrival and First Impressions As we drove through the snow-covered landscapes, the anticipation grew. The welcoming facade of 320 Guest Ranch emerged, promising a cozy haven amid the winter beauty. The check-in process was [...]
Winter Wonderland Getaway: Family Fun at 320 Guest Ranch in Southwest Montana
Escape to the Serenity of 320 Guest Ranch this Winter Discover the magic of winter in Southwest Montana with a memorable family retreat at the 320 Guest Ranch. Nestled near Yellowstone Natio nal Park and Big Sky, this enchanting getaway promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for you and your loved ones. Winter Activities for All Ages Embrace the snowy wonderland as 320 Guest Ranch offers an array of winter activities for every member of the family. From exhilarating snowmobiling adventures to serene sleigh rides through picturesque landscapes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the Enchanted [...]
Montana Winter Activities on and around Ranch
Winter Wonderland: Activities for Cold Weather Embrace the frosty magic at 320 Guest Ranch with a myriad of winter activities that'll leave you breathless. When the snow blankets the landscape, our ranch transforms into a haven for winter enthusiasts, offering an array of snowy adventures. Sleigh Rides: Cozy Romance Amidst Snowy Scenery Indulge in the charm of a classic sleigh ride right here on the ranch. Snuggle under warm blankets as our horses guide you through a snow-kissed landscape. It's a picture-perfect experience, adding a touch of romance to your winter getaway. Book Now! Dog Sled Rides: A Furry [...]
Sleigh Rides on 320 Ranch
Booking for our Sleigh Rides begin Friday, September 22nd and we can't wait! It's a favorite time of year! Experience Winter Bliss with Sleigh Rides at 320 Guest Ranch Escape to Big Sky - Winter Destination Discover the captivating beauty of Montana's winter wonderland at 320 Guest Ranch, where we offer an appetizer horse-drawn sleigh ride! The Enchanting Sleigh Ride Wrapped in Blankets, Surrounded by Snow Imagine yourself cocooned in cozy blankets, the brisk winter air caressing your cheeks as you embark on a magical sleigh ride through the pristine, snow-covered wilderness of the 320 Ranch. This quintessential winter [...]
McGill’s Restaurant and Saloon – Dinner in Big Sky, MT
Experience a Unique Big Sky Dinner at McGill's Restaurant and Saloon If you're looking for a memorable dinner in Big Sky, Montana, look no further than McGill's Restaurant and Saloon. This historic establishment, located on the original homestead of the 320 Ranch, has been serving up delicious food and rich history since 1947. History of McGill's Founded in 1898 by Sam Wilson, the 320 Ranch began as a cattle ranch and later transformed into a what it is today. In 1936, Dr. Caroline McGill purchased the ranch and later converted the original homestead into a saloon that quickly became [...]
5 Reasons to Visit Yellowstone National Park: A 320 Guest Ranch Perspective
Are you looking for a memorable adventure this year? Look no further than Yellowstone National Park! Breathtaking Scenery Yellowstone is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the sweeping valleys and rivers, the scenery in Yellowstone is truly awe-inspiring. Don't forget to bring your camera and capture the stunning views! Unique Geothermal Features Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser. These natural wonders are a testament to the park's volcanic history and are truly unlike anything else in the world. Be [...]
Rustic Charm Meets Modern Comforts
Rustic Charm Meets Modern Comforts Are you searching for an unforgettable summer vacation that combines rustic charm with modern comforts? Look no further than 320 Guest Ranch, located in the heart of Montana's scenic Gallatin Valley. Our historic ranch offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and luxurious relaxation, making it the ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Unbeatable Location Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, 320 Guest Ranch is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty that will leave you awestruck. From the moment you step onto our property, you'll feel immersed in the great outdoors. Our 320-acre ranch [...]
History of Logging in the Gallatin Canyon
The History of Logging in the Gallatin Canyon and Taylor Fork Forest Service Road: A Perspective from 320 Guest Ranch At 320 Guest Ranch, we are proud to be a part of the rich history of Gallatin Canyon and Taylor Fork Forest Service Road. The logging industry played a significant role in shaping the landscape and the communities in this area. In this blog post, we will explore the history of logging and how it impacted the development of this region. Logging in Gallatin Canyon The logging industry in Gallatin Canyon dates back to the late 1800s. It was a [...]
Top 5 Reasons to Love 320 Ranch
Here are the top 5 reasons to visit 320 Ranch: 1. Location: 320 Ranch is located in a picturesque Gallatin valley surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains. The natural beauty of the area makes it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore, hike, and ride horses. 20 minutes south of Big Sky and 45 minutes north of West Yellowstone. 2. Authentic Western Experience: 320 Ranch was founded in 1898 and offers a unique and authentic Western experience that visitors are sure to enjoy. From a rich history as part of the Gallatin Canyon to horseback ride in the [...]
From a 320 Ranch Sleigh Driver
As a winter wrangler and sleigh ride driver at 320 Ranch, I have the pleasure of immersing myself in the snow-capped Montana wilderness. With each sleigh ride, I get to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and share it with our guests. Daily tasks: To ensure that our guests have the best possible experience, my first task each day is to groom the sleigh-ride trails. I use a groomer or snowmobile to make sure that the trails are smooth and free of any obstacles, providing our guests with a safe and enjoyable ride. It's a crucial step in our operations [...]
Dog Sledding Near the Ranch
Local Winter Activities - spotlight on dog sledding At 320 Ranch, we love being your gateway to the ultimate winter adventure in Montana! With so much to do in the Gallatin Canyon, dog sledding is one of our favorites! Just a few miles south on Taylor Fork Rd, you can experience the thrill of dog sledding with Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures, one of the most popular winter activities in the Big Sky area. Our employees recently had the opportunity to take part in this exhilarating activity. They loved! For many of our employees, it was their first time dog sledding. [...]
Winter at the Ranch
We're thrilled to offer a truly authentic Montana experience that's perfect for winter getaways. Our historic property has been providing a unique and memorable experience for 125 years, and we're just minutes away from the world-renowned skiing at Big Sky Resort. ON RANCH: One of our most popular winter activities is our horse-drawn sleigh rides. We're proud to offer this classic winter experience, taking guests on a scenic tour of the property, sharing stories about the area's rich history, and a stop for appetizers at a warming tent. Our wranglers will ensure that you're comfortable and cozy under warm blankets [...]
Memoirs of a Fly Fishing Father’s Day in Big Sky, Montana
Dearest 320 Guest RanchBlog Readers, Today, Father’s Day 2021, has brought me to a happy state of nostalgia. Isn’t that, after all, what days like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are for? As important as it is to live life looking forward, it is no less important to take a day like today to look back. To think of all that dads do for us from the moment of our birth and onward from that moment. To think of all the memories born within that same said time frame. Memories like a day of fly fishing for the first time [...]
A Condensed Guide to the Best Mountain Biking Near 320 Guest Ranch
In our last blog, “Time to Trade in Your Ski Boots for Hiking Boots!”, we touched on some nearby hiking, river sports, and horseback riding spots which Memorial Day weekend was soon to make a great opportunity to get out and do. Why? Well, historically, Memorial Day weekend in Big Sky country brings us our first long-awaited few days of summer weather. But, Memorial Day has come and gone, and here we are headed into June of 2021. My, oh, my is this year flying by! But we’re happy that it’s June because that’s when local trails begin to open not just [...]
Time to Trade in Your Ski Boots for Hiking Boots!
By Memorial Day weekend, temps begin to warm here in southwest Montana. Mix that warmer weather with a community of folks with pretty bad cabin fever, and they’ll tell you it’s time to trade in the ski boots for hiking and riding boots. So, just for the heck of it, we’ve come up with three fun things to do at and around 320 Guest Ranch over the upcoming three-day weekend. We’ve also got great recommendations for some delicious eats which’ll pair fantastically with a fun time. Recommendation #1: Work off that winter weight…or don’t! Oh, the joy of delicious comfort [...]
Life May Not Come With A Manual, But…
Life does come with a mother. Think about it; through thick and thin, good days or bad – good mothers consistently stand at the ready. Unselfishly prepared to aide her child in pioneering his or her triumphs over the challenges inherent to life. So, in order to honor the strong, loving mothers out there, we here at 320 Guest Ranch put together a little package crafted to make this month of May 2021 all about her and truly exceptional indeed. First and foremost, let’s talk lodging. Included in our Mother’s Day (slash “Mother’s month”) deal is a one night’s stay in [...]
An Eco-Friendly Home Away From Home
Boy, is the year flying by! Here we are, April 22nd– Earth Day 2021. A date which marks nearly one third of the year as over; a date which marks the growing nearness of a long awaited summer. Here in Montana – especially in mountain towns like Big Sky – summer is a highly anticipated time of year. It’s also one of the shortest seasons of the year. So, celebrate this Earth Day by taking a little slice of your summer away at one of the most eco-friendly guest ranches in Big Sky country. What makes 320 Guest Ranch ever [...]
6 New Reasons To Put 320 Ranch On Your Summer ’21 Itinerary
What with 320 Ranch already being Gallatin Gateway’s heart of horseback riding, and the focal point of fly fishing, you may be doubting that we could throw 6 moreactivities into our summer mix. But alas, we’ve done it! And, here are the “deets” on what’s new in this little neck of Montana’s woods this summer: Mountain Medicine Workshops The best medicine…is nature’s medicine. And, we’re not alone in thinking that; Dr. Caroline McGill, founder of 320 Ranch and Montana’s first female doctor/pathologist, bought 320 to be used by her patients and friends as a mental and physical retreat. Our hope is [...]
3 Things to Do Near 320 Ranch During Mud Season
If you’re an avid skier, it’s likely that, by the time spring has sprung and the slopes shut down, you experience what many locals refer to as the “mud season blues”. However, this year, make a point of beating those muddy blues with some mad, muddy fun! Here’s three things to try during this year’s mud season that are also within convenient distance of 320 Guest Ranch. This equates to the opportunity for springtime fun, while also able to use the Ranch as a home base where you can de-mud-ify, kick-back, and relax at the end of the day. Spring Mountain Biking [...]
Behind America Stands Every Great American Woman
Welcome to March 2021, dear readers – a.k.a. Women’s History Month! Interestingly enough, this month-long tribute actually began in 1978 as Women’s History Week. More than a decade following this establishment of that week-long period of recognition, President Carter bowed to active petitioning from the NWHA (The National Women’s History Alliance). He promptly designated March of every year from then on to be federally recognized as Women’s History Month. With that said, you now have the very short and sweet on why and by whom March became a time for commemorating the gals who helped mold this great nation. However, long before [...]
Ranches & Romances
‘Tis the season to feel love. Or, at the very least, it’s the month we all associate with feeling a bit of a bite from the love bug. Ever wonder whyFebruary became the month of love and Valentines and all that sort of gushy goodness? Well, we wondered, and here’s the short and chocolate-y sweet on what we discovered…the romantic holiday actually began in Rome as a feast celebrating Saint Valentine. He was celebrated for the actions he took in opposition to a decree set forth by the Roman Emperor of the time. The decree outlawed marriage which St. Valentine viewed as [...]
Top Two Places to go Ice Fishing Near 320 Guest Ranch
In our last blog, “320’s Inside Scoop on How to Keep Warm for Winter Fly-Fishing”, we discussed the kind of gear you want for keeping toasty out there on the Gallatin during winter. Now, that advice is also applicable to another of our favorite winter sports here in southwest Montana: Ice Fishing. Since you already know the best ways of keeping warm on the ice, we’re just going to skip right over that. Instead, we’ve gone right ahead with compiling details about our top two favorite nearby spots to auger a hole and drop that line. Hebgen Lake Distance from 320 Guest [...]
320’s Inside Scoop on How To Keep Warm for Winter Fly-Fishing
If you’re a die-hard fly-fisherman/woman who wishes the weather in Big Sky could be a bit warmer this time of year, you’re not alone. Boy, do we feel the same way here at 320 Ranch. And so, we got to thinking about the best ways we know of to keep warm while fishing even during the coldest of Montana winters. First and foremost, when doing anything outdoors during the winter, you have to consider your core. It’s disputably the most important part of your body to keep warm given that it houses all of your vital organs. So, do yourself a [...]
Three Reasons for Visiting 320 Ranch in the New Year
Happy New Year everyone! We really wanted to give you 320 reasons to visit 320 Guest Ranch this year. However, we decided that could end up being problematic for everyone in terms of time consumption. So, being that three’s a lucky number, we picked out these three reasons why we think 320 Ranch ought definitely be in your 2021 travel plans: An Escape to Simpler Times There are a few reasons why small towns cause big city visitors to feel as if, all of a sudden, life got a whole lot simpler. This is especially the case in southwest Montana. [...]
A Horse-Story in the Making
Being that it’s the season for sleigh rides at 320 Ranch, we thought we’d write up a little something about our Draft Horses. After all, without them, there would be no sleigh rides! So, credit must be given where credit is due. Lesser known than their Clydesdale cousins (most often referred to as the “Budweiser Horses”), our hearty horses are Percherons, a sub-breed of the Draft Horse family. This French breed is a rather mysterious one in terms of its origin. According to the International Museum of the Horse, the French kept scant records of this breed’s history. With the exception of [...]
In a Nutshell: A History of Homesteading in Montana
In the midst of Civil War, the United States passed a little something called the Homestead Act. This statute was enacted to encourage settlement of the country’s newly obtained western territories, Montana included. It was by this act that Sam Wilson and his father were ever even able to claim the adjoining 160 acre parcels which bore the naissance of 320 Guest Ranch. Alongside them were thousands of fellow west-bound pioneers settling 160 acre claims of their own. These were brave men and women who came forth to answer this call to action set by Uncle Sam. These lands out west [...]
A Restaurant by Any Other Name Would Not Smell as Sweet
What makes 320 Guest Ranch something folks round here often call “uniquely Montana” is not just its setting. It is also the food. And, with the Thanksgiving holiday mere days away, visions of wholesome, delicious food are dancing in all of our heads. Our restaurant, McGill’s Dining Room & Saloon, not only serves up such wholesome deliciousness, but also honors the namesake of a true pioneer woman. That woman is Dr. Caroline McGill. And, not so long ago, we endeavored a rebranding of McGill’s Restaurant & Saloon so as to evoke in its name and atmosphere the important role Dr. McGill [...]
The Serenity of Shoulder Season at 320 Guest Ranch
It’s the time of year when the sun seeks to slumber as soundly as the now hibernating bears. Summer has gone. The first real snowfalls have blanketed Lone Peak to the point that locals have begun referring to the mountain by her longtime winter nickname, “Lady in White”. It is a peaceful time of year. Quiet and serene. This is Big Sky’s shoulder season – or, “off-season”. At 320 Guest Ranch, we welcome the shoulder season as a time to reboot, a time for rejuvenation and self-re-discovery. And, after a year like 2020, we can’t think of anything more important than accomplishing those [...]
From Garden to Table: A Montana Gardener’s Ponderings on Pumpkin
Have you ever wandered the aisles of a grocery store mesmerized by the myriad of on-brand, off-brand, and every other kind of brand of canned foods? This time of year had us pontificating on pumpkin – canned pumpkin, that is. How lucky we are to be able to take a can of already squished-up squash, and avoid the prep work involved in baking with fresh-from-the-garden pumpkins. However, such was not the case for our ancestral pioneering ranchers who originally settled our beloved Big Sky country. And, such is still not the case for avid Montana gardeners who maintain a pioneer-like practice of growing all [...]
From Then to Now: A Brief History of Us
There are a lot of things we here at 320 Guest Ranch love about this country we call home. But, there happens to be one thing in particular we love best. That is the steadfast pride all Americans hold in this nation’s historical heritage. The people of the good ol’ US of A appreciate our founding history so much that we even take days like today, Columbus Day 2020, to commemorate it. Alongside today’s commemoration of national history, we also wanted to take a paragraph or two to venerate the 320 Ranch’s heritage which began over one-hundred years ago… It [...]
Amber Waves of Aspens on a Drive for Autumn Days
Just around the corner from right out the 320 Ranch’s backdoor is the stuff of every leaf peeper’s dreams…aspens transitioning to fall hues. Here in southwest Montana, we get a short window between hot summer days and cold winter nights. However, the beauty of our fall window is nonetheless one to rival the season’s burning hues typically found in East Coast towns. And to enjoy it before our beautiful Big Sky country hides away under a blanket of snow, we have a scenic drive we’d like to encourage you and yours to get out and enjoy during this short yet picturesque [...]
Hats Off to the Hard Workers
It’s Labor Day 2020 – a day to commemorate the hardworking people who make each day at the 320 Guest Ranch run smoothly, as well as a day to tip our hats to the hardworking people of this great country. Labor Day was originally founded not for the purpose of backyard BBQ parties and street parades; instead, it was the labor movement of the late 19thcentury which made this three-day weekend a reality. During this time, the members of the American working class were fighting for their rights to more fair-minded labor laws and humane working hours. Thanks to them, [...]
Three Reasons Why Every Fly Fisherman Needs Montana’s Gallatin River on Their Bucket List
Not only is it the centerpiece of 1992 film, A River Runs Through It starring a young Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer, the Gallatin River is also home to what many seasoned fly fishermen easily pronounce as seriously world class fishing. 320 Guest Ranch, unlike neighboring ranches nearby, sits right on the Gallatin River. A night’s stay in one of the Ranch’s Riverfront Cabins will provide not only one of the most peaceful night’s sleeps you may ever experience, but also allows our fly fishing guests to realize the three reasons why the Gallatin River is touted as being one [...]
From Guest Cabin to Conscientious Café
In 2019, the 320 Guest Ranch took on a little reformation project on what was (once upon a time) a guest cabin built under the ownership of Dr. Caroline McGill. However, Ranch management saw a different future for the structure…an environmentally conscious Café that now serves coffee, tea, sandwiches, and snacks to ranch guests. Walking into the Café, the first thing you may notice is the countertops. When building the new interiors, the ranch’s Maintenance Manager made creatively memorable use out of some Montana wildflowers pressed by the 320 General Manager. The pressed flowers were inlaid into the countertop, and then [...]