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Lowdown

  • Established

    1919. Guest ranch since 1935

  • Owner

    Private

  • Manager

    Floyd Forbes

  • Tel

    406-220-3774 or 404-906-1011

  • Open

    All year

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $6,000 - $11,000

  • Minimum Stay

    No minimum stay

  • Maximum Guests

    22

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery, Corporate Retreats, Weddings
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

*Nightly rental rate for ranch buyout is $6,000-$8,000 for up to 10 people. Additional charges apply for 11-15 and 16-22 people. Rates are not based per person*

Blue Sky Ranch, located near the popular town of Red Lodge in Montana, is unlike any other ranch in our network; it's a private, buyout-only ranch which offers guests the ultimate in charm and exclusivity – and it's the perfect basecamp for your adventures in Montana!

Tucked away in the quiet beauty of Montana’s wide open spaces, this cozy, welcoming, secluded buyout-only ranch offers the perfect retreat for one or two guests or a small group. Available for exclusive hire, the entire property becomes your own private sanctuary – ideal for those craving solitude, reflection, or simply a break from the world.

The lodge is the heart of life at the ranch. Built in 1935, this charming space is the center for entertaining, dining and relaxing by the crackling fire. The building contains a large living salon, authentic cowboy bar, dining room, small TV room, kitchen dining and a commercial kitchen with chef's office.

Guests are accommodated in six enchanting cabins where beds can be tailored to the guests' needs. One of the cabins has a full kitchen, living area with a primary bedroom and sleeping lofts in the living area.

The ranch is also a basecamp for families and small groups to enjoy a full five-star activity service scheduled on and off-ranch, through a variety of independenet outfitters and service providers that can tailor your adventures according to your requirements. Please contact the ranch directly for more details and pricing on custom curated on- and off-ranch experiences.

Rates will be between $6,000 and $8,000 per night for the entire ranch buyout, (NOT per adult), whether two or 10 people. Additional rates will apply for 11-15 people and 16-22. These rates are for lodging only and do not include food, beverages, guides or housekeeping outside of arrival and departure.

Please get in touch directly with the ranch to discuss nightly rates for 11-15 people and 16-22 people.

Good time to go

The ranch is not open during the winter months

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 0 and over

Our ranch is a privately owned ranch and not a dude ranch so children of all ages are welcome. Each activity is custom-designed for the guest and their group, ages 0+! The ranch offers plenty of activities from swimming to hiking and we have a few bikes - other activities, including babysitters, can be arranged with a designated destination manager or with our on site manager. Additional costs will apply.

Activities

hiking, biking, picnics, cookouts, campouts, whitewater rafting, floating, Custom-designed for guest needs

Games

pool table, Custom-designed activities

Baby Sitting

From age 0 to 17.

Baby Sitting Provided By

Our ranch manager will supply guests with a list of babysitters to contact directly.  The ranch does not provide child care and rates are dependent on the provider and paid for by guest.

Ranch History

The Ranch began as a dude ranch in the 1930s and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1919, Ed Keane purchased several small homesteads which included the ranch. In 1928 he began to build the log buildings that would became the beginnings of the ranch as it is today.

By 1935, Keane completed the main lodge and subsequently sold the ranch to Frank Book and Mickey Cochran, the Hall of Fame Catcher for the Detroit Tigers.

Among Cochran’s guests were several of his baseball colleagues, most notably Babe Ruth and his wife.

The ranch then became a private, buyout-only guest ranch for family and friends in 1972. It was subsequently owned by two different families until it was purchased by the current owners in 2007.

Your Manager, Floyd Forbes

Ranch Manager Floyd is a warm, welcoming, and highly experienced host. While he’ll be on-site in a private area of the ranch, he’s always available to ensure your stay is smooth and enjoyable. Floyd brings a wealth of knowledge in guest services and ranch management, and he’s happy to assist with anything you need. Whether it’s arranging activities, offering local recommendations, or providing concierge-style support, Floyd is your go-to resource during your stay.

Lowdown

  • Alcohol

    BYOB

  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, patio, bar & grille, lounge, in-room dining, private dinners

At this buyout-only ranch in Fishtail Montana, you are invited to enjoy the freedom to customize your dining experience to perfectly suit your vacation.

While food and beverages are not included in the ranch buyout, the Ranch Manager gladly provides recommendations for trusted local caterers, private chefs, or food service providers.

Whether you envision hearty ranch-style meals, elegant, plated dinners, or casual BBQs under the stars, you can work with local culinary experts to create menus that delight your guests and complement the stunning Montana setting.

If you decide you would like a higher level of service which will offer full staffing and meals, along with an elegant and interesting cocktail/wine selection, Blue Sky Ranch has teamed up with excellent destination providers. You could quite easily enjoy multi-star hotel services at your own private ranch!

Guest Favourites

  • BBQs
  • Private chef
  • Wine pairings

About our Wines

At Blue Sky Ranch, guests have the flexibility to select and supply their own wines and beverages to match everyone in the party's tastes.

Wine and alcohol are not included in the ranch buyout rates, but Floyd the Ranch Manager can again recommend reputable local sommeliers, vendors and distributors to help you source quality selections.

Whether you prefer Montana craft wines, classic vintages, or custom pairings for your meals, you’re free to curate a drinks menu that enhances your celebration and makes your stay truly memorable.

If you’re looking for a higher level of service – with full staff support, chef-prepared meals and a curated cocktail and wine program – Blue Sky Ranch partners with top destination providers to deliver it. Enjoy the comforts of a multi-star hotel, all within the privacy of your own ranch.

 

Lowdown

  • Address

    Near Fiddler Creek
    Fishtail
    Montana
    59028
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    5700 ft

  • Private Land

    250-1000 acres

Nearest Town - Fishtail

Fishtail has a population of 200 (approx), and is situated 13 miles / 15 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in Fishtail include: grocery store, pharmacy, church, school, post office, medical clinic, bank, atm, gas station.

For shopping Fishtail offers: small hometown necessity shops.

Ranch shuttle

No

Nearest Airports

Billings - Logan International Airport, Billings

Distance

About 65 miles miles / 1 hour 15 mins

Airlines

Delta, Skywest, Allegiant, Alaska, United Express, Cape, private

Ranch shuttle

No

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airprot, Bozeman

Distance

146 miles / 2 hours

Airlines

Delta, United, Skywest, Allegiant, Alaska, American Airlines, Southwest

Ranch shuttle

No

Yellowstone Regional, Cody wyoming

Distance

110 miles / 2 hours

Airlines

Delta, United Express, Mesa

Ranch shuttle

No

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding

  • Guest Horses

    0

The Setting

Private Land (250-1000 acres)

Our Riding

Riding considerations

no riding experience needed

Hours in the saddle

Riding hours will be specific to the local outfitter 

Why our riding stands out

  • Horseback riding adventures at the ranch will be provided by off-site ranches and barns, at additional rates and are not included in the nightly rental rate. Please get in touch with the Manager directly for more details on riding that will be available for your stay at the ranch.
  • Fishtail, Montana, is a prime location for horseback riding, as it's situated at the foot of the magnificent Beartooth Mountains, bordering the vast Custer Gallatin National Forest and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This means when you try horseback riding at the ranch, you will have access to an incredible diversity of trails, from scenic river valleys to challenging mountain ascents.
  • - Diverse terrain - Stunning scenery - National forest and wilderness access - Variety of difficulty levels

Sample Riding Itinerary

While our ranch does not have its own horses, you can easily go on riding adventures with local outfitters and guides, straight from the front door of the main lodge. Local horse riding establishments offer:

Guided day rides: Short rides (1-2 hours) to full-day excursions with lunch.

Multi-day pack trips: For a deeper wilderness experience, these trips involve riding on seasoned mountain horses, camping and often include fishing or hunting.

Experienced guides: Provide not only trail knowledge and safety, but also insights into the area's geology, history and wildlife.

Combination trips: Some outfitters offer packages that combine horseback riding with other activities like whitewater rafting or fishing.

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $6,000 - $11,000

  • Minimum Stay

    No minimum stay

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Any day is fine

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Any day is fine

  • Style of accommodation

    Ranch rustic
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Blue Sky Ranch can accommodate up to 22 guests. Accommodations include Cabins and Houses. See below for details and indicative rates.

Cabin | Bunkhouse 4

Rates (Additional Info)

Cabins only available as part of the whole ranch buyout, full nightly buyout rate applies, not available to rent separately.

Ranch buyout rates will be between $6,000 and $8,000 per night for the entire ranch buyout, whether two or 10 people.

Please get in touch with 4K Ranch directly to discuss nightly rates for 11-15 people and 16-22 people.

All services (including food and beverages, spa services, babysitting, guides etc) and activities (eg horseback riding, fishing etc) are NOT included in the ranch buyout rates.

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

This cheerful and charming bunkhouse has three bedrooms/three baths upstairs off a central hallway

Downstairs, via an outside entry porch is a private bedroom suite with fireplace.

2 twin bedrooms

1 queen bed

1 full bed

Bedding configuration can be customized

Rooms

4

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, hair dryer, seating area, wood fireplace

Cabin | Cabin 5

Rates (Additional Info)

Cabins only available as part of the whole ranch buyout, full nightly buyout rate applies, not available to rent separately.

Ranch buyout rates will be between $6,000 and $8,000 per night for the entire ranch buyout, whether two or 10 people.

Please get in touch with 4K Ranch directly to discuss nightly rates for 11-15 people and 16-22 people.

All services (including food and beverages, spa services, babysitting, guides etc) and activities (eg horseback riding, fishing etc) are NOT included in the ranch buyout rates.

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

Queen

Cabin | Cabins 6, 7 & 8

Rates (Additional Info)

Cabins only available as part of the whole ranch buyout, full nightly buyout rate applies, not available to rent separately.

Ranch buyout rates will be between $6,000 and $8,000 per night for the entire ranch buyout, whether two or 10 people.

Please get in touch with 4K Ranch directly to discuss nightly rates for 11-15 people and 16-22 people.

All services (including food and beverages, spa services, babysitting, guides etc) and activities (eg horseback riding, fishing etc) are NOT included in the ranch buyout rates.

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

Full

House | Cliff House

Rates (Additional Info)

Cabins only available as part of the whole ranch buyout, full nightly buyout rate applies, not available to rent separately.

Ranch buyout rates will be between $6,000 and $8,000 per night for the entire ranch buyout, whether two or 10 people.

Please get in touch with 4K Ranch directly to discuss nightly rates for 11-15 people and 16-22 people.

All services (including food and beverages, spa services, babysitting, guides etc) and activities (eg horseback riding, fishing etc) are NOT included in the ranch buyout rates.

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

Kitchen, living area, queen-sized bed, pullout couch, two loft twins

Cabin | Cook's/Staff cabin

Rates (Additional Info)

Cabins only available as part of the whole ranch buyout, full nightly buyout rate applies, not available to rent separately.

Ranch buyout rates will be between $6,000 and $8,000 per night for the entire ranch buyout, whether two or 10 people.

Please get in touch with 4K Ranch directly to discuss nightly rates for 11-15 people and 16-22 people.

All services (including food and beverages, spa services, babysitting, guides etc) and activities (eg horseback riding, fishing etc) are NOT included in the ranch buyout rates.

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Description

Two twin beds

Booking Policy

Ranch buyout rates will be between $6,000 and $8,000 per night for the entire ranch buyout, whether two or 10 people.

Please get in touch with the ranch directly to discuss nightly rates for 11-15 people and 16-22 people.

All services (including food and beverages, spa services, babysitting, guides etc) and activities (eg horseback riding, fishing etc) are NOT included in the ranch buyout rates.

These activities must be arranged directly with the chosen outfitter, however, Floyd the Ranch Manager will be on hand to help with any local recommendations prior to you visiting and while you stay at the ranch.

Included in your stay

lodging

Extras

Tax

Applicable tax, guides, outfitters, transportation, food and beverage

Gratuity

not included

Massage

Floyd the Ranch Manager can provide guests with a list of local, recommended therapists

Yoga

Floyd the Ranch Manager can provide guests with a list of local, recommended teachers

Guided Fly Fishing

Floyd the Ranch Manager can provide guests with a list of local, recommended guides and outfitters

Other

We can arrange full services from chefs, servers, daily housekeeping, transportation, adventures for additional charges.

Lowdown

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone, free long distance.

  • Cell Networks

    AT&T, verizon.

Onsite

Outdoor Activities

mountain biking, Yoga, sporting clays, wagon rides, Shooting - trap / clays, Outdoor activities are custom-designed

Water based Activities

hot tub, lake water sports, There are fishing and swimming lakes. Fishing equipment provided

Winter Activities

cross-country skiing, down hill skiing, snowshoeing, Guests can cross country ski and snowshoe on the property and ski at Red Lodge. Guided ice fishing available, contact Ranch Manager for recommendations

Fishing & Wildlife

If you'd like to experience fishing in Montana, why not have a go and book yourself an expert fishing guide? The knowlegeable Ranch Manager can give you a list of recommended local guides that you can book directly. In addition, the ranch has an assortment of fishing equipment on hand to fish the lakes and ponds on property or to go off site and find your own way along the many regional streams and rivers. 

Fishing on offer

spin, fly, river, lake, stream, equipment available, guided non-inclusive, unguided, instruction available

Wildlife

Bears, moose, mountain lions, birds, eagles

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of under 20.

Escape to this enchanting ranch in Fishtail, Montana for a corporate retreat that inspires and reconnects your team.

Nestled in the beautiful Beartooth Mountains, the ranch is ideal for small corporate retreats, for example the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) as it offers cozy lodging and plenty of outdoor adventures.

Unwind by the campfire under starry skies, and enjoy flexible spaces for meetings and team-building, 

Experience true Montana hospitality at this private buyout-only ranch in Fishtail and create lasting memories away from everyday distractions.

 

Weddings

Blue Sky Ranch can accommodate small weddings and celebrations on the property.

Say “I do” surrounded by Montana’s breathtaking beauty at this secluded ranch in Fishtail Montana. This charming buyout-only guest ranch offers a stunning backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains, wide-open meadows and unforgettable sunsets; perfect for a romantic, rustic wedding.

Celebrate with family and friends in a relaxed, intimate setting with charming accommodations and warm hospitality. Whether you dream of an outdoor ceremony under big sky vistas or a reception in the main lodge filled with laughter and dancing, the stunning setting and beautiful lodgings will make your special day truly magical.

Local accommodations are also available for extra guests, or why not hire some glamping tents from EXPJourneys or American Safari?

Local Attractions

Tippet Rise Art Center/Red Lodge, Montana

Tippet Rise Art Center is a stunning 12,500 acre sculpture park set on a working ranch just minutes from Fishtail Montana and just over the ridge from the ranch. Tippet Rise offers performances by internationally acclaimed musicians, large scale art sculptures including van tours, hiking, biking and geo paleo tours- all by reservation or, in the case of the musical performances, by lottery. 

Wander among monumental outdoor artworks, hike guided loops, and attend seasonal concerts and films. It’s a blend of art, nature and culture you won’t want to miss!

Red Lodge, Montana sits at the northern end of the amazing Beartooth Highway and Pass which leads towards Yellowstone National Park's East Gate. A scenic 40-minute drive from Fishtail and tucked into the Absaroks-Beartooth Wilderness, Red Lodge is a quaint mountain village with wonderful shops and one of our favorite restaurants in Montana, 'Piccola Cucina Ox Pasture'. This Sicilian gem of a restaurant serves authentic Sicilian cuisine using locally-raised, world-class beef and produce sourced from local farms. 

Distance

Short miles / 30 mins

Ranch shuttle

No

Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museums

Admission includes five family-friendly museums, all under one roof! There’s plenty to see at the Center of the West: Explore Plains Indian cultures, trailblazing cowboys and cowgirls, classic and modern western artworks and more – all galleries share the uniquely thrilling stories of the West. 

Distance

60-70 miles / 1 hour 45 mins

Ranch shuttle

No

Rental car

Required

Mystic Lake Trail

For a moderate, crowd‑free hike, head from Blue Sky Ranch into the Beartooth foothills along the Mystic Lake trail. Enjoy serene wilderness, mountain vistas and the reward of a hidden alpine lake!

The trail begins about 1 mile south of Fishtail on MT‑419, then 6.5 miles along West Rosebud Road, plus an additional 14  miles to the trailhead, totaling approximately 21.5 miles of driving

Ranch shuttle

No

Rental car

Required

Why we love it

  • Tucked away in serene seclusion, this charming, exclusive, private buyout-only ranch in Montana offers the rare luxury of complete privacy. Unlike any other ranch in our network, this beautifully inviting ranch offers guests the ultimate in exclusivity and Western rustic elegance. Whether you're simply seeking an authentically chic Western space to unwind, to reconnect with family, escape for an intimate retreat with your partner or even hosting a small team-building weekend with colleagues, this is your cozy and welcoming home on the range – without a single other guest in sight! Rent the entire ranch from $6,000 per night (not per person per night).
  • This private buyout-only ranch is a great basecamp to venture out and explore Montana
  • Floyd the Ranch Manager is always on hand to help with recommendations for activities and adventures you can have in the local area.
  • You can curate the gastronomical trip of your dreams; whether you prefer self-catering with BBQs and campfires under the stars, a private chef or a bit of both – there are no restrictions to how you can wine and dine at Blue Sky Ranch.

What to consider

  • If you'd like to experience services or adventures, the Ranch Manager, Floyd will assist with recommendations which guests must then organize directly with the outfitters. Any activities are solely between guests and the outfitters, including catering.
  • The rates shown cover the cost of renting the entire ranch as a private buyout-only ranch. All services (including food and beverages) and activities (eg horse riding, fishing, spa services) are a la carte, separate from the ranch booking rates and will cost extra.