As we say goodbye to cold, blizzardy winter, we greet the warm summer sun with open arms. Upper Canyon Outfitters’ 40th Year has been filled, so far, with laughter, good food, and lifelong memories. We are thrilled to welcome back familiar faces and new ones this year. With the start of a new season, we know that our guests and future guests have many questions. What do I pack? Where do I go? What should I expect? These are all normal questions past guests have asked or needed clarification on. My hope with this post is to help fill that void of uncertainty.
Where are you located? Is there a Shuttle available? Do I need a car at the ranch?
We are located 45 miles from Ennis and 34 miles from Sheridan. Depending on which town you drive through to arrive at the ranch, they are your last stop for gas or other essential items. Your journey begins when you turn south from Alder, MT. You will enjoy 12 miles of driving on the blacktop, passing by the beautiful Ruby River Reservoir. Then on to 12 miles of gravel road with ravishing views of the mountains. We are 100 miles from Bozeman- that is where most guests choose to fly into when planning their vacation. We do offer a shuttle service, for an additional fee on Saturday (check-in) and Friday (check-out). We recommend renting a car to explore the surrounding areas during your free time. From Yellowstone to Virginia City, we have a number of spectacular places to explore.
What are your rooms like?
The main lodge has six private rooms. Four with private bathrooms, and two with a shared bathroom. It also boasts a comfortable living room, a great place to read a book or relax. With great views over the mountain range, you may just be lucky enough to see elk, deer, or bighorn sheep. We also have five cabins on the property. They are equipped with a full kitchen, so you have the option to cook your own meals. The cabins work well for larger groups.
Tell me about your food?
We like to start the day right with a hearty breakfast! From eggs, bacon, hash browns, to french toast, pancakes, or biscuits with sausage gravy, every day is different. We always have a bowl of fresh fruit, cereals, and yogurts.
Lunch options will vary depending on your day. If you will be away from the lodge during lunch, we will pack a to-go lunch for you. It will consist of a filling sandwich or wrap, fresh fruit, and lots of snacks. At the lodge, you might find soups, salads, sandwiches, a taco bar, or whatever our amazing kitchen staff decides to whip up that day.
Our dinners can be classified as “hearty western.” We always start with a nice salad or soup, then proceed to our main course, which typically consists of meat, vegetables, and a starch. We pride ourselves on creating and making delicious meals that make you want more. Lastly, you will be served a scrumptious scratch-made dessert.
Being a small operation allows us to offer a high level of flexibility for our guests. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know, and we will be happy to accommodate them.
How does tipping work?
Guests often ask us about how gratuities should be handled. Tipping is not required at Upper Canyon Outfitters, but if you feel you have received exceptional service, you may show your appreciation by leaving a tip for our staff. Unless you specify otherwise, tips are divided equally among the staff. As a guideline, many guests leave a 15% or 20% tip; however, gratuities are left entirely at your discretion.
Do I need to be experienced to participate in the activities?
Not at all! Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are happy to accommodate all experience levels with any of our activities. We will include an introductory talk and demonstration, as well as training time for beginners.
What’s the weather like? What should I pack?
This is an excellent question, and the hardest to answer. Montana, as a whole, has unpredictable weather, but the ranch, being situated at a 6,000-foot elevation, falls under a whole different category due to the ever-changing mountain weather. Generally, June can be fairly chilly and also rainy. As we progress more into the summer months, the weather stabilizes somewhat, and our summer days become dry and warm, usually not exceeding 80 degrees. Afternoon thunder and rain storms are not uncommon, and early mornings and evenings can get chilly. With all that being said, the best advice I can offer is to be prepared for any type of weather. The best way to do so is by bringing clothes that can be layered. However, if you’ve forgotten, we offer a wide selection of layerable clothing to suit our weather in-store. We also offer several cuddly sweatshirts for those cool nights and t-shirts for warmer afternoons. Rain gear is a must, regardless of the season, and proper footwear is also essential. In addition to lighter footwear, a sturdy hiking boot is a good idea in case the terrain gets wet. Other items not to forget: a brimmed hat or cap, sunscreen, chapstick, sunglasses, bug spray, medication, toiletries, and a camera to capture all the great memories you will be making!
What is the surrounding area like?
Upper Canyon Outfitters is nestled in the foothills of three mountain ranges: Gravelly, Greenhorn, and Snowcrest. We have the beautiful Ruby River, a blue-ribbon trout stream that meanders and curves through the land. As you travel down the road, you’ll pass by a number of ranches—some still actively operating, while others serve simply as private family residences. If you continue, you will find yourself surrounded by the public land of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. You can explore this area to your heart’s content via unpaved mountain roads and numerous hiking trails. As a whole, we are surrounded by wilderness and the opportunities for outdoor exploration.
If you desire some town life during your visit and would like to explore some of the local communities, you can visit Ennis (1 hour away) on the banks of the famed Madison River. Ennis offers a variety of shopping and fine dining options. Virginia City and Nevada City (40 minutes away) are both historic gold rush towns, with several shops, restaurants, an ice cream parlor, and a candy store. Sheridan (1 hour away) is a quaint town and the center of our community. Dillon (1.5 hours away) is a true western town. Dillon offers some unique shopping experiences and an exciting rodeo over the Labor Day weekend.
What is NOT included in lodging rates/packages?
Any special licenses that you need to purchase, such as a fishing license, are not included, but we are happy to help you obtain one upon your arrival at the ranch. Alcohol and sodas are not included in the rate. EXCEPT for two daily complimentary drinks served during our Half Hour Happy Hour! You are responsible for providing any additional beverages for you and your party. Lastly, gratuity is not required, but if you feel our staff has done a fantastic job, you are more than welcome to add a tip.
Is there phone service/internet available?
We are located in a remote area, and cell phone service is not available at the ranch. However, Wifi is available in all buildings on the property. When you connect to our Wifi, you should be able to receive calls and texts. A landline is also available if you have an important call. I recommend setting up your Wifi calling when you are still in an area with cell coverage.
I hope this provides some guidance on your adventure with us. If you have any other questions or concerns before your stay, our fantastic team is here to help you. Please reach out to us at ucomontana@gmail.com or at (406) 842-5884. We look forward to seeing you very soon at Upper Canyon Outfitters!
