Another Visit to Pine Butte Guest Ranch

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…it’s time for another visit to The Nature Conservancy’s Pine Butte Guest Ranch west of Choteau, MT.

A month ago we had a great visit to Pine Butte Guest Ranch but rainy weather created a few challenges for photography. This time we were in luck with good weather. We started shooting pictures as soon as we turned into the lane heading to the guest ranch.

In case you’ve ever wondered why these mountains are called Rocky Mountains, well, take a look at this photo. Someone has done a fair amount of rock picking to create these fences. It’s a stunning view as you head in to the ranch.

Most of the ranch guests were out on all-day activities when we arrived. Some were horseback riding, some were hiking and a couple were enjoying the serenity of the deck in front of the main lodge.

The South Fork of the Teton River flows through the ranch near their ten guest cabins. There are so many forks to the Teton River and I’ve been known to get them mixed up. I have this one correct though!

Each guest cabin has a stone fireplace, full bath, log construction and handmade furniture. To say the least, great ambiance.

Conservation is front and center here. Pine Butte Guest Ranch has on-site wind and solar power to heat their pool and guest showers. The ranch also has an amazing greenhouse and garden used to grow those great veggies you’ll eat at dinner.

The ranch had several families as guests this week. As we wandered around we found two young girls enjoying a hammock. There were also kids in the lodge reading and playing cards.

I always tend to get nervous when I can’t get cell phone reception – you lose cell service as you head into the mountains from Choteau. On the other hand, it’s pretty amazing to see kids “unplugged” and enjoying life as I did in my childhood.

Enough reminiscing, we were eager to get to the corrals, meet our horses and start the next adventure.

Stay tuned!