Year Round Activities

Spring, Summer, Fall | Winter

A southerly view of Big Sky country from the Meadow suites

Ranch Jacuzzi available on site.

Fly Fishing / General Fishing:
The Bitterroot River is a great fly fishing river and is just a few minutes from Alpine Meadows Ranch. Nearby rivers include the Big Hole, Rock Creek, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, and Salmon.
Guided fly fishing is available for all rivers in the area, best to schedule in advance. Steelhead fishing available near Salmon, Idaho (ask if the run is on)
Local non-guided fly fishing, wading, available at public accesses.
Mountain stream and Mountain lake fishing available, hiking required
Nearby commercial pond available for children fishing, nominal fee per fish, parent required
 

Mountain Hiking / Mountain Biking:
The Ranch adjoins Bitterroot National Forest hiking trails--so just pack up your back pack and explore beautiful mountain trails. The Ranch and the Bitterroot Valley have numerous hiking trails and mountain biking trails. 

Horse Activities:
Numerous horse trails are available through out the Bitterroot valley. Ranch trails connect to adjoining forest service trails.

ATV:
Guided full day or half days are available off site.
Guided tours include lunch on the full day trip.

White Water Rafting:
White water rafting is available one hour away on the Salmon river for one to three day trips.  Numerous outfitters are available in Salmon, Idaho. We like Kookaburra Rafting Company. Other rafting adventures are available in Montana as well.

Wildlife Viewing:
We have created a wild life refuge on the ranch. You will see lots of deer and wild turkeys and the occasional elk or moose.  Teller Wildlife Refuge is about 30 minutes away.
 

Fitness Center/Swimming / Rafting / Tube Floating / Boating / Canoeing / Kayaking:
A new fitness center is available in Darby just a few minutes away. The center has free weights, machines, and cardio. Lake Swimming is available at Como Lake,10 minutes away where there is a white sandy beach. A new Aquatic Center is available in Hamilton, 15 minutes away.
Guided and non-guided kayak trips are available on the Bitterroot river.  Canoeing and boating are available at nearby Lake Como.

The two largest lakes close to the ranch are Lake Como(10 minutes away) and Painted Rocks Lake(30 minutes away).

Hay Rides:
On the ranch hayride available through independent companies.
 

Sapphire Panning:
Choose from two different facilities: Gem Mountain Sapphire Mines or Sapphire Studio.
Arrangements can also be made with a local guide for an outing to gather sapphires, (panning lessons included).

Scenic Drive:
We are a few minutes away from the Lewis and Clark Trail which travels along the Bitterroot river. You are in the heart of big sky country close to the continental divide of the Rocky Mountains. Take your camera and drive down either the West or East fork of the Bitterroot river and look for deer, elk and moose. Natural beauty abounds in our region. 
 

Golfing:
There are two golf courses nearby. Hamilton golf course is public and is an 18 hole course, carts are available. The Stock farm is private Club in Hamilton and not open to the public.

Seasonal Local Rodeo / Fair / Horse Races:
Several rodeo and fair events are held through out the area, especially in the summer. Check the Ravailli local paper web pages for dates.

Antique / Gift Shop:
Darby and other nearby towns offer several Made in Montana products. One of the best antique stores in Montana, the Old West Gallery is located in Darby, just a few minutes away. The Gallery offers antiques, western memorabilia,  and made in Montana food items such as candy, jams, honey, and huckleberry products. Darby has other fine products such as the authentic Jimmie’s Western Cowboy Hat store where guests can order genuine western handmade hats specially designed just for you. 

Farmers Market / Organic Produce & Assorted Foods:
Experience the fun of shopping at the Hamilton Farmer's Market (seasonal) where a large assortment of locally grown organic produce can be found just 15 minutes away.

Sports / Games - Indoor / Outdoor
Indoor basketball court available on the ranch in the farm barn, cement floor.

Indoor Archery:
Located 20-30 minutes away.

Massage:
Professional licensed massage therapists are available for Swedish or deep tissue massage.

One Day Historical Trips:
Visit the Big Hole Battlefield Museum and the Bannock and Garnet ghost towns in one day. The Big Hole site features the history of the Nez Pierce Indian encampment and Battle of the Big Hole. A historical video and educational material are available in the museum. Bannock is an old mining ghost town where one can still see flecks of gold in the local stream. Garnet is another ghost town that can be easily reached after visiting the Big Hole and Bannock.

Marcus Daily Mansion is open for perusal in Hamilton, 15 miles away. It was built in the 1800's and was home to Montana's most  famous mining king, Marcus Daly. Special events are held at the mansion throughout the year.

Winter Activities

  A winter view of the Meadow Suites.

Ranch Jacuzzi available on site.

Downhill and Cross-country Skiing/Snowboarding / Snow Shoeing:
Downhill Skiing- The Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski area is a 30 minute drive. Lost Trails has five chair lifts, 18 runs of which  60%intermediate. Rental equipment available at Lost Trails.
Cross-Country Skiing - Trails are available on the ranch and at Chief Joseph Cross Country Ski trails next to Lost Trail Ski Area. Chief Joseph cross country area has almost 10 miles of groomed trails felt by some to be the best in Montana. Rental equipment available in Hamilton.
Snow Shoeing - Step out your back door and head for the hills right in your backyard. Rental equipment available in Hamilton..

Snowmobiles:
Ranch roads will accommodate snowmobiles. Guided full or half day tours are available off site.

Sledding / Tubing/Snowboarding:
The ranch has a great sledding and tubing hill.

Sleigh Rides:
There is nothing like a winter sleigh ride on the ranch. 

Snowshoeing/Hiking / Wildlife Viewing:
Enjoy an invigorating trip on the ranch or into the adjoining forest service land. Elk and deer can be seen year around in the Bitterroot Valley.

Dog Sledding:
Available in the valley

Fireplace Gazing:
The Wright house has a large fieldstone fireplace. The new Cider House has a beautiful heat stove that permeates heat and beauty throughout the building. Enjoy a good book and enjoy the mountain scenery. No rush hour here!!