Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8 or sleep in a room that once accommodated Ernest Hemingway or Annie Oakley. An ex-
cellent resource is Historic Hotels of the Rockies ( www.historic-hotels.com ) .
There are a number of bed-and-breakfasts in Montana and Wyoming, most of which are
located in the higher-traffic tourist areas. Many are located on the banks of a river or nestled
in the pine trees and are often great escapes from the busier hotel atmosphere. A fairly com-
prehensive listing can be found at BnBFinder ( www.bnbfinder.com ) . Very few hostels ex-
ist in Montana and Wyoming, but Hostels.com ( www.hostels.com ) has a list of what might
be available.
Guest ranches range from traditional horse-and-cowboy dude ranches to luxury “glamp-
ing” (a portmanteau of glamorous and camping ) resorts that offer spa services and high-end
cuisine. Two excellent resources for those seeking a real Western working vacation are the
Montana Dude Ranchers' Association ( www.montanadra.com ) and the Wyoming Dude
Ranchers' Association ( www.wyomingdra.com ) . Many of these are focused around horse-
back riding, fly-fishing, and family activities and are often booked in weeklong blocks. In
the winter, many of these ranches offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or dogsledding.
Higher-end guest ranches are becoming very popular in Montana and Wyoming, offer-
ing guests a chance to experience a more rustic atmosphere with upscale amenities. These
are typically set in remote locations with beautiful surroundings and are private, in some
cases gated from public access. Typically these are the priciest accommodations, ranging
from several hundred to $1,000 and more per night.
Cabins and other vacation rentals are becoming increasingly popular, as many travelers
are looking for that Western cabin experience. These can range from rustic—just beds, no
plumbing—to luxurious—down linens, a rock fireplace—and are perhaps the best way to
stay. Sites like VRBO ( www.vrbo.com ) offer private homes and cabins for rent while many
resorts offer nightly cabin rentals. For Forest Service cabins—which are quite primitive, but
often set in phenomenal locations—travelers can check availability and make reservations
at www.recreation.gov .
There are plenty of RV and tent camping sites in Montana and Wyoming for those on
the road. From national forest campgrounds to large private RV resorts, there is something
for everyone. RV campers will find private campgrounds in most towns, and most national
forest campgrounds have room for all but the longest RVs. It's generally legal to camp on
national forest land, unless you see a sign indicating that overnight camping isn't allowed.
For a real backcountry experience, drive on a Forest Service road until you find a nice
campsite, pull over, and set up camp. Not only is it often scenic, it's also free.
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