Lowdown

  • Established

    1928

  • Owner

    Chuck and Sharon Blixrud

  • Manager

    Chuck & Sharon Blixrud - Debra Blixrud Renteria

  • Tel

    406-466-2044

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $396 - $427

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $250

  • Minimum Stay

    4 days

  • Maximum Guests

    20

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery

  • Memberships

    Montana Dude Ranchers Association, Dude Ranchers Association, Horse Safety Program, Discover Outdoor Life, Family Travel Association, Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Nestled south of Montana's Glacier National Park, on the edge of over 1 Million acres of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, you will find Deep Canyon Guest Ranch. A private and historic Montana dude ranch, this hidden treasure is your entry into the endless beauty of the spectacular Rocky Mountain Front. Discover the landscapes that inspired America's greatest artists and authors, away from the common tourist. Enjoy high-caliber, home-style meals in the authentic Deep Canyon lodge dating back to 1928, and become a part of the quiet, authentic West before it was commercialized.

Your hosts, Chuck and Sharon Blixrud, and their daughter Debra Renteria, will welcome you as family, sharing stories of the region and inviting you into their living history. You will find no shortage of hospitality, an abundance of breathtaking scenery, and the care that only owner operator establishments can provide. But, be warned. You will come a stranger and leave as family and the Rocky Mountain Front and Deep Canyon Guest Ranch will be your home away from home, with your favorite horse waiting for your next visit to our Montana guest ranch.

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 8 and over

Arts & Crafts

coloring, sketching

Activities

hiking, picnics, cookouts, floating

Games

board games, horseshoes, volleyball, pool table

Riding based activities

horse care, trail riding

Ranch History

Deep Canyon Guest Ranch was one of several "dude ranches" that became established during the 1900's as easterners came west to learn and experience the way of life on western ranches, and take part in the riding and punching cattle in a land that was wild and undeveloped. They insisted on coming back and paying their hosts for their stay with them. Thus, dude ranching was born and has grown because of a love and romance for the west. A love nutured by native and visitor alike.

Chuck and Sharon Blixrud purchased the ranch in 1975 because they needed the grass for their horses. they leased it out until 1985, at which time they closed it down and began a rebuilding program. Tearing down many of the old structures and building new ones in their places. Most of the work was done in the winter, and having their own sawmill enabled them to produce their own materials and special pieces that are hard to find on the market today.

As a result of spending the greater part of their lives in Teton Canyon, it has been their desire to keep their place intact. To ride quiet trails or fish the pristine Teton River and its still pools, feel the unbounded freedom of space and to capture momentarily the spirit of the west. It is their wish that you will discover a sense of this during your brief stay at the Deep Canyon Guest Ranch.

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet, Ranch-style, Health oriented

  • Meals served

    family style, buffet style, everyone eats together, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    BYOB, wine provided with dinner

  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, dining room (casual attire)

  • You'll definitely love

    ranch-raised beef, locally grown produce, fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, other

We believe in family and know that every guest is being welcomed into our home. As such, mealtime is important to us. We hold the old fashioned belief that meals should be shared, family style around a common table and care should be taken that everything is fresh and homecooked. You will never go hungry at Deep Canyon and the vast array of dude ranch dining options will provide something for everyone's palette.

Guest Favourites

  • BBQ Tri-Tips
  • Deep Canyon Ranch Chicken
  • Stuffed French Toast

Lowdown

  • Address

    PO Box 178
    Choteau
    Montana
    59422
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    5,200 ft

  • Private Land

    1000-5000 acres

Nearest Town - Choteau

Choteau has a population of 2000 (approx), and is situated 25 miles / 30 mins from the Ranch.

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

For shopping Choteau offers: small hometown necessity shops, boutique shops, western wear.

Ranch shuttle

Complimentary

Nearest Airports

Great Falls International Airport, Great Falls Montana

Distance

85 miles / 1 hour 30 mins

Airlines

Delta, United, Skywest, Allegiant, Horizon, Frontier

Ranch shuttle

Complimentary

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding

  • Riding opportunities for

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Most riders are

    Intermediate

  • Rides are grouped by

    Everyone rides together, Rides tailored to guest requests, Families ride together

  • Max riders per ride

    10

  • Wranglers per ride

    2

  • Pace of ride

    Walk

  • Guest Horses

    25

  • Horse Types

    Quarterhorse, Appaloosas, Paints, Other, Geldings

  • Hours in the saddle

    Morning - 3 hours
    Afternoon - 3 hours

The Setting

Private Land (1000-5000 acres)

Why our riding stands out

  • Our daily rides can be taken from every direction surrounding the ranch. Ride through green meadows with a mountainous view, or a ride that takes you to the top of the mountain looking out across the prairie.
  • All of our horses are well-trained and friendly. Be sure to carry a "snack" in your pocket for them.
  • Breathtaking views with plenty of opportunity for photography.

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $396 - $427

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $250

  • Minimum Stay

    4 days

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Sun

  • Preferred Departure Day

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

Deep Canyon Guest Ranch can cater for up to 20 guests. Accommodation includes Cabins and Houses. See below for details and indicative rates.

Cabin | Indianhead West

Rates (Per Person)*

$335 - $360
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Rooms

1

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area

Cabin | Indianhead East

Rates (Per Person)*

$335 - $360
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Rooms

1

Amenities

fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area

Cabin | Trapline West

Rates (Per Person)*

$335 - $360
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Rooms

1

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area

Cabin | Trapline East

Rates (Per Person)*

$335 - $360
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Rooms

1

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area

Cabin | Aspen West

Rates (Per Person)*

$335 - $360
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Rooms

1

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area

Cabin | Aspen East

Rates (Per Person)*

$335 - $360
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Rooms

1

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area

House | Honeymoon

Rates (Per Person)*

$335 - $360
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Rooms

2

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, microwave, crib, hair dryer, seating area

House | Joe White House

Rates (Per Person)*

$335 - $360
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Rooms

3

Bathrooms

Private bathroom, Shared bathroom

Amenities

fridge, microwave, crib, hair dryer, seating area, wood fireplace, washer / dryer

Entertainment

vhs, jetted tub in bath

Booking Policy

A 30% deposit is required when you make your reservation. The remaining balance, taxes and gratuity is due upon departure from Deep Canyon Guest Ranch.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, Riding

Extras

Tax

Bed Tax

Gratuity

15-20% Appreciated

Massage

$60/hour

Other

Evening tours for wildlife viewing

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Cowboy hats, Cowboy boots, Saddle bags, Rain coats

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone.

  • Cell Networks

    verizon.

  • Business Services

    Conference center, common computer.

Onsite

Shopping

Ranch Gift Shop

Outdoor Activities

mountain biking, Yoga, campouts, bird watching

Water based Activities

river floating

Spa

relaxation massage, deep tissue massage

Winter Activities

cross-country skiing, down hill skiing

Fishing & Wildlife

Fishing on offer

fly, river, stream, equipment available, guided inclusive, unguided, instruction available, BYO equipment

Wildlife

Deer, moose, bear, elk, buffalo, sheep, goat

Local Attractions

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a must see for any visitor to Big Sky Country. The drive along the Going To The Sun road over Logan Pass should be on everyone's bucket list. Highlights of the Park can easily be toured in a day during your stay at the ranch

Distance

90 miles / 2 hours

Two Medicine Dinosaur Center

See the first baby dinosaurs in North America. The Center is famous for its public, hands on dino research and education programs ranging from 3 hours to 10 days in length.

Distance

30 miles / 45 mins

Charlie Russell Museum

C.M. Russell Museum, a place where the old West is still alive. His art work is part entertainment, part history lesson. We encourage you to explore this museum and discover for yourself the life and times of C.M. Russell.

Distance

80 miles / 1 hour 30 mins

Highs

  • If you are looking for a smaller ranch with a more intimate environment and awe-inspiring landscape, this is the ranch for you
  • Incredible views and vistas blow guests away
  • Sit around the breakfast table with the owners and learn about life here along the Rocky Mountain Front. Chuck, Sharon and the crew make you feel like you have returned home
  • Create lifelong friendships with the ranch's wholesome and down to earth living and values

Lows

  • The ranch has no official children's programs, but it is completely family-oriented. Families have a chance to reconnect and you will be melted into the Blixrud family as well
  • The mountainous terrain does not allow for a lot of loping, but with the grandiose views you will be totally engaged

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

wonderful stay

We stayed at Deep Canyon Ranch last week. It was an amazing experience. The wranglers Jay and Dave were great to ride with. They went above and beyond to ensure that I had a horse that was a perfect fit for me. Jay even gave up his usual horse Chief so that I could ride him. The trails and rides were beautiful and so much fun, The food was served family style with the wranglers and owners. The meals were delicious and plentiful and it was nice to spend time and hear stories of the ranch. My husband is a non rider and the staff of the ranch made sure he was included in activities and he saw and learned about the area and the ranch. The cabins were comfortable and we enjoyed the view from the porch and sharing time with the other guests. Deep Canyon provided water bottles for the rides which was a nice touch. They people were great and the scenery and horses beautiful. I will not forget my stay at the ranch and hope to return. Jay even ran out and brought me one of his favorite cookies (a gingersnap) as we were leaving. I agree Jay, the cookie was amazing. The horse shoe gift was a very nice touch. I cannot wait to return to this beautiful ranch.

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Deep Canyon Guest Ranch on TripAdvisor