“Nothing like the great outdoors,” as the saying goes. But while there is a lot to be said for getting back to nature, there are definitely some drawbacks. For all the fresh air that a wilderness excursion provides, there is also the possibility of encounters with bugs, bears, not to mention a complete lack of running water.

View of the sky

Alas, the advent of “glamping.” Glamping – a portmanteau of “glamourous” and “camping” – was recently added to the Oxford Dictionary and is defined as “a form of camping involving accommodations and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.” With its popularity on the rise, a greater number of upscale destination resorts offer glamping to give guests a chance to enjoy the outdoors without any of the “ick” factor.

A tent cabin!

I recently had the opportunity to go glamping at the Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana. Located near the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Philipsburg (pop. 900), this high-end, wilderness resort is located on ten square miles of land, a narrow creek stretching along the property and panoramic views. The property’s canvas tent and log cabins are spacious and spread far apart, ranch animals abound, and staff members are clad in the Ranch uniform of cowboy boots, jeans and plaid shirts and check the Women’s Western Wear from cowboy hardware. But, however authentic the Ranch experience may feel, the glamour component is never lost. The Ranch is all-inclusive (even the contents of the cabin’s mini-bar and long-distance phone calls are covered). Thus, there is a seemingly endless supply of amenities, snacks and beverages offered throughout the day, on top of the five-star dining offered at meal times. Customized Ranch SUVs will drive you around whenever you don’t feel like walking. And if you’re inexperienced with the outdoor activities offered – if it’s your first time fly-fishing, for example – one of the friendly Ranch hands will guide you through it. In fact, the friendly, highly-attentive staff will make you want for nothing.

The resort can accommodate approximately 125 persons and includes canvas tent cabins; log cabins and converted barns, all possessing a rustic-chic feel. The interiors include four-poster beds, full bathrooms (some with claw bathtubs), calfskin rugs and plaid wool blankets. The eclectic décor is conceived by acclaimed American interior designer Jet Zarkadas, who cites the “National Parkitecture” school of design as among her influences. (In fact, the Ranch is located not too far from Yellowstone National Park).

Another view of the mountains

But the beautifully-appointed cabins are best enjoyed early in the morning or late at night, before or after partaking in the long list of outdoor activities offered each day. The majority of activities are Western-themed or wilderness-oriented (although there is a small fitness centre for those who still crave their workout routine). Depending on your interests and the time of year, you can sign up for mountain biking, hiking, fishing, or horseback riding during warmer weather; in the winter months, you can choose between skiing (downhill or cross-country), ice-skating or snowmobiling, among other activities. You can also slow down during a morning yoga class. Or, if you feel like taking a load off completely, you can simply relax with a good book or pamper yourself in the Granite Spa, where the popular Saddle Sore Soak treatment will soothe tired muscles.

The cuisine, as mentioned, is top-notch. It is difficult to settle on any one dish at mealtime, since so many of the choices looked appealing. Some of the most memorable choices included the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for breakfast, the Sweet Potato Sandwich with Apple Butter, and a delicious Caramelized Onion Potato Soup and the fish of the day for dinner (along with expert wine pairings). The Granite Lodge also offers hand-crafted beverages and an elegant appetizer spread during cocktail hour.

Pool

There are other forms of recreation to be had after dinner: perhaps a campfire with S’mores during the summer, or knocking a few back at the property’s Silver Dollar Saloon (which includes a pool table, large screen TVs, a bowling alley and a karaoke machine where guests can belt out their favourite Country songs).

But make no mistake: despite all of the decadence, it is the spectacular view that is the Ranch’s calling card. Notwithstanding the plentiful amenities, the Sapphire Mountains surrounding the property and Montana’s Big Sky is what makes the destination so special. And these are best enjoyed while taking a stroll on one of the Ranch horses and simply breathing in the fresh, clean air. Happy trails indeed.

Travel and photographs were provided by the Ranch at Rock Creek