Our Montana Guest Ranch Offers an Unforgettable Experience
Deep Canyon Ranch was one of several “dude ranches” that became established during the early 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 nurtured by native and visitor alike.
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The History of Our Montana Guest Ranch
Oscar Olney, who came to Montana with a trail herd from Texas, moved into the vacated house that the sawmill people left and took up homestead rights to the land here along Pamburn Creek. Shortly after he “proved up” his land, Joe White and “Society Slim” Lestrud struck a deal with Oscar to gather up a few head of horses and begin packing people into the mountains which was later to become the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, and invite easterners into Teton Canyon for a real riding vacation.
Dude Ranching was not an easy business to get started in. There were many lean years. Oscar left and sold his interest to Joe and Slim, and shortly later, Slim left, and Joe was on his own. By the mid thirties, and during the depression, the Great Northern Railroad was working with these ranches, advertising and booking guests who, of course would ride the trains out and spend a month at a time or long er on these dude ranches. Many of these folks came from cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago to experience the romance of the western way of life, and to revel in the wide open spaces and the magnificent Rocky Mountains of which they had nothing to compare to at home.
Chuck and Sharon, owners of the Seven Lazy P Guest Ranch, further up the canyon, 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 after their outfitting season was over. 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 provide a place for visitors to come and enjoy and to experience a tradition that is rapidly becoming history. To ride the “quiet trails”, to 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.
The Lodge at Our Montana Guest Ranch
The Lodge at Deep Canyon Guest Ranch is a blending of the old and the new. It’s where folks gather to enjoy camaraderie around the beautiful stone fireplace and comfortable furnishings. A grand piano sits ready for guests to play, and our library holds a number of books on the region and history of Montana.
Enjoy complimentary beer and wine before dinner in the “Bleached Skull Saloon”. Deep Canyon Guest Ranch does not sell alcohol, but guests are welcome to bring their favorite beverage.
The dining room hosts a beautiful stone water fountain that trickles in the background as the sound of laughter and the day’s adventures are shared at the table. Windows line every wall to give guests a view of the mountains and horses at mealtime.
The Lodge is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Conference Facility at Our Montana Guest Ranch
If you are coming to Deep Canyon Guest Ranch to retreat or gather with a group, we also have conference facilities within our Lodge (pictured at right). In a private meeting room with its own balcony, groups can build strategies, solve problems, and grow teams. Inquire for more information or special meeting needs.
