This story originally ran in our Best of the Northwest 2014 issue. For more in-depth stories like this, subscribe to our quarterly print magazine here.
Backdropped by Idaho’s Sawtooth Range of the Rocky Mountains, more specifically the Heyburn and Horstman Peaks, and spread across more than 1,000 acres, Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch specializes in natural wonderment, inevitable wanderlust and Western hospitality. Enjoy the Sawtooth National Recreation Area with the ranch as the starting point, with hiking, horseback riding, fishing, rafting, trails and adventures abound.
The 50-person guest ranch consists of 14 cabins and four lodge rooms, without the distractions of telephones, televisions or radio (or much cell service) so visitors can truly getaway and indulge in simpler pleasures like the ranch’s natural hot springs or a Monday Dutch-Oven cook-out.
Each cabin features a rock fireplace, electric heat and recently upgraded private bath and beds while the lodge rooms showcase unique Oakley stone showers and are down the hall from the lodge’s Great Room. Tied into the accommodations are where the terms get terrific. The daily rate includes breakfast, a pre-packed picnic lunch, dinner, mountain bikes (including a weekly “bike clinic” with orientation on-site), weekly fly casting clinic and use of the whole facility—the natural hot springs swimming pool, stocked fishing pond and access to the Salmon River with hundreds of acres to explore.
Tucked into the foothills of the White Cloud Mountains, IRMR provides a secluded and exclusive Old West lodge experience, complete with local, organic and sustainably-driven meals from executive chef Jordan Boutry in the dining room daily.
With Stanley’s city population boasting a total of 63, the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch is genuinely a remote and private destination with the primary focus on freedom. Guests are encouraged to create their own adventure, with the help of erudite staff, or book a guided horseback ride, fly-fishing getaway or raft trip for the day. Nourish at one of the outdoor dinner events including a barbeque buffet three times a week alongside local musical performances four nights a week. Needing a day off from perils of nature? Relax at the active hot springs pool for a therapeutic mind-escape on a lounge chair in the sun or wade in the warm while gazing at the night’s stars.
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch || HC 64 Box 9934, Stanley || (208) 774-3544 || idahorocky.com
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