Triple Creek Ranch
USA
Triple Creek Ranch
5551 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829 USA
www.triplecreekranch.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
N/A
Shareholders
Privately Owned by Craig & Barbara Barrett
Date of Creation
1986
Hotel General Manager
Kristen Snavely & Molly Smith
– Kristen Snavely began at Triple Creek Ranch as a seasonal Wrangler in 1997, quickly becoming ranch ‘Foreman’ – Manager of Wranglers & Maintenance for over 20 years. In 2018 she finally accepted the position of Assistant General Manager, and ultimately became Co-General Manager in 2022.
– Molly Smith began as a Triple Creek Ranch Intern in 2007, staying on as an Assistant Pastry Chef, followed by Assistant Dining Room Manager until 2012. After time abroad in the UK as a Hospitality Consultant, she rejoined TCR as Co-General Manager 2014-2018, and 2022-present.
Hotel Positioning
Boutique Elegant Western Luxury Resort Ranch: Relais & Châteaux, 4-Star Forbes (Since 2015), 2 MICHELIN Key (Since 2024), Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame Honoree (WBA Winner since 2009), T+L #1 Boutique Hotel in the World (2014), Wine Spectator ‘Best Of’ Award Winner (since 2012), Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge.
Development Strategy
Owner’s vision:
Create an exceptional guest experience that embodies the best of what Montana has to offer and transports them to a simpler place in time through luxurious private lodging fit unassumingly into the idyllic nature & scenery that surrounds, an ever-changing gourmet dining menu influenced by local terroir paired with an exquisite award winning selection of wines, exciting activities rooted in local history & culture, unique inclusive events providing added value stays during shoulder seasons, and superior customer service with a genuine warmth and familiarity that exceeds that of any other stay in the world.
Triple Creek Ranch
History & Story
The original 40 acres of Triple Creek Ranch belonged to Reverend and Mrs. House, from New York state. He was a minister in Conner, and she taught at the little red schoolhouse near the ranch on Piquett Creek Road. Both were also teachers at the school in Darby, and they raised four children in the original house located at the center of Triple Creek Ranch.
The first fifty acres of Triple Creek Ranch was purchased and developed by a Michigan industrialist in 1982. Triple Creek Ranch served as his personal retreat for the first four years, and was then developed into “Triple Creek Ranch, a Montana Hideaway”, officially opening reservations to the public in the fall of 1986. In 1993, he sold the property and business to the current owners.
Guests in the early days, owners Craig & Barbara Barrett fell in love with the Ranch, the scenery, the wildlife, the community, the experience and wanted to share it with the world! They have since infused the resort with a passion and enthusiasm that have made it the elegant Montana high country resort it is today. To this day they continue to enjoy sharing experiences with guests whenever on-ranch, including displaying their private collection of self-curated original western artwork (over 1,500 pieces) throughout the ranch, and welcoming guests to their private residence for weekly cocktails and art tours while in peak season and throughout the year during specialty events.
In 1996, Triple Creek Ranch became a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Association, and over the years the ranch has continued to evolve with new cabins, expanded facilities, and exhilarating new ways to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.
Date Renewal
Full ranch is on continuous renovation rotation schedule.
Date added extensions
N/A
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Adults only (16+), All-inclusive, Fixed Annual Rates, No Resort Fees, No Required Gratuities, Gourmet Cuisine Menu Changes Daily (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner), State of the Art Award Winning Wine Cellar, Extensive Menu of inclusive & a la carte Activities & Events, open year-round, over 1,500 pieces of original western artwork featured both inside and out throughout the ranch.
All-inclusive Breakdown: All Meals, Snacks, & Refreshments, House Wine, Spirits & Beer, Cabin Delivery, In-Cabin Wi-Fi | Starlink, All Facilities, Gear, & Equipment, All Special Events, Most On-Ranch Activities.
Location
Darby, Montana – Bitterroot Valley – Nestled in the pines, between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, of the Northern Rocky Mountain Range. – Western, USA
Key sites/activities in the area
• Local Point of Interest: Along their route to TCR, as well as on our Scenic Tour, Fans of Hit Paramount Network Television Series ‘Yellowstone’ can enjoy key photo & viewing opportunities of Chief Joseph Ranch, the primary filming location of the ‘Yellowstone Dutton Ranch’. (There were even some scenes filmed on Triple Creek Ranch Property!)
Fun Facts
• Triple Creek Ranch is adorned inside and out with over 1,500 pieces of original western artwork from the owners’ private collection. The museum-worthy collection, carefully curated by the ranch owner himself, Craig Barrett, is a deep dive into the historical and contemporary roots of the American West featuring hundreds of masterworks by such artists as Frederick Remington, Charles M. Russell, Maynard Dixon, and John Edward Borein. Alongside these pieces are many contemporary works from traditional oil paintings to freestanding bronzed driftwood sculptures by the new artists of the American West, including Ed Mell, Oleg Stavrowski, Debra Copenhaver-Fellows, Charles Fritz, and many more.
• Joining the small herd of American bison on TCR’s primary property, guests and employees also enjoy the resident herd of around 150 wild elk that decided the ranch was home decades ago. These elegant creatures can often be seen daily throughout the ranch grazing, bedding down, and even calving under the protection & sanctuary of the towering ponderosa pines behind our guest cabins.
• In addition to the ranch’s 750 acre primary guest property, just across the blue ribbon waters of the Bitterroot River bordering the ranch lives TCR’s 26,000 acre sister ranch the C♢B. While much of this ranch has been designated as private reserve conservation land, it is also home to the ranch’s 300 Black Angus cattle, 100 American bison, a wild herd of more than 1,000 elk, innumerable white tail & mule deer, and hundreds of other various fauna. Guests of Triple Creek Ranch enjoy the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat through a variety of à la carte activities taking place throughout the ranch, including Scenic Drives, ATV Tours, Cross-country Horseback Rides, Team Penning with Cattle, Sport shooting, and more.
• In 2010 TCR piloted its very own unique horse breeding program, specifically designed to produce the ideal guest horse for the terrain of the Rockies, crossing the heartiness of draft horses and the surefootedness of the American Quarter Horse. The head of the household, a handsome and gentle mannered palomino Quarter Horse stallion named Dakota, has since sired 25 foals, and become a guest favorite to visit & give treats to on-ranch. Today, while many of his babies are still learning, growing, and lounging around the ranch, several have since graduated to becoming productive members of the ever-evolving TCR Herd of approximately 70 head of horses, enjoyed as both guest & guide horses alike.
Children’s Corner
Adults Only (16+)
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
• 25 Keys – 33 Beds – 66 Total Guest Capacity
All Rooms are unique private luxury stand-alone accommodations, featuring wood-burning fireplaces, king size beds, kitchens or kitchenettes, original western artwork, & private or nearby hot tubs, as well as air conditioning, and complimentary wi-fi.
18-One, 6-Two, & 1-Three Bedroom options ranging in size from 512-3,000ft². All feature unique floor plans & decor, nestled under the Ponderosa Pines.
All rooms feature a forest view, some also include mountain, river, &/or horse pasture views.
Restaurants & Bars
• Triple Creek Ranch Restaurant; Restaurant + Orchard & Garden, Menu Changes Daily (All Meals) – All-inclusive gourmet cuisine inspired by local terroir. – Chef’s Table Dining is available for a fee.
Executive Chef Jacob Leatherman has been crafting exquisite dining experiences at Triple Creek Ranch since 2005. Introducing an inventive new menu daily, his finely tuned and adventurous palate informs a diverse menu showcasing distinctive flavors and imaginative presentation, serving menus highlighting local terroir fused with an indulgently luxurious twist paired with fine wines chosen by Triple Creek Ranch’s Sommelier.
Chef Jake’s talented team of chefs incorporate the freshest ingredients to prepare uniquely refined dishes that please all palates. They are also creatively adept at accommodating all dietary needs and requests. For many guests, the meals at Triple Creek Ranch are indisputably the highlight of their visit with us.
All meals, including snacks and packed lunches, are included in the nightly cabin rate. Our Sommelier will be pleased to recommend a wine pairing from our complimentary selection of house wines, or a purchase from our award-winning cellar of premium vintages. Meals are served in our magnificent vaulted-ceiling Dining Room, or guests may request a Cabin delivery at no additional cost. The dress code is best described as “ranch casual.” Guests are invited to wear whatever feels most comfortable, whether it be jeans and boots, shorts and flip flops, or the finer western wear you don’t get to break out often at home!
• TCR Rooftop Bar & Lounge; House wines, spirits, & beer included in nightly accommodation rate. Features state of the art award winning wine cellar. Custom Reserve Wine & Spirits Tastings are available for a fee.
Wellness
• Tanager Wellness Treatment Cabin: Offers facials, massage, body treatments for a fee.
*Massages can also be performed in-cabin.
• Complimentary group yoga & meditation classes, heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, dry sauna, fitness center, and fitness trail.
*Private custom yoga & meditation sessions are also available for a fee.
Corporate & Celebration Events
• Meadowlark Meeting Facility: One large space, or conveniently dividable into two more intimate spaces – optimum maximum capacity 20 guests. Complimentary use.
*Features AV equipment, half-bath, centrally located full kitchen that may be utilized for the event, and 1 facilitator bedroom with large private bath.
• No added fee for Nuptials. Nightly accommodation rates include chosen on-ranch venue location, all meals, house wine, beer, and spirits, bridal bouquet ($150 value), boutonniere, wedding cake for two, house champagne, witnesses, local vendor & officiant recommendations, licensing information, and a wide array of on-ranch activities for all wedding guests who stay with us.
Extra Notable Features
ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES: • Horseback Riding • Sapphire Panning • Artisanal Soap & Candle Making • Double H Hat Workshop • Alpine Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding at Lost Trail Powder Mountain; Complimentary Passes & Equipment Rentals • Nordic Cross-Country Skiing at Chief Joseph Trail System; Complimentary Gear & Equipment provided • Guided or Self-Guided Snowshoeing • Inner Tubing • Scenic Drive • Fly-Fishing Casting Lessons • Self-Guided Fishing in 2 Stocked Trout Ponds • Frontier Skills Logging Camp; Archery, Hatchet Throwing, Firebuilding, Crosscut Sawing, & Fire Branding • Intro to Mountain Biking • Geocaching • Guided Forest Walk • Self-Guided Hiking • Self-Guided Paddle Boarding • Cooking Class • Leatherworking Class • Guided Celestron Telescope Stargazing • Yoga & Meditation
ADD-ON ADVENTURES *additional fees apply: • Custom & Reserve Wine Tasting • Chef’s Table Dining Experience • Sport Shooting Five Stand or Trap & Wobble • Dog Sledding • Cattle Drive • Team Penning • CB Ranch Trail Ride • Lewis & Clark Trail Ride • Guided ATV Adventure • Skydiving • Scenic Helicopter Tours • Scenic Flight • Scenic Hiking Tour • Guided Fly-Fishing Float Tour • Guided Steelhead Fishing Float Tour • Scenic River Raft Float Tour • White Water Rafting • Scenic Kayaking • White Water Kayaking • E-Biking • Golf at Hamilton Golf Club – Public Course; Rental Equipment Available • Private Yoga & Meditation • Massage • Facials • Body Treatments
ALL INCLUSIVE SPECIAL EVENTS: • Vintner & Distillery Weekends • Culinary Weekends • Cowboy School • Artist Workshop Weekends • Artists in Residence Weekends • Stave Puzzling Weekends • FDF Knitting Weekend • Holiday Celebrations
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2025
• 2 MICHELIN KEYS, MICHELIN Guide 2025
• 4 Stars, Forbes Travel Guide 2025
• #1 Best Resort in Montana, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Readers’ Choice Awards
• #5 Best Resort in the Continental U.S., Travel + Leisure World’s Best Readers’ Choice Awards
• #7 Best Hotels & Resorts in the Continental U.S., Travel + Leisure World’s Best Readers’ Choice Awards
• #42 Best Hotels & Resorts in the World, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Readers’ Choice Awards
• #5 Top 20 Resorts in the Mountain West, Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
• Top 3, All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, US News & World Report
• Top 5, Best Hotels in Montana, US News & World Report
• #7 Top Hideaways in the United States, Andrew Harper Member’s Choice Awards
• Top 10, Best All-Inclusive Resorts, USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards
• T+L 500, Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure
• 10 Best Adults Only All-Inclusive Resorts, USA Today
• 18 Best Cabin Getaways for Romantic Couples Trip, Travel + Leisure
• Best of, Award of Excellence, Wine Spectator
2024
• 2 MICHELIN KEYS, MICHELIN Guide 2024
• 4 Stars, Forbes Travel Guide 2024
• #1 Best Resorts in the Mountain West, Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
• #1 Best All-Inclusive Resort, USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
• #1 Best Resort Hotel in Montana, Travel + Leisure Readers’ Choice Awards
• #1 Hotel, Resort & All-Inclusive Resort in Montana, US News & World Report
• #1 Best Guest Ranch in Montana, Distinctly Montana
• Top 50 Best Resorts in the World, Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
• Top 10, Best Resorts in the Continental U.S., Travel + Leisure Readers’ Choice Awards
• Top 100, Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure Readers’ Choice Awards
• T+L 500, Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure
• 10 Best All-inclusive Resorts for Solo Travelers, Travel + Leisure
• 10 Best All-inclusive Resorts for Senior Travelers, Travel + Leisure
• Gold Standard Top 25% Best Hotels, Resorts & All-Inclusive Resorts in the USA, US News & World Report
• Top 100, Best Hotels, Resorts & All-Inclusive Resorts in the USA, US News & World Report
• 25 of the Most Romantic Resorts That Will Make You Fall in Love Again, MSN
• Best of, Award of Excellence, Wine Spectator
2023
• 4 Stars, Forbes Travel Guide 2023
• World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame Honoree – WBA Winner for 10 Consecutive Years, Travel + Leisure
• #1 Best Resort Hotel in Montana, Travel + Leisure Readers’ Choice Awards
• #1 Hotel, Resort & All-Inclusive Resort in Montana, US News & World Report
• #1 Best Adult Only All-Inclusive Resort in the USA, New York Post
• Top 10, Top 15 U.S. Resorts, Travel + Leisure Readers’ Choice Awards
• Top 100, Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure Readers’ Choice Awards
• T+L 500, Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure
• Top 10, Adults-only All-inclusive Resorts Around the World, Travel + Leisure Editor’s Choice
• Top 15, Best All-inclusive Resorts in the USA, Travel + Leisure Editor’s Choice
• Top 18, Romantic Adults-only Hotels Around the World, Travel + Leisure Editor’s Choice
• Top 15, Top 20 Resorts in the Mountain West, Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
• Gold Standard Top 10% Best Hotels, Resorts & All-Inclusive Resorts in the USA, US News & World Report
• Top 5, 10 Best Hotels for the Holidays, USA Today Readers’ Choice Award
• 10 Best Adults Only Resorts, USA Today Readers’ Choice Award
• 10 Best All-inclusive Resorts, USA Today Readers’ Choice Award
• Best U.S. Mountain Ranch Resort, M&A Today Global Awards
• Best of, Award of Excellence, Wine Spectator
Number of employees
120 annual average (2:1 Staff to Guest Ratio throughout the year)