It List: 45 Best New Hotels of 2010

Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana

What’s the greatest asset of Montana’s new lodge? It’s not the four-lane bowling alley, the cowhide rugs of the cosseting nine-room country retreat, or the eight canvas-walled cabins, cozy with birch beds. It’s not the 6,600 sprawling acres encompassing hiking and horseback riding trails and a trout-filled river, all just 90 minutes from Missoula. No, it’s the crackerjack staff of expert wranglers, fishermen, and ranchers. Their personally tailored itineraries—complete with horseback riding, fly-fishing, hunting, archery, and photography safaris—even have us city slickers feeling home on the range. From $800, all-inclusive.