Rocky Mountain Christmas 2012 – re-written and re-located

The Roosevelt Arch is a rusticated triumphal arch at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana, USA. Constructed under the supervision of the U.S. Army at Fort Yellowstone, its cornerstone was laid down by President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. The top of the arch is inscribed with a quote from the Organic Act of 1872, legislation which created Yellowstone, and reads “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

Mammoth Springs is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine in Yellowstone National Park adjacent to Fort Yellowstone and the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District. It was created over thousands of years as hot water from the spring cooled and deposited calcium carbonate(over two tons flow into Mammoth each day in a solution). Although these springs lie outside the caldera boundary, their energy has been attributed to the same magmatic system that fuels other Yellowstone geothermal areas.

Yellowstone has always been one of my most favorite places on the planet. My first visit in winter, it did not disappoint. From the Elk and Bison to the Bald Eagle eating a swan in the river, a coyote hunting the riverbank, and Old Faithful on a bitterly cold, icy morning, it was purely magical. 

If you’re looking to experience an all-around guest winter ranch vacation that embodies Montana and the spirit of the Mountain West, the Winter Discovery Package is the ideal choice. Guests enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, evenings around a glowing woodstove, miles of cross-country ski terrain, and live western music to name a few of the experiences that leave guests returning year after year for our Discovery Package. Recently voted “Best Family Ranch” by Top 50 Ranches, experience the adventure of a lifetime your whole family will enjoy!

Looking back, I wondered how we got this photo since we were alone, but if you notice, I do not have my skis on. The camera, timer set, was propped up on a pile of snow. This was an excellent ski outing. Did I say scary? At times I was, scared. But Sheree’ was a real trooper, waiting up for me each time I uncovered myself from inside a snowbank. I learned how to snowplow real quick. I hope we can go back to Lone Mountain one day, or that you can get yourself there, for an incredible winter adventure.