The Resort at Paws Up

I had high expectations for Paws Up after wanting to visit for years, and while the facilities and setting are absolutely stunning, the overall experience left me disappointed. For the premium price, you expect something really special – but too often, things fell short. We visited during a slower week, so there was no excuse for the consistently underwhelming food. Not a single meal stood out, and for a property of this caliber, that was very disappointing. The international staff on hospitality visas were friendly and hardworking, but it was clear that management is where the real issues lie. At other resorts, this type of staffing model has worked beautifully under stronger direction – here, the execution just wasn’t there. That said, the cattle driving experience was fantastic and truly a highlight of our stay. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to outweigh the otherwise mediocre experience. Overall, the ranch has the potential to be a world-class destination, but until management addresses these issues, I’d suggest trying other luxury ranch resorts first. I may give it another chance in the future, but only after exploring alternatives.

Bottom line opinion, at typically $3000-$6000/night (plus resort fee, and many activities) I thought it was worth roughly half what they are charging. I'm guessing they have no realistic competition for a Ranch Experience that offers this level of luxury? The tents were true glamping tents with heated tile floors in the upscale bathrooms and portable A/C units (but no heaters.) If you are going during a time temps could drop into the 40's in the morn, I'd probably opt for one of the homes instead. Service in general is friendly but uneven. The mostly young staff seemed inadequately trained for a luxury destination at this price level. Shuttle ride wait times varied greatly from 10 minutes to 40 minutes. I heard great things about the restaurant in the adult-only Green-O section. Elsewhere, we found the food to be gourmet in the restaurants and camp dining pavilion but short of the level of cuisine you would expect at these prices. While offering great views of this beautiful property from the deck, most of my hot meals at Pomp and Trough were lukewarm when I received them, good, but nothing to write home about. (Tip: give ample dining time before your activities so you aren't late.) Menu selection at the flagship Pomp is very limited (2-course with 3 choices each + a dessert choice.) The food at the main outdoor dining areas (The Shed, and the Chuck Wagon) was okay but not memorable (except for the Tomahawk Steaks on the grill - looked more impressive than they tasted.) The Chuck Wagon was fun for the kids with a few free activities, but you are basically sitting at wooden picnic tables with hornets swarming around your food. I didn't see any attempt at bee control anywhere. Bartender service at the Chuck Wagon was extremely slow so my food was again lukewarm by the time I got my drink. Camp dinners were a fixed menu, no choices but you can tell them our allergies and preferences in advance of your trip. If you want to eat something outside designated dining hours they offered bags of nuts/chips/trail mix/bar. You couldn't just go order off a menu in the camp dining pavilion anytime throughout the day. There are a wide variety of activities, mostly well run, but overpriced with very few free activities. For those where money is no object that have expectations of 4-star Ranch Experience instead of a 5-Star resort, you may be quite satisfied (5-star "who cares how much it costs, where do I buy my cowboy hat" rating.) For those wanting to feel they got good value and/or are used to and expect the best in service and cuisine at this price level, this is not your place (3-star) but if you are going and don't have kids stay at Green O for the best experience.

Stayed in Green O houses,part of Paws Up. 1st the spectacular! The Social House was the dining venue exclusively for the 12 houses in the Green O. The evening dinners were as good as my wife and I have ever had and we have enjoyed upscale restaurants in many locations. It’s hard to describe the quality and presentation of the food but if I say it was spectacular. The resort activities, such as fly fishing, horseback riding, ATVs, sporting Clays, and especially the kayaking, well well organized and enjoyable activity. The people that were involved in the events weir I’m extremely pleasant and usually quite educated in the particular activity spirit. Accommodations in the Green O actually quite nice Will appointed and enjoyable for a very pleasant stay. Unfortunately, the organization of the Concierge services was very poorly done. Despite multiple attempts to contact the resort as they advised to arrange your activities who are unable to reach anyone. Finally three days before our arrival, our travel agent called and got one of the agents to return our call. I’m not sure we missed out on much of anything, but we had tried to reserve Massage services and were told it was very limited and the only ones we could get at that 10 word at 10 o’clock on the morning of our next last day. We accepted that and plan to proceed for the services . 30 minutes before the service we were called and said they rearranged the schedule and had to cancel one of our massages. No other explanation. during the day, our keys were automatically cut off in the middle of the state and would not allow it interest into our house and unfortunately room service was spotty at best and often times we had to beg for towels which I’ve seen in the reviews. I actually tried to discuss this with the resort part of my stay just saying that I felt like it was too nice resort to have these glitches and I was told if effectively that they would get back to me the next day and explain some of the issues however, I never heard anything from them after that. Unfortunately, for the price you pay for this resort, it is probably as expensive as any place you will stay on a daily basis you will expect most of these glitches to be worked out. I do know the people there that you actually deal with are very nice and I would not say anything negative about the service we had in the restaurant and the people we worked with it activities administratively there seems to be some real gaps in, which should be a five star experience, especially for the dollars you pay.

It was a BEAUTIFUL trip! Our experience was amazing, the the staff are LOVELY. We were there Jan, 2024, and it was the best trip ever. The scenery was amazing, and our cabin was cozy, and beautiful! The staff were so kids and even made my sister and I a mocharita, (An alcohol free margarita) even though it wasn’t on the menu!! They are all so sweet and our stay was truly a blessing! We did many fun activities like, Cross-Country Skiing, Archery, Tubing, Sledding, and playing with family. There are also buffalos, and if you do see it, a BEEFALO!! (It is a cross between a cow and a buffalo.) Our cabin was amazing as I said earlier, and it consisted of 2 bedrooms, the master, a a 2 twin bed room. You can also request a s’more kit to come to your room, to roast in your fireplace! The trip was overall fantastic, and we will TOTALLY COME BACK!!!!! Thank you Paws Up!!! Shoutout to staff members: Chase, and Jake!! Thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Just when we thought things could not get any better... the Team at Paws Up Ranch out-did themselves. After our first visit last year (which was unforgettable) we only hoped to match the memories that were made. We were uncertain (due to health issues) about a return visit when we booked the trip. But my mother rallied to the occasion and so did the Paws Up Crew! Upon arrival we had a custom ramp to our log home and without asking they thoughtfully put in a shower chair (live saver!). Mr. Slack was on his way to greet us before we even stepped off our roomy private shuttle, and somehow sprinted across the property to ensure we had a step stool for my mother at the next stop. Bravo! The team wanted to do something special for my mother to get her outside and view the spectacular winter landscape. How do you keep an 80+ year-old in a wheelchair warm????? You get 3 portable heaters, heated chairs, a pile of blankets and some hot toddies! That’s how you do it. We enjoyed warm beverages perched high above the legendary Blackfoot river while watching the snow gently fall. This was all made possible by Greg & Brian, and we cannot thank them enough for the experience and the memories. This is an epitome of “unreasonable hospitality.” They even brought out a guitar and had the foresight to print up the lyrics from our favorite Christmas carol, which I had forgotten to bring the prior year. What impeccable attention to detail. As if this excursion was not enough, knowing that I am a guitar player, they had arranged to have 2 beautiful FENDER guitars delivered to the home in our absence. I was able to play music for my mother before the fire each night. Unforgettable. Now let me mention the cuisine. Executive Chef Sunny Jin and Chef Bret and their crew left nothing to be desired! Whether it was a bonus platter of scallops or wagyu steaks cooked to perfection, we were excited to experience the new menu every night. Back to our outdoor excursion, Chef Sunny even arranged to have a beautifully framed photo of the event placed on my mother’s nightstand. Quite amazing. The little ones enjoyed the experience no less than the adults. Whether it was snow tubing and warming up by the fire or eating our way through the decadent s’mores kit…. Our youngest took more than 20 photos of the gingerbread display, which was the most impressive I have ever seen. In summary, just when we thought our last visit could not be outdone, the outstanding team at Paws Up Ranch, and their unparalleled dedication to customer service, provided our family with the best vacation ever! You truly must experience this level of customer care. We only hope that we get to experience this again. Special thanks to Greg, Brian, Sunny, Bret, Madyson, Aiden, Gabby, Corby, Joe, Ivan, Katie and all the others who took such great care of our family. BRAVO!!!!