The Trapper’s Den At Lone Mountain Ranch
For generations, the sprawling, natural landscapes of the Western United States have captivated would-be explorers and opportunity-seekers alike, often serving those in need of a fresh start. Today, the intrigue remains, largely in the form of tourism. In states like Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, high-end, outdoorsy resorts, centered around nature-driven activities and proximity to America’s renowned national parks, have become increasingly common. Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana is a fine example. The rustic retreat delivers an unfettered Montana experience with a splash of luxury, and its owners just added a new cigar lounge meant to transport you back to the early expansionist days of the American West.
Lone Mountain Ranch is situated among the Rockies of southern Montana, between the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park and the Big Sky skiing resort. The property, homesteaded in 1915, is set on 148 acres of Montana wilderness. The luxurious, yet humble, resort offers just 25 rooms and cabins, which vary in size. The resort functions as an idyllic outdoorsman's paradise, with bountiful skiing and hiking terrain, breathtaking geography in every direction and tons of activities available to guests, such as fly fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, tours of Yellowstone and more.
Lone Mountain Ranch has also made a name for itself for its culinary prowess, evident in its impressive lineup of restaurants and bars on the property. Horn & Cantle, the resort’s acclaimed restaurant, is a 2024 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence Winner for its outstanding wine list. The rustic, farm-to-table restaurant marries fine dining with a log cabin aesthetic, plus, it has a remarkable selection of wine and whisky. The Auric Room is another special spot, a -only supper club and speakeasy that’s guarded by a hidden entrance. This exclusive space is a time capsule reminiscent of the high-society days of yesteryear, in the early days of the American West.
But despite all of this glamour, a piece of the puzzle was missing at Lone Mountain Ranch. The resort’s owners decided to properly round out their culinary program by adding a new cigar bar, but it’s no typical smoking lounge.
They call it the Trapper’s Den. That’s not a play on words or a tribute to the once-popular profession in this part of the country: it’s quite literally a fully-restored Trapper’s Den from 1915. The cabin was once located in Montana’s Crazy Mountains (yes, that’s the real name) about two hours northeast of Big Sky. “During a family road trip through Montana, I stumbled upon this very cabin in the backyard of a descendant of its original owner, still in pristine condition,” says Paul Makarechian, co-founder and CEO of Lone Mountain Ranch. “With a ‘For Sale’ sign out front, I seized the opportunity, negotiated a price, and transported the cabin back to the ranch to give it new life.”
In this case, new life comes in the form of a gorgeous cigar room that opened in April. It’s a cozy space, the exact kind of spot you’d want to retreat to for a warm fire as you escape the cold Montana wilderness. The wood-ed interior is supplemented by Western decor, vintage furniture and antique artifacts that keep with the cabin’s original character. Antique trapping sets, bison hides, snowshoes, a vintage record player and a chess board are just some of the essential design elements that keep the soul of this subtle, quaint cabin true to itself. A pair of rectangular windows offer natural lighting and views of the surrounding wilderness, but if weather permits, there’s also a large wraparound deck outside that comes complete with fireplaces and sweeping views.
Inside, the cabin can accommodate just eight guests at a time, but the outside deck offers space for up to 20. The cabin is climate-controlled and is equipped with a state-of-the-art ventilation system. As far as operation goes, you’re essentially left to your own devices at the Trapper’s Den. Staff is on-hand for events, but not during normal hours. To access the humidors, you’ll have to head to a spot known as The Outpost or to the Auric Room, which has its own cigar terrace and is within short walking distance of the Trapper’s Den. A cigar concierge can assist you with cigar purchases at the humidors should you need it. of the Auric Room also have access to the cabin along with adult-age guests. The former even have personalized humidors in the smoking lounge which come in the form of repurposed ammunition cans that line shelves near the door.
They offer a quality cigar selection, with smokes from many of the top cigarmakers, including such beloved brands as Arturo Fuente Don Carlos, Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series, Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua, Ashton VSG, Plasencia Alma Fuerte, New World by A.J. Fernandez, Tatuaje 10th Anniversary, E.P. Carrillo Pledge, Rocky Patel Sixty, My Father La Opulencia, Oliva Serie V Melanio and La Flor Dominicana Chapter One.
As for drinks, you’ll have to pay a visit to Horn & Cantle beforehand, which is also just steps away. You can purchase wine and cocktails from there to-go, or buy smaller spirit bottles to bring to the cigar lounge. The bartenders at Horn & Cantle also offer batched cocktails for groups to bring to the Trapper's Den. There are no beverages available in the cabin, but it does come equipped with ice, glassware and everything you’ll need to self-serve.
The lounge is only open to guests of the resort and of the Auric Room, or via a private buyout for groups of eight inside, or for larger groups of up to 20 on the outside deck.
Lone Mountain Ranch
750 Lone Mountain Ranch Road
Big Sky, Montana 59716
(800) 514-4644
https://lonemountainranch.com
Open 11 am to 11 pm, seven days a week.
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