Lodge Spotlight: Yellowstone Casual Luxury in Montana

Like many who fell in love with Montana through the TV show Yellowstone, I wanted to experience that wild beauty for myself. Sage Lodge delivered the perfect balance of rugged adventure, beautiful surroundings, and relaxed luxury. While it’s not quite a five-star property, it comes very close. The property offers beautiful scenery, thoughtful amenities, and an unpretentious atmosphere that makes it feel both elevated and approachable. Its location, just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, makes it a wonderful home base for exploring.

We visited in late October, during shoulder season and found it to be an ideal mix of crisp fall weather and peaceful surroundings. Summer visitors will have even more outdoor experiences available like fly fishing and stargazing, but our trip still offered plenty. Sage Lodge recommended HK Rockin’ Outfitters in nearby Chico for horseback riding and it was a highlight of our stay. The scenic one-hour trail ride was perfect for all skill levels. The guides were welcoming and knowledgeable. Chico itself is a charming little town worth a stop as well. We visited a cozy coffee/gift shop and heard about the hot springs and friendly saloon that locals rave about.

We spent one day in Yellowstone National Park, hiking the Mammoth Hot Springs area about 30 minutes past the entrance. Plenty of elk and bison spotting too! We also explored the nearby town of Livingston, where the shopping in their small downtown area was a highlight. We also stopped for pizza and wine at Murray Bar, a local favorite for a casual meal and authentic Montana atmosphere.

Downtown Livingston

Back at the lodge, our girls’ trip included a relaxing spa day (the massages were great!) and dinners at the on-site Grill, where everything we ordered was fresh and lovely. The more upscale restaurant on property would be perfect for couples looking for a romantic evening.

What makes Sage Lodge truly special is that you can make the trip whatever you want it to be: active, slow-paced, social, or quiet. You can hike or bike on property, sip coffee by the fire, or toast marshmallows with the complimentary s’mores kits. The vibe is mellow and welcoming. We saw guests of all kinds: couples, families with kids, and groups of friends... all equally at home. It’s a destination resort that really did capture the essence of Montana beautifully.

We flew into Bozeman and rented a car, which was a great choice. Self-parking is free for lodge guests!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Montana page.