We took a family pack trip with Devan of Pioneer Outfitters into the Livingstone Mine access point for the White Cloud Mountains. Our whole family saddled up and rode into an amazing camp along an alpine lake hopping with fish, flowers, dramatic views and excellent tent sites.

Devan provided all the essential elements for a successful trip - healthy food, mountain worthy horses, and wilderness knowledge … not to mention comfortable sleeping quarters and campfire meals. He guided us up to the base of the 11,000+ft looming China Wall which is an awe inspiring geological feature in the White Clouds. It is surrounded by a chain of lakes which provided great adventure for the kids. The fishing never failed us despite the numerous amateur anglers and the horses kept us company throughout the trip.

It was a remote, rewarding experience which our family will never forget. It was a perfect match to return to the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch for the comforts of a high quality lodge and relay our experience in the ‘wild’.

Muzzie Braun

The authentic west embraces a host of creative arts as well as adventures in nature, all of which receive their due in our Showcase Events.

We are partnered with SIHA (the Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association), providing support for their Forum and Lecture Series as well as their new educational efforts through the Redfish Center.  This summer docents from the Center will lead weekly walkabouts at the Ranch, highlighting IRMR flora and fauna for our guests.  We also will plan additional sessions based on particular guests’ interests.

John Rember

John Rember will once again join us throughout the summer to read from his growing body of work, including selections from Traplines:   Coming Home to Sawtooth Valley.

Summer Music:  The porch as ever will be the place to enjoy our local dinnertime musicians on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings throughout the season.   Favorites Muzzie Braun, Bruce Innes, Chuy’s Shoebox Revue, Spare Change, and Dewey, Pickette and Howe will join us once again.  The completed schedule will be posted in the spring. 

Bruce Innes

2012 Summer Events
August 18:  Bruce Innes’ Annual Sunset Concert: Plan to join us for dinner or the night to experience this signature Idaho Rocky event – music magic with Bruce Innes in the intimate setting of the Ranch. Please call for reservations, as the concert is limited to our dinner and overnight guests.

August 31, September 1 and 2:  Annual Wine Weekend, with John Alonge, the wine heretic.  Friday’s event is complimentary for Ranch dinner and overnight guests; Saturday and Sundays’ seminars are $50 per person, $75 per couple, and are open to Ranch guests and others who wish to participate.   Please call for reservations for this popular event.

Friday August 31:  Comparing California wines to European.  All Ranch and dinner guests are invited to participate in this pre-dinner session, compliments of the Ranch.  A head-to-head tasting that will open your eyes (and palate) to the many stylistic differences between European and US wines. You’ll learn about the specific vineyard and winery practices used to create these remarkably different wine styles.

John Alonge

Saturday September 1 at 1pm:  The Wines of Northern Spain.  Enjoy another adventure in John’s World Wine Explorer Series. Taste the great wines of Spain’s northern growing regions as we explore the history, culture and traditions that make them unique.

Sunday September 2 at 10am:  Find the $100 Wine.  Did you ever wonder if those high-priced, highly rated wines are really worth the money? This session will begin with a discussion of the factors that influence the price of wine, followed by an exploration of how we really perceive wine aromas and flavors. We then will have a “blind” tasting of three red wines, one of them a high scoring, high priced wine, the other two under $20 a bottle. Without the help of the hype and the fancy label, see if you can find the $100 wine by taste alone.

Jordan Boutry

We are excited to announce Jordan Boutry as our Executive Chef.  Jordan earned his culinary degree from the Art Institute of Colorado in 2003, after which he served as Banquet Chef at the Cherry Hills Country Club before moving to Montana.  Guests of the The Gallatin Gateway Inn, The Ranch at Rock Creek and Mint Bar and Café have been delighted by Jordan’s cuisine. 

Born in Gig Harbor, WA, Jordan is a western outdoor enthusiast and looks forward, when he’s not in the Ranch kitchen, to exploring our magnificent Sawtooth Mountains with his new bride, Stephanie.   Stephanie and Jordan will live on the Ranch following their March 25, 2012 wedding.

Please join us this summer in welcoming Jordan and Stephanie and be captivated by Jordan’s menus and cuisine. 

Happy Trails!

Erica, Office Manager, Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch

Thank you for a memorable 2011~

Wishing you much love, excellent health, personal happiness, inner peace & prosperity for 2012!

Happy Trails!

erica

Snowyside Peak

Wow, I can’t believe this will be my ninth summer at the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch.  I’ve come a long way from being that upstate New Yorker who asked “Where the heck is Idaho?” after accepting a position.  Being geographically challenged is one thing, but seriously in my defense, why did I ever need to know about Idaho?  I’ll tell you why…..when Mother Nature made Idaho, she threw in the most mind-blowing landscapes, sprinkled in culture and doused it with every imaginable wilderness adventure.  

This blog will give you my insight on the Sawtooth Valley’s culture, history, people, events and outdoor adventures.  You’ll soon understand why this East Coaster is now a true Idahoan and it isn’t the potatoes (yes, I had to say it, but only because you were thinking it).  I’m excited to be able to share my experiences with you!   Guest bloggers and comments are always welcome. 

Happy Trails!

erica