The Chief Joseph Ranch is approximately 2500 acres, and is a working guest ranch. When Yellowstone is not filming at Chief Joseph Ranch, they make cabins available for guests to rent. The Bitterroot Valley boasts many attractions for the public to enjoy, and they feature the Chief Joseph Ranch among those attractions.
However, the exact size of the ranch is never explicitly stated in the series. The Chief Joseph Ranch is reportedly spread over an area of approximately 2500 acres. That would only be a fraction of the fictional ranch which is quoted in the series to be the size of Rhode Island.
Chief Joseph Cattle Ranch is a beautiful 2,545 + deeded acre ranch located in the pristine upper Big Hole Valley of southwest Montana. The ranch currently supports a 1,200 head cow/ calf operation for the summer grazing season, while these cattle numbers are robust, there remains plenty of forage for the abundant big game populations.
Believe it or not, the stunning scenery portrayed as the Dutton family ranch is the real- life Chief Joseph Ranch. That’s right! Yellowstone is filmed at the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. Read on for everything you need to know about the Chief Joseph Ranch, including how you can spend a night. Who was Chief Joseph?
There are only two cabins, The Fisherman Cabin (aka Lee Dutton’s cabin) and The Ben Cook Cabin (aka Rip’s cabin—Rip’s in season 1 and Kayce’s cabin in season 2) available to rent. Each cabin sleeps a maximum of eight guests. How much does it cost to stay at the Chief Joseph Ranch?
The cabins are amazing, the scenery is breathtaking, the people are the best kind of kind, and it is just icing on the cake to get the experience of touring the Yellowstone set. I cannot say enough good things about Chief Joseph Ranch as well as Shane and Angela. We absolutely cannot wait to visit again soon! Beyond my wildest dreams!
Why was the Ford and Hollister Ranch renamed Chief Joseph Ranch?
In the early 1950’s, the Ford and Hollister Ranch was sold and renamed the Chief Joseph Ranch, in honor of the great Nez Perce chief and his journey through the property. [12] .
In 1935, after William Ford passed, Mrs. May Ford and her daughters Phyllis and Billie Ann, opened and operated one of the first guest ranches in the west, along with the help of their ranch manager, Ben Cook.[11] .
The property on which the ranch sits was located in the western part of lands inhabited by the Salish tribe for hundreds of years.[1] When Lewis and Clark entered the upper Bitterroot Valley in September 1805, they followed a trail used by the native tribes. The Nez Perce also annually traveled the trail south to reach the bison hunting grounds in the Big Hole Valley, often banding together with the Salish to counter threats from other tribes, notably the Blackfoot.[2]
Watched by millions, the lodge has become a character in its own right, representing an iconic 104 year old western Montana home.[14] In between filming, this working Montana ranch doubles as a guest ranch and a family home.[15]
The Ford-Hollister Ranch. In 1914, the 2,500-acre ranch was purchased by the glass tycoon William S. Ford[6] and Federal Judge Howard Clark Hollister [7], both from Ohio. The ranch was, at the time of purchase, a thriving apple orchard.
ADVERTISEMENT
Where is Chief Joseph Ranch?
Chief Joseph Cattle Ranch is a beautiful 2,545 + deeded acre ranch located in the pristine upper Big Hole Valley of southwest Montana. The ranch currently supports a 1,200 head cow/ calf operation for the summer grazing season, while these cattle numbers are robust, there remains plenty of forage for the abundant big game populations. Of equal importance to the land, is of course the plentiful water. The ranch benefits from strong water rights which are used to flood irrigate the lush green pastures which sit under the snowcapped granite peaks of the Upper Big Hole Valley. Previously used as an exclusive hunting retreat for a well-known musician, the big game component on Chief Joseph Ranch is impressive. Of notable significance are the large numbers of elk that call the ranch home. Chief Joseph Cattle Ranch presents an opportunity to own a nicely improved ranch with strong production and spectacular recreation located in a private setting under a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery.
The ranch benefits from strong water rights which are used to flood irrigate the lush green pastures which sit under the snowcapped granite peaks of the Upper Big Hole Valley.
