"Experiencing Blacktail Ranch for the last four summers has changed my life in so many ways. Besides the beauty of the land, it is the presence of the ancestors in spirit who still dwell there and smile upon us... that remind us of the true timelessness of life. One day we too, we will be the ancestor spirits dwelling on the land and smiling upon those still dancing in the meadow by the hogan!"
-Melinda Abeles
"The Blacktail staff was outgoing, friendly and helpful. The ranch experience and the freedom to wander was worth it all."
-Glenna Boyd
Click here to view
The Blacktail Ranch Photo Gallery
2008 Retreats at the Blacktail Ranch:
Christian de la Huerta
Heather Tiddens and Cheri Clampett
JJ Gormley and Baxter Bell
The Feathered Pipe is pleased to offer three summer workshops at our sister ranch in Montana, The Blacktail Ranch. The Blacktail Ranch is an 8,000 acre jewel, located at the base of the Continental Divide, where the Rocky Mountains meet the prairie, in Wolf Creek, Montana. The south fork of the Dearborn River flows through the center of the ranch feeding rich meadows and deep, lush aspen groves. Above the riverbed unspoiled acres of pine and fir roll into broad fields of native grasses and wildflowers.
The Blacktail Ranch is the perfect place for an awesome retreat. The octagonal Hogan, built in the southwestern style, is a comfortable and spacious meeting room. Located on a hillside above the ranch with sweeping views of the mountains, the Hogan offers comfort and privacy for workshop classes. Between classes you can go horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, hiking, exploring thousands of acres of wilderness, bird watching, enjoy the hot tub and sauna or just relax on the front porch and breathe pure mountain air.
The Blacktail is rich with archaeological sites, including an extensive cave system that dates back to the Ice Age, a Medicine Wheel and Sun Wheel. During our workshops we will visit all of these places which hold the deep mysticism of the ranch. The Backtail museum houses artifacts from the cave and the land around the ranch, telling the long history of the land, and will be open for touring during your stay.
Accommodations:
For indoor space there are dormitory style rooms with shared baths and limited semi-private spaces available, please inquire. A double room with a private bath is an additional $300 per person. For those who choose to stay in tents and tipis, there is a meadow along the river's edge for camping and bathing facilities in the main lodge. A camper's discount of $15 per day is applied to all retreats at the Blacktail.
Costs included:
Cost for each program includes all instruction, basic lodging, meals and general use of the Ranch facilities. Horseback riding, Laundry, body therapy and transportation between the Ranch and Great Falls are available at extra cost. We accept checks, money orders, and most major credit cards.
How to get to the Blacktail Ranch:
Great Falls, Montana is the entry city for the Blacktail Ranch. It is accessible by air, bus, and car. When you register we'll send you detailed information including a map. Round-trip van transportation is available from Great Falls to the Blacktail Ranch for $85.
Airfares:
The Feathered Pipe Foundation has selected Morris Travel as the official agency for our programs. Delta, Northwest, and Alaska airlines all service Great Falls, MT. Please call Morris Travel at (800) 735-6343.
To check out Blacktail Ranch's website
Click here.
Owners: Tag and Sandra Rittel
2008 Retreats at the Blacktail Ranch:
Christian de la Huerta
Heather Tiddens and Cheri Clampett
JJ Gormley and Baxter Bell