The Shining Mountain Lodge
and Bunkhouse
Dexter Peak Road
Paradise Valley, Montana
Contact
Gary or Vicky Holland
(406) 333-4704
shiningart@wispwest.net
The Lodge
THE LODGE
Shining Mountain Lodge, perfectly situated on 25 acres on a bench at
the base of the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains with breathtaking views of
four mountain ranges and is just 35 miles north of Yellowstone Park.
Varying lights of the Montana skies and glimpses of nature and wildlife
soothe the soul year round. Perfect for creative reflection,
family get-togethers, romantic getaways, intimate weddings, Shining
Mountain Lodge offers three spacious bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms and
comfortably sleeps six to eight people. A few hundred feet from
the lodge is a self-contained bunkhouse with full kitchen and laundry
facilities. The bunkhouse sleeps two adults and two children in
the loft.
The front door opens to a comfy foyer with deacon’s bench that opens to
the elegantly rustic gourmet’s kitchen, dining room and sunken living
room. Logs and knotty pine adorn the soaring ceilings and the
large windows open to views of mountains in all directions. There
is an authentic Lakota tipi snuggled amongst the cottonwoods in a
coulee below the lodge. The tipi sleeps four and has its own
campfire pit.

The lodge is tastefully appointed with leather couches, Amish-made
tables and chairs artistically crafted in hickory, walnut, oak and
150-year old recycled timbers. The arts and crafts of local and
northwest artisans fill the lodge as proprietor’s Gary and Vicky
Holland also own Shining Mountain Gallery a few miles away in the
historic town of Pray. A cozy gas stove warms the room when
evenings get chilly. A nice selection of books and videos, games,
puzzles and CD’s provide entertainment after the day’s
adventures. There is a private telephone, answering machine and
computer hook-up for your convenience.
The Aspen Room offers a queen bed with pine furniture and views of the
Gallatin mountains, its own full bathroom and door that opens to the
deck and hot tub.
The Yellowstone Room, on the lower level with mountain view, features a
log queen bed and shared bath.
The Sunrise Room, also on the lower level with mountain view, features
a rustic pine furniture, queen bed and shared bath.
The Dexter Peak Room features a log day bed, which converts into two
twins or a small king bed. This room also doubles as a recreation
room with additional television, VCR and play area.
The bathroom on the lower level features a tub/shower. Upstairs
there is a full bathroom as well as a powder room bathroom. The
laundry room includes a full-size washer and dryer, laundry soap, iron,
ironing board and dryer sheets. A crib and highchair are provided
upon request.
The gourmet’s kitchen has all that one might need: electric range and
oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee pot and grinder, full set of pots
and pans, full cutlery service, steak knives, two sets of dishes,
toaster, blender, crock pot, electric fry pan, steamer, and glassware,
complete with wine, champagne and cordial glasses, as well as a
complete set of cooking utensils. The cupboard is stocked with a
complete selection of condiments, herbs, spices, seasonings and hot
sauces, oils and vinegars, assorted teas, coffee, cereals, peanut
butter, jellies and a variety of canned goods.
There is a gas barbecue on the back deck along with a picnic table and
chairs. Enjoy our spotting scope viewing wildlife down in the
coulee or on the foothills of the 10 to 11,000-foot high
Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains just outside the door. A
hot tub which seats six is just a few feet off the rear deck ready for
stargazing and relaxing after the day’s activities.
Enjoy roasting hot dogs and making s’mores at the campfire, relax in
the hammock, or challenge each other to a spirited game of
horseshoes!
Room for horses too! A pasture is available for these four-legged
friends.
THE TARIFF
May 1st to October 31st
$2400 per week (7 nights), $340 per night thereafter
$400 per night (3 night minimum)
November 1st through April 30th
$1700 per week (7 nights)
$275 per night (3 night minimum)
The Tipi is available upon request June through September. Tariff
per night for the Tipi is $35.
Rates are subject to change. A 7% Montana Accommodations tax will
be added to the tariff.
The coyotes, deer, elk, and cows have the right of way and therefore,
we request that you leave your pet at home where it will be safe and
comfortable.
Smoking is allowed outdoors.
THE BUNKHOUSE
The Bunkhouse looking east
The bunkhouse sits at the edge of the pasture with its own covered
porch and private yard. The door opens to a complete kitchen with
hickory cabinets, a full bathroom and laundry area and a cozy living
room with television, with built-in VCR/DVD, CD player, table and
leather couch. A nice selection of videos and books adorn the
bookshelf for your enjoyment after the adventures of the day. A
rustic staircase rises to the loft with a king-sized bed (can be split
into two oversized twins). Some fold up foam sleeping pads are
available for small children.
The kitchen is well appointed with a refrigerator, four-burner stove,
microwave, cookbooks, pots and pans, dishes, glassware, knives,
toaster, blender, and coffeepot and grinder. Laundry soap, iron,
ironing board and dryer sheets are provided for your convenience.
Nightly rate $125 per night (3 night minimum)
Weekly rate $750 (7 nights)
Check in is 3:00 PM; check out is 11:00 am. A 7% accommodation
tax is applied to above rates.
AREA INFORMATION
The abundance and variety of wildlife is what makes this Rocky Mountain
location so exceptional. Bring your binoculars and camera as,
depending on the season, you will have the opportunity to see many mule
deer, white tail deer, elk, wolves, big horn sheep, antelope, bear,
moose, mountain goats, and mountain lions. There are numerous
bird species in Paradise Valley including American bald and golden
eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, wading birds, four species of
hummingbird, and many song birds, including the Montana state bird, the
melodious western meadowlark.
As the seasons change, so do the vistas and activities available to
Shining Mountain Lodge guests. In Spring, as the plants and
grasses are budding, migratory birds return, newly born calf elk are
appearing on the mountain and in Yellowstone, the first tiny
wildflowers bloom, and the streams open for fishing in late May.
As summer unfolds, the meadows turn to green, the robins have their
chicks, elk and deer are minding their young, playful baby buffalo are
frolicking around their moms, rodeo season is under way, floating the
Yellowstone is enjoyed, and horseback riding and hiking are always fun
with wildflowers in full bloom.
As fall approaches and the days get shorter, the elk are bugling, the
bear are busy feasting on berries, mushrooms, apples, tomatoes ripen,
the hummingbirds head south, the cottonwoods and aspens slip on their
golden coats, the nights are cooler and the flannel sheets and wool
blankets are welcomed. When winter sets in and snow covers the
mountains, the squirrels, finches and chickadees cluster around the
feeder, elk by the thousands graze the foothills, skiers head for the
slopes or the backcountry, fireplaces warm the toes, and luxuriating in
the spa with stars so brilliant in the cold clear skies makes for the
end of a perfect day.
TRAVEL PAYMENT, DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. In the
event of cancellation, a full refund of your deposit will be made if we
are notified at least 45 days in advance of your confirmed arrival
date. If however, you cancel within 45 days and we are able to
fill your dates, we will be pleased to apply your deposit to any future
booking, or refund your deposit less $100. The balance of your
rental fee, along with a $600 Security Deposit on the lodge and $250 on
the bunkhouse will be required upon arrival. After inspection,
the Security Deposit will be refunded within 14 days of your
departure. We accept Personal and Traveler’s checks.
TRAVEL AND RENTAL CAR INFORMATION
Northwest, Delta, United and Alaska/Horizon Airlines service Bozeman,
Montana, the nearest commercial airport. Mission Field, north of
Livingston, offers private aircraft facilities. Shining Mountain
Lodge is 45 miles southeast of Bozeman.
Major car rental companies are located at the Bozeman airport (Gallatin
Field). Private airport transportation can be arranged.
Delta Airlines 800-221-1212
Horizon Air 800-547-9308
Northwest 800-225-2525
United Airlines 800-241-6522
4 x 4 Stage 800-517-8243
Hertz 800-654-3131
Budget 800-527-0700
Enterprise 800-325-8007