The Shining Mountain Lodge and Bunkhouse
Dexter Peak Road
Paradise Valley, Montana
Contact Gary or Vicky Holland
(406) 333-4704
shiningart@wispwest.net

  lodge exteriorThe 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. 
lodge kitchen

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

bunkhouseThe 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