The Paradise Valley Food and Ranch Tour introduces visitors to the ranching and culinary heritage of one of Montana's most scenic river corridors — the valley of the Yellowstone River running south from Livingston between the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges. The experience centres on Chico Hot Springs Resort at 163 Chico Rd in Pray, a historic property in continuous operation since 1900 whose dining room has long served as the culinary landmark of Paradise Valley.
Chico Hot Springs operates a dining programme featuring ranch-style Montana cuisine: prime rib from locally raised beef, elk medallions and bison dishes sourced from valley ranches, and organic produce grown in the property's on-site garden. Guided ranch meals are available by reservation and can be combined with seasonal ranch visits coordinated through local outfitters working in the valley. The availability of ranch tours changes month to month and is best confirmed by calling the property directly at 406-333-4933.
A typical half-day experience begins with a working cattle ranch or organic market garden visit in the valley, followed by dinner or lunch at Chico's dining room with a Montana and Pacific Northwest wine pairing. Wild game tastings featuring elk, bison, and venison prepared by Chico's kitchen are a consistent highlight of the meal; menu items rotate seasonally to reflect current ranch production and hunting calendars. The full experience runs approximately four to six hours for a combined ranch visit and meal.
Costs range from USD 60–120 per person depending on the dining menu and whether a ranch tour is added. The dining room accommodates groups and can arrange private dining for parties of eight or more with advance notice. Chico Hot Springs also offers on-site lodging, making it straightforward to extend the experience into an overnight stay in the valley.
Paradise Valley lies along US-89, roughly 60 miles south of Bozeman and 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park's northern entrance at Gardiner. The scenic drive through the valley takes approximately 75 minutes from Bozeman under normal road conditions, making the tour a practical day-trip or a natural extension of a Yellowstone itinerary.
Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary accommodations can be arranged at Chico's dining room with advance notice. The main dining room and outdoor areas are partially accessible; visitors with mobility needs should contact the property before arrival to confirm specific requirements, as full ADA compliance varies across the resort's older buildings.
What is included
- Ranch dinner at Chico
- Local ranch tour (seasonal)
- Wild game tasting
- Montana wine pairing
Good to know
- Operator
- Chico Hot Springs (406-333-4933); guided ranch meals available
Location
Chico Hot Springs, 163 Chico Rd, Pray, MT 59065
45.4055, -110.6897 View on map
Highlights
- Dinner at Chico Hot Springs' historic dining room, serving ranch-sourced bison, elk, and wild game since 1900
- Wild game tastings — elk medallions, bison preparations, and venison — paired with Montana and Pacific Northwest wines
- Seasonal visits to working cattle ranches and organic market gardens in the Yellowstone River valley
- Scenic 60-mile drive through Paradise Valley along US-89 between the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges
- Gateway location 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park's northern entrance at Gardiner
Tips for visiting
- Reserve the dining room in advance, particularly in summer when Chico fills with Yellowstone-bound travellers
- Call 406-333-4933 to ask about current seasonal ranch tours — availability changes monthly and is not always reflected online
- Allow extra time on the drive south from Bozeman along US-89 to stop at viewpoints above the Yellowstone River
- Mention dietary restrictions when making a reservation so the kitchen can prepare suitable alternatives to the wild game menu
- Consider pairing the ranch tour with an overnight stay at Chico Hot Springs to soak in the natural hot pools after dinner
Frequently asked questions
Does Chico Hot Springs offer a formal food and ranch tour package?
Chico Hot Springs offers ranch-style dining with seasonal wild game and locally sourced ingredients, and can assist in arranging valley ranch visits through local outfitters. Formal all-inclusive tour packages are available by inquiry — contact the property directly at 406-333-4933 for current offerings.
How far is Paradise Valley from Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park?
Chico Hot Springs in Pray is approximately 60 miles south of Bozeman and 30 miles north of Yellowstone's northern entrance at Gardiner. The drive through Paradise Valley on US-89 takes around 75 minutes from Bozeman under normal conditions.
What type of cuisine is served at Chico Hot Springs' dining room?
The kitchen focuses on Montana ranch cuisine: prime rib, elk, bison, venison, and seasonal organic vegetables sourced from the property's garden and local valley ranches. Menu items rotate with the seasons and hunting calendar, and the wine list features Pacific Northwest and regional Montana producers.
Is the experience suitable for vegetarians or non-meat eaters?
The dining room at Chico Hot Springs can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free diners with advance notice; kitchen staff prepare alternatives to the wild game menu when informed ahead of time. The ranch visit component focuses on cattle and agricultural operations, which may be of primary interest to omnivorous visitors.