Arriving from San Francisco to Bozeman, Montana, I was keenly aware of the change in scenery. Suits and scarves where exchanged for cowboy boots, shiny belt buckles and felt hats. A scenic one hour drive from Gallatin Field Airport, the hills and cable cars of fog-shrouded San Francisco became a distant memory, as pick up trucks and miles of forest took center stage. I was now surrounded by the Bridger Mountain range on the north side and the Gallatin Mountains to the south.

Driving through Bozeman and on to Big Sky, I was reminded why the movie A River Runs Through It was filmed on the scenic Gallatin River. As we pulled into the circular driveway of The Club at Spanish Peaks, I could smell the fresh mountain air after an afternoon thunder shower and I could feel the 7,388 foot elevation change.  The Spanish Peaks Clubhouse, a massive wood timbered lodge, would serve as my Montana base camp for the next three nights. Each of the seven club rooms offered cable television in the armoire and complimentary internet access via wireless or hard-wire.

Club room #4, one of seven rooms in the Clubhouse at Spanish Peaks

My king room, #4, included plush white robes, down pillows, a safe deposit box and complimentary breakfast for $325 per night – rates vary with the seasons. Children and adults will appreciate the nightly turndown service with chocolate chip cookies left beside the bed.  There was also an iPod docking station for your iPhone, coffee and tea service and an amenities box tucked in the bathroom with travel sized versions of toothpaste, mouth wash, sun block and such.

Tom Weiskopf's signature hole at the Club at Spanish Peaks in Big Sky, Montana

You’ll need your sun protection lotion for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rafting, horseback riding and golf.  The Club at Spanish Peaks golf course is one of the best high elevation mountain courses around.  It is also the only place I’ve seen where golf carts, on this Tom Weiskopf designed course, also come stocked with a canister of bear spray!

Family-friendly cabins are available to rent at Big Sky, Montana's Club at Spanish Peaks

Families wanting more room to roam should consider renting a Club at Spanish Peaks cabin.  I’d call the three-six bedroom cabins, houses, but it seems that everything in Big Sky is larger than life. The eight cabins, located close to the clubhouse, swimming pool and hot tub, range in price from $1,225 per night to $1,400 per night. Private homes, such as Hearthstone,  are also available for rent. The five bedroom house is ideal for two families to share, as it sleeps 13 and is available for $2,400 per night. Look for package specials on the Club at Spanish Peaks website or follow Club at Spanish Peaks on Facebook.

The 3-5 bedroom cabins at Club at Spanish Peaks are family-friendly

The Club at Spanish Peaks has an active children’s program, while teenagers will enjoy activities such as an overnight adventure at The Club at Spanish Peaks Fish Camp. It’s no secret that the Gallatin River offers some of the best blue ribbon fly fishing in the United States. What better place to hang out in a hammock by the river or cast a line in the running water?

Hang out with friends at The Club at Spanish Peaks in Big Sky, Montana

The next time you are looking for a luxury base camp to anchor your outdoor vacation adventures, minutes from Yellowstone National Park, consider The Club at Spanish Peaks in Big Sky, Montana.   With some of the best skiing available, the family-friendly Club at Spanish Peaks sees three of its 18 golf course holes transform into magical ski runs, with ski in, ski out opportunities available on property and connecting to the well known Big Sky Resort.

Activities include:

• Horseback riding

• Fishing
• Golf
• Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing
• Skiing
• Swimming
• Walking/hiking trails
• White Water Rafting
• Complimentary wifi