Planning Your Stay
Getting Here
Please note, our very remote Centennial Valley location requires significant dirt road access.
Closest Airports
The closest airport to the J Bar L, Centennial Valley is the Idaho Falls Regional Airport, which is approximately 2 hours away. Idaho Falls is a small airport, but receives flights daily from Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis St. Paul, Las Vegas, Phoenix/Mesa, Los Angeles, and Oakland.
You can also fly into the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (3 ½ hour drive) or the Missoula International Airport (4 hour drive) for a slightly cheaper fare. Though they are further away, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the sights along the way! Smaller regional airports include Butte, MT and West Yellowstone, MT. Others consider flying into Jackson, WY to visit Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park on their way to J Bar L.
If you are flying private air, consider landing in Dillon (1 ½ hour drive) or in Twin Bridges (2 hours).
Driving Here
Because of our extraordinarily remote location, you will be unable to use your phone to navigate to the ranch. GPS and Google Maps are unreliable – Please download and print our directions to ensure that you arrive safely. If you are looking for directions to one of our other properties, please reach out via the contact page on this site and we will get them to you.
Appropriate Vehicles
The J Bar L’s Centennial Valley location is more than twenty miles from pavement, so you can expect to drive over dirt roads that aren’t well-maintained. Although 4-wheel drive is not necessary in all seasons, we highly recommend a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle with all-terrain tires to best access all of the roads in the Centennial Valley.
Distances from the Centennial Valley:
West Yellowstone: 2 hours
Dillon, MT: 1.5 hours
Idaho Falls, ID: 2 hours
Bozeman, MT: 3.5 hours
Jackson, WY: 3.5 hours
How do I get to the J Bar L’s Centennial Valley location?
The closest airport to the Centennial Valley is the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. We highly recommend 4-wheel drive vehicles to travel our rough, unpaved roads. Please contact us for driving directions. You will not be able to rely on GPS as there is very little cellular service on our roads.
How do I get to the J Bar L’s Melville location?
Access to J Bar L’s winter ranch and headquarters in Melville is largely on paved roads, though the last few miles are on a dirt county road. Because ranch and county roads can become rough between maintenance we recommend an AWD vehicle with high clearance to make the most of your trip. You can navigate largely via GPS, however our guest manager will provide you with specific directions once you book your stay.
The closest airports to our Melville headquarters are the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (1 hour 40 minutes) and the Billings Logan International Airport (2 hours).
Area Activities
Birding
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
National & State Parks
Fly Fishing
Wagon Rides
Regional Attractions
Biking
The Centennial Valley
At the J Bar L, the untamed beauty of Montana lies just beyond your doorstep. Neighboring the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and the Centennial Sandhills Preserve, and bordered by the Centennial and Gravelly mountains, the Centennial Valley is one of the world's finest locations for wildlife viewing, birding, and fly fishing while still feeling off the beaten path. Ripe for exploring, our fabled valley features some of the most stunning, secret spots that even locals don’t know about. You may have to stray from the road to get to these hidden gems, but believe us when we say it’s worth it. Driving distance from the Yellowstone National Park, world-class fly fishing waters, breathtaking hikes, and more, the J Bar L offers you all the comforts of a secluded home on the range after a long day of play.
Melville
This rural retreat is the perfect place for your next family gathering or getaway allowing larger groups to enjoy the best of Montana from under one roof. The highlight of this location is the private access to Upper Glaston Lake where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and afternoon walks. There is plenty to explore outside the front door including hiking in the Crazy Mountains and Boulder River Valley, and trout fishing on the nearby Yellowstone River. The ranch is just two hours from the North entrance of Yellowstone park which is a must for any first time Montana visitor. In the nearby town of Big Timber, guests can enjoy our local restaurants, learn about the history of the area at the Crazy Mountain Museum, peruse local art galleries and shops, and get to know the friendly locals at the new brewery!
Guided Experiences
If you're interested in booking guided experiences, our staff will be more than happy to connect you with a number of outdoor professionals in Southwest Montana, including fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and birding guides, as well as geologists and a full-service pack-and-guide business. Guests are always provided with recreation literature and road maps upon arrival.
Outdoor Gear
The J Bar L is a BYOG facility (Bring Your Own Gear). While we do have a limited amount of basic gear for your use, we do not offer kayaks, canoes, bikes, fishing equipment, or the like for rent on-site. If you book a guided trip, some outfitters may be able to provide you with gear, or you can bring your own to enjoy all the area has to offer.
