Guest Resource Guide
OUR HERITAGE
Wilderness Edge is a property with deep roots in Montana’s homesteader past. In 1919, Montana pioneer
Vern Neely purchased an abandoned homestead on Horn Creek, the present site of Wilderness Edge. Work
was demanding and living conditions primitive by today's standards, but there was abundant water and
enough land for a small cattle and farming operation.
Later on Mr. Neely started a fishing camp for sportsmen of that day. He built wooden boats for them to use Page | 1
on Cliff Lake and constructed some cabins on the property. These cabins still function as guest quarters for
those seeking a rustic experience. The original "farm house", as it was called back then, is used today as the
main office and staff quarters, and the barn and outbuildings also continue to be utilized.
While modern conveniences have been added and newer structures erected, Wilderness Edge still connects
with the past. The heritage of the Neely Ranch continues and the qualities associated with its historical roots
are preserved for the satisfaction of our guests.
RESERVATIONS, CHECKING-IN AND CHECKING-OUT
Wilderness Edge operates during a very limited season. This makes it necessary to require advance deposits
on reservations for the period we are open to the public. We also ask that guests abide by certain considerations when checking in and checking out.
Deposits & Balance Due
• We require a 50% deposit on all reservations. Deposit refund requests will be honored if a cancellation
notice is received 60 days prior to the reservation date. A $25 fee will be assessed on all cancellations.
Should a cancellation occur after the 60 day notice period, the deposit will be forfeited. (Note: We cannot be responsible for airlines changing arrivals or departures. If this should occur after the 60 day cancellation period we will try to accommodate any changes, but the deposit cannot be refunded.)
• The “Balance Due” noted on your Guest Profile & Confirmation is due upon check-in. We ask that notification be made prior to arrival if your group requires separate bills. Other charges that may be incurred
during your stay (boat rentals, etc.) can be paid at check-out.
• We make lodges and cabins available for the time reserved and we ask in return that our guests be responsible for the full length of their reservations. There are no refunds for early departure.
Check-In/Check-Out
• We make every effort possible to accommodate guests with a check-in time of 3:00 pm. There are occasions when several lodges and cabins need to be prepared for guests on the same day. We would appreciate knowing your anticipated time of arrival so that we can plan accordingly.
• In order to have time to adequately clean cabins and lodges, we have established a check-out time of no
later than 11:00 am. We may be able to accommodate a late check-out if guests are not expected in
your cabin or lodge immediately, but please let us know in advance if you need this courtesy extended
to you.
BASIC POLICIES & GUIDELINES
Wilderness Edge is a great place to stay, relax and enjoy the outdoors. Our guests enjoy a large measure of
freedom to pursue their various interests, but in the interest of enhancing this leisure experience for all
guests we do ask that a few basic rules be followed.
Speed Limit
• Please observe our 7 mile an hour speed limit signs upon entering the resort, driving between cabins
and lodges, and traveling the Forest Service road to Cliff Lake. Our primary concern is for children
playing along Horn Creek and play areas that border some roads. Also, even though we try to prevent
such an occurrence, pets and horses are occasionally at large.
Guest Resource Guide
Off-Road Motorized Vehicles (ATV’s/UTV’s/Dirt Bikes)
• We have a restrictive off-road motorized vehicle policy - please inquire about standards and local regulations at the Main Office before operating these types of vehicles. The Montana Department of Motor
Vehicles requires that all motorized vehicles driven on public roads (including the county road that accesses Wilderness Edge) be “street legal” and properly registered as such, and that operators are licensed drivers. Recreational use of ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes is not permitted on Wilderness Edge
property.
Pet Policy
• Guests must notify Wilderness Edge in advance of arrival if they plan on bringing a pet (or pets).
• There is a $10 per pet, per night charge (limit 2 pets).
• Pets are allowed to stay in the rustic cabins (special bed covers are provided), but they cannot be left unattended.
• Pets are also allowed in the Horn Creek cabin, but their presence is limited to the rear entry way (mud
room). Again, they cannot be left unattended.
• Pets are not allowed to enter the log lodges. Guests in these facilities will need to bring a portable kennel or board the pet in a vehicle.
• All pets are to be kept on leashes while in the public areas of the resort.
• It is the responsibility of each guest to pick-up and dispose of pet waste.
• Barking dogs are not conducive to a wilderness environment.
Excessive Noise
• The comfort and privacy of all our guests is important. Therefore, we request that guests refrain from
loud conversation and/or party noise, especially after 10:00 pm. Amplified music is not allowed at any
time.
Campfires
• Only two lodges have private fire rings; the Saddlehorn Lodge and the Sagebrush Lodge. Other cabin
and lodge sites do not have fire rings and we cannot allow their construction by guests. There is a
common fire ring for all to share located at the South end of the volleyball court.
• It is very important that all campfires be extinguished with ample water prior to abandoning the site.
• Depending on fire conditions, it may be necessary to restrict and/or prohibit open campfires. Normally, restrictions reflect current regulations in affect at nearby Forest Service campgrounds, but windy
conditions may result in temporary restrictions on open campfires at Wilderness edge.
Firearms
• The discharge of firearms, including pellet guns, is strictly prohibited on Wilderness Edge property, on
the Forest Service road to Cliff Lake and the area surrounding the boat docks.
Forest Service Road to Cliff Lake
• The Forest Service Road to Cliff Lake easily accommodates any vehicle, but some basic caution is in order because the road is too narrow for 2-way traffic. When two vehicles are traveling the road in opposite directions it will be necessary for one of the vehicles to back up to a safe area and let the other pass.
During the summer, cattle graze on adjacent property so it is very important that the Forest Service
boundary gate is kept closed if that is the position it is in when approached.
Horn Creek
• Horn Creek is a shallow creek that runs through the property and is very popular with children. We
encourage their use of it, but ask that parents please be observant when their child or children are playing in this area. The creek has an abundant population of small trout, but fishing licenses are required
for adults. We ask that parents encourage a “catch and release” philosophy for fish caught in the creek.
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Guest Resource Guide
GUEST ACTIVITY OPTIONS AT OR NEAR WILDERNESS EDGE
There are a number of activities that guests can enjoy either on Wilderness Edge property or very close by.
The most significant are those options are the many activities that guests can enjoy on Cliff Lake. Other options include hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and a number of recreational opportunities on the
property.
Cliff Lake-Boat Rentals
• Cliff Lake is the focus of recreational endeavors for many guests that spend time at Wilderness Edge.
For this reason, we manage a permit from the U.S. Forest Service that allows us to offer boat and canoe
rentals. Outlined below are rental rates and policies that apply to renting watercraft.
Boat, Canoe, Kayak Rental Rates
 Boats (14’ John Boat; 5/6 hp motors): $75 full day/$50 half day (After 2:00 pm); plus 4% Montana
Resort Tax
 Canoes & Kayaks: $15 per hour (Minimum 2 hours)/ $50 full day
Rental Policies and Procedure
 All guests must check in with a member of the Wilderness Edge staff prior to using a boat, canoe
or kayak.
 A signed “Release of Liability” form is required prior to using watercraft. (Signer must be 18 or
over).
 Guests will be issued one life jacket for each person at the “boathouse”. These life jackets must be
either worn or be on-board for all occupants of the watercraft. Boaters 12 or under must wear
their life jackets at all times (State law). Please return all life jackets to the boathouse when finished.
 Boaters must comply with boat occupancy limits as stated on a visible tag in each motorboat
(number of boaters or total weight).
 Observe boat safety rules and be cautious of changing wind or weather.
 Cliff Lake is a regulated “no wake” lake. Please watch your speed.
Fishing
• Cliff Lake is a rainbow trout resource that will satisfy the most ardent fly fisherman and those who prefer to spin-cast and/or troll. (Up until 1992 Cliff Lake held the Montana state record for a Rainbow Trout
- 26 lbs.) The lake has a 5 fish limit, and anglers are encouraged to keep only what will be consumed in
a short period of time. It is legal to clean fish and dispose of entrails in the lake, but not on the shoreline
or off the docks. We also ask that guests refrain from cleaning fish in Horn Creek.
• Next to Cliff Lake is Wade Lake, which still holds the state record for a Brown Trout (29 lbs.).
• Hidden Lake is a 6 mile hike with the Forest Service trailhead originating at Wilderness Edge. On the
way is Goose and Otter Lakes. (Both are home to some very large trout – if you can catch them.)
• The Three Dollar Bridge fishing access site on the famous Madison River is only 6 miles from Wilderness Edge.
• Some other great fisheries exist within easy driving distance from Wilderness Edge. Most noteworthy
are:
 Quake Lake
 Hebgen Lake
 Henry’s Lake
 Henry’s Fork
 Rivers, streams and lakes in Yellowstone Park
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Guest Resource Guide
• Our staff can arrange guided trips for those seeking the services of a professional outfitter. Please
check the links page on our website for a list of recommended guide services, or talk to our staff if you
need assistance in securing a guided trip.
• A Montana resident or non-resident fishing license is required for lakes, rivers, and streams in Montana. Children under 12 may fish without a license, as long as there is a licensed adult present. Nonresident fishing licenses can be purchased on-line at the State of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website
(www.fwp.state.mt.us). Our staff can assist you with this process.
Hiking & Mountain Biking
• Wilderness Edge is surrounded by National Forest. One USFS trailhead is located on the property and it
leads to a number of other trails in the Gravely Mountain Range. The road to the Cliff Lake is also a
pleasant walk of just under a mile. Other trailheads within a short drive grants access to wilderness
and primitive areas.
Bird Watching
• Many types of birds inhabit the area around Wilderness Edge. Serious birdwatchers have counted over
75 species and we have them cataloged as The Birds of Cliff Lake on our website. Visitors and guests
are invited to add to this list as new sighting occur.
On-Premise Activities
• Wilderness Edge has available on the resort property a volleyball area, basketball court, horseshoe pits
and a large campfire area for evening fellowship. Also, a free “library” of various board games and puzzles can be checked out at the Main Office.
ATTRACTIONS CLOSE TO WILDERNESS EDGE
Just relaxing and enjoying the solitude of Wilderness Edge has great appeal for many of our guests, but they
can also take advantage of any number of other activities and sightseeing opportunities in the immediate area. We offer here just a few suggestions as a means to help you plan your stay in Southwest Montana. It is
not an exclusive list, so be sure and let us know if you have other interests and don’t hesitate to ask our assistance.
Yellowstone Park
• A majority of our guests take the time to visit Yellowstone National Park. From Wilderness Edge it is a
short (35 minute), scenic drive to the town of West Yellowstone where the West entrance to the Park is
located. The full impact of the Park’s resources is hard to realize with one outing. Main attractions like
Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Tower Falls, Yellowstone Lake
and the various geyser basins are sometimes hours apart so we encourage our guests to set aside at
least two separate days for touring. Please feel free to ask our staff for directions and advice as to
routes of travel within the park.
West Yellowstone
• The West entrance to Yellowstone Park accounts for the largest number of tourists entering the Park
and is located just outside West Yellowstone, Montana. Between 1.3 and 1.5 million people pass
through this bustling tourist town each season. West Yellowstone features a number of good restaurants, an abundance of retail shops, and basic services such as gas stations and grocery stores.
• A trip to West Yellowstone would not be complete without a trip to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. This worthy non-profit provides a life-long sanctuary for grizzly bears and wolves that have come
in contact with humans once too often. Their surroundings replicate a wild environment and visitors
can watch them interact and hunt for food as they might in their natural environment. The Discovery
Center also offers a number of educational venues at their Visitor Center and various children’s programs designed to engage young people in the care and feeding of the animals.
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Guest Resource Guide
Quake Lake
• On August 17, 1959 a powerful earthquake struck southwestern Montana at 11:47 PM. The earthquake
registered a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter scale and caused a huge landslide that buried 28 people
camped along the Madison River. The landslides caused by the quake carried 80 million tons of rock,
mud and debris down into the valley and blocked the flow of the Madison River resulting in the creation of Quake Lake. Today, the history and aftermath of this natural disaster can be viewed at the Quake
Lake Visitor Center that is about 15 minutes from Wilderness Edge. This facility not only profiles what
happened on this fateful date in 1959, but also instructs the visitor as to the hyperactive nature of
seismic activity in this part of the world.
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
• The Refuge was established in 1935 to protect the Trumpeter Swan. Visitors come to view over 230
bird species, photograph native plants and wildlife, and fish the local ponds and creeks for Yellowstone
Cutthroat, Rainbow and Brook Trout. Red Rocks is located about 40 miles from Wilderness Edge, and is
accessed by secondary roads. Travel time to the area is approximately one hour.
Horseback Riding /White Water Rafting
• There are several outfitters and ranches close to the resort that offer horseback rides. Duration ranges
from one hour to overnight. Also available are white water rafting trips, most notably on the nearby
Gallatin River. Our staff will assist you with making arrangements for horseback rides and white water
rafting. A list of providers for these activities can be found on our website.
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS & TIPS
Wilderness Edge is a unique lodging facility that grants our guests a full measure of Montana hospitality.
Based on former guest’s questions and suggestions we offer you some information and advice to help make
your stay as pleasant as possible.
Basic Advice
• Shop for groceries before you get to the resort. The closest full-service grocery stores are in West Yellowstone. However, if you are traveling through Bozeman, Ennis, Idaho Falls or Jackson we suggest
that you take advantage of grocery retailers in those areas. Salt and pepper are the only food items
provided in the lodges and cabins.
• The lodges and cabins do not have televisions, but there is one in the guest lounge located next to the
Main Office. There is one portable flat-screen monitor available to rent for electronic games. Make sure
you indicate your desire to use this piece of equipment as it is on a first come, first serve basis.
• Bring warm clothes as most Southwest Montana evenings and mornings are on the cool side.
• Mosquitoes are not as bothersome here as many parts of the nation and many times during the summer
they are not a factor, but it’s still prudent to have a supply of mosquito repellant on hand.
• Anyone planning on swimming in Cliff Lake should wear “water slippers” to protect their feet from
rocks.
Telephones
• The lodges and cabins do not have telephones. There is one guest phone at the Main Office that requires a credit card or calling card for long distance calls. Also, we will take messages for guests so
please leave resort contact information with friends and family. Cell phones do not work right at the
resort, but service can be accessed a short distance away at the highway junction. Please let us know if
you need assistance with any issues requiring telephone service.
Internet
• Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, but signal strength varies. Signal strength is optimum in the
guest activity room attached to the Main Office.
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Guest Resource Guide
LODGING AMENITIES
• Outlined below are the basic amenities found in the various types of lodging at Wilderness Edge.
Saddlehorn & Sagebrush
Aspen & Madison
Horn Creek Cabin
Rustic Cabins
Multiple Bathrooms
(On Premise)
Multiple Bathrooms
(On Premise)
One Bathroom
(On Premise)
Common Bath Area (Separate from Cabins)
Bed Linen & Towels
(No daily housekeeping)
Bed Linen & Towels
(No daily housekeeping)
Bed Linen & Towels
(No daily housekeeping)
Bed Linen
(No daily housekeeping)
Stove, Refrigerator, Microwave Oven
Stove, Refrigerator, Microwave Oven
Stove, Refrigerator, Microwave Oven
Refrigerator
Frying Pans, Saucepans
Frying Pans, Saucepans
Frying Pans, Saucepans
Hot Plate, Gas Grill and/or
Wood Stove*
Toaster
Toaster
Toaster
Electric Frying Pan
(upon request)
Cookie Sheet
Cookie Sheet
Cookie Sheet
Microwave
Mixing Bowl(s)
Mixing Bowl(s)
Mixing Bowl(s)
Coffee Maker
Plates, Bowls, Glasses
Plates, Bowls, Glasses
Plates, Bowls, Glasses
Wash Basin, Pitcher
Silverware, Serving
Spoons
Silverware, Serving
Spoons
Silverware, Serving
Spoons
Knives, Cooking Utensils
Knives, Cooking Utensils
Knives, Cooking Utensils
Coffee Maker
(Filters Provided)
Coffee Maker
(Filters Provided)
Coffee Maker
(Filters Provided)
Can/Bottle Opener
Can/Bottle Opener
Can/Bottle Opener
Measuring Cups/Spoons
Measuring Cups/Spoons
Measuring Cups/Spoons
Pitcher
Pitcher
Pitcher
Outdoor Gas BBQ
(Charcoal grill provided
on request)
Dishwasher, Washing
Machine, Dryer
Outdoor Gas BBQ
(Charcoal grill provided
on request)
Dishwasher, Washing
Machine, Dryer
Outdoor Gas BBQ
(Charcoal grill provided
on request)
*Please ask for assistance
if you are unfamiliar with
lighting and maintaining a
wood stove in those units
they are available
Getting Here
• The last two page of this document contain maps that will be a handy reference as you travel and arrive
at Wilderness Edge. We highly recommend that you print them off as a means to guide your trip.
• If you have a GPS the resort’s coordinates are N44 46.290' W111 31.470. Again, please have a map
handy when using your GPS, because these guidance systems will sometimes take you on a route that is
not the most direct or comfortable.
• At any time you may call the resort to request assistance with directions.
Page | 6
Belgrade
N
Bu
tt
e
Bozeman
Norris
Galla
ti n
Madi
son
McAllister
Ennis
Virginia
City
Big Sky
Horn Creek Rd
N44 46.290' W111 31.470'
Cliff lake
87
Montana
Idaho
87
Montana
Idaho
Yellowstone ParK
e
ng
Ra
Note: MT / ID Border to Horn Creek Rd - 3 Miles
n ge
Ra
Cameron
Approximate Distances
To Wilderness Edge From:
Hwy 87 - 4 Miles
West Yellowstone - 25 Miles
Yellowstone Park - 26 Miles
Ennis - 50 Miles
Bozeman - 100 Miles
Idaho Falls - 100 Miles
West Yellowstone
Island Park
Fall
Idaho
s
Wyoming
Aspen
W I L D ERN ESS
E DG E
Madison
R1 Bath R2
Community Fire Pit
R3 R4
Volleyball Court
R5 R6 R7
Horn Creek
Horseshoe Pits
B. Ball
Court
Cliff Lake .7 Mile
Corral
Shop Barn
Horn Creek Rd. Approx. 1/10 mile
Hor
n Cr
eek
Guest Lodge
- Phone
- WiFi
- Satellite TV
- Games & Books
Sagebrush
Saddlehorn
Rd .
Scale 1" = Approx. 100'
100'
Office
Parking Area
Please do Not use this section of road
unless your party is in both lodges.