Querencia Lodge is ideally situated for fly fishers interested in YNP, the upper Yellowstone River, the Boulder, the Gallatin, the Madison and all the smaller creeks in those drainages. It's a hop/skip/jump to the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. The fly shop just up the road in Emigrant, Angler's West, is top notch. Joe Skaggs is a marvelous host, former guide, and world class dog trainer who is a font of wisdom, counsel, and great ideas for places to go and things to do. The views of the Gallatins, Absarokas, and Beartooths are spectacular, as are the sunrises and sunsets. There is a resident raven and the aerial battles between ospreys and bald eagles are epic. Joe owns some amazing retrievers and bird dogs, but his special pet is Lady Grizz, his cat! The lodge is a great place to stay and to hang out, very comfortable. The fire pit is fun too! You can walk down to the Yellowstone and throw a line if you wish! Our group of eight would love to come back!

Querencia Lodge is ideally situated for fly fishers interested in YNP, the upper Yellowstone River, the Boulder, the Gallatin, the Madison and all the smaller creeks in those drainages. Its a hop/skip/jump to the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. The fly shop just up the road in Emigrant, Anglers West, is top notch. Joe Skaggs is a marvelous host, former guide, and world class dog trainer who is a font of wisdom, counsel, and great ideas for places to go and things to do. The views of the Gallatins, Absarokas, and Beartooths are spectacular, as are the sunrises and sunsets. There is a resident raven and the aerial battles between ospreys and bald eagles are epic. Joe owns some amazing retrievers and bird dogs, but his special pet is Lady Grizz, his cat! The lodge is a great place to stay and to hang out, very comfortable. The fire pit is fun too! You can walk down to the Yellowstone and throw a line if you wish! Our group of eight would love to come back!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Querencia in Paradise Valley. The house has plenty of space to enjoy gatherings or have privacy. The kitchen is more than adequately appointed with anything you could ever think to need. The outside space is perfectly set up with decks and a stone fire pit. Joe and Mike's hospitality is incredible. They are there to help connect you with any type of activity or guide you're looking for. We did do a float on the river with Joe which was wonderful. My husband coordinated with a Fly Fishing instructor and caught lots of fish!! There are no words to describe the views from this amazing lodge. The ever changing light from the early hours of the day on into the evening that reflects against the backdrop of the Mountains and the valley leading up to them is just jaw dropping. There is no other place like it. We will definitely be back.

This is a very comfortable house in an ideal location .jorvmakes a huge effort to offer suggestions and attend immediately to any small issues that may arise. Well equipped with Leicester linens on comfortable beds. Eating outdoors in the evening surrounded by Mountain View’s cannot be beaten.

When you think Montana, you think of a lodge out in the middle of nowhere. This is it! It’s about 15 minutes to Chico Hot Springs one way, Livingston another and Gardiner south. We enjoyed all three. The lodge and the surroundings are all just beautiful. The owner operates a dog kennel on the property and has chickens. The children especially enjoyed the dogs. We enjoyed Joe, the owner. We also enjoyed the fresh eggs he brought in daily. It was a very short walk to the Yellowstone River and beautiful scenery all around with two or three different mountain ranges. We loved the decor of the lodge. Everything we needed was right there. I hope to be able to stay there again next year. Tell Joe hello for me!!!

Would highly recommend this property to anyone.

What a great time was had by all. We are an extended family who enjoy getting together every year and this is the best there is for us. Everyone has a comfortable bed and easy access to a bathroom. We can take our beloved pets who usually have to stay in a kennel at home. This is our second stay at Querencia and we plan to return again next year. We take turns making dinner. Every adult gets to cook their favorite one night. Joe who is an excellent cook is available if needed. There is access to a river boat trip if one wants. Either MIke or Joe is a great guide if you want to get on the river. The river is closeby , walking distance, and the fishing is good. One of our party flies drones and there is a clutterless field for him to fly in...no telephone wires, no trees, very clear. I can't say enough good about the lodge with Joe and Mike looking after our welfare. The kitchen is exceptionally well equipped.

These were excellent accommodations for my family of 9 to visit Yellowstone and explore and hike the local area. Gorgeous location, western decor, well appointed and delightful, laid back hosts Joe & Mike. The only improvement would be a "woman's touch" to better organize the kitchen particularly. All in all, a great vacation!

Beautiful lodge with great views. Our family of 16, including 2 small children, enjoyed our time together. Plenty of room to eat, sleep, and mingle. Teenagers & young adults especially liked the campfire each evening. Close enough to Chico to make several trips a day (just make sure to get a wristband for re-entry at the hot springs). Host Mike was very friendly and accommodating. Only complaint is that I spent a couple hours cleaning the kitchen upon arrival ... but, all in all, a great experience. Would like to go back during the summer to explore more outside, walk the trail to river, etc.

The drive in was beautiful and from the moment we arrived we felt at home. Mike was so helpful and the house was fully equipped with everything we needed. We got groceries in Livingston, which is only 15 minutes away, and the kitchen was fully stocked with really nice dishes, pots and pans. The fireplace was going when we got there and the house is very warm with heated floors as well. Each bedroom has it's own sink and entrance, and they all have a beautiful view. We brought our 2 dogs and they LOVED it. The entire yard is fenced in and the river is literally a 3 minute walk. We can't wait for our next trip to the cabin- we will DEFINITELY be back!

Our family of 12 people of various ages had a great week at the Querencia Lodge. We sure weren’t ready to go when the week was up. We are planning to come back next year for a longer stay. We liked that we had access to the Yellowstone River where several people caught large Brown Trout. A special treat was having our pets with us. They loved the mountains and were able to run free and there was no threat of them running off. Joe, the proprietor, had chickens and dogs that were entertaining for the children. The kitchen outfitted superbly. Any gourmet cook would be happy the variety of pots and pans and appliances. We used the picnic tables and grills when we ate outside. The rooms are all large and well appointed and there’s plenty of bathrooms. The entire lodge is clean, rustic, and very comfortable. Joe is always there to help with any problems that might come up. We were very close to Chico Hot Springs and went there several times, plus Yellowstone Park was just a short drive. Being fairly close to the grocery stores in Livingstone was a big help, too. We had a great view of the gorgeous mountains. We highly recommend Q Lodge for a relaxing vacation for families.

Many happy memories were created during the three weeks we spent at Querencia. Our two daughters, their husbands and our four grandchildren visited for a week - there was room enough for everyone to be comfortable. Over the weekend we added two nieces and husbands and children for a grand total of nineteen! Joe was gracious enough to let us use the upstairs loft so everyone had a place to sleep.The kids loved playing in the big yard, tending to the chickens (feeding them and gathering eggs), eating outside at the picnic table, toasting marshmallows for s'mores - simple pleasures but ones they will never forget. I can still hear their squeals of delight. The next week was spent with my siblings - the peaceful and cozy atmosphere inspired much reminiscing and laughter. The house was totally charming with a rustic decor and was very well appointed with everything we needed - comfortable beds and linens and a well-stocked kitchen. We could not have asked for a more accommodating host - having Joe around was like having our own personal concierge. He advised us on the best restaurants, hikes and fishing spots. He even took us for a drive to point them out to us. He and his son Mike took us on several river floats and were our fly-fishing guides. We had so much fun - almost everyone caught fish - some even hooked prize rainbow trout! Querencia is very well located - 17 miles or so to Livingston - 6 miles to Chico Hot Springs (we enjoyed the pool and the Day Spa and the saloon) and 30 miles to Yellowstone - very convenient for day trips. I highly recommend Querencia and hope to return someday.

My husband and I arrived with our four children, two granddaughters, both 2 years old, and assorted husbands, girlfriends, and friends. The lodge location is perfect, just a short drive to the North Gate of Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone River runs right through the back yard. We were completely comfortable and never wanted for anything. Joe and Mike are excellent guides, especially for us, as we had never been to Montana and didn't want to spend all our time looking for local activities. We had wonderful dinners. Joe shared some of his antelope and elk and bison meat with us one night and we had burgers on the grill. There was a bonfire every night, complete with smores. The fly fishermen fished, some of us shot sporting clays with Mike, horse back riding was available, and of course we went to Yellowstone. Querencia is a great place for families with lots of different age groups. The property was a favorite of the two year olds, plenty of things to explore, plus chickens, roosters, dogs and more. One of our guests brought her dog and she was allowed to stay in the house with us. When we went to Yellowstone, where pets are not allowed, we were able to put her in the kennels where she was safe until we returned. We all hated to leave but will certainly go back when we get the chance. It truly was one of our best vacations ever, thanks to Joe and Mike. If you like independence when you travel, Querencia is the place for you. As far as price goes, it was half what we normally pay to rent a beach house and had a lot more going on. Thanks, Joe and Mike, for everything!

I booked Querencia Lodge due to it's location of only 17 miles from Livingston, MT. This proved to be a good choice since we went to town several times to restock food and other items for a group of 12. Yellowstone is 35 miles to the south. An easy drive. The beds were very comfortable with a sink in every room. There are 3 full baths to be shared by 5 BR's. This worked out well. Nobody had to wait to use a bathroom. The kitchen was fully stocked with utensils, plates, glassware, etc. There is a fidge/freezer in the kitchen and an additional fridge + freezer in a back room that proved to be very useful for all the food we ran through. Outside were three grills. We grilled out often. After dinner we used the nearby fire-pit to roast marshmallows, etc. This is big sky country and this place has the views to prove it. The sky is most attractive early in the morning and at dusk. Not to be missed. Yellowstone and the Tetons have spectacular scenery and when back at the lodge we had our own beautiful views. Our stay included our very own rental dog "Cooper", a senior citizen black lab that everyone loved. He seemed to love us too since he rarely stayed away. Joe and Mike run the place and were always willing to make sure we had whatever we needed to make our stay comfortable. The best example of that is when Joe called in a favor and obtained some bigger chickens (he already had some not-ready for egg laying ones on site) so the kids could find eggs for breakfast. They found them and we ate them. There is a kennel on site, far from the lodge, so the dogs never bothered our sleep. (barkers had shock collars to keep barking down at night). Joe let anyone walk or play with the dogs as much as we wanted to. Again, this was great fun for the kids. The yellowstone river is in the back yard. The family fisherman cought and released many trout. We did not canoe or boat due to the fast spring flow. We did take a raft trip on the river from the outfitter at Chico Hot Springs (we swam there too) and everyone had a great time. The wireless Internet worked well. It runs at DSL like speeds. It was good enough for most of our needs. The only minor downside (if you see it this way) is that there was no TV service. There is a TV and DVD in the common area, so you can watch movies. There were a bunch to watch. We played cards, talked, laughed, ate, laughed, ate some more, etc. No TV needed. This place is best for a big group or family. You won't be disappointed.

My family and I arrived at the beautiful Querencia on January 29th. We were met by Joe the host...and in a very short while, it felt as though we had all been friends for years. The lodge was so warm and inviting. Joe had a fire going in the stove and our group just seemed to gravitate there for a while before we settled into the luxurious leather sofa and then into our individual rooms. The house was well appointed and gave us the feel of the western lodge that we were seeking. The kitchen was well equipped and met our every need. When I went to bed that evening, I just melted into it....being blanketed by the comforter and laying on the soft pillows. I felt so secure and sheltered...it was at that moment....the most peaceful place I had ever been. I had definitely found my spot.... We had an outstanding couple of days at Querencia...we did the Absorka Dog Sledding, which was  phenomenal. We went horseback riding in the snow, and soaked in the pool at Chico Hot Springs. We enjoyed our stay so much that in fact we added another day and enjoyed our selves so much. Joe was able to advise us on restaurants in Livingston that became one of our favorites...  Joe's knowledge of the area proved to us that Montana is not just a place to live...but it is a way of life. If you would like to experience that way of life.... I highly recommend Querencia to you. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. 

This was my first time to Montana, but I will not stay anywhere else in this area, except with Joe. The photos are real and the sites are real. The rooms are wonderful and cozy. The great room was the best ever, especially for gathering together and the fireplace was the best!!! We rented a car so we had our own transportation for siteseeing. Joe and the dogs are wonderful company and Joe knows the best spots in town for eating and entertainment. Joe made us feel like part of his family and I can't wait to go back. Everything was clean and I would recommend this lodge to everyone.

Whoever named this area "Paradise Valley", was being very modest. With the Gallatin Range to your west, and the majesty of the Absaroka literally rising out of the east bank of the Yellowstone River, led me to feel more like I was at a transition point to the spiritual world. Being the only year-round access to Yellowstone N.P., perhaps it is. Joe Skaggs, and his son Mike make you feel welcome before you even get to say "Hi". Their genuine smiles, and lack of overbearing demeanor are exactly what every traveler needs. Joe is a candid, hand-shake kind of guy; Rare form for this day of age. The lodge is everything advertised, and more. The interior architechture is very modern, yet projects a very cozy, rustic warmth. The common areas feel like their anything but common. We stayed Mon-Fri, with our dog, a 45#, four-month old puppy. Since pets are such a large burden inside of Yellowstone N.P., boarding our pet at the Querencia Kennels free-of-charge for guests was a godsend. One of Joe's many talents is dog-training. He holds ribbons from field-trials. Should your trip be including some Sharptail, or other game bird action, this is a man you want to see. Although I didn't take advantage of the guided fishing they provide (Doh!), anyone could see that this place is well outfitted for this venture. Sun/moon rises over Dexter's Point had left us speechless. No picture will ever do this area justice. I liked what I saw on their web-site: I was stunned when we actually arrived. We have nothing but nice things to say about Querencia Lodge. We're already talking about next summer. If you can find a place as hospitable for TWICE the price, I say you're lucky!

I called at the last minute during the busiest time of the year because of my work schedule. Joe said "you must be desperate." I assured him I was not, but he still said he would make room even though he was booked up. He made room by giving us the suite that he and his son normally occupy (I have no idea where they slept). There were two bedrooms, two baths, and he also allowed us to use his personal living room and kitchen, as opposed to the general living room and kitchen for guests downstairs. I was traveling with my wife, daughter, and parents (mid-70s). Joe not only made room for us at a time of year when I probably would not have found anything, but his hospitality was off the charts. The rates were extremely reasonable, especially given the fact he could have taken real advantage with the situation we were in. He helped us with advice about the area, and was just great. As the week progressed, and room opened downstairs, he moved my parents and daughter to rooms downstairs, giving my wife and I some privacy upstairs. We wound up with 3 rooms instead of two, since he gave my daughter her own room, and only charged us for the two we originally occupied. I cannot say enough good about Joe. If you are looking for a Yellowstone vacation, or anywhere in the southwest part of the state, give him a call. It was a marvelous stay, we enjoyed ourselves immensely, and Joe and Querencia were a big part of that. Had it not been for Joe, I suspect we would have wound up staying home or going somewhere else in the country. My top rating; go visit Querencia!

The lodge is rustic yet very tasteful. Cozy bedrooms with adjoining baths. Homelike living space with full kitchen plus outdoor grilling area. Lots of porches for sitting and watching the geese fly over the river or just listening to the breeze blowing in the trees. I had great walks with the hosts goats and dogs along the Yellowstone river, great fun! Floated the Querencia drift boat on the Yellowstone, very peaceful. I am looking forward to another experience at the Querencia Lodge, this time to bring my children, grandchildren and dogs. This is really a place to share with your family. I would recommend this lodge to everyone.