Carrying the Torch: A New Generation Leading Yellowrock

From left to right: Our Grandparents Ray and Afton Granger, our Parents Bobbie and Barry Bartlette and the Kids Dacia and Morgen Hartford. 

Well, Hello.

As the season comes to a close, November is a time of reflection and quiet at Yellowrock. It’s also a chance to catch our breath, reintroduce ourselves, and share our vision for 2025 and beyond. If you’ve driven Montana’s Wild & Scenic corridor along Highway 12 in the last three years, you’ve likely noticed a new signpost. If you’ve been a guest with us during that time, you’ve probably seen some new faces in the office as well.

Let us make a proper introduction. We are Dacia and Morgen Hartford—siblings, business partners, and third-generation owners of Yellowrock. While the name has changed over the years, much of what the family business was built on remains the same: same family, same values. Yellowrock is a place where people come to enjoy outdoor hospitality and experience the great outdoors that Dacia and I grew up exploring

Our staying power for more than half a century is because of you. Your loyalty and trust over the years have allowed Yellowrock to remain a special place to return to, year after year. If you’re a relative newcomer, your search for adventure or calm brought you to Yellowrock. We can’t wait to see you again as we continue to create a place where you can retreat, relax, and revive.

A Legacy of Yellowrock: A Brief History

Our grandparents, Ray and Afton, began hosting square dances in their basement in the 1950s as a hobby. It didn’t take long for their home to feel too small for the growing number of people seeking connection and community. In 1974, they purchased a 26-acre parcel along the banks of Lolo Creek with the vision of creating a space where people could gather, dance, and build friendships. The event center served as a square dance hall and a shop for dance apparel.

What began as an event center quickly evolved, adding campsites for their summer guests and eventually expanding into the more than 50 sites we offer today. When Ray and Afton handed the keys to the business to our parents, there was an understanding that changes would be made to help the business thrive for another generation while keeping the core values intact.

New ownership meant new relationships—our parents forged bonds with nearby landowners and conservation groups like the Lolo Watershed Group and the Montana Climate Office to ensure the health of our natural resources and the future of the business. Campsites were improved, electrical upgrades were made, and new processes were put in place.

As the new owners of Yellowrock, things are coming full circle. For both of us, this was our first job. Riding around on the tractor, raking needles from the campground in exchange for a modest allowance (with bonus candy bars for extra-hard work) seems like just yesterday. Those experiences shaped us and make our ownership all the more meaningful today.

Built On Values: What Has Always Made Us Different

Yellowrock was founded on timeless values: kindness, respect for nature, and community connection. These principles continue to guide our work today, shaping the experience we offer our guests. Our commitment to land stewardship, local partnerships, and personal connections with guests is what keeps people coming back every year. To this day, we still host guests who were friends with Ray and Afton. Hearing from long-time visitors who tell us our parents and grandparents would be proud reminds us that we’re staying true to our roots.

Moving Forward: A Vision for the Future

Our vision is to provide a simple yet elevated outdoor hospitality experience, blending nature with small luxuries that help guests feel both grounded and cared for.

As part of this vision, we’re updating our facilities, introducing unique lodging options, and expanding amenities to enhance your stay. We will continue to modernize operations and streamline the guest experience so you can fully relax, retreat, and revive while you’re here with us. We remain dedicated to sustainable practices, working with conservation and community groups to protect the natural beauty of Yellowrock for future generations. And while there are many updates on the horizon, the core values and spirit of the business will remain the same.

Staying Connected: How You Can Be Part of This Journey

We’re proud of our legacy, and we invite you to share your memories with us. Send us an email or stop by the front desk to tell us what made your stay special—whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. Be sure to check back for spring and summer promotions, and follow us on social media for updates and events as they happen. From our family to yours, thank you for being part of the Yellowrock story. Your loyalty and friendship have kept us going for generations, and we’re excited to continue this journey together. Here’s to new memories and many more seasons to come.

We look forward to welcoming you to Yellowrock as we embark on this new chapter.