Usually referred to as Huge Sky Nation, Montana is without doubt one of the most photogenic states I’ve ever explored! I spent six unforgettable weeks road-tripping in June and July via its jaw-dropping landscapes and couldn’t wait to share my favourite spots…
1. Glacier Nationwide Park
I believed this iconic nationwide park was completely breathtaking — a 1910-established gem full of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, historic glaciers, pristine forests, and wildflower-covered alpine meadows!
I drove right here from Lewistown, heading northwest for 4.5 hours, passing small prairie cities and mountain foothills to achieve the doorway to Glacier. I stayed for 4 days and It felt wild, majestic, and awe-inspiring — a distant alpine paradise full of untamed wilderness!
- Location: Northern a part of the state (alongside the border of USA and Canada)
- Location Map
- Measurement: spans over a million acres
- Wildlife: ranges from grizzly bears and wolves to moose and mountain goats and shy Canadian lynx.
My favourite highlights…
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Staying on the historic and rustic Lake McDonald Lodge – I cherished old school room keys, the classic switchboard behind the entrance desk, and the vintage piano tucked beside the staircase!
2. Bozeman
I cherished how this eye-catching little metropolis packed in a lot character — from its classic downtown and scenic mountain backdrop to its fashionable breweries, indie boutiques, and recent, regionally sourced delicacies.
I began my Montana street journey right here flying into Bozeman Yellowstone Worldwide Airport, selecting up a rental automobile, and primarily based myself on the cool and quirky 4-star Subject & Stream Lodge for 3 enjoyable days earlier than heading off. I cherished its hip, outdoorsy, and laid-back vibe – it was a vibrant mountain metropolis combined in with rustic appeal and a cool, trendy edge.
Between mountain climbing the enduring “M” Path, enjoyable in Bozeman’s mineral-rich sizzling springs, rafting wild stretches of the Gallatin River, purchasing and sipping my method down Primary Road, and diving into dino historical past on the Museum of the Rockies — I barely stopped to catch my breath!
I heard from the pleasant locals that winter in Bozeman means severe journey — powdery slopes, frozen waterfalls, and each snowy thrill from snowboarding and snowboarding to tubing, snowmobiling, and mountaineering – it sounded superior!
- Location: Gallatin Valley within the southwest a part of the state
- Location Map
- Inhabitants: approx. 58,000 residents
- Wildlife: black bears, elk, mountain lions, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.
My highlights…
- Tasting craft beers at Bridge Brewing – my favourite was the citrusy Bone Mud Wheat Ale and Bridge Pale Ale, which had a crisp, hoppy end with hints of grapefruit and pine!
3. Yellowstone Nationwide Park
This palms down one of the crucial jaw-dropping locations I’d seen! Established in 1872, it sat atop a volcanic hotspot, giving rise to surreal geothermal options, gushing geysers, travertine terraces, sizzling springs, dramatic canyons, alpine meadows, clear glowing lakes, and roaring waterfalls — all framed by huge mountain ranges and winding rivers!
I traveled from West Yellowstone, coming into instantly via the western gate for simple entry to the geysers and trails and spent 4 days on the cozy, rustic-chic Previous Trustworthy Inn which was positioned within the park.
From the explosive energy of Previous Trustworthy and the psychedelic colours of Grand Prismatic Spring to waterfall hikes, canyon views, sizzling spring terraces, and peaceable moments by Yellowstone Lake — each cease really left me extra in awe than the final (critically)!
4. Whitefish Mountain Resort
I believed it was a critically dreamy, Instagram-worthy mountain resort — with snowy slopes, alpine views, cozy pine forests, and charming chalet-style structure all framed by sweeping views of Glacier Nationwide Park and the Flathead Valley.
I drove 2 hours southwest from Waterton alongside Glacier’s western edge to achieve this alpine resort city — and spent three fun-filled days absorbing the mountain vibes. It felt laid-back and pleasant with an genuine ski tradition ideally suited for households and low-key adventurers.
I stayed on the funky 4-star Firebrand Resort and my days have been full of mountain thrills — driving the scenic raise for epic views, mountain climbing amongst wildflowers on the Danny On Path, ziplining via forest cover, downhill biking, and exploring treetop walkways on guided nature excursions.
Come winter, the locals informed me it’s all motion right here — from world-class ski runs and snowboard parks to snowy tubing hills, serene cross-country routes, and roaring snowmobiles.
- Location: Rocky Mountains, northern a part of the state
- Wildlife: black bears, whitetail deer, purple foxes, bald eagles, and occasional mountain lions.
- Measurement: covers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain
My private highlights…
- Discovering the trendy spa on the gorgeous rustic-chic Lodge at Whitefish Lake and indulging in a soothing, antioxidant-rich Inexperienced Tea & Seaberry Rejuvenating Facial.
5. Beartooth Freeway
The breathtaking views right here had me hooked — the street twisted via alpine tundra, sharp snow-dusted peaks, shimmering glacial lakes, and sweeping meadows, all backed by the mighty Absaroka and Beartooth ranges.
After leaving Yellowstone via the northeast entrance, I drove the unforgettable 68-mile stretch of the Beartooth Freeway to Purple Lodge — a wild and rugged route that delivered nonstop alpine drama.
I spent the day winding up jaw-dropping switchbacks to Rock Creek Vista Level, mountain climbing the scenic Lake Fork and Mystic Lake Trails, recognizing wildlife in alpine meadows, and selecting up quirky finds on the iconic High of the World Retailer.
- Location: runs from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone Nationwide Park in Wyoming to the city of Purple Lodge
- Location Map
- Size: stretches for 68 miles via mountainous terrain
- Wildlife: grizzly bears and mountain goats to moose, elk, pikas, and marmots.
My favourite highlights…
- Looking for distinctive souvenirs on the quirky High of The World Retailer – I particularly cherished the miniature marmot plushies, huckleberry-flavored taffy and retro path indicators!
6. Livingston
With roots tracing again to 1882, this picturesque city wowed me with its dramatic mountain views, historic brick storefronts, retro neon indicators, and peaceable setting alongside the winding Yellowstone River.
From Paradise Valley, I drove simply 25 minutes north alongside the scenic Yellowstone River to achieve the artsy, historic city of Livingston. It had an artsy, historic, and Western-chic vibe — a laid-back mountain city with frontier appeal, and artistic power.
Over two days basing myself on the cool and quirky Livingston Inn, I soaked up Livingston’s appeal — exploring the Danforth Gallery, swaying to reside bluegrass at The Attic, strolling Primary Road, attempting to find treasures at Cactus Blossom Collective and Wolf’s Mercantile, and enjoyable riverside with views of the Absarokas.
- Location Map
- Inhabitants: approx. 8,400 residents
- Wildlife: pronghorn antelope, elk, black bears, mountain bluebirds, and bighorn sheep.
My favourite highlights…
- I cherished listening to from the pleasant locals that the city had featured in A River Runs Via It, The Horse Whisperer, and even Marlboro adverts – I believed it appeared acquainted!
7. Paradise Valley
I believed the surroundings on this gorgeous river valley was wow-inducing — with the Yellowstone River winding via golden meadows, framed by snow-dusted Absaroka and Gallatin peaks, peaceable ranchlands, blooming wildflowers, and fiery mountain sunsets.
Winding 40 minutes south from Bozeman via river valleys and open ranchland, I arrived in Paradise Valley — a peaceable escape with a soothing, back-to-nature really feel I completely cherished.
I stayed at Insta-worthy 4-star Sage Lodge for 2 days and soaked at Chico Sizzling Springs, hiked the Pine Creek Path to Pine Creek Falls, explored the charming retailers and galleries in Livingston, and captured breathtaking sundown views from the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop.
- Location: southwestern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Measurement: stretches round 53 miles from Livingston to Gardiner
- Wildlife: bald eagles and sandhill cranes to elk, grizzly bears, and river otters.
My private highlights…
- All of the unbiased retailers – I particularly cherished the Alpine Peaks Nation Retailer and their aromatic mountain wildflower honey and infused honeys and quirky alpaca “stuffies!”
8. Waterton-Glacier Worldwide Peace Park
I used to be blown away by this UNESCO-listed marvel — two parks joined as one, with glacier-cut valleys, glowing lakes, rugged mountain backdrops, and meadows teeming with wildlife, all standing as a tribute to the pure magnificence and friendship shared throughout the border.
I continued 1.5 hours north from Many Glacier to achieve the peaceable lakes and trails of Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park — and cherished its calm, uplifting and majestic really feel!
For 3 wonderful days, I primarily based myself on the historic and breathtakingly positioned Prince of Wales Resort, in-built 1927, and crammed my time with scenic drives, hikes to Bertha Falls, a ship cruise on Waterton Lake, and stargazing beneath a sky stuffed with stars.
- Location: straddles the border between the USA and Canada, combining Glacier Nationwide Park in Montana, USA, with Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park in Alberta, Canada.
- Location Map
- Measurement: covers over 1,720 sq. miles mixed between the 2 parks
- Wildlife: bighorn sheep, cougars, grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and over 260 chook species.
My highlights…
- Happening a two hour scenic cruise on Waterton Lake with Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. – our information identified the haunting scars from the Kenow Wildfire and even a osprey nest perched excessive in a pine tree!
9. Helena Nationwide Forest
I believed this protected forest was completely breathtaking — an enormous, wild panorama of dense pine woods, rugged mountain ridges, winding rivers, hidden alpine lakes, and scenic wilderness trails.
I continued west for simply half-hour from the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness and primarily based myself on the close by Pope Home – Hist. Mansion (which was only a 30 minute drive away) after which going tenting within the forest. It felt quiet, rugged, and distant — a peaceable forest escape excellent for solitude, journey, and reconnecting with nature!
My two days right here have been filled with journey — mountain climbing Meriwether Canyon and Mann Gulch, tenting beneath the celebrities within the Huge Belt Mountains, exploring the Gates of the Mountains’ sheer cliffs, and catching glimpses of bighorn sheep and mountain goats.
- Location: west-central state (close to the town of Helena)
- Location Map
- Measurement: spans round 976,000 acres
- Wildlife: bears and wolves to moose, mountain goats, white-tailed deer, and lynx.
My highlights…
- Tenting in a single day at tranquil Moose Creek Flat Campground within the Huge Belt Mountains, I pitched my tent beneath towering lodgepole pines and cherished falling asleep to the sound of the trickling creek!
10. American Prairie Reserve
I used to be in awe of the American Prairie Reserve’s infinite grasslands, huge open skies, and quiet rivers, with wild bison herds shifting throughout the golden plains like a scene from the previous.
I drove northeast from Blodgett Canyon for five.5 hours via wide-open plains and distant byways to achieve the huge grasslands of the American Prairie Reserve. I cherished that it wild, distant, and pioneering — a serene, off-the-grid escape targeted on nature, conservation, and quiet solitude!
I spent two days immersed within the prairie — mountain climbing PN Ranch and Buffalo Camp Loop Trails, recognizing wildlife on the golden plains, stargazing from a solar-powered yurt, visiting the American Prairie Discovery Heart, and admiring unbelievable fossils on the Nice Plains Dinosaur Museum.
- Location: northern Nice Plains of Montana, stretching north and south of the Missouri River
- Location Map
- Measurement: covers over 450,000 acres (with a purpose to increase to three.2 million)
- Wildlife: contains bison, pronghorn, elk, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and burrowing owls.
My private highlights…
- The Nice Plains Dinosaur Museum – I cherished seeing actual fossil prep in motion via the lab’s glass home windows and getting up near the large triceratops skulls, historic fish fossils, and even a uncommon fossilized dinosaur pores and skin impression!
11. Whitefish Metropolis Seashore
I believed this well-liked seaside on Whitefish Lake was a complete gem — with delicate sand, clear blue water, and gorgeous views of forested mountains backed by the northern Rockies.
Whereas staying in Whitefish, I took a fast 5-minute drive to the southern tip of the lake to spend the day at Metropolis Seashore — a relaxed, family-friendly spot with gorgeous views and a laid-back vibe I cherished.
I crammed my afternoon with lake adventures — paddling out in a kayak from Whitefish Outfitters, swimming within the clear water, lounging on the seaside with Rocky Mountain views, mountain climbing Lion Mountain Path, and watching the sky flip a shocking shade of pink at sundown!
- Location: southern tip of Whitefish Lake, within the resort city of Whitefish, northwest Montana
- Location Map
- Measurement: seaside stretches approx. 270 meters on the southern tip of Whitefish Lake
- Amenities: restrooms, altering rooms, picnic tables, shaded gazebos, a youngsters’s playground, boat launch, swim space with lifeguards (in summer season), and kayak/paddleboard leases.
- Wildlife: contains osprey, bald eagles, whitetail deer, loons, and occasional black bears close to forested trails.
My favourite highlights…
- Grabbing a shaded spot at a beachside gazebos and taking a scenic picnic there – I believed it was nice that that they had clear, well-maintained restrooms and useful altering rooms simply steps away!
12. Rocky Mountains
Stretching via western Montana, this iconic vary fully wowed me — a wild expanse of jagged peaks, icy lakes, pine-covered ridges, deep valleys, and blooming mountain meadows.
I drove simply over an hour south from Bozeman to achieve Huge Sky, deep within the coronary heart of the Montana Rockies — a wild, majestic playground made for journey, solitude, and jaw-dropping surroundings.
My five-day journey took me from mountain climbing the rugged Pine Creek Lake Path and recognizing elk within the Bitterroot Valley, to snowboarding Huge Sky’s epic runs, soaking at Chico Sizzling Springs, and trekking scenic trails close to Whitefish and Glacier.
In winter, I came upon the realm was a snowy playground with snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country snowboarding, mountaineering, skating, snowmobiling, sledding, winter mountain climbing, fats biking — and even heli-skiing!
- Location: they cowl a significant slice of the western a part of the state.
- Location Map
- Measurement: the Montana portion covers tens of 1000’s of sq. miles throughout the western a part of the state.
- Wildlife: ranges from grizzly bears, elk, and wolves to marmots, eagles, and mountain goats.
My highlights…
- Staying on the Insta-worthy Inexperienced O, I cherished my smooth treehouse-style Haus lodges, which had floor-to-ceiling forest views, a wood-burning hearth, and a non-public out of doors sizzling tub beneath the celebrities!
13. Wild Horse Island State Park
This boat-access-only gem on Flathead Lake fully received me over — with its unspoiled magnificence of untamed meadows, towering pines, quiet seashores, and historic homesteads, all framed by the majestic Mission Mountains.
I drove 1.5 hours south from Whitefish to the city of Lakeside, then took a brief boat shuttle throughout Flathead Lake to achieve the peaceable shores of Wild Horse Island. It felt peaceable, wild, and secluded — a nature-lover’s haven with a timeless, off-the-grid really feel and a contact of frontier historical past.
My day on the island was packed — mountain climbing the Summit Path with sweeping views, swimming off the Shoreline Path, recognizing wild horses within the meadows, and exploring outdated homesteads tucked into the panorama.
I discovered that this was a day-use-only vacation spot with no in a single day tenting allowed, so I primarily based myself on the distinctive and quirky 4-star Swan River Inn in Bigfork as an alternative, which was only a scenic 45-minute drive away.
My highlights…
- I cherished studying from locals concerning the island’s wild horses – they informed me they have been descendants of horses left behind by the Salish-Kootenai over a century in the past and the way they’re now protected!
14. West Yellowstone
This small gateway city completely charmed me with its cozy lodges, outdated Western storefronts, and leafy streets, all set in opposition to a dramatic backdrop of pine-covered mountains and large Montana skies close to Yellowstone’s entrance.
Heading south from Livingston, I took a scenic two-hour drive via Gallatin Canyon to achieve my base, the cool and quirky 1872 Inn — a full of life, rustic hub with a welcoming Western vibe and unbeatable proximity to the park entrance.
Over two days, I explored the city’s highlights — from the Museum of Yellowstone and a enjoyable present on the Playmill Theatre to park adventures through the West Entrance, purchasing at Eagle’s Retailer, and sampling hearty meals at its quirky, comfort-filled eating places.
- Location: western entrance of Yellowstone Nationwide Park, southern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Inhabitants: approx. 1,300 residents
My favourite highlights…
- Having fun with hearty homestyle meals on the Western-style Outpost Restaurant – I cherished my dish of roasted vegetable skillet which got here seasoned root veggies, crispy potatoes, and a contact of smoky paprika!
15. Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
I used to be blown away by this wild and unspoiled place, the place sheer limestone cliffs rose above the Missouri River, forested canyons stretched deep into the land, and meadows bloomed with fairly wildflowers beside secret caves.
From Purple Lodge, I drove northwest for round 4.5 hours, passing via scenic rolling hills and charming small cities, to achieve my base on the Lamplighter Cabins & Suites in Helena — which was only a 30-minute drive from the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness.
I spent two days cruising between the towering cliffs of the Missouri River on a guided boat tour, mountain climbing the historic Mann Gulch Path to the wildfire website, and exploring the scenic Meriwether Canyon Path.
- Location: western a part of the state (close to the town of Helena)
- Location Map
- Measurement: spans round 28,560 acres
- Wildlife: bighorn sheep, bald eagles, mountain goats, mule deer, and black bears.
My private highlights…
- Listening to from my information concerning the tragic 1949 wildfire on the Mann Gulch Path—the place 13 smokejumpers misplaced their lives—was deeply shifting and make clear the way it reshaped wildfire security without end.
16. Blodgett Canyon
I believed this dramatic glacier-carved canyon in western Montana’s Bitterroot Nationwide Forest was an underrated gem with its towering granite partitions, cascading waterfalls, lush pine forests, and wildflower-strewn meadows, all set inside a peaceable, glacier-carved valley.
From Helena, I took a 2.5-hour drive west via ranchland and forests to achieve the Skywater Cabins in close by Hamilton (which was simply 10 minutes away from the canyon). I cherished that the realm was rugged, peaceable, and awe-inspiring – a beautiful hidden gem for hikers and nature lovers searching for solitude and dramatic alpine surroundings.
I crammed the day with journey — mountain climbing the Blodgett Canyon Path previous dramatic cliffs and flowing creeks, photographing Blodgett Falls, climbing to the panoramic overlook, and waiting for wildlife on the serene Canyon Creek Path.
- Location: western a part of the state (close to the city of Hamilton).
- Location Map
- Measurement: canyon path space spans a number of miles throughout the 1.6 million acre Bitterroot Nationwide Forest
- Wildlife: contains mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, black bears, and mule deer.
My private highlights…
- Staying on the beautiful Skywater Cabins – I cherished my cozy memory-foam mattress and sipping on a Hunter Bay Espresso every morning on my personal porch!
17. Montana State Capitol
I’ve cherished Montana’s official statehouse positioned in Helena – it was a putting instance of neoclassical structure with its stately sandstone and granite façade, gleaming copper dome, elegant rotunda, intricate stained glass home windows, and richly detailed murals.
I primarily based myself in Helena for 2 days and visited the Capitol only a few minutes’ drive from my lodging close to downtown. It felt grand, historic, and dignified — a peaceable and provoking place that was a heady mixture of political significance and inventive magnificence!
I spent a captivating couple of hours exploring the Capitol’s elegant rotunda, peeking into the Home and Senate chambers, admiring its murals, stained glass, and copper dome, then heading a mile down the street to tour the fantastically preserved Unique Governor’s Mansion.
- Location: within the metropolis of Helena, west-central Montana
- Location Map
- Inhabitants: approx. 32,000 residents in Helena
- Finest time to go to: Monday – Friday: Excursions at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
- Montana State Capitol Web site
My favourite highlights…
- Happening a guided tour of Unique Governor’s Mansion – I cherished the ornate woodwork, elegant four-poster beds, and all of the tales of Montana’s early governors and their households!
18. Conrad Mansion
I believed this fantastically preserved Nineteenth-century mansion was an absolute gem — a putting showcase of Victorian structure, with ornate woodwork, diamond-paned stained glass, a sweeping oak staircase, and manicured gardens, all perched on a hill overlooking the scenic Flathead Valley and distant Montana peaks!
Simply 25 minutes south of Whitefish, I arrived in Kalispell and toured this beautiful Victorian mansion — a swish, nostalgic gem that supplied a glimpse into Montana’s Gilded Age wrapped in timeless appeal.
I spent two hours on a guided tour via the mansion’s 26 period-furnished rooms, admiring the grand oak staircase and diamond-paned stained glass, strolling the elegant gardens, and studying all about Kalispell’s pioneer previous via the story of the Conrad household.
My highlights…
- Strolling via the fantastically maintained gardens – I cherished how they have been full of fiery-hued zinnias, pom-pom formed dahlias, and purple coneflowers!
