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Explore Montana
Yellowstone National Park
Bozeman is centrally located to two entrances to Yellowstone National Park. The West Yellowstone entrance, which is closest to Old Faithful, is an hour south of Big Sky. The North Entrance in Gardiner leads you right into the Lamar Valley...and you have to drive through the famous Paradise Valley to get there!
Local Hikes - Ousel Falls, Lava Lake, and the M Trail
Montana has no shortage of places to hike. These are just a few of our favorites. Ousel Falls in Big Sky is a 15 minute walk along a groomed trail up to a gorgeous waterfall. Lava Lake in the Gallatin Canyon (pictured) is a 4 hour round-trip hike through the woods and up the mountain to a stunning alpine lake. Great place for a picnic at the top. The M Trail in Bozeman is about a 45 minute, but steep hike near town with tremendous views from the Bridgers at the top.
Fly Fishing
The Rainbow Ranch Lodge sits right on the banks of the world famous Gallatin River, and the Gallatin Canyon between Bozeman and Big Sky is where many of the fishing scenes from A River Runs Through It were shot. Early June is Spring in Montana. Runoff can affect some of our local freestone rivers, but the fishing can still be incredible. You might even get some of the famous salmonfly hatch! Your best bets for that time of year may be the Upper Madison River, the Gallatin River above Big Sky, or the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. If you are looking for guides, we recommend Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky or The River's Edge in Bozeman. Tight lines!
Big Sky Resort
Ride the tram to the top of Lone Peak, take a zipline tour, do some mountain biking...you name it.
Whitewater Rafting
The Mad Mile on the Gallatin River holds some of the best and most challenging whitewater around, and there is plenty of waves for the first timers too. Go with the experts at Geyser Whitewater or Montana Whitewater.
Local Breweries and Distilleries
Montanans love their craft beer and cocktails! Bozeman has over 20 breweries and at least a half dozen distilleries. MAP Brewery is about a 10 minute drive from Downtown Bozeman with fantastic views of the Bridgers and great bar food. Outlaw is a neighborhood brewery and our version of "Cheers." If you want to drink like a local, this is the place. Devil's Toboggan is a classic speakeasy in the Cannery District in Bozeman with amazing cocktails and Sinatra music. In Big Sky, we love Beehive Basin Brewery near the Town Center in the meadow.
Soak in the Hot Springs
Few things are more Montana than taking a soak in one of our hot springs, and there are several in the area: Bozeman Hot Springs near Four Corners - convenient 15 minute drive from downtown Bozeman, it features several pools that can get a little crowded. Go during the day if you're looking to relax. Yellowstone Hot Springs - an hour drive from Bozeman through the Paradise Valley and Yankee Jim Canyon, this gem is relaxing with several pools and fantastic scenery along the Yellowstone River. Chico Hot Springs - also in the Paradise Valley, this classic older Montana resort has a bar attached to the pool that can get pretty rowdy. Norris Hot Springs - about a 30 minute drive from Bozeman out to the Lower Madison River, this little hot springs is more rustic and has a bar. It is not what you would call scenic though. A down and dirty hole in the ground. Renova Hot Springs - Find this one if you dare...it is true natural hot springs along the banks of the Jefferson River.
Jake's Horses Inc.
Horseback riding right down the street from Rainbow Ranch Lodge!
Stacey's Old Faithful Bar & Steakhouse
Stacey's is a taste of Old Montana between Bozeman and Big Sky!
Western Café
Bozeman, Montana's version of a Waffle House. Get the chicken fried steak and don't look back!
Feed Café
Our favorite breakfast place in Bozeman and a fantastic lunch spot too
Blackbird
Great dinner spot in Downtown Bozeman.
Feast Raw Bar & Bistro
Our first date spot!
Corral Bar
Right across the street from the Rainbow Ranch Lodge, the Corral Bar is an old log cabin bar with a lot of character and lots of stuffed critters on the wall. Great Bloody Mary and breakfast spot!
Riverhouse BBQ & Events
Best BBQ and live music with a view in Big Sky
Horn and Cantle
Fantastic restaurant in Big Sky. Get your reservation well in advance!
Tips Up Big Sky
A fun, casual hang out bar in the Big Sky Town Center. Great place to go after a hike!
Bodhi Farms
For a unique Montana dining experience, we highly recommend Bodhi Farms. It's a little off the beaten path but will not disappoint. They also offer glamping and day spa treatments.