Jacqui & Bryce
Things To Do
Yellowstone National Park
Due to recent flooding, the northern entrance is closed. The closest entrance is through West Yellowstone. It is a longer drive, but it's beautiful! You'll go right past Big Sky along the Gallatin River. You should go to Yellowstone if you've never been there. If possible, go during the week, as it will be a little less crowded. The main attractions are crowded because they are truly epic, and it's probably worth fighting the crowds to see the bucket list famous stuff. It will take all day to drive through the park--don't rush. Some people spend months doing it. To avoid the crowds, literally just hike more than half a mile from any parking lot. Bring binoculars for wildlife! To see Old Faithful, look up the times it's expected to go off and work around that schedule--you don't need to spend an hour and a half waiting at the gift shop! Also, if you walk off of the boardwalk at a thermal feature, or try to get too close to the wildlife, you're uninvited to our wedding.
Hiking Near Livingston
Sooooo many opportunities to bust out your old hiking boots. Easier: -Pine Creek Falls (~1 mile one-way, pretty flat, ends at a beautiful waterfall) -The Hogsback (~1.5 miles one-way, rather steep, but with gorgeous views the whole time) -West Boulder Meadows (~2.5 miles one-way, mostly flat with a few switch backs, to a beautiful river meadow) -Passage Falls (~1.5 miles one-way, pretty flat, end up at the top of a super cool waterfall) -Petrified Forest (you can hike as much or as little as you want, but to see a lot of petrified wood you'll have to go 1-1.5 miles ish) Hard: -Pine Creek Lake (~5 miles one way, steep and strenuous, epic alpine lake and views) -Gold Prize Creek (~3.5 miles one way, steep and strenuous. Can go all the way to Emigrant Peak, but do your homework and be careful) -Ramshorn Peak (~4.5 miles one way, steep but not as killer as the other 2. Amazing views of Yellowstone and Paradise Valley) Also SO MUCH MORE. Just ask us!
Hiking Near Bozeman
So much hiking, so little time. I split up Livingston and Bozeman area hikes because I have limited characters...really, hikes in either area are accessible from either town. Easier: -Sourdough Canyon (Bozeman Creek Trail). Nicely graded trail close to town. -Drinking Horse. ~2 miles round trip. Right in town. Moderately steep. -Ousel Falls (Big Sky--~45 mins from Bozeman). Beautiful waterfall, short flatish hike -Spanish Creek/Pioneer Falls -See Hyalite Recommendation! Moderate: -Lava Lake (Gallatin Canyon, ~35 mins from Bozeman). ~5 miles round trip, mostly flat with switchbacks at end. Beautiful alpine lake. -Sacagawea Peak (Highest point in the area). Rough road to get there, short steep hike. Worth it! -Storm Castle (Castle Rock). ~4 miles round trip, pretty steep, epic view -Grassy Mountain (Bangtail Divide) ~2 miles, switchbacks up to flat ridge Hard: -Baldy Mtn (~4 steep miles) close to town -Cinnamon Mtn (South of Big Sky). ~5 mi, steep, in places epic!
Hyalite Canyon
Hyalite is more of a Bozeman destination than a Livingston one, but since many of you will be passing through Bozeman, it's definitely worth checking out. Hyalite is a breathtaking canyon about 20 minutes from downtown Bozeman and offers tons of opportunities for all kinds of recreation, including: -Fishing -Kayaking/ Paddleboarding/ Just floating around -Picnicing -Casual Hiking (Grotto Falls, Palisade Falls, Westshore Trail) -Not-So-Casual Hiking (Blackmore Peak, Hyalite Peak) -Huckleberry Picking (Sorry, can't share any specifics there...but they are everywhere) -Camping -Rock Climbing -Road or Mountain Biking -Waterfall Hopping (Palisades is my favorite, but a hike up the Hyalite Peak Trail will yield at least one waterfall every half mile) -Even just driving around will yield amazing views. The main road is paved and in great condition, but if you take a side road, take it slow and consider whether or not you have the right car for the road.
Bannack State Park
Bannack is a bonafide western ghost town, with all the crazy stories you can think of to go along with it. Everything is cool about Bannack--it's tucked back in a scrubby desert-y canyon, there was gold, there were vigilantes, AND you can go into almost every building. As a history nerd, I can't recommend the place enough. It's admittedly a hike from Livingston at about 2 hrs and 45 minutes away, but if you want to see a legit ghost town, it's worth the drive. It would also be a great stop if you are coming from points west/north. Also, for the record, any long drive in MT is going to yield fantastic opportunities for hiking, awesome views, changing landscapes and probably some wildlife.
Red Lodge
Cutest darn town in the Beartooths! About 2 hrs from Livingston, it is a gorgeous place with art, museums, great restaurants and bars, and amazing outdoor access. You would be doing yourself a personal disservice if you didn't go to Prerogative Kitchen (get the bone marrow...honestly get anything), and the Red Lodge Ales brewery is a Montana legend.
Big Sky
Clocking in at about 1.5 hrs from Livingston, Big Sky is not exactly just around the bend, but if you are not looking to work your hiking legs, it might be a great day excursion to check out! Big Sky is home to Big Sky Resort, the Yellowstone Club (where Tom Brady and friends hang out in the off season), and a beautiful Meadows Village. Check out some top notch restaurants and shops, go for a hike (Ousel Falls is very easy!) (Beehive Basin for a tougher one!), or head all the way to the resort to take a scenic tram ride to the top of Lone Peak. If you're looking for a million dollar view without climbing a mountain, this pretty much can't be beat. Fair warning though--there is not much that is affordable about Big Sky.
Downtown Bozeman
We both lived in Bozeman for years, and have found tons of fun places to eat, drink, hike and be merry. Our haunt back in the day was Pub 317. We met at Cafe Fresco. Our favorite splurge date: Izakaya Three Fish. Blackbird is great. Best brewery: that's highly contentious. Try them all! ...but maybe MAP. Pete's Hill is an awesome and easy walk to get to from town. Sourdough Trail: lovely. If you want to drink with a view, and you're feeling swanky, check out Sky Shed. If you want to drink with a view, and you're not feeling swanky at all, check out the Crystal Bar Rooftop. If you want to drink with a view and you want something kind of in the middle, the Bozeman Taproom is for you! Out late in Bozeman? Tarantino's Pizza is a must, or keep your eyes peeled for the Mo'Bowls food truck. For breakfast, the Western Cafe is an absolute classic. Feed Cafe is awesome, kind of trendy. The Cateye is hilarious and good. Storm Castle is a local legend, but only go if you are absolutely famished.
Chico Hot Springs
Hot Springs pools, casual bar, classic fancy restaurant, and classic old school hotel, Chico has it all. Whether you stay in one of the classic hotel rooms, eat Beef Wellington in the dining room, or just take a quick soak in the pools, Chico is a worthy stop after a day of hiking or site-seeing. And if you sneak up above Chico to the Yellowstone Film Ranch, you can see where lots of western movies are shot!
Livingston Farmer's Market
For a little town, we have a pretty sweet little farmer's market! Check it on on Wednesday nights. There will be fresh produce (obviously) but also food trucks, beer, crafts, music, etc. Located at Sacagawea Park, which is right on the Yellowstone River, it's a pretty cool scene.
Wild Crumb
Wild Crumb is a magical bakery (James Beard Award finalist) that is truly worth flying to MT just to eat at. Since you're already coming, you really have no excuses. Closed on Mondays
Campione
This place is right in downtown Livingston, and it's seriously so legit. It's super tiny and hard to get a table, so get your act together early and keep calling over and over again, but go here if you want good Italian food.
Trü North Cafe
Sweet little coffee/breakfast spot in downtown Livingston. The fluffy egg sandwich will fuel any and all adventures. They do tend to be a bit slow, so call ahead if you are in a hurry.
Murray Bar
The Classic Livingston Bar. Just go there, you'll get it. They have music sometimes, they've got food nextdoor, they're open late, they're fun.
Neptune's Brewery
We are big fans of the beer at the hilariously nautical-themed Neptune's Brewery on L street here in Livingston. You can sit outside and bring your dog, and you can bring food from anywhere. There is also a restaurant here in town that is sort of related...we are recommending the brewery.
The Mint Bar and Grill
Best bar food in Livingston by far. **Formerly** the best fries anywhere, but they changed the restaurant. Still really good bar food. Also our favorite bar.
Mark's In & Out
An absolute Livingston classic, you must take at least one trip to Mark's In & Out for the best smashburgers and milkshakes west of the Mississippi. There will be a long line--stand in it.
Yellowstone Valley Grill
We just recently came here for the first time in June 2022, hearing good things about their new chef. Partway through the dinner, I made reservations for a few weeks later. We were blown away! Amazing food with innovative techniques, extremely local food, and one of the most stunning views you'll ever have at a restaurant. Couldn't recommend it highly enough. Get a table on the patio!
Livingston Roundup Rodeo
The Livingston Rodeo is the weekend before the wedding, July 2-4. If this western cultural mainstay is appealing to you, look into getting tickets here: https://livingstonroundup-com.3dcartstores.com/Tickets_c_11.html
Yellowstone River
TBD ON FLOOD-RELATED CHANGES. CURRENTLY CLOSED AS OF 6/20/22. The Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley is literally the stuff of dreams...and it's RIGHT HERE. If you like to fish, or paddle, or just stroll by the river, or even just drive by the river...this is the river of all rivers. Seriously. If you want to fish, call up the Yellowstone Angler to set up a guided trip, or just get fly recommendations. If you want to kayak, Montana Expedition and Trading Company has kayak rentals. Or you could raft with someone like the Rowdy River Guides...just book whatever you do in advance! If you have your own vessels, you could even hire a shuttle service like B & G Shuttle Service to move your car to the take-out!
Beartooth Highway
STAY TUNED FOR FLOOD RELATED UPDATES. CLOSED AS OF 6/20/22. The Beartooth Highway is a totally epic drive, potentially going higher in elevation than you've ever been and providing views of approximately a million miles in all directions. I can personally guarantee that you can make a snow angel at the top in July. It goes from the adorable town of Red Lodge, MT to the Cooke City, which is the Northeastern entrance to Yellowstone. We are definitely talking about some serious driving, as Livingston to Red Lodge is about an hour and a half, the Beartooth Highway itself is at least 2 hours, and Cooke City back to Livingston is at least 2 and a half. A night in Red Lodge or Cooke City would be a worthy pause, or there are tons of gorgeous camp sites along the way. Definitely bring your fishing rod, too (don't forget to get a license!). This is what has to happen so they can open it up in June: https://youtu.be/DaFg8tskA-Y