Region Trip Planning

Yellowstone Country

Wildlife | Skiing | Resorts | Geysers This place we call home is an unparalleled year-round vacation destination, and that’s not something we ever take for granted. Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonder of epic proportions and the region beyond the park is every bit as lovely, with smaller crowds and attractions just as big.

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Why go

Wildlife | Skiing | Resorts | Geysers This place we call home is an unparalleled year-round vacation destination, and that’s not something we ever take for granted. Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonder of epic proportions and the region beyond the park is every bit as lovely, with smaller crowds and attractions just as big.

Best time to visit

Summer, Winter, Spring

How long to spend

1 week

Getting there

Start from Big Timber, Absarokee, Red Lodge, Big Sky and connect your route through regional highways and state roads.

Nearby towns and regions

Big Timber Absarokee Red Lodge Big Sky West Yellowstone Gallatin Gateway Cooke City Explore more regions

Things to do

Sweet Grass County Chamber of Commerce

Big Timber is the gateway to the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness and has some of the best blue ribbon trout fishing in the state. Big Timber sits in the valley fo...

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Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is the world's first National Park, also the largest in the United States. Yellowstone was designated the world's first national park...

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Johnson Place

The Johnson Place guest house is the original house on an historic 1,200-acre ranch located near the site of the second Crow Agency. Straddling the valley of th...

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Backcountry Film Festival

The Winter Wildlands Alliance creates this Backcountry Film Festival as a fundraiser for local organizations involved with non-motorized winter recreation. Cont...

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World Snowmobile Expo

West Yellowstone's World Snowmobile EXPO combines great snowmobile racing with a 'First Look' at the upcoming season's new snowmobiles and products. The Sno Wes...

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Mad Wolf Winter Relay

The Mad Wolf Relay is a true ode to Winter Sports with an alpine, nordic and fat bike or snowshoe relay starting at the Big Sky Resort and ending at Lone Mounta...

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Skijor West: National Championship Finals

Skijor West is the culmination of ten weeks of skijoring competition: Skijor USA National Championships Finals. Competitors and Spectators come enjoy a full wee...

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320 Guest Ranch Skijoring

COME ON DOWN AND SEE SOME TRUE MONTANA WINTER FUN! - FREE for Spectators Join in on a winter tradition and bring the family to watch the skier and horse riding...

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Madison Crossing Lounge

Built in the former West Yellowstone schoolhouse, originally built in 1918, and now occupies the first grade classroom! We also offer a full-service bar with a...

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Events in this region

Langhorne Slim The Dreamin’ Kind Tour

Americana singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim is bringing The Dreamin’ Kind Tour to Montana in 2026 — performing at the Top Hat in Missoula on April 28th and The ELM in Bozeman on Apr...

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Farce of Nature

This southern-fried farce highlights the life of the Wilburn family. The struggling family fishing lodge becomes the backdrop for a collection of flawed characters stirring up a co...

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The Shane Center Teen Theatre presents THE LIGHTNING THIEF

THE LIGHTNING THIEF runs May 1 - 17, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3 pm with a Thursday evening performance the final weekend. When 16-year-old Percy Jackson discov...

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bozeman spring made fair VIP Night

The Bozeman Spring MADE fair is a modern handcrafted market featuring 190+ artists at the Brick Breeden Field House Friday May 1 $10 VIP 5 -8 PM Saturday May 2 $5 Early Bird 9 -10...

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Pioneer Banquet

Join the Park County Pioneer Society for its annual banquet! This favored event has food and beverages, fellowship, music, dancing, a roll call of deceased members, and the introdu...

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The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Billings, MT

North America’s largest award-winning interactive true crime murder mystery dinner show invites you into a night of laughter, mystery, and audience-driven intrigue. Enjoy a full di...

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Where to stay and partner referrals

Suggested routes and related content

Routes

Unforgettable Yellowstone Country

Outdoor adventure and spectacular scenery abound on this five-day scenic loop through southern Montana and into Yellowstone National Park. Hike on a wilderness plateau.

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Yellowstone Gateway Communities

The vibrant and charming Montana communities that surround Yellowstone National Park complete your park experience. Discover epic adventures in the ski town of Red Lodge; the arts...

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Yellowstone Country Trips

Explore Trip Ideas and Inspirations in Yellowstone Country.

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Wonders of Yellowstone Country

The Beartooth Highway, winding from Red Lodge to Cooke City, offers so much rugged grandeur that you won't be in a rush to reach Yellowstone National Park. But once you enter the p...

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Four Days of Winter Experiences

On this four-day sampler of Montana winter fun, somewhere among the exhilarating snowmobiling and downhill skiing, the cozy cabins and hot springs and the one-of-a-kind sights and...

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The Hottest Natural Springs

When visiting Montana, it can be easy to jam-pack your trip with non-stop adventure. Hiking through Glacier! Staying up all night stargazing! It's all worth doing, but it's also im...

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Four Day Warm and Cozy in Southwest

Norris Hot Springs > Butte > Anaconda > Jackson Hot Springs + Elkhorn Hot SpringsYou can’t get more Montana than this winter getaway featuring snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and small-...

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Related stories

Freezout Lake

Each spring, hundreds of thousands of snow geese, tundra swans and other waterfowl fly from the southwestern United States on their migratory journey north. Along the way, these bi...

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Accessibility and responsible travel

Responsible travel notes

Learn protocols, local context, and cultural guidance before visiting tribal nations.

Respectful travel guidance
Preparedness

Preparedness notes for this region

Make preparedness part of your trip plan: weather, roads, fire, access, safety, and respectful travel protocols.

Weather and Seasonality

Pack for rapid weather changes and elevation swings, even in summer.

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Road Conditions and Winter Driving

Check closures, chain requirements, and active construction before driving.

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Fire Awareness

Review current fire restrictions and air quality before outdoor plans.

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Wildlife Safety

Carry bear spray where recommended, keep distance from wildlife, and follow posted guidance.

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Park Access and Reservation Reminders

Check park access requirements, timed-entry reservations, and shuttle updates before your trip.

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Winter Driving

Monitor road cameras, weather alerts, and traction requirements before mountain travel in winter.

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Responsible Recreation

Follow Leave No Trace practices, respect closures, and recreate responsibly on public and private lands.

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Respectful Travel in Indian Country

Learn protocols, local context, and cultural guidance before visiting tribal nations.

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Accessibility Planning

Confirm accessibility details with lodging, attractions, and event hosts before arrival.

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