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

How long to spend

1 week

Getting there

Start from Bozeman, Livingston, Belgrade, Gardiner and connect your route through regional highways and state roads.

Nearby towns and regions

Bozeman Livingston Belgrade Gardiner Cooke City Gallatin Gateway Explore more regions

Things to do

Gallatin River Retreat

The Gallatin River Retreat sits on ten very private acres, bisected by the Gallatin River. There is one-half mile of Gallatin River frontage (all with easy acce...

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Howlers Inn B&B and Wolf Sanctuary

Montana's only Bed & Breakfast/Wolf Sanctuary, Howlers Inn is a log and stone home on 42 acres in beautiful Bridger Canyon. This is the Montana experience you a...

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Yellowstone Harvest Festival

The Yellowstone Harvest Festival promises a one-of-a-kind experience as we blend the beauty of nature with the power of music. Set against the backdrop of the b...

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Belgrade Chamber of Commerce FALL FESTVAL

Fall Festival is an Event for the entire family! We have a great parade to kick off the day, that leads you right down the road to the park events- hundreds of...

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Livingston Farmers Market

Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE) has been organizing the Livingston Farmers Market since 2002. Featuring the freshest, healthiest food our region offers fr...

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Bozeman MADE fair

Shop and discover a curated collection of 195+ local and regional artists. You can expect to see everything at the show, from affordable, functional works of ar...

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406 Yoga Conference

A 3-day yoga immersion event with over 27 classes including meditation, sound healing, workshops, asana and more! All are welcome! There is something for every...

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Events in this region

Appalachian Spring

Feel the first warm, aromatic breezes of spring as the Bozeman Symphony performs Copland's Appalachian Spring. Also on the program is Adams' Harmonielehre, a breathtaking fusion of...

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Red Lodge Farmers Market

Come on down and say hello to your favorite vendors. Fresh Produce, Veggie Starts, Baked Goods, Local Beef, Flowers Each Saturday starting June 6th through September.

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Gallatin Valley Farmers Market: Bozeman Edition

With over fifty years and five hundred markets hosted by the organization, the Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market (GVFM) continues to support Montana’s local farmers and artisans with...

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Paul Waldum Artist Reception & Book Release Party

The Livingston Depot Museum proudly presents the Featured Exhibit for 2026: “Absarokas: Mountains Defined by Two Rivers” from artist and author, Paul Waldum. “...the Yellowstone to...

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Sounds of America |||: Appalachian Spring

Our season closes with a vibrant program featuring the Sounds of America! The Chairman Dances was the first piece by American composer John Adams that Maestro Huynh ever heard. He...

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Where to stay and partner referrals

Yellowstone Village Inn

Yellowstone Village Inn is located in Gardiner, Montana at the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Our facility is quaint, cozy and comfortable. Our st...

Partner referral

Elk Horn Lodge

Be sure to make the Elk Horn Lodge your base camp for Yellowstone National Park and the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains. Located approximately 20 minutes away from...

Partner referral

Yellowstone River Motel

Yellowstone River Motel is located at the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. We have 38 units, including one three-bedroom family suite. All our rooms...

Partner referral

Absaroka Lodge

Absaroka Lodge is strategically situated directly on the banks of the Yellowstone River... offering a spectacular view. Each room has its own balcony directly o...

Partner referral

Corral Bar Steakhouse

The historic Corral Bar was built in 1947 making it the oldest log structure in Big Sky. The Corral Bar Steakhouse & Motel is clean, comfortable, and affordable...

Partner referral

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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A Three-Day Central Montana Backcountry Adventure

Escape to Montana’s mountains, where the only thing that stands between you and the great outdoors is the drive to get there. From camping and hiking in some of Central Montana’s m...

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10-Day Group Travel Itinerary

From the rolling plains in the south to the rocky peaks in the west, there’s so much to discover in Montana. For groups planning to explore the state’s highlights, here’s an itiner...

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Spooky Sights & Big Sky Frights

As the days grow shorter and the Halloween season approaches, history lovers and families alike begin searching for their next spooky adventure. Turn away from haunted houses this...

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A Three-Day Southwestern Montana Hiking Trip

Ready to get off the grid? This southwestern Montana itinerary takes you on the backroads to find quiet lakes, peaceful hikes and secluded scenery that will make you feel like you’...

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Related stories

Tribal Recreation Permits: Everything You Need to Know

From vast lakes and rivers to rolling prairies, Indigenous lands across Montana hold significance that goes far beyond their natural beauty. Enjoying tribal lands is a rewarding pu...

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One Paddle at a Time: Accessing Montana Lands by Water

It would be easy to assume that Tom Elpel’s favorite way to recreate in Montana is to paddle a river. After all, he carved a dugout canoe with the help of Churchill Clark, a direct...

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Flathead Lake State Parks

Montana’s Flathead Lake is a paradise for water recreation of all kinds. It’s the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River and has more than 180 miles of shoreline to...

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Floating Montana’s River Trails

Montana’s landscapes are shaped by its rivers. Carving canyons out of age-old rock formations and offering the backdrop for the history that put this state on the map, these waterw...

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Flathead Lake State Parks

Montana’s Flathead Lake is a paradise for water recreation of all kinds. It’s the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River and has more than 180 miles of shoreline to...

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Chasing Fish All Year Long

Fishing puns are easy. Often too easy.

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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.

Review guidance