Trips & Routes

Build itineraries from routes, stories, and events

Use these route-first building blocks to shape your trip, then save what matters and adjust by region, season, and preparedness.

Route library

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...

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...

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’...

A Three-Day Ice Fishing Trip in Northeast Montana

Fishing isn’t just for the warmer months: Here in Montana, it’s a year-round sport. Trade your waders for spikes and take to the ice for a fishing trip in northeastern Montana that...

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Ringing in the Holidays on Flathead Lake

Kick off the holiday season with this three-day itinerary to get you into the Christmas spirit. With scenic winter hiking, warm and cozy restaurants and enough yuletide cheer to la...

Biking the Burger Trail

Motorcycle enthusiasts, get ready to hit the road on this four-day route that takes you through some of the region’s most iconic scenery. Along the way, enjoy delicious signature b...

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Central Montana Motorcycle Adventure

Rev up your engines: It’s time for a road trip! This central Montana loop takes you through scenic landscapes, inviting small towns and historical landmarks that help to tell the s...

Eastern Montana Camping Adventure

Your adventure begins with setting up camp at Brush Lake State Park. The park and its scenic, namesake lake lie just about 25 miles from the Montana-North Dakota border in the nort...

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Montana's Biggest Weekend

Looking for a Labor Day getaway? Set your GPS to Dillon for Montana’s Biggest Weekend, a celebration of Western tradition with rodeos, exhibitions and a carnival. Along the way, vi...

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Dinosaur Discovery in Eastern Montana

For aspiring paleontologists and archaeologists-at-heart, this five-day prehistoric expedition through eastern Montana will satisfy your curiosity with up-close-and-personal experi...

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Reel in Relaxation: A Small-Town Montana Fly-Fishing Itinerary

From waiting for bites on the water to grabbing a bite yourself, this five-day Montana fly-fishing getaway takes you on some of the best rivers in the state and to the charming com...

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14-Day Western Experiences and History Road Trip

Experience Montana (and a bit of North Dakota) culture up close and personal on this two-week-long expedition showcasing some of the state’s most iconic towns, sights, eats and att...

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Snowmobiler’s Three-Day Western Montana Escape

Western Montana is home to some of the most diverse terrain in the state, and once the snow blankets the landscape, it becomes a snowmobiler’s paradise. From climbing mountainsides...

Spooky Southwest Montana

Southwest Montana is full of history, from the expedition of Lewis and Clark to the boom and bust of the gold rush. There are plenty of stories to be told about how this region cam...

Bynum to Great Falls

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and escape to nature for some much needed quiet with this three-day itinerary. The route takes you from the Rocky Mountain Front in B...

Down Home and Deep

The soul of skiing is alive and strong in Montana. It lives on in community-oriented ski areas; affordable lift tickets, rentals and lessons; and classic double chairs.

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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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Family Ski Trips To Soak Up Montana's Mountain Magic

When it comes to picking a destination for a family ski trip, there are many options to choose from. But there’s only one place that delivers 14 ski areas, 15,000 acres of terrain...

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Warrior Trail Highway

This history-packed trip starts in Billings and travels across Southeast Montana to showcase some of the best Native American warrior history of the Great Plains. Hear tales of tri...

Peaks and Valleys

This scenic drive is one that will amaze. Start in Missoula, located at the junction of five mountain valleys: Clark Fork Valley to the west, Flathead Valley to the north, Blackfoo...

Sleeping Buffalo Trail

This winding scenic drive along the great Missouri River begins in Helena, leading to the Buffalo Jump in Ulm, and onto Great Falls in Central Montana. You'll visit and learn more...

Small Towns & Ghost Towns

Wander through authentic 1800s ghost towns on this rambling four-day route over mountains, across the Continental Divide, and along blue-ribbon trout streams. Butte (population 33,...

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On the Loose in Big Sky

Begin in Bozeman, the adventure capital of the Northern Rockies. In winter, learn to ice climb in Hyalite Canyon or hit the slopes at the laid-back Bridger Bowl.

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Planning 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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Life in Missouri River Country

Anyone who knows Missouri River Country, the northeastern corner of Montana, knows unlocking its magic requires one simple act: slowing down. This place is simply not what it seems...

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7 Montana Lakes With Great Ways to Spend Time In and Around the Water

As temperatures rise and days grow longer, Montana’s waterways draw folks looking to spend time in, on and around the water engaging in favorite warm-weather recreational activitie...

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Off-Roading in Montana

Load up your motorcycles and dirtbikes and gas up your ATVs: It’s time to hit the trails in Montana. Hoping to race through Montana’s endless rolling plains or navigate exciting mo...

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OHV Permits in Montana

Before setting out on your off-highway vehicle this summer, it’s important to make sure you’ve got the proper permits to traverse the terrain. Not sure where to start? Here are a f...

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The Off-Roads Less Traveled

Adventure comes easily in the terrain near Great Falls in Central Montana. Here, where wide-open prairie meets dramatic mountains, a trove of outdoor experiences awaits.

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OHV Camping in Montana

From riding through dry riverbeds to climbing mountainous, technical terrain, the OHV trails that snake through Montana’s diverse landscapes are endless. And there’s no better way...

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Events to layer into routes

Game Day!

Come join us for fun family game day. Everyone is invited to come. Every Second Saturday of the month from 1-3pm.

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The Dead South With Amigo the Devil

Award-winning Canadian folk/bluegrass band The Dead South will return to KettleHouse Amphitheater in Bonner, MT on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with special guest Amigo the Devil. The...

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Christopher Cross

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Christopher Cross is set to perform live at The Wilma on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This is a fully reserved seated concert, so if you have your eye...

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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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Bitter Root Day

Bitter Root Day is a festival centered on our state flower, the Bitter Root, and the Salish People. The Ravalli County Museum’s Annual Bitter Root Day Festival features arts, craft...

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Paddleheads Star Wars Night (Missoula vs Oakland)

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... The Missoula PaddleHeads host Star Wars Night at the ballpark. Bring your friends, family, and lightsabers for an intergalactic clash b...

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"Poncho" BBQ-Cookoff

Come join us for the Jory Schipman Memorial "Poncho" BBQ - Cookoff We're gonna have a BBQ!! Get your team together, or cook by yourself it don't matter we only want to have fun. Af...

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Hot Springs Homesteader Days

June 12 - 14, 2026 The Skunk Alley 3K and 13K Runs are Saturday morning at 9AM. The car show also starts at 9AM on Saturday. The open rodeo is Saturday night at 5PM and Sunday afte...

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Preparedness

Preparedness for route-based trips

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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