The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Montana
By Michelle|Published May 17, 2023
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
We feel pretty lucky to call Montana home. From the hikes to the lakes to the moments we simply look out the window to see the most incredible views, it’s impossible not to find beauty every day. The only problem? Sometimes there’s so much to do, planning a way to see it all can be intimidating. That’s why we love the idea of taking two days for a road trip to some of the highlights. To make the most of your time in the state, carve out some time to hop in the car to explore these outdoor adventures and activities in Montana!
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
This incredible two-day trip offers access to a beautiful hiking trail, a waterfall, and a lake. And, since no road trip is complete without great food we've included our favorite restaurant for outdoor dining. While the entire journey is only just over two hours, we've also included an overnight option so you can take things nice and slow.
Hike Beehive Basin in Big Sky
We'll begin the fun by heading to Big Sky, one of the most beautiful parts of the state.
There's quite a bit to do here, so you could easily make this a day trip on its own. But, it's also possible to enjoy it in just a few hours. The Beehive Basin Trail is approximately 6.6 miles. There's some elevation gain, but it's gradual so anyone with hiking experience (including kids!) should find this doable. To start, make your way to the trailhead near the Big Sky Resort's chairlifts.
At about 1,500 feet up, you can see the gorgeous views of Lone Peak. There's also a lake to stop and enjoy. We think you'll love this as the beginning of the journey because it offers some of the freshest air in the state, getting you ready for what's to come. It's truly one of the best outdoor adventures and activities in Montana!
Despite being located near the Big Sky Town Center, this gorgeous waterfall is considered one of the best secrets in the state. Of course, the waterfall itself is awe-inspiring, but the journey is also pretty cool. The trail follows an alpine ravine created by water flowing towards the larger Gallatin River. It should take a little over an hour to get there and back if you take your time. But, remember we're not in a hurry here! Enjoy yourself.
To satiate your hunger, it's time for a visit to one of the best outdoor dining experiences in Bozeman. With a rooftop deck that gets positively rockin' there's a good chance you'll want to spend a few hours here. Especially when you see the size of their burgers!
Stay Overnight near Bridger Bowl
After a full day, it's time to relax early. Spend the night at this rental condo near completely surrounded by trees.
This condo is situated perfectly for those who want to continue to enjoy the great outdoors. There's plenty to do right outside. If you start your road trip early enough, you're likely to arrive here in the afternoon. That means you'll have the better part of the day to explore and continue the fun.
Another option is to simply enjoy the alpine views from inside or the outside deck. This rental sleeps four people in two bedrooms with 2.5 bathrooms. It comes with internet access, air conditioning, and access to the Gallatin National Forest.
Enjoy Fairy Lake for the Day
Enjoy a full day at Fairy Lake, located at the base of the Sacagawea Peak in the Bridger Mountains.
This little-known glacial lake offers plenty to do if you'd like to spend a full day here. From fly-fishing to canoeing to hiking, there are lots of different ways to see this beauty.
We recommend you arrive early and start with the 1.2-mile loop trail around the lake. This is a great way to start the day with some exercise and to build up a sweat. Once you've done that, plan on enjoying a picnic. You can even stay overnight at one of the Fairy Lake campground RV sites. They have handicapped-accessible toilets, fire pits, and drinking water.
This is the last stop on your adventure, but the fun doesn't have to end here. It's easy to use this stop at Fairy Lake as a jumping-off point to other spots in the center of the state.
Have you been to any of these spots? If you have, we’d love to read about your experience in the comments. And, if you have any additional tips and tricks to make a visit extra special, feel free to share! And, check out some other Montana road trips to enjoy with friends, family, or on a solo getaway.
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