Often called Big Sky Country, Montana is one of the most photogenic states I’ve ever explored! I spent six unforgettable weeks road-tripping in June and July through its jaw-dropping landscapes and couldn’t wait to share my favorite spots…
1. Glacier National Park
I thought Glacier National Park was absolutely breathtaking — a 1910-established gem of snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacier-fed lakes, ancient ice fields, and pristine forests. After a 4.5-hour drive northwest from Lewistown through prairie towns and mountain foothills, I arrived to spend five unforgettable days in what felt like a truly wild, alpine paradise.
I drove the jaw-dropping Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiked glacier-fed trails including Grinnell and the Highline, cruised across Lake McDonald, and explored spectacular showstoppers like Virginia Falls (where I felt the chill of glacial spray!) and Iceberg Lake — every stop felt completely magical and very Insta-worthy!
Location: Northern Montana | Size: ~1,013,322 acres | Vibe: alpine and overwhelmingly majestic | Wildlife: from grizzly bears and wolves to moose, mountain goats and shy Canadian lynx.
My favorite highlights…
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Staying at the historic and rustic Lake McDonald Lodge – I loved old-fashioned room keys, the vintage switchboard behind the front desk, and the antique piano tucked beside the staircase!
2. Bozeman
I loved how Bozeman packed in so much character — a vintage downtown framed by mountain backdrops, buzzing breweries, indie boutiques, and fresh, locally sourced cuisine gave it a hip yet rustic charm.
Flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, I grabbed a rental car and holed up at the quirky 4-star Field & Stream Lodge for three lively days. The city felt both outdoorsy and hip — I knocked out the iconic ‘M’ Trail, soaked in mineral-rich hot springs, rafted the punchy Gallatin River, and dipped into independent shops and breweries. Locals told me winter dialled it up even more with a full menu of snowy adventures!
Location: Southwest Montana | Size: population ~55,000 | Vibe: outdoorsy, youthful and quietly cool | Wildlife: black bears, elk, mountain lions, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.
My highlights…
- Tasting craft beers at Bridge Brewing – my favorite was the citrusy Bone Dust Wheat Ale and Bridge Pale Ale, which had a crisp, hoppy finish with hints of grapefruit and pine!
3. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park was one of the most extraordinary places I’d ever seen — established in 1872 atop a volcanic hotspot, it dazzled me with surreal geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs, travertine terraces, alpine meadows, and vast mountain backdrops.
I entered through the West Yellowstone gate and spent four unforgettable days at the rustic-chic Old Faithful Inn, located right in the heart of the park. From watching Old Faithful erupt to staring into the psychedelic colors of Grand Prismatic Spring — each stop somehow outdid the last. I visited at peak season, so I have to admit the crowds and traffic were heavy though!
Location: Wyoming, Montana & Idaho | Size: ~2.2 million acres | Vibe: geothermal, wildlife-rich and endlessly awe-inspiring | Wildlife: bison, wolves, and elk to black bears, bald eagles, and elusive mountain lions.
4. Whitefish Mountain Resort
I thought Whitefish was a dreamy, Instagram-worthy resort town — snowy slopes, alpine forests, chalet-style architecture, and sweeping views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley gave it a picture-perfect vibe.
A two-hour drive southwest from Waterton along Glacier’s western edge brought me to this relaxed, family-friendly mountain town with a strong ski culture. I stayed at the funky 4-star Firebrand Hotel and filled my days riding the scenic lift, hiking the wildflower-dotted Danny On Trail, zip-lining, and downhill biking. Locals told me winter turns it into a snow-lover’s playground, offering skiing to tubing!
Location: Near Whitefish, Northwest Montana | Size: ~3,000 skiable acres (approx.) | Vibe: alpine, laid-back and big-sky scenic | Wildlife: black bears, whitetail deer, red foxes, bald eagles, and occasional mountain lions.
My personal highlights…
- Discovering the modern spa at the stunning rustic-chic Lodge at Whitefish Lake and indulging in a soothing, antioxidant-rich Green Tea & Seaberry Rejuvenating Facial.
5. Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway instantly hooked me with its alpine tundra, snow-dusted peaks, shimmering glacial lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows framed by the mighty Absaroka and Beartooth ranges.
After exiting Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, I drove the unforgettable 68-mile Beartooth Highway to Red Lodge — a wild, switchback-heavy ride with nonstop alpine drama. I stopped at Rock Creek Vista Point for big views, hiked the rugged Lake Fork Trail, and shopped for quirky souvenirs at the iconic Top of the World Store — though I’ll admit those steep switchbacks were a little nerve-wracking at times!
Location: Southern Montana & Northern Wyoming | Size: ~68 miles (109 km) | Vibe: high-alpine, hairpin-winding and jaw-dropping | Wildlife: grizzly bears and mountain goats to moose, elk, pikas, and marmots.
My favorite highlights…
- Shopping for unique souvenirs at the quirky Top of The World Store – I especially loved the miniature marmot plushies, huckleberry-flavored taffy and retro trail signs!
6. Livingston
Founded in 1882, Livingston wowed me with its dramatic mountain views, historic brick storefronts, retro neon signs, and tranquil setting along the Yellowstone River. Just a 25-minute drive north from Paradise Valley brought me to this artsy, Western-chic town that mixed frontier charm with an interesting creative energy.
I based myself at the quirky Livingston Inn for two days, Exploring the artful Danforth Gallery, swaying to lively bluegrass at The Attic, treasure-hunting at the eclectic Cactus Blossom Collective, and relaxing riverside with majestic Absaroka views.
Location: Southwest Montana | Size: population ~7,900 | Vibe: artsy, railroad-rooted and quietly soulful | Wildlife: pronghorn antelope, elk, black bears, mountain bluebirds, and bighorn sheep.
My favorite highlights…
- I loved hearing from the friendly locals that the town had featured in A River Runs Through It, The Horse Whisperer, and even Marlboro adverts – I thought it looked familiar!
7. Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley’s scenery wowed me — the Yellowstone River winding through golden meadows, framed by snow-dusted Absaroka and Gallatin peaks, peaceful ranchlands, wildflowers, and fiery mountain sunsets.
A 40-minute drive south from Bozeman brought me to this tranquil escape that felt soothing and back-to-nature. I based myself at the Insta-worthy 4-star Sage Lodge for two days, soaking at the historic Chico Hot Springs, hiking the scenic Pine Creek Trail to its waterfall, browsing galleries and quirky shops, and chasing breathtaking sunset views along the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop.
Location: Between Livingston and Yellowstone, Southwest Montana | Size: ~50 miles long | Vibe: wide-open, river-lined and quietly transcendent | Wildlife: bald eagles and sandhill cranes to elk, grizzly bears, and river otters.
My personal highlights…
- All the independent shops – I especially loved the Alpine Peaks Country Store and their fragrant mountain wildflower honey and infused honeys and quirky alpaca “stuffies!”
8. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
I was blown away by Waterton Lakes National Park — a UNESCO-listed wonder where glacier-carved valleys, sparkling lakes, rugged peaks, and wildlife-filled meadows formed a breathtaking cross-border tribute to natural beauty and friendship.
Just 1.5 hours north of Many Glacier, I found a place that felt calm, uplifting, and majestic. For three days I based myself at the historic 1927 Prince of Wales Hotel, soaking up panoramic lake views, hiking to misty Bertha Falls, cruising the tranquil Waterton Lake by boat, and stargazing under a dazzling night sky.
Location: Montana (USA) & Alberta (Canada) | Size: ~1.8 million acres combined (approx.) | Vibe: borderless, alpine and profoundly serene | Wildlife: bighorn sheep, cougars, grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and over 260 bird species.
My highlights…
- Going on a two hour scenic cruise on Waterton Lake with Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. – our guide pointed out the haunting scars from the Kenow Wildfire and even a osprey nest perched high in a pine tree!
9. Helena National Forest
I thought Helena National Forest was breathtaking — a vast, wild expanse of dense pine woods, rugged ridgelines, alpine lakes, winding rivers, and scenic wilderness trails. Just 30 minutes west of the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, I based myself at the nearby characterful Pope House Historic Mansion and then camped in the forest itself.
It felt rugged and remote — the perfect place for solitude and reconnection with nature. Over two days I hiked the historic Meriwether Canyon and rugged Mann Gulch, explored the dramatic cliffs of the Gates of the Mountains and then finished up with camping beneath starry skies in the Big Belt Mountains.
Location: West-Central Montana | Size: ~1.2 million acres | Vibe: forested, mountainous and quietly restorative | Wildlife: bears and wolves to moose, mountain goats, white-tailed deer, and lynx.
My highlights…
- Camping overnight at tranquil Moose Creek Flat Campground in the Big Belt Mountains, I pitched my tent beneath towering lodgepole pines and loved falling asleep to the sound of the trickling creek!
10. American Prairie Reserve
I was in awe of the American Prairie Reserve — endless golden grasslands, quiet rivers, and vast open skies where wild bison herds roamed like a living scene from the past.
After a 5.5-hour drive northeast from Blodgett Canyon across remote plains and byways, I arrived in a place that felt wild, pioneering, and wonderfully off the grid. Over two days, I hiked the Buffalo Camp Loop Trail, stargazed from a solar-powered yurt, explored the interesting American Prairie Discovery Center, and marveled at fossils in the fascinating Great Plains Dinosaur Museum.
Location: North-Central Montana | Size: ~3.2 million acres (current + planned) | Vibe: vast, windswept and quietly rewilding | Wildlife: bison, pronghorn, elk, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and burrowing owls.
My personal highlights…
- The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum – I loved seeing real fossil prep in action through the lab’s glass windows and getting up close to the massive triceratops skulls, ancient fish fossils, and even a rare fossilized dinosaur skin impression!
11. Whitefish City Beach
I thought Whitefish City Beach was a gem — soft golden sand, clear blue water, and forested mountains rising against the northern Rockies made it a picture-perfect lakeside escape.
Just a 5-minute drive from downtown Whitefish brought me to this relaxed, family-friendly spot with gorgeous views and a laid-back vibe. I spent the afternoon kayaking with rentals from Whitefish Outfitters, swimming in the refreshing lake, hiking the scenic Lion Mountain Trail, lounging on the sandy beach, and watching the sky glow rosy over the mighty Rockies at sunset.
Location: Whitefish, Northwest Montana | Size: ~6 acres (approx.) | Vibe: laid-back, lakefront and refreshingly summery | Facilities: restrooms, changing rooms, children’s playground, boat launch, lifeguards (in summer), and kayak/paddleboard rentals.
My favorite highlights…
- Grabbing a shaded spot at a beachside gazebos and taking a scenic picnic there – I thought it was great that they had clean, well-maintained restrooms and handy changing rooms just steps away!
12. Rocky Mountains
I thought the Montana Rockies were breathtaking — jagged peaks, icy alpine lakes, pine-covered ridges, deep valleys, and meadows bursting with wildflowers made this range feel wild and majestic.
Just over an hour south from Bozeman brought me to Big Sky, a rugged mountain playground where I based myself for five days of adventure. I hiked the tough Pine Creek Lake Trail and soaked at the historic Chico Hot Springs. Locals told me that winter transforms the region into a snowy paradise with skiing, fat biking, and even heli-skiing.
Location: Western USA & Canada | Size: ~3,000 miles long (4,800 km) | Vibe: monumental, rugged and endlessly awe-inspiring | Wildlife: grizzly bears, elk, and wolves to marmots, eagles, and mountain goats.
My highlights…
- Staying at the Insta-worthy Green O, I loved my sleek treehouse-style Haus lodges, which had floor-to-ceiling forest views, a wood-burning fireplace, and a private outdoor hot tub under the stars!
13. Wild Horse Island State Park
Wild Horse Island State Park located on Flathead Lake completely won me over — a boat-access-only gem of wildflower meadows, towering pines, quiet beaches, and historic homesteads framed by the Mission Mountains. I drove 1.5 hours south from Whitefish to Lakeside, then hopped a short boat shuttle across the lake to its peaceful, off-the-grid shores.
The island felt wild and secluded, a true nature-lover’s haven. I hiked the challenging Summit Trail, spotted wild horses, and explored tucked-away old homesteads. Since it’s day-use only with no camping, I based myself nearby at the quirky 4-star Swan River Inn in Bigfork, just a 45-minute scenic drive away.
Location: Flathead Lake, Northwest Montana | Size: ~2,163 acres | Vibe: remote, wildlife-rich and quietly mystical | Wildlife: wild horses, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, and osprey
My highlights…
- I loved learning from locals about the island’s wild horses – they told me they were descendants of horses left behind by the Salish-Kootenai over a century ago and how they are now protected!
14. West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone charmed me with its cozy lodges, old Western storefronts, and leafy streets set against pine-covered mountains and vast Montana skies just outside Yellowstone’s entrance.
After a two-hour scenic drive south through Gallatin Canyon from Livingston, I based myself at the quirky 1872 Inn — a rustic, welcoming hub right by the park gates. Over two days I explored town highlights like the fascinating Museum of Yellowstone, a lively performance at the Playmill Theatre, nostalgic shopping at Eagle’s Store, hearty meals in quirky diners, and easy park adventures via the West Entrance.
Location: Southwest Montana | Size: population ~1,300 | Vibe: park-adjacent, outdoorsy and purpose-built
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoying hearty homestyle food at the Western-style Outpost Restaurant – I loved my dish of roasted vegetable skillet which came seasoned root veggies, crispy potatoes, and a touch of smoky paprika!
15. Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
I was blown away by the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness — sheer limestone cliffs towering over the Missouri River, forested canyons stretching inland, and wildflower-filled meadows hiding caves made it feel raw and unspoiled.
After my time in the Bitterroot region, I settled into a characterful base near Helena, just 30 minutes from the wilderness. I opted to stay at the cozy Lamplighter Cabins & Suites and over two days I cruised the river on a guided boat tour between the cliffs, hiked the Mann Gulch Trail to its historic wildfire site, and explored the scenic Meriwether Canyon Trail.
Location: Near Helena, West-Central Montana | Size: ~28,000 acres (113 km²) | Vibe: dramatic, river-carved and quietly majestic | Wildlife: bighorn sheep, bald eagles, mountain goats, mule deer, and black bears.
My personal highlights…
- Hearing from my guide about the tragic 1949 wildfire on the Mann Gulch Trail—where 13 smokejumpers lost their lives—was deeply moving and shed light on how it reshaped wildfire safety forever.
16. Blodgett Canyon
I thought Blodgett Canyon in the Bitterroot National Forest was an underrated gem — a glacier-carved valley of towering granite walls, cascading waterfalls, lush pine forest, and meadows bright with wildflowers.
After a 2.5-hour drive west from Helena through ranchland and forests, I based myself at the Skywater Cabins in Hamilton, just 10 minutes from the trailhead. My day was filled with hiking the Blodgett Canyon Trail past cliffs and creeks, photographing Blodgett Falls, climbing to a panoramic overlook, and spotting wildlife along the Canyon Creek Trail.
Location: Bitterroot Mountains, Western Montana | Size: ~6 miles long (approx.) | Vibe: sheer-walled, alpine and breathtakingly wild | Wildlife: includes mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, black bears, and mule deer.
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the gorgeous Skywater Cabins – I loved my comfy memory-foam bed and sipping on a strong Hunter Bay Coffee each morning on my private porch!
17. Montana State Capitol
I loved visiting Montana State Capitol in Helena — a neoclassical showpiece with a stately sandstone-and-granite façade, gleaming copper dome, elegant rotunda, intricate stained glass, and richly detailed murals.
While basing myself in Helena, I spent a couple of hours exploring this grand and dignified landmark just minutes from downtown. I admired the soaring rotunda, peeked into the ornate House and Senate chambers, studied its historic murals and stained glass, and then toured the beautifully preserved Original Governor’s Mansion a mile away.
Location: Helena, West-Central Montana| Vibe: stately, historic and quietly impressive | Opening Times: Monday – Friday: Tours at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
My favorite highlights…
- Going on a guided tour of Original Governor’s Mansion – I loved the ornate woodwork, elegant four-poster beds, and all the stories of Montana’s early governors and their families!
18. Conrad Mansion
I thought the Conrad Mansionin Kalispell was an absolute gem — a beautifully preserved 19th-century showcase of Victorian architecture, with ornate woodwork, diamond-paned stained glass, a sweeping oak staircase, and gardens overlooking the Flathead Valley and distant Montana peaks.
Just 25 minutes south of Whitefish, I joined a two-hour guided tour through its 26 period-furnished rooms filled with a faint scent of varnish, admiring the grand staircase and fine stained glass, strolling the manicured gardens, and learning about Montana’s Gilded Age through the Conrad family’s fascinating story.
Location: Kalispell, Northwest Montana | Size: 25-room Victorian mansion | Vibe: opulent, time-capsule and beautifully preserved
My highlights…
- Strolling through the beautifully maintained gardens – I loved how they were filled with fiery-hued zinnias, pom-pom shaped dahlias, and purple coneflowers!
Montana has been on my bucket list for years now! Love how majestic your photos are.