Bozeman, Montana is a city located in the southwestern part of the state. Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and abundant natural beauty, Bozeman offers a charming blend of outdoor adventure and urban amenities.
I travel to Montana two times each year. It is one of my favorite places to travel and I want to share it with everyone!
Where to fly into:
In order to get into Bozeman the best and closest airport to use is Bozeman/Yellowstone Airport. Located on the outskirts of the city. It is a very tiny airport with only a flew gates but it is growing. Just the airport itself has amazing flews that you get to enjoy when you flying into the city and while waiting for your flight to take off.
Depending on where your flying from there are very few direct flights into the city.
Where to Stay:
I am lucky enough to have friends that live in Montana so that I never really have to stay in a hotel but some different hotels they recommended in the area include: The Lark and RSVP Hotel which are both very trendy hotels that have just been updated. Depending on the time of year you plan on visiting will depend on the price of the hotels.
Camping is always a great option! There are many camping areas, which are 30 mins to an hour away from Bozeman, that offer first come camp site. You can check out the Hyalite area which is gorgeous and has both reservations and first come spots. This area is only about 30-40 minutes away from downtown Bozeman. You can use this Link to check out camp spots:
Airbnb is always a great option when the above two is not your style.
Itinerary:
There is so much to do in and around this area that I can give you so many options. For my last trip that I made out to Bozeman this was my itinerary!
Day One: Land in Bozeman airport and explore the Bozeman area!
Day Two: I did an amazing hike and then went to Big Sky for the night.
Day Three: Hiked in Big Sky and went back to Bozmen.
Day Four: Floated down the Madison, ate dinner, and went to the Bozeman hot springs.
Day Five: More hiking and tried to camp but the rain won…
Day Six: One last hike, explored downtown Bozeman
Day Seven: Had to go back home!
What to do:
Hiking: The hiking options are endless if you are open to driving about 30-40 minutes in any direction of the city. You can also find some great hikes that are close and worth the experience. Download the All Trails App when looking for trails in the area it is so helpful and will give you so many great trails to explore!
Explore downtown Bozeman: Downtown Bozeman is a very quaint part of the city that has many restaurants and shops that you can check out.
Go to Big Sky: From Bozeman to Big Sky, Montana it is about a 50-60min drive but it is worth the trip! It is one of the cutest Mountain towns and just the views driving through the canyon to get to Big Sky will make you fall in love with the area.
Go to Yellowstone National Park: The airport you fly into for Bozeman is called Bozeman/Yellowstone airport so you know the park has to be close! It is about a hour and ten to an hour and twenty minute drive to one of the coolest National Parks in the country!
Go floating: Ok, if you like lazy rivers at the water park you are going to love this experience! We floated down the Madison River and there was a current the whole time taking us down stream. You will have amazing views the whole float while you are just enjoying nature. There are different companies that you can rent floats from and will can drop you off at the start of the float so that you can have your car at the end! Tubing company include: Madison River Tubing
Fishing: I am not much of a Fisherman but I know that fly fishing is a very popular activity in the area. You have plenty of different places that you can try and fish. I do know that if you are not a Montana resident the fishing license is more expensive and you need one before you can fish. You can get license in Montana at different stores or online: link. But it is $100 online for non-residents.
Mountain Biking: There are mutiple different Mountain Biking trails around the area that you are able to explore! Do keep in mind that on the trails you will probably run into hikers, so be careful!
Camping: I love to camp and it is one of the cheapest lodging you will find in the area. The Hyalite area is a beautiful area to camp!
Explore Hyalite Canyon: Hyalite Canyon is about 30-40 minutes away from Bozeman. It is an awe-inspiring area that has towering peaks, with numerous waterfalls, rivers, and lakes.
Bozeman Hot Springs: Located in Bozeman is this wonderful Hot Springs. This may not be like the normal hot springs that you are thinking of, it is more like a spa. There are multiple different pools on the propriety with different water temperatures that you can go in between. On certain days there is music at night time: link
The Elm: This is a music vuene that you might want to check out! Link
Hikes:
Triple Tree Trail: This is a 5.4 mile out and back trail located in Bozeman, you will gain about 958 ft of elevation. Its a pretty easy hike that gives you some great views of the surrounding mountains. There was a decent amount of mountain bikers along the trail so watch out for them but it feels very safe!
Hyalite Creek Trail to Hyalite Lake: This is one of my favorite trails I’ve done. All Trails tells you it is 10.9 miles but in reality it is 12 miles and you do gain 2,139ft of elevation. During the hike you will see numerous different waterfalls that will lead you up to this gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains. If you are real adventures you can go another 2 miles and summit Hyalite peak.
North Cottonwood Creek: It was a nice trail I only hiked 6 miles of it with 1,352 ft of elevation gain. You can go as fair as you want on the trail. The trail does split at one point and you can summit. You have nice views of the surrounding mountains and you travel along a cute river most of the time.
Sypes Canyon: a 9.2 mile hike with 2,769 ft of elevation gain this is an out and back hike. You will have great views at the top. Its a heavy trafficked trail so you feel safe!
College M Streep Trail: The college M is this big M that is laid out on the side of the mountain. It is a pretty open trail with not a lot of shade takes 1.9 miles to complete with 820 ft of elevation gain.
Where to eat:
Places I have been:
Montana Ala Work: The food at this place is really good and all there beers are from the Montana area!
Brigade: Guys, if you want the best happy hour for drinks, this is where you need to go! The Martins are $3 each and there good! The food is also really taste too!
Revelry: This place is really good! My friends that live in the area said they have never had a bad meal here. There pizza was amazing!
Sidewinder: This is an American grille with really good food and drinks. Every time I eat here the food is always so tasty!
Sweet Peaks: Who doesn’t love ice cream? And this ice cream place is amazing! They have a bunch of different flavors that you will be able to try!
Stacy’s: The restaurant still has the western feel that you want from a place out west! The food is delicious with amazing views of the mountains on the patio!
Place Recommended by Locals:
Feast: This is one of the fine dinning options in Bozeman that offers American & seafood dishes.
Shan: High quality Asian restaurants!
Little Star Dinner: That is a more modern diner with ingredients from local farmers.
Tangle Wood: Owned by the same company that owns Sidewinder so you know the food has to be amazing! It is a grille/ American type restaurants.
Plonk: A very vibey place that has a fabulous happy hour!
Things to Know:
- If it is within your budget renting a car will allow you to see the most on your trip.
- There is so much to see in Montana so if you are only there for a short period of time try to plan out your trip the best you can.
- Fun fact the flys hatch around the last two weeks of July so keep that in mind when hiking and bring bug spray!
- Also bears are a real thing you will see in Montana so bring your bear spray on hikes and NEVER get close to the wild life!!!!
Up to the Sky 
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