Glacier National Park is a 1,583-sq.-mi. wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and

valleys running to the Canadian border. It's crossed by the mountainous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Among more than 700

miles of hiking trails, it has a route to photogenic Hidden Lake. Other activities include backpacking, cycling and camping. Diverse wildlife ranges from mountain goats to grizzly bears.

There are two "sides" in Glacier, the West Side and the East Side. Both have equally as many great views, hikes, and activities! They are connected by the famous "Going to the Sun Road". We recommend spending at least one day exploring each side! Glacier National Park is a vast park and the best length of stay to explore all Glacier has to offer is 2-4 days.

NEW: 2024 GNP regulations require a vehicle registration pass that needs to be purchased per vehicle for Going to the Sun Road (main road), The North Fork, and Many Glacier. Passes can be purchased on the NPS website and are open 120 days prior to your trip date. A limited amount of passes will also be released the night before your trip date at 7:00pm MST. If you are unable to get a pass, you are not out of luck- anyone can enter Glacier National Park without a registration pass before 6:00am or after 3pm! For more information, please check-out the NPS website.

Lodging in/near Glacier:

East Side (Browning)- Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier Park Lodge, St. Mary Village

West Side (Whitefish)- Lake McDonald Lodge, Glacier Guides Lodge, Flathead Lake Lodge, Great Northern Resort, Belton Chalet, The Great Bear Inn

Hiking in Glacier:

*Please make sure to have bear spray when hiking anywhere in bear country! Bear spray can be bought at local grocery stores, fly-shops, and outdoors stores. As always, make noise while hiking and keep a safe distance from ANY wildlife to protect them and yourselves!*

Download the AllTrails app for the best trail information and downloadable trail maps!

Hidden Lake Hike - Moderate - 5.1 mi RT- 1,338ft. - 3hrs

Avalanche Lake - Moderate - 5.9mi RT- 757ft. - 2.5hrs

Trail of the Cedars - Easy - 1mi RT - 49ft. - 20min

*Highline Trail - Hard - 14mi PTP - 2,621ft. - 7hrs (Start at Logan's pass, go to Granite Park Chalet, and end at The Loop (take free park shuttle back to LP)

*Cracker Lake - Hard - 12.8mi RT - 1,712ft. - 5.5hrs

Ptarmigan Tunnel - Hard - 10.6mi RT - 2,362ft. - 5.5hrs

Grinnell Glacier - Hard - 10mi RT - 2,047ft. - 5hrs

Swiftcurrent Nature Trail - Easy - 2.6mi RT - 127ft. - 1hr

Siyeh Pass Trail - Hard - 9.8mi RT - 2,244ft. - 5.5hrs

St. Mary and Virginia Falls - Moderate - 3.1mi RT - 454ft. - 1.5hrs

Iceberg Lake - Moderate - 9.6mi RT - 1,459ft. - 4hrs

Redrock Falls - Easy - 3.7mi RT - 242ft. - 1hr

Rocky Point - Easy - 2mi RT - 229ft. - 1hr

*= In Christian and Danielle's top 5 favorite hikes ever!! But all listed are amazing hikes!

Things to do in Glacier:

Lake McDonald Boat Tour | Glacier Park Boat Company

Experience tranquil views of Glacier National Park’s west side on this scenic hour-long boat tour. Climb aboard the historic

vessel, DeSmet, the flagship vessel in our historic fleet. The DeSmet is one of four vessels in our fleet that holds a spot on

the National Register for Historic Vessels! Built in 1930, she will take you along the emerald-hued Lake McDonald while

enjoying the majestic view of the Continental Divide.

The Lake McDonald ticket office is located near the dock behind Lake McDonald Lodge. Customers may either walk

through or around the Lodge and take the stairs or walking path to the lake shore. The ticket office is located at the end of

the stairs. The nearest restroom facilities are located in Lake McDonald Lodge or there are pit toilets at the west end of the

parking lot.

White-Water Rafting | Glacier Raft Company

Our half-day Glacier National Park white water rafting trip offers the perfect opportunity to get a taste of adrenaline while

sampling phenomenal views into Glacier National Park without having to commit your whole day. The 2 1⁄2 hour trip takes

place on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and begins amongst the eye-popping vistas of Nyack Flats before flowing

through the exhilarating whitewater of John Stevens Canyon.

Swim at Lake McDonald

Take a dip in the iconic "rainbow pebble" lake! With multiple beach areas at Lake McDonald lodge and Fish Creek Campground, this lake is great for a post-hike swim or fun family outing!

The Town of Whitefish:

A stroll through the covered sidewalks of Central Avenue or through the historic Railway District reveals a broad variety of

locally-owned shops and galleries. Discover fine artisan jewelry made with Montana-native gems or a new pair of hiking

boots for the next adventure. Locally-roasted coffee beans, homemade skin care, hand-dyed yarn and huckleberry

products make great gifts for those back home.

Dining in Whitefish/Kalispell/Colombia Falls:

Breakfast:

Loula's Cafe is family-run restaurant located in a Historic Masonic temple in downtown Whitefish. Amazing Crepes has

been serving quality food utilizing local fresh ingredients since 2005.

Other Breakfast: Brooklyn Bagel and Bakery, Swiftcreek Cafe, Buffalo Cafe, Fleur Bake Shop

Lunch:

Enjoy the patio or fireplace in the dining room at Logan's Bar and Grill. Serving all your favorite meals, there's never a bad time to head to the Grouse Mountain Lodge where you'll find Logan's. The Wich Haus features fresh ingredients, this farm-to-table sandwich shop offers seasonal specials and salads, pickles and an assortment of other deli items.

Other Lunch: Swiftcreek Cafe, Buffalo Cafe, Flathead Harbor Grill

Drinks:

Bonsai Brewing Project is a kid-friendly brewery serving great grub. Their beer goes well with a sandwich made with house-

smoked meats. Craggy Range Sports Bar and Grill has a full service patio for outdoor dining and 16 craft beer taps, so you're sure to find a reviving libation!

Dinner:

The Whitefish Lake Restaurant offers amazing seafood and steak, plus an unbeatable ambiance. MacKenzie River Pizza

has been serving up pizza and cold beer, across Montana for over 25 years. Though known for their series of pies, don't

overlook the rest of the menu. For a great takeout option, check out Piggyback BBQ. Serving brisket, sausage, pulled pork,

bacon and all the fixings.

Other dining: Abruzzo Italian Kitchen, Boat Club Bar (at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake), Three Forks Grill, Belton Chalet, Tupelo Grill, Herb & Omni, Big Mountain Ciderworks (best cider!)

Dessert

Sweet Peaks Ice Cream , the first ice cream shop, located in

Whitefish, Montana, opened on a rainy day in April with 12 artisan ice cream flavors. Our stores now offer between 16 - 18

delicious flavors that are carefully crafted using Montana dairy and a selection of quality ingredients from the mountains

West and beyond. Flavors range from the classic (Lafaza Madagascar Vanilla) to the creative (Montana Christmas: Pine

Soaked Cream and Huckleberries) and rotate with each season.

Head to Norm's Soda Shop in Kalispell for the best old-fashioned milkshakes, ice cream, and burger baskets!

*Make sure to stop by one of the many Flathead Cherry stands near Glacier to get the best cherries in the U.S!*

Whitefish Activities:

Whitefish City Beach

Whitefish Lake is a 7-mile-long glacial lake located in Whitefish, Montana. One of the most popular public accesses is City

Beach located near the lake's outflow. The park has a sandy beach, shaded grass area, designated swimming area, docks,

gazebos, and picnic tables. During the summer, Whitefish Outfitters & Tours and Sea Me Paddle offer paddle boat, kayak

and paddleboard rentals. Burley’s at Whitefish City Beach provides a refreshment stand as well. A public boat dock is

available with a launching fee.

Horseback Riding at Bar W Guest Ranch

At the Bar W Guest Ranch, horses are central to the ranch experience and our riding program is the ranch’s main

attraction. Our knowledgeable wranglers, the assorted terrain, and our large herd of good mountain horses make riding at

the Bar W exceptional. From our home at the base of Spencer Mountain, we offer outstanding horseback riding in the mountainous Montana terrain surrounding the ranch, not to mention the thousands of acres the ranch has access to at other locations. You’ll ride in places with names like Sunday Creek, Lake Koocanusa, and the Kootenai National Forest. If you find yourself on the cattle drive in the wide-open prairie of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, you’ll feel like you

stepped back in time. There may be no other place quite like it; you’ll find there really are ‘purple mountains majesty’

waiting for you. The Bar W truly is an equestrian’s dream, where time will run a little slower, things will seem a little simpler,

and every day will feel like Saturday.

Whitefish Farmers Market

Enjoy the bounty of summer every Tuesday from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m., from late May through September at the Whitefish

Downtown Farmers Market where local farmers and craftsmen showcase their products at the North end of Central

Avenue. Live music, prepared food, and the season's freshest products are featured.

Les Meson State Park

Les Mason State Park is a peaceful day use park located on the east shore of Whitefish Lake. With 585 feet of sand and

gravel lakeshore, this park provides excellent swimming opportunities. Nearby tables provide a beautiful setting for a picnic. Great launching point for canoes and kayaks.

Boat Fishing | Howe's Fishing

We love to chase Lake Trout (Mackinaw) in Flathead Lake, but we also know and understand that the areas variety of

fishing is worth sharing! There are so many varieties of native fish and non-native fish in the valley. On Swan Lake we can fish for the federally protected native Bull Trout. Montana’s state fish, the native West slope Cutthroat Trout is available in almost every lake we can fish. In addition, Howe's Fishing has the boats and equipment to help you fish for and catch many different species.

We might troll, with downriggers or planer boards, cast with spinning or casting gear, or jig depending on the lake, the

species and the weather!

Lakestream Fly-Fishing

Looking for that Montana experience? As a fly shop and guide service, we offer full and half day guided fly fishing trips.

Since 1984 we have cultivated a group of hard working guides that care about your day of fishing. Never touched a fly rod?

No worries! We'll get you catching fishing in no time!

From our home waters of the Flathead River System all the way east to the Missouri River. Let’s get you out for a fun day

on the water.

Hiking in Whitefish:

Swift Creek Loop - Easy - 1.4 miles RT - 104ft - 35min

Other Nearby Activities:

The Huckleberry Patch

Located nine miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, Hungry Horse, Montana claims fame as the wild

huckleberry capital of the West. This sweet tart wild berry grows only in moist mountain areas and cannot be commercially

grown. Wild berries are not sprayed with chemicals or fertilizers. Berries are hand picked when ripe and processed without

artificial colors, flavorings or corn syrup. "Vaccinium" huckleberries are blue-black or blue-reddish, depending upon soil and habitat and grows on a slender shrub 2 - 6 feet high.

Berry pickers hike into wilderness areas to secure berries for our cannery. We take great pride in presenting our delicious

assortment of wild huckleberry jams, jellies preserves, topping, syrups and pie fillings. All huckleberry products are made in

the USA.

Explore Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states, with over 200 square

miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated

Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation.

Explore Downtown Big Fork

Bigfork is an artist’s paradise. Our community is surrounded by beauty and supportive of local artists from all walks of life. It

might surprise you to see how many art galleries, museums and independent visual artists we have in our small town. Not

to mention music venues and festivals that bring world-class musicians to the Bigfork stage.

Explore Kalispell Museums

The Northwest Montana History Museum tells the comprehensive cultural history of the Flathead Valley region. Permanent exhibits at the museum range from honoring early residents to the booming logging industry. The museum also displays information about the indigenous culture that has and continues to call the region home.

A block to the south, the Hockaday Museum of Art encourages other cultural exploration. This family-friendly museum displays a rotating collection of local, national, and international artists. The museum also features a permanent Crown of the Continent Glacier National Park Gallery with works capturing the park's natural beauty.

Four blocks to the east, the Conrad Mansion Museum offers a walk-through of Kalispell's early pioneer days. All three museums offer a full day of exploring or a fun impromptu way to spend the afternoon.

Explore Mainstreet Kalispell

Sometimes you need the chance to spend some time in civilization. Downtown Kalispell has a unique historic downtown with all sorts of local shops and restaurants.

Throughout the summer, there are farmers’ markets, small festivals, and a variety of other family-friendly activities that can fill a morning or afternoon.

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

Yellowstone National Park is where Christian and Danielle's love story began and is filled with great hiking, fishing, and sight-seeing! There are two "loops" in Yellowstone, the Northern Loop and Southern Loop. We recommend spending at least one day exploring each loop. Yellowstone is a large National Park and the best length of stay to explore all Yellowstone has to offer is 2-4 days.

Lodging:

West Yellowstone- Bar N Ranch (we're biased!), Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, 320 Guest Ranch

Inside the Park- Old Faithful Inn, Grant Village, Lake Lodge Cabins

West Yellowstone Dining:

Breakfast: Bear Country Bakery, Book Peddler, Running Bear Pancake House Buffalo Bar, Old Town Bakery

Lunch: Buffalo Bar, Yogi's, Ernie's Bakery, Hank's Chop House, Firehole BBQ, Taqueria Malverde (Taco Bus), Wild West Pizza, Canyon Street Grill, Euro Cafe

Dinner: Madison River Crossing, Hank's Chop Shop, TR Burgers, Wild West Pizza, Buffalo Bar, Bullwinkles, Canyon Street Grill

Dessert: Go to Espresso West to get the local, Montana-made Wilcoxson's ice cream (Christian and Danielle's favorite!)

Yellowstone Lower Loop Sites to See

Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Hot Spring (via Fairy Falls trail), West Thumb Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Gibbon Falls

Yellowstone Upper Loop Sites to See

Gibbon Falls, Norris Hot Springs, Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley (best wildlife spot!), Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Hikes in Yellowstone:

Mount Washburn – Moderate – 6.8 Miles Round Trip

A fun, simple hike to the top of Mount Washburn. From the peak, you can see most of the northern part of Yellowstone National Park and may even see some mountain goats at the top as well! There is a weather tower at the top that has bathrooms and a 270-degree room with a map of all the peaks you can see from that spot! This is a very popular area for bear activity and is closed in the spring and fall.

Avalanche Peak – Hard – 4.5 Miles Round Trip

This challenging trail is located on the eastern side of the park and provides epic views from the summit! The trail will take you through the pine trees for most of the way, then opens up to boulder fields directing you to the peak! Mountain goats love to greet hikers at the top (please do not feed the wildlife)!

Bunsen Peak – Moderate – 4.4 Miles Round Trip

A great trail for a good workout with great views! From the peak, you can see the Grand Teton Mountains off in the distance as well as a closer view of the town of Gardiner and the northern part of the park!

Fairy Falls Trail – Easy – 4.8 Miles Round Trip

Our favorite family-friendly hike in the park! This trial takes you up to an overlook where you will get the best view of the most popular attraction in Yellowstone National Park- Grand Prismatic Hot Spring! From the overlook, you can see the rainbow colors produced by the hot spring. Continuing after the overlook, hikers will go on an easy walk up to a large waterfall!

Seven Mile Hole Trail - Hard – 9.7 Miles Round Trip

This hike is very similar to a hike at the Grand Canyon! Unlike most Montana hikes, this trail takes you down into the canyon all the way to the Yellowstone river and saves the challenging part for last as hikers hike back up gaining 2,000 feet of elevation! Bring extra water for this one!

Purple Mountain – Moderate – 6 Miles Round Trip

A hidden hike in the park that showcases a few of Yellowstone’s geysers from the peak! This trail takes you through the pines and saves the best views for last. Be sure to write your name in the trail book at the top of the mountain!

Mystic Falls – Moderate – 3.5 Miles Round Trip

A wonderful family-friendly hike that has slight elevation and a big, beautiful waterfall! This trail begins at a popular hot spring area and takes about 1.5 hours to complete!

Yellowstone Natural Bridge Trail – Moderate – 3 Miles Round Trip

This trail takes you through the beautiful meadows of Yellowstone National Park and up to a geological wonder- a natural bridge! This hike is family friendly.

South Rim to Ribbon Lake Loop Trial – Moderate – 8.7 Miles Round Trip

View the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park the local’s way! Walking along the rim of the canyon, you will get incredible views of one of the most beautiful places in the world! For new scenery, I recommend taking the Ribbon Lake Loop back to the parking area. This loop takes you through meadows, thermal areas, and you may even encounter a bison or 20!

Things to do in/near Yellowstone:

Fly-Fishing with Blue Ribbon Fly Shop

Our Walk/Wade trips focus on individual, side by side instruction. These trips let us show you how to break down a river and successfully fish it on foot, giving you skills you can take with you when fishing on your own. Most of these trips take place in Yellowstone National Park, including famous waters such as Slough Creek, Lamar River, Soda Butte Creek, the Yellowstone River, and Madison and Firehole Rivers, just to name a few. And if you’re the angler who prefers a smaller, “off the beaten path” stream, there are plenty of great options nearby to explore as well. Walk/Wade trips are full day only and available year round. They include guide service, lunch, soft drinks, and transportation from Blue Ribbon Flies.

Horseback Riding at Parade Rest Guest Ranch

Each of our rides is guided by our own experienced wranglers who are familiar with the horses and trails surrounding the Ranch. Our wranglers can handle the needs of both beginners and experienced riders. Trail rides begin at our corrals and then rise up to towering pines and mountain meadows filled with wildflowers, spectacular views, and hidden mountain lakes. Watch for occasional wildlife as you ride and listen to the cacophony of mountain songbirds.

Whitewater Rafting with Geyser Whitewater Expeditions

Under the fantastic rock walls of the Gallatin River Canyon, you’ll plunge through famous rapids like Screaming Left, around House Rock, and down the Mad Mile. This is Big Sky, Montana's premier rafting trip and is known to be the Yellowstone region's most exciting. Trips range from adventurous rides to scenic floats!

Private Driving Tours of Yellowstone National Park

Join Yellowstone Scenic Tours in exploring the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Relax in our Ford Transit passenger van for a full day of abundant geysers, hot springs, scenery and wildlife within Yellowstone Park. Let our guides work with you to create either a custom day trip into the Park or choose to explore either the Upper or Lower Loop route in Yellowstone. Our private small tours, with a maximum of 14 guests per vehicle, will allow us to access areas of the Park that tour buses cannot. We include pick-up from your location in either Big Sky or West Yellowstone, a picnic lunch, Park entrance fees and a knowledgeable guide for the day.

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center: See bears and wolves from a safe distance at the discovery center! Instead of being euthanized, local bears who are too friendly with humans or have injuries are relocated to the discovery center where they teach tourists about themselves! Such a great activity for people of all ages!

Explore the town of West Yellowstone

Grab a Yellowstone souvenir or gift for friends back home from one of the many West Yellowstone shops!

Bozeman is a bustling town just north of Yellowstone National Park. It is known for its western-hipster culture and has been featured numerous times in the show Yellowstone. There is an abundance of great things to do in Bozeman from museums to hiking and great restaurants!

Places to Stay:

Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn, C'mon Inn, Kimpton Armory, Country Inn & Suites, Sacajawea Hotel, Spring Hill Suites

Chico Hot Springs: For a unique stay just outside of Bozeman, Chico Hot Springs is a resort centralized around a hot spring pool! It is a fun and relaxing place to stay.

320 Guest Ranch: Another location south of Bozeman, 320 Guest Ranch is the true Montana ranch experience! With an on-site restaurant, horseback rides, fly-fishing tours, and much more, 320 is perfect for those looking to live out their ranch dreams!

Dining:

Revelry: Christian and Danielle's favorite Bozeman restaurant open for lunch and dinner! Their gyro (lunch only) are amazing!

Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill: A new restaurant that has rave reviews! Known for their cocktails and unique menu!

Jam!: Jam is the spot to be for breakfast/brunch! Known for their diverse menu and great quality food!

Western Cafe: A mom & pop breakfast joint that specializes in homemade biscuits and the classic breakfast plate! "Get the cinnamon roll even if you don't want it" -Christian

Montana Ale Works: Another C&D favorite that has a wide variety of the best local beers! Their bar-type food is a great choice for a casual lunch or dinner!

MAP Brewing: Can't go wrong with a brewery in Montana!

Wild Crumb: A new bakery in Bozeman that has amazing pastries, breads, etc.! We have friends drive the 2 hours from West Yellowstone just for this bakery!

Genuine Ice-Cream: Genuine Ice Cream is a local ice-cream shop that makes their cream right here in Bozeman!

Things to Do:

Concert Venue: Old Saloon is an outdoor concert venue located about 35min from Bozeman in Pray, MT. Christian and Danielle LOVE making the trip to Old Saloon and it is a great way to spend a summer night in Montana! Keep an eye out for their artist schedule on their Instagram. They have hosted artists like Charley Crockett, Colter Wall, Midland, Elle King, and much more!

Museum of the Rockies: Museum of the Rockies is a distinguished cultural and natural history institution situated in Bozeman, Montana. The museum operates as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a college-level division of Montana State University. The museum proudly carries the distinction of being a Smithsonian Affiliate and serves as a vital repository for state and federal fossils.

Bozeman Art Museum: The Bozeman Art Museum is dedicated to enhancing the culture of our community, providing art education, and exhibiting artwork. We are committed to showing artworks that follow the long tradition of beauty and truth in painting and sculpture, expressing the diversity of the artists, and communicating the artists’ interpretations of artistic traditions.

Montana Science Center: Montana Science Center is where Science and Play connect. Families with children of all ages are welcome into the Science Center. Several science and technology based exhibits encourage interaction and hands-on exploration. Topics of exhibits include Physics, Dangerous Nature, Montana native fish, Earth in Layers, Building Brainstorm, Sun Earth Universe and more!

Missouri Headwaters State Park: Within the boundaries of this scenic park and National Historic Landmark, the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River. This historic sight is where Lewis & Clark and their expedition crew camped in 1805! The park offers camping, hiking trails, hunting, and water-related activities.

Children's Playgrounds: Dinosaur Park

Shopping: Main Street Bozeman is filled with fun, unique shops ranging from western-wear to Montana souvenirs! Our favorite shops are: HeyDay, Montana Silversmith, The Montana Scene, Intrique Ink, and Head West.

Mountain Biking: With hundreds of acres to explore, the Bozeman mountain biking trails are fun for the whole family! Rent your mountain bikes at Owenhouse Cycling!

Fly-Fishing: The Montana Angling Company is based in Bozeman, Montana and offers guided fly fishing trips on Montana’s finest trout rivers, streams, and lakes. Fly fish the Yellowstone River, Missouri River, Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, and more blue ribbon waters across the Big Sky State with our Montana fly fishing guides.

Whitewater Rafting: Geyser Whitewater is south of Bozeman near Big Sky, Montana and is has a variety of rafting trips from scenic to adventurous! Raft along the Gallatin river that was featured in the movie "A Rivers Runs Through It".

Zip-lining: See Montana from a birds-eye view through zip-lining in the Gallatin Canyon! Montana Whitewater Zip-lining has a great course that takes you through the trees and across the Gallatin river!

Horseback Riding: Take a trip down the Gallatin Canyon to the historic 320 Guest Ranch! Their horseback riding tours are the best of the best and are great for the whole family! Jake's Horses is another great vendor based out of Big Sky. their variety of horseback rides can accommodate everyone's dream ride!

Golf: Bridger Creek Golf course is our favorite in Bozeman! It has great views and is a fun course!

Spa: Canyon River Spa is a serene relaxation experience. Their facials and massages are highly recommended!

Hyalite Reservoir: Spend the day swimming in the reservoir underneath the beautiful mountains! Great place for fishing as well!

Hiking:

Peets Hill - Easy - 2.3mi - 246ft. - 1hr.

Sourdough Ridge Loop - Moderate - 3.3mi - 390ft. - 1.5hr.

Gallagator Trail - Easy - 3.2mi - 98ft. - 1hr.

Highland Ridge Trail Loop - Easy - 2.1mi - 160ft. - 45min.

Painted Hills - Easy - 2.1mi - 180ft. - 45min.

Cherry River Recreation Loop - Easy - 1.6mi - 32ft. - 30min.

Drinking Horse Mountain Trail - Moderate - 2.2mi - 646ft. - 1hr.

College M Steep Trail - Moderate - 1.9mi - 820ft. - 1.5hrs.

Baldy Peak Summit - Hard - 9.8mi - 4,465ft. - 7hrs.

Hikes just outside of Bozeman:

Storm Castle Peak - Hard - 5.2mi - 1,860ft. - 3.5hrs.

Lava Lake Trail - Moderate - 5.5mi - 1,624ft. - 3hrs. (C&D favorite!)

Palisade Falls - Moderate - 1.1mi - 239ft. - 34min.

Emerald & Heather Lakes - Moderate/Challenging - 11miles - 2,600ft. - 5hrs. (C&D favorite!)

Helena is the capital city of the U.S. state of Montana and the seat of Lewis and Clark County. Helena was founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush, and established on October 30, 1864. Due to the gold rush, Helena became a wealthy city, with approximately 50 millionaires inhabiting the area by 1888. Although the current day Helena has little to no gold, there are many things to do in the area to feel "rich". From hiking and biking, to museums and shopping, the Capitol of Montana is filled with fun activities!

Dining:

Breakfast: The Breakfast Club, Steve's Cafe, Early Bird Cafe, Nosh Cafe, Shellie's Country Cafe, The Creperie, No Sweat Cafe, The Grateful Bread Bakery, 1889 Coffee House

Lunch: Windbag Saloon & Grill, Shellie's Country Cafe, Mediterranean Grill, Benny's Bistro, Brewhouse, Planet Gyro, Bullman's Wood Fired Pizza

Dinner: The Springs at the Broadwater Taproom & Grill,Windbag Saloon & Grill, On Broadway, Benny's Bistro, Ristorante Bella Roma, Lucca's, Silver Star Steak Company, Melaque Mexican Restaurant, MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

Drinks: Lewis & Clarke Brewing Company, Ten Mile Creek Brewing Company, Blackfoot River Brewing Co

Dessert: Big Dipper Ice Cream, The Frozen Moose, Park Avenue Bakery

Things to do in Helena:

Fly-Fishing with Cross Currents Fly Shop

Montana offers some of the best fly fishing in the United States and the world. Since 1994, CrossCurrents Fly Shop has specialized in helping both new and experienced anglers enjoy fly fishing opportunities throughout our region of Montana. Whether it’s a day trip on the beautiful Blackfoot, a few days on the Missouri, or a week on the spectacular Smith, CrossCurrents Fly Shop can accommodate your guiding needs. Our professional fly shop staff is friendly and knowledgable so please let us help you plan a fun and most memorable trip to Montana.

Mountain Biking

Bike Helena’s 70+ miles of world-class single-track trails and gravel rides and discover why our community is the best-kept-secret for cyclists. Helena’s is a silver-level destination by the International Mountain Biking Association. Locals love to explore Helena’s South Hill trail system by mountain bike and the Scratch Gravels by gravel and mountain bikes. Find young kids testing their skills at Vigilante Bike Park on the local pump track and BMX course.

Hike with Llama's

Explore the great outdoors away from roads, crowds, and noise. Access Wild offers llama-supported hiking and camping adventures on the Continental Divide Trail near Helena and in Yellowstone National Park -- experienced guides and trusted llamas will take you places few get to see. Whether you prefer a day-hike or an overnight trip, Access WILD is your one-stop partner for hiking, packing, and camping with llamas in the outdoors. We got you covered including the gear to keep you comfortable and safe. Want to learn how to pack and camp with llamas yourself? Take our llama clinic and then rent llamas for your next DIY adventure. Services are customized for all ages and preferences.

Paddle-board the Missouri River with Mean Moose Boards

Whether you want to kick back on the Missouri (photo above) with some friends and a cooler or take your kids out for a day on the lake, Mean Moose Boards can get you decked out with a first-rate hard top paddle board, adjustable carbon paddle and personal flotation device to make your adventure safe and fun.

Shop in Downtown Helena

Be sure to stop at the iconic vintage stores Mae & June Vintage Market and Funky Trunk alongside the handmade, Leslie's Montana Shop! The best Montana souvenir's are found in downtown Helena!

Explore Helena's Historic Sites

With the beautiful Cathedral of St. Helena and iconic Capital Building, Helena is full of rich history! Make sure to visit the Jefferson County Museum (south of Helena) for full details on the unique history of the area!

See historic Helena through the Last Chance Train Tour! Highly recommended from our local friends:)

Nearby Golf:

Our all-time favorite golf-course is located in Old Works Golf Course in Anacanda, Montana (just over an hour away from Helena)! It is known for its unique Jack Nicklaus design and black-sand bunkers as the course was built on an old copper mine! Well worth bringing your sticks out for Old Works!

Hiking in Helena:

1906 Trail - Moderate - 2.9mi RT - 1,023ft. - 2hrs

Mount Ascension - Moderate - 3.1mi RT - 931ft. - 2hrs

Mount Helena - Moderate - 3mi RT - 1,105ft. - 2hrs

Backside Trail - Moderate - 2.9mi RT - 1,053ft. - 2hrs

Dry Gulch Short Loop - Moderate - 3.6mi RT - 495ft. - 1.5hrs

Missouri River Beaver Creek - Easy - 3.6mi RT - 334ft. - 1.5hrs

Powerline Trail - Hard - 2.1mi RT - 1,095ft. - 2hrs

Hogback Mountain - Hard - 9.9mi RT - 3,982ft. - 7hrs

Fun For Kids:

Exploration Works

Voted Best Place for Kids’ Fun since 2011 by the Helena Independent Record, ExplorationWorks has something for kids ages 1-100! Explore your way with our many interactive activities and exhibits focused on all things science, technology, engineering, and math. Major exhibit changes occur 3-4 times per year, so no two visits are exactly alike.

Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys

Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys, located downtown on the Walking Mall, ignites the imagination of all who walk through its doors. Lasso the Moon is filled with games, toys, and treasures for kids of all ages. It is independently owned and operated and has been a toy shopping destination for over 25 years

Mine For Gold with Capitol City Prospecting

Take a chance at finding real gold by mining the same dirt millionaires in the 1800s mined! This is not a pan in a trough experience. To experience a real prospecting adventure, we will take you to our claims not far from Helena, you dig your own material to pan. We will also show you how to use a Sluice Boxes to increase your chances of finding Gold!

The Great Northern Carousel

Step into a world away from ordinary life where ice cream and fun abound! No matter what type of crazy Montana weather is outside, inside the carousel is always bright, fun, and a place where you can leave your worries at the door. Kids of all ages are invited to ride one of the 37 hand carved animals; including some animals found in the state of Montana such as a bobcat, grey wolf, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, antelope, and river otter.

Montana is a vast state with so many things to do and see! Click the website link to explore all there is to see in Montana!