Top Day Trips from Bozeman: From Big Sky to Yellowstone

Bozeman presents a wealth of natural beauty just a short drive from downtown. Head south to experience stunning mountain and river landscapes on your way to the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, one of America’s premier destinations for adventure.

Venture west to trace the paths of fur trappers, mountain men, and Lewis and Clark. Drive east to discover the Old West town of Livingston and the scenic Paradise Valley, which provides a beautiful alternate route to Yellowstone. Along the way, you'll find plenty of short walks and hikes to explore.

With activities that cater to young families, history enthusiasts, and die-hard outdoor adventurers, a day trip from Bozeman offers a glimpse of the best central Montana has to offer. Even on a brief visit, we recommend extending your stay by an extra day to enjoy one of these exciting day trips.

Livingston

Why Visit: Explore historic Western buildings, museums, and art galleries

Historic Livingston is a must-see for its genuine and charming Western atmosphere. Locals often reminisce about how this town represented Bozeman before its transformation. Once a railway hub and the home of Calamity Jane, Livingston boasts a rich literary heritage, having been home to writers like Thomas McGuane, Jim Harrison, and Tim Cahill.

The historic Murray Hotel features numerous original Western elements, and you can stay in the suite once occupied by film director Sam Peckinpah. Don't miss the town's two local history museums and various art galleries, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Getting to Livingston: Take I-90 east for 25 miles (40 km) across Bozeman Pass to reach the Livingston exit.

Chico Hot Springs

Why Visit: Relax in historic hot springs & a lively honky-tonk saloon

For over 120 years, travelers have flocked to historic Chico Hot Springs in the stunning Paradise Valley for three main attractions: breathtaking scenery, rejuvenating soaks in the finest hot springs, and delightful dining in the resort’s charming dining room.

While many day visitors enjoy a soak and a refreshing Chico Amber Ale by the pool, the more adventurous can opt for horseback rides and exclusive mountain biking trails. Winter brings a magical touch with dogsledding and cross-country skiing opportunities. Keep an eye out for the occasional celebrity at the saloon, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when live music fills the air and gets everyone dancing.

Getting to Chico Hot Springs: Drive I-90 east for 25 miles (40 km) towards Livingston, then head south on US-89 through the picturesque Paradise Valley. Chico is located just south of Pray, about 50 miles (80 km) from Bozeman.

Big Sky

Why Visit: For outdoor adventures – hiking, biking, and horseback riding

As Montana's top winter ski resort, Big Sky transforms into an exhilarating summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Take the tram to the summit of 11,116ft (3388m) Lone Peak for stunning 360-degree views, or challenge yourself with a hike to Beehive Basin. Thrill-seekers can also enjoy exhilarating lift-served downhill mountain biking.

Families will find plenty to do, with options like the scenic 1.6-mile (2.6km) round-trip hike to Ouzel Falls, canoeing on Lake Levinsky, or a leisurely horseback ride from a local ranch. For the adventurous, there’s also whitewater rafting and zip-lining to keep teenagers engaged.

After burning all those calories, recharge with a green Thai curry at Lotus Pad, or enjoy a craft beer and burger at Lone Peak Brewery. How to reach Big Sky: The turnoff to Big Sky is located in Gallatin Valley, 40 miles (64km) southwest of Bozeman, along a stunningly scenic route. Big Sky Resort is an additional 9 miles (14.5km) up a side valley.

Yellowstone National Park Loop

Why visit: Prepare for a quick tour to see hot springs, bison, and mud pots

If you have just one day to explore Yellowstone National Park and don’t mind spending a lot of time in the car, you can easily access two entrances from Bozeman. By entering at Gardiner and West Yellowstone, you can create a grand loop that showcases the highlights of northwestern Yellowstone.

Upon entering the park at Gardiner, be sure to check out the stunning hot spring terraces at Mammoth. Continue past waterfalls to see elk and bison herds grazing near Madison Junction. If time permits, take a detour south to Old Faithful to witness Yellowstone's most famous geysers and bubbling mud pots.

This is quite the long day trip, so consider splitting this itinerary over two days if you can. Otherwise, be sure to leave Bozeman at dawn!

Directions to Yellowstone National Park: From Bozeman, travel through Paradise Valley to Gardiner, enter Yellowstone National Park, and drive to Mammoth, Madison Junction, and Old Faithful. Exit the park at West Yellowstone, which is 90 miles (145km) back to Bozeman via the scenic Gallatin Valley. Be prepared: this is a grand 240-mile (386km) loop.

The Northwest Corner of Yellowstone

Why go: Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or fly fishing in Yellowstone's serene northwest corner

While many believe they know Yellowstone National Park, few venture to its hidden northwestern corner, easily reached from the Gallatin Valley. This area is perfect for multi-day backpacking or horseback adventures. For the more seasoned hiker, the Gallatin Sky Rim Trail offers a challenging day hike (or an overnight trip) with breathtaking views from its rugged volcanic ridges. Numerous outfitters provide fantastic day-long horseback rides or extended pack trips in this region of the park.

The great news is that visiting this part of Yellowstone incurs no park entry fees. However, the downside? There are more grizzly bears than people here, so pack bear spray and stay vigilant.

Directions to Yellowstone's Northwest Corner: Travel southwest from Bozeman on US-191 through the Gallatin Valley, passing the Big Sky turnoff, and continue south toward West Yellowstone. You'll find trailheads along the road starting 59 miles (95km) from Bozeman.

Source of the Missouri River

Why go: Discover the legacy of mountain men and Indigenous culture

History enthusiasts should head 40 minutes west of Bozeman to visit Missouri Headwaters State Park, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers converge to create the mighty Missouri River, the longest river in North America. This is the site where Lewis and Clark camped for a week in July 1805, with interpretive panels recounting their journey, along with tales of the fur trappers and mountain men who once roamed this area. Family-friendly hiking and biking trails are also available.

Don't miss a trip to the nearby Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, where for 2,000 years, Indigenous hunters skillfully drove bison over the steep cliffs known as the pishkun. Hike up to the cliffs for stunning views and reflect on this remarkable hunting technique.

Directions to Headwaters of the Missouri State Park: Travel northwest on I-90 for 26 miles (42km) to Logan; from there, it's 7 miles (11km) south to Madison Buffalo Jump or 5 miles (8km) northwest to Missouri Headwaters State Park.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Why go: Venture underground to witness stunning stalactites and rock formations

Round out your day trip to state parks by traveling 20 miles (32km) west from the Missouri headwaters to Lewis & Clark Caverns, Montana's inaugural state park and the largest cave system in the US Northwest. A two-hour guided tour (available from May to September) takes you through this fascinating cave complex, including a thrilling descent down a natural rock slide. It's an entertaining experience for families, and a shorter accessible tour is also offered for those with mobility challenges. Simple, shady dog kennels (free) are available for your furry friends while you explore the caves.

Directions to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park: The caverns are located 50 miles (80km) from Bozeman. Take I-90 northwest to Junction 274 near Three Forks, then continue on US-287 for another 16 miles (26km).