Bozeman
1 hostel · dorms from $33
A lively college town and the gateway to Yellowstone.
Points of interest
- Museum of the Rockies
- Main Street
- Yellowstone nearby
- Big Sky
State guide
Things to do in Montana
Big Sky Country: Glacier National Park and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the northern gateways to Yellowstone, fly fishing on clear rivers, and the college towns of Bozeman and Missoula.
2
Hostels across its 3 main cities
8.9
Average, from 369 reviews
5–7
Days to do it properly
Big Sky Country
Montana is huge and sparsely populated, with the Rocky Mountains in the west and wide plains in the east. Its nickname, Big Sky Country, says it all: the landscapes are vast and the skies seem endless.
Glacier National Park, in the north-west on the Canadian border, is one of the most spectacular parks in the USA, with turquoise lakes, glaciers and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which crosses the Continental Divide. Yellowstone's north and west entrances are in Montana, at Gardiner and West Yellowstone. Bozeman and Missoula are lively college towns with breweries and outdoor shops, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and Little Bighorn Battlefield marks a famous 1876 battle.
Give Montana five days to a week, by car. July to mid-September is the best time for Glacier, when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open. Winter brings skiing at Big Sky and Whitefish.
Where to base yourself
Bozeman for Yellowstone, and Whitefish or Columbia Falls for Glacier.
Columbia Falls
1 hostel · dorms from $101
A small town at the edge of Glacier National Park.
Points of interest
- Glacier National Park
- Flathead River
- Whitefish nearby
Missoula
A river town with a creative, outdoorsy scene.
Points of interest
- Clark Fork River
- University of Montana
- Breweries
Regions of Montana
Mountains in the west, including Glacier and the Yellowstone gateways, and plains in the east.
Glacier Country
Glacier, Flathead LakeGlacier National Park, Whitefish and Flathead Lake.
Yellowstone Country
Bozeman, Yellowstone gatewaysBozeman, Big Sky and the gateways to Yellowstone.
Western Montana
Missoula, riversMissoula and its rivers and mountains.
Southwest Montana
Butte, ghost townsMining towns, hot springs and ghost towns.
Eastern Montana
Plains, Little BighornOpen plains, badlands and Little Bighorn.
Things to do
Things to do in Montana
In Glacier National Park, drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which usually opens fully in late June or July, and hike to Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake or the Highline Trail. No vehicle reservation is needed in 2026. Visit Lake McDonald and its colourful stones, and the quieter Many Glacier area.
Use Bozeman as a base for Yellowstone's north entrance via Gardiner, and the Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic roads in the USA. Fly fish on the Madison, Gallatin and Yellowstone rivers. In Missoula, float the Clark Fork River through town in summer.
Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Flathead Lake and its cherry orchards, and Whitefish, a mountain town near Glacier with skiing in winter.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Montana's national forests and many fishing access sites are free. Floating the river in Missoula and walking Bozeman's Main Street cost nothing.
The Beartooth Highway is free to drive (in summer). Flathead Lake has free public access points.
Glacier and Yellowstone charge entry, plus $100 per international visitor from 2026.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Montana's food is hearty: bison and elk burgers, steaks, and huckleberries, a wild mountain berry, in pies, ice cream and drinks. Pasties, from Cornish miners, are a Butte speciality.
Bozeman and Missoula have good restaurants and many breweries. Flathead cherries are a summer treat.
In small towns, expect diners and steakhouses.
Nightlife
Going out
Bozeman and Missoula have the liveliest nightlife, with breweries, bars and live music. Whitefish and Big Sky have après-ski in winter.
In small towns, the local bar is the social centre.
Nights are cold, even in summer.
Getting around
Getting around
Bozeman Yellowstone International is the busiest airport, and Glacier Park International near Kalispell serves Glacier. Amtrak's Empire Builder stops at East and West Glacier.
A car is essential for exploring. Distances are long, and roads such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Beartooth Highway close in winter.
Glacier runs free shuttles along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer.
Costs
What Montana costs
Montana is moderately priced, but accommodation near Glacier and Yellowstone is expensive and books up early for summer. Camping is the budget option.
Montana has no general sales tax, though some resort towns charge a local resort tax, and lodging is taxed. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Glacier and Yellowstone charge entry plus $100 per international visitor from 2026.
Safety
Safety and scams
Montana is safe; the risks are outdoors. Glacier and the Yellowstone area are grizzly bear country: carry bear spray, make noise on trails and hike in groups.
Weather changes fast in the mountains, and snow can fall in summer. Distances between towns are long, so carry water and fuel.
Wildfire smoke can affect late summer. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Rodeos, river floats and ski season.
Usually late June or July
Going-to-the-Sun Road opening
Glacier National Park
The road opens fully once snow is cleared.
Early July
Livingston Roundup Rodeo
Livingston
A classic Independence Day rodeo.
December to March
Ski season
Big Sky and Whitefish
Big mountains and short lift queues.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Montana's main towns, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
July to mid-September is best for Glacier and the high roads. June can still have snow on high trails. Winter brings skiing at Big Sky and Whitefish, and spring and autumn are quiet.
Jan
Ski season
Feb
Ski season
Mar
Late skiing
Apr
Quiet
May
Spring
Jun
Snow on high trails
Jul
Peak season
Aug
Peak, wildfire smoke possible
Sep
Quieter, autumn colour
Oct
Roads begin to close
Nov
Quiet
Dec
Ski season
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Bozeman, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on summer prices.
Treat these as a guide. Park fees and car hire cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Montana questions
The ones we get asked most.
Do I need a reservation for Glacier National Park in 2026?
No vehicle reservation is needed for the Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026, but international visitors pay an extra $100 per person.
When does the Going-to-the-Sun Road open?
Usually fully in late June or July, depending on snow.
How many days do you need in Montana?
Five days to a week for Glacier and the Yellowstone area.
Is there sales tax in Montana?
No general sales tax, but some resort towns charge a local resort tax.
Do I need a car in Montana?
Yes, though Amtrak reaches Glacier and the park runs free shuttles in summer.
How do I stay safe from bears?
Carry bear spray, make noise and hike in groups.
When is the best time to visit Montana?
July to mid-September.
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