10-Day Nature Itinerary in Bozeman

  • Day 1: Museum of the Rockies and Gallatin National Forest
    15-minute drive (7 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    Start your trip by visiting the Museum of the Rockies, where you can learn about the history, culture, and geology of the region. Then, head to the Gallatin National Forest, where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in the beautiful wilderness.

  • Day 2: Yellowstone National Park
    90-minute drive (80 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    Explore the iconic Yellowstone National Park, and see the Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and other natural wonders. Spend the day hiking, taking pictures, and experiencing the natural beauty of the park.

  • Day 3: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
    1-hour drive (55 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    Visit the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park and take a guided tour of the stunning limestone caves. You can also go hiking, camping, or picnicking in the park, which offers views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

  • Day 4: Yellowstone River and Chico Hot Springs
    40-minute drive (30 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    Take a scenic drive along the Yellowstone River, and stop at various viewpoints to admire the landscape. Then, relax and soak in the natural hot springs at Chico Hot Springs Resort, which also offers lodging, dining, and spa services.

  • Day 5: Hyalite Canyon and Palisade Falls
    30-minute drive (20 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    Drive to Hyalite Canyon, and hike to Palisade Falls, a 80-foot waterfall that cascades down a cliff. You can also go fishing, boating, or rock-climbing in the canyon or nearby reservoirs.

  • Day 6: Bridger Bowl and Bridger Mountains
    20-minute drive (16 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    Hit the slopes at Bridger Bowl ski area, and enjoy skiing or snowboarding down the challenging slopes of the Bridger Mountains. Afterward, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or a meal at the on-site restaurant.

  • Day 7: Montana Grizzly Encounter and River's Edge Trail
    30-minute drive (15 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    Visit the Montana Grizzly Encounter, a sanctuary for rescued grizzly bears, and learn about these magnificent animals. Then, go for a scenic walk or bike ride along the River's Edge Trail, which follows the Gallatin River and offers views of the mountains and wildlife.

  • Day 8: Big Sky Resort and Lone Peak
    1-hour drive (50 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    Take a day trip to the Big Sky Resort, and ride the chairlift up to the summit of Lone Peak, which offers panoramic views of the region. You can also go skiing, snowboarding, zip-lining, or hiking at the resort, which has various activities for all levels and ages.

  • Day 9: Madison River and Ennis Lake
    1-hour drive (50 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    Drive to the Madison River, and go fly-fishing or rafting in the clear waters that are home to rainbow and brown trout. Then, visit Ennis Lake, a scenic reservoir where you can go boating, swimming, or sunbathing.

  • Day 10: Bozeman Hot Springs and Downtown Bozeman
    20-minute drive (10 miles) from downtown Bozeman

    End your trip by relaxing at the Bozeman Hot Springs, where you can soak in the natural mineral pools, get a massage, or take a yoga class. Then, stroll around downtown Bozeman, and explore the shops, museums, and restaurants that showcase the town's art, history, and culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Museum of the Rockies (2 hours, $15)
  • Gallatin National Forest (4 hours, free)
  • Yellowstone National Park (8 hours, $35)
  • Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (4 hours, $10)
  • Yellowstone River (2 hours, free)
  • Chico Hot Springs (4 hours, $30 for soaking)
  • Hyalite Canyon (4 hours, free)
  • Bridger Bowl (6 hours, $80 for lift ticket)
  • Montana Grizzly Encounter (2 hours, $15)
  • River's Edge Trail (2 hours, free)
  • Big Sky Resort (8 hours, $100 for lift ticket)
  • Madison River (4 hours, $50 for guided tour)
  • Ennis Lake (2 hours, free)
  • Bozeman Hot Springs (4 hours, $20 for soaking)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $400

Transportation

Bozeman is a small town that is easy to explore by car, bike, or foot. However, some attractions, such as Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Resort, require a car due to their distance and limited public transportation. The estimated travel costs are $100 for gas and $50 for car rental per day. Biking and walking are free and healthy options that offer great views and exercise.

Useful tips

If you have more time, add a day trip to the Montana State Capitol in Helena, a scenic drive along the Beartooth Highway, or a visit to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. If you have less time, skip some attractions that are less interesting to you or combine some destinations that are nearby. Also, check the weather forecast and prepare for the temperature changes and outdoor activities accordingly.

Airports

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the main airport that serves the town and the region. It is located in Belgrade, about 10 miles northwest of downtown Bozeman. The airport offers flights to and from major cities in the US, such as Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago. Car rental, taxi, and shuttle services are available at the airport.

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