7 Days of Winter Adventure in Montana’s Yellowstone Country
Experience Yellowstone’s Quiet Season
Start / End
Bozeman, Montana
States Covered
MT
National Parks
Yellowstone National Park
Total Distance
271 miles (436 KM)
Suggested Days
7
Suggested Seasons
Winter
#ThisIsMyRoute
Overview
Winter in Yellowstone National Park is an experience like no other. Often called the park’s quiet season, winter provides a serene, intimate connection with this iconic wilderness. As snow blankets the landscape, Yellowstone transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland, where dramatic geothermal features — geysers, fumaroles and bubbling mud pots — become even more mesmerizing against their frosty backdrop. This itinerary not only covers Yellowstone’s wintery landscapes, it also takes you to the communities of Montana’s Yellowstone Country, where you will find warm, cozy welcomes.
Preparation
Yellowstone experiences very real winters, so be sure that you’re comfortable driving on winter roads, pack extra layers and appropriate footwear, and carry plenty of food and water with you. You’ll find plenty of comfort in each town, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared! Stock up when you’re in town so you can focus on the wonders of Yellowstone Country when you’re out adventuring.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BOZEMAN, EXPLORE & SETTLE IN
Begin your winter adventure in Bozeman, Montana, a lively college town known for its mix of outdoor recreation and vibrant cultural experiences. After arriving, check into your accommodation. The LARK, a stylish boutique hotel in downtown Bozeman, offers a sleek and convenient home base for your stay. Alternatively, consider the Kimpton Armory Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel located in Bozeman’s historic armory building, which blends modern comfort with rich history. After settling in, stroll down Main Street, filled with local shops, galleries, coffeehouses and unique dining spots.
For shopping enthusiasts, local stores such as Heyday, Meridian and REVOLVR showcase trendy selections, while art lovers can enjoy Bozeman’s art scene at places like Altitude Gallery and Old Main Gallery. Looking for the perfect Montana memento? Stop by Montana Gift Corral, which features everything from locally crafted goods to fun souvenirs. At the Museum of the Rockies, take a deep dive into Montana’s rich history, with exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils to Indigenous artifacts and the cultures of the American West, including a Living History Farm.
Come evening, dine at Blackbird Kitchen for its farm-to-table Italian cuisine, or Montana Ale Works, a casual spot with creative pub fare and more than 40 craft beers on tap. Bozeman’s nightlife thrives at venues like The ELM and the Rialto, where live music fills the air in a fun, vibrant atmosphere. End the day with a nightcap at PLONK Wine Bar, a popular spot for craft cocktails and small plates.
DAY 2: DOWNHILL & CROSS-COUNTRY SKI ADVENTURE IN BOZEMAN
30 MINUTES – 19 MILES/31 KM
Wake up early and fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Jam! or Nova Café, where you’re bound to rub elbows with locals. Then, prepare for a day of adventure. Bozeman is the perfect basecamp for both downhill skiing and cross-country skiing, so you can take your pick based on your preferences.
For downhill skiing, head to Bridger Bowl, about 20 minutes from downtown, or make a day trip to Big Sky Resort, about an hour south of Bozeman. Bridger Bowl is a local gem with excellent terrain, particularly for expert skiers who want to explore its renowned ridge terrain. Big Sky, on the other hand, is a world-class resort with over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain.
If cross-country skiing is more your style, drive to Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, located just outside of Bozeman. You’ll find over 27 miles (45 kilometers) of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, winding through scenic landscapes of snow-covered pines and mountain views. For those interested in something different, book a snowmobile tour or try ice climbing through one of Bozeman’s many adventure outfitters.Â
After an adrenaline-filled day, kick back at one of Bozeman’s many breweries. Mountains Walking Brewery, Map Brewing Company and Bridger Brewing are local favorites. For dinner, try Open Range, which serves upscale Montana cuisine. For late-night nosh, gute Laune, a German-inspired restaurant above the Rialto, pairs locally crafted brew, sausage and more with fun local vibes.
DAY 3: LIVINGSTON: SCENIC DRIVE & MONTANA GRIZZLY ENCOUNTER
30 MINUTES – 26 MILES/42 KM
On your third day, say goodbye to Bozeman and head to Livingston, a charming town just a 30-minute drive east along I-90. But before reaching Livingston, make a stop at Montana Grizzly Encounter. This wildlife sanctuary is home to rescued grizzly bears that cannot live in the wild, providing a unique and educational experience for all ages. You’ll get a chance to see these majestic animals (as well as some goats) up close and learn about their habitats.
Once you arrive in Livingston, check into the historic Murray Hotel, a favorite among travelers, including the late Anthony Bourdain, who named it among the Top 10 hotels in the world. The Murray exudes vintage charm alongside modern amenities, making it the perfect home base.
Savor Montana cuisine for lunch at Tru North Café, known for its friendly atmosphere and creative dishes. In the afternoon, explore Livingston’s enticing blend of art, history and culture. Stop by the Yellowstone Gateway Museum for a dive into the town’s rich past, or take a self-guided walking tour through its historic downtown, dotted with unique architecture, boutique shops, and galleries. Head to Yellowstone Hat Co. for a custom-crafted hat that reflects the town’s authentic flair.
For a relaxing end to your evening in Livingston, enjoy dinner at 2nd Street Bistro, a farm-to-table restaurant creating locally sourced, French-inspired dishes, or head to Gil’s Goods for wood-fired pizza, burgers and local beers or the Mint Bar for Western classics. Afterward, unwind with a cocktail by the fireplace at Fainting Goat Pub, known for its warm ambiance and late night menu. If you’re in the mood for live music, The Murray Bar is a lively spot where you can often catch local bands performing to wrap up your evening.
DAY 4: CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & HOT SPRINGS IN LIVINGSTON
30 MINUTES – 26 MILES/42 KM
Start your day with breakfast at Faye’s Cafe, Pinky’s or Perk on Park. Today, you’ll have plenty of options for outdoor activities. For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, rent equipment and get trail recommendations from Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Co. and head out to popular Forest Service access including Mill Creek, Suce Creek or groomed trails at the B Bar Ranch. The trails around Paradise Valley afford breathtaking views of the Absaroka Mountains and the Yellowstone River.
Other unique adventures include dog sledding and horse drawn carriage rides. Book a thrilling dog sled tour through Chico Hot Spring, where you can glide through the snowy landscape and learn about the sport and the sled dogs. For a more easygoing option, horse drawn carriage rides are available at Sage Lodge through the enchanting winter wonderland. The views are unforgettable whether you’re mushing through fresh powder or bundled up in a carriage.
After a day of adventure, get cozy at Chico Hot Springs or Sage Lodge—just 30 minutes from Livingston. Do you prefer the historic charm and relaxing hot springs of Chico or the modern elegance of Sage? The choice is yours. At Chico, indulge in gourmet dining with local flavors, or enjoy fine dining at Sage, where you can also take a stargazing tour or try ax throwing, and both have in-house spas.
DAY 5: ENTER THE WINTER WONDERLAND OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
1 HOUR 15 MINUTES – 64 MILES/103 KM
Today, you’ll venture into the heart of Yellowstone National Park, a true winter wonderland. The drive to Yellowstone’s North Entrance in Gardiner will take about an hour, depending on where you’re coming from (Livingston or Paradise Valley). From there, you can explore the park’s unique winter landscapes.
Book a snowcoach tour, which will take you deep into the park to see iconic sites like Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Winter is an ideal time to visit Yellowstone, as the park is far less crowded than in the summer months, and the snow-covered landscapes create a sublime experience.
Wildlife enthusiasts should consider booking a winter wildlife safari. Yellowstone is home to bison, elk, wolves and other animals, and a guided tour will increase your chances of seeing these creatures in their natural habitat.
After a day of adventure, settle into one of Yellowstone’s winter lodges, such as the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, with inviting accommodations and easy access to the park’s northern region.
DAY 6: SKI, SNOWSHOE, SNOWMOBILE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
5 minutes – 1 MILE/.6 KM
Spend your second day in Yellowstone exploring the park’s trails. Winter extends excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with miles of groomed trails, including Mammoth, Tower, and Old Faithful. Lamar Valley is also a popular destination for both activities, offering scenic views and abundant wildlife.
If you want something more thrilling, book a guided snowmobile tour through one of the park’s authorized outfitters. Snowmobiling is a fantastic way to cover more ground and see parts of the park that otherwise would be difficult to access.
For those interested in photography, consider a winter photography tour, where experienced guides will take you to the best spots for capturing the park’s winter beauty. Yellowstone’s geothermal features, such as the Lower Falls and Grand Prismatic Spring, look particularly stunning against the snow-covered landscape.
In the evening, enjoy a quiet meal at your lodge or venture into Gardiner for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant like Wonderland Café.
DAY 7: HOT SPRINGS & BOZEMAN FAREWELL
1 HOUR 20 MINUTES – 79 MILES/127 KM
On your final day, leave Yellowstone and make your way back to Bozeman. Along the route, stop at Yellowstone Hot Springs in Gardiner for a rejuvenating soak before heading home. The surrounding mountains make the perfect backdrop for a final, serene Montana experience.
Once back in Bozeman, enjoy dinner at a popular spot like Squire House, Bitterroot Bistro or Wild Caddis, reflecting on the week of adventures in Montana’s winter wonderland. Stay overnight in Bozeman or catch a late flight home, leaving with unforgettable memories of Bozeman, Livingston and Yellowstone National Park.