Montana has some of the most staggeringly beautiful landscapes in the world. On this road trip, travel from the very top of the state heading south before slipping into Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park.
From the mountains to the monstrous trout, Montana has endless possibilities. Just north of Yellowstone National Park lies the lovable town of Livingston, an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise in every season. While many parts of Montana deal with harsh winters, Livingston is just one of those “banana belt” towns; a place where the sun shines most days of the year and somehow it doesn’t feel bitter cold on snowy days. Year-round, travelers will appreciate the slew of art that Livingston has to offer. There are 17 galleries and counting around town, plus live theater and music on frequent rotation. For the foodies, casual to fine dining is in abundance in Livingston with over 20 restaurants to choose from!
It’s winter and the whole family has cabin fever… what to do? Don’t think twice, just book it to West Yellowstone, Montana. This place is a mecca for outdoor winter adventures, geared toward adults and kids alike. With winter activities at your fingertips, including world-class Nordic skiing and downhill resorts nearby, what’s not to love? The Kids’N’Snow weekends offered 4 times during the winter offer a free opportunity for kids to play outside and try different snow sports. Here’s what you can look forward to during a West Yellowstone winter vacation…
Yellowstone National Park is a shining example of our nation’s best idea; the National Park System. With stunning Rocky Mountain Landscapes, thermal geysers and unparalleled opportunities to see wildlife roam free, Yellowstone Country is a must for anyone wanting to experienced the unsullied American frontier. But with roughly 4.7 million visitors passing through the park in 2025 alone, that shining example of nature can feel a touch crowded. If it’s solitude you are looking for, though, consider that Yellowstone is bordered by hundreds of miles of National Forests that provide much of the same stunning landscapes and opportunities for wildlife viewing with none of the silly tour groups or lines of cars.
In the past five weeks, I’ve been to Rocky Mountain National Park, Wyoming’s Lander – for the 2017 Eclipse – Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and have meandered the wild and wondrous Beartooth Highway, in southern Montana. So far, I’m very happy with how it’s gone. There have been some minor setbacks, but moreover, the itineraries I’ve planned have worked out well.
There are many reasons you may want your national park vacation to take you really close to nature. Perhaps you’re an adventurer at heart, and you long to explore freely. Or maybe you’re growing weary of this fast-paced world, and you want a vacation that will help you slow down. Any one of these options should do the trick. For parks that will fully immerse you in the natural world, look no further. Here come our 5 suggestions for an amazing, close to nature experience.