Montana delivers raw, unfiltered adventure—think Glacier’s rugged peaks, Yellowstone’s boiling geysers, and highways stretching through untamed wilderness.
I’ve driven these roads, hiked these trails, and tasted the local huckleberry shakes, so I’m here to give you the real deal: detailed route, can’t-miss stops, and step-by-step planning to nail your trip.
Whether you’ve got 7 days or 10, this guide cuts through the noise to get you on the road, hitting the best of Big Sky Country with zero guesswork.
Step 1: Define Your Timeframe and Goals
First things first—how long do you have? Montana’s massive (we’re talking 147,000 square miles of pure glory), so your itinerary depends on your timeline.
A week is solid for hitting the highlights, but 10-14 days lets you soak it all in without rushing.
Ask yourself: Are you here for national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone? Small-town charm? Outdoor thrills like hiking or fishing?
Maybe a mix of all three? I’ll assume you’ve got 7-10 days and want the full Montana experience—nature, culture, and a few hidden gems.
Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point
Montana’s got a few gateway cities with airports and rental car options. Here’s the rundown:
- Billings (BIL): Biggest city, central-ish, great for looping east to west. Fly in here if you want to start with Yellowstone vibes.
- Bozeman (BZN): Hip college town, close to Yellowstone (90 minutes) and Big Sky. Ideal for a southwest focus.
- Kalispell/Glacier Park International (FCA): Your Glacier National Park launchpad, 12 miles from Whitefish. Perfect for a northwest start.
- Missoula (MSO): Artsy and outdoorsy, good for a western Montana.
I’d pick Bozeman or Kalispell for convenience and proximity to the big parks.
Book your flights early—summer fills up fast—and reserve a rental car (Avis, Hertz, etc. are at all these airports). Go for something comfy with decent mileage—Montana highways stretch long (speed limits hit 80 mph in spots!).
Step 3: Map Your Route
Montana’s highways are a road-trippers paradise—long stretches of smooth asphalt flanked by snow-capped peaks, rolling prairies, and the kind of vistas that make you forget your phone exists.
After years of exploring this state’s backroads and byways, I’ve honed two standout routes that showcase its best: a 7-day whirlwind hitting the iconic parks.
Route: The 7-Day Montana Highlights Loop (Bozeman Start)
- Total Distance: ~900 miles round trip
- Focus: Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, plus a sprinkle of small-town charm
- Why It Works: Perfect for first-timers or those short on time, this loop delivers Montana’s heavy hitters without exhausting you.
Day 1: Bozeman to West Yellowstone (90 miles, 1.5 hrs)
- Start: Touch down in Bozeman—Montana’s buzzing hub with a college-town edge. Kick things off downtown at Ted’s Montana Grill—order the bison burger with huckleberry BBQ sauce ($18, worth every penny).
- Drive: Take US-191 south through Gallatin Valley—green hills and distant peaks set the tone. About 45 minutes in, detour to Big Sky Resort (10 miles off-route). Stretch your legs on the Beehive Basin Trail (2 miles round trip, moderate)—Lone Peak looms at 11,166 ft, and the wildflowers in summer are insane.
- End: Roll into West Yellowstone, the funky gateway town to the park. Check into Crosswinds Inn ($120-$150/night)—clean, cozy, and steps from local diners. Grab a nightcap at the Slippery Otter Pub if you’re feeling social.
- Drive Time Tip: Easy 1.5 hrs, but add 30-60 mins for the Big Sky stop.
Day 2: Yellowstone National Park (100-mile loop)
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- Plan: Enter via the West Entrance ($35/vehicle, good for 7 days). Start early—8 AM—to beat crowds. First stop: Old Faithful (erupts every 60-110 mins, check times at the visitor center). Wander the boardwalks, then head 20 miles northeast to Grand Prismatic Spring—its rainbow hues are unreal (best from the overlook trail, 1.6 miles round trip). Finish at Mammoth Hot Springs (40 miles north)—steaming terraces and elk grazing nearby.
- Wildlife: Bison rule here—keep 25 yards back (they’re faster than they look). Bears? 100 yards. Bring binocs!
- Stay: Back at Crosswinds in West Yellowstone—crash after a full day.
- Drive Time Tip: 100 miles takes 3-4 hrs with traffic and stops—plan 6-8 hrs total.
Day 3: West Yellowstone to Missoula (200 miles, 3.5 hrs)
- Drive: Head north on US-287 through ranchlands—stop in Ennis (45 miles in) for a fly-fishing vibe (Madison River’s a gem) or a quick coffee at The Percolator. Optional detour: Virginia City (15 miles off-route), a living ghost town with saloons and stagecoaches—$10 admission. Merge onto I-90 west into Missoula.
- Missoula: Artsy and laid-back, this town’s a gem. Walk the Blackfoot River trails (A River Runs Through It territory)—rent a tube ($10) if it’s warm. Dinner at The Notorious P.I.G. for BBQ ($15/plate).
- Stay: The Wren ($180-$220/night)—boutique chic with river views.
- Drive Time Tip: 3.5 hrs straight, 4-5 with stops.
Day 4: Missoula to Whitefish (135 miles, 2.5 hrs)
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- Drive: Take MT-200 east to MT-83 north—lakes and pines galore—then US-93 into Flathead Valley. Stop at Flathead Lake (near Bigfork, 70 miles in)—swim at Wayfarers State Park ($6/day) or hit a cherry stand (July-Aug, $5/pint).
- Whitefish: Ski-town charm meets lake life. Stroll Central Ave—Great Northern Brewing Co.’s Black Star lager ($6) is a must.
- Stay: Firebrand Hotel ($200-$250/night)—rooftop hot tub seals the deal.
- Drive Time Tip: 2.5 hrs, add 1 hr for lake time.
Day 5-6: Glacier National Park (50-100 miles of driving)
- Plan: From Whitefish, it’s 25 miles (30 mins) to Glacier’s West Entrance. Day 5: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road (50 miles)—Lake McDonald’s turquoise waters, Logan Pass (6,646 ft, marmots everywhere), and Jackson Glacier Overlook. Day 6: Hike Hidden Lake (5.4 miles round trip, moderate)—stunning payoff. Book timed entry online ($2, summer only).
- Gear: Bear spray ($40 at park stores), water, snacks—cell signals nil.
- Stay: Whitefish or Apgar Village (inside the park, $150-$200/night at Village Inn).
- Drive Time Tip: 50 miles takes 2 hrs without stops—plan all day.
Day 7: Whitefish to Bozeman (300 miles, 5 hrs)
- Drive: US-2 east to MT-206, then I-90. Stop in Kalispell (20 miles in) at Norm’s News for a huckleberry shake ($5)—retro vibes. Push through to Bozeman—flatlands turn to mountains.
- End: Crash at Element Bozeman ($150-$200/night), fly out the next day.
- Drive Time Tip: 5 hrs straight, 6 with stops.
Step 4: Plan Must-See Stops
Montana is full of unforgettable destinations, and these are the ones you don’t want to miss:
Glacier National Park
Drive the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike to Hidden Lake or Grinnell Glacier, and soak in the park’s rugged beauty.
Wildlife encounters are common, so carry bear spray ($40 at park stores) for safety.
Yellowstone National Park
Experience Old Faithful, marvel at the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, and drive through Lamar Valley, where you’ll likely spot bison, elk, and maybe even wolves.
Flathead Lake
As the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, or boating.
If visiting in summer, stop by Polson to pick up some fresh Flathead cherries.
Beartooth Highway
This scenic 68-mile drive from Red Lodge to Yellowstone is only open from May to October but is worth the trip.
At 10,947 feet, Beartooth Pass offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the state.
Garnet Ghost Town
Located off I-90 near Drummond, this is Montana’s best-preserved ghost town.
Wander through its eerie, abandoned buildings and get a glimpse of the Old West.
Best of all, it’s free to visit.
National Bison Range
Located near Moiese, just off MT-200, this wildlife refuge offers a self-guided driving loop where you can see bison, elk, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat.
A $10 donation is suggested, but the up-close wildlife experience is priceless.
Step 5: Gear Up and Pack Smart
- Car: Rent a mid-size SUV (Subaru Outback vibes) for gravel roads and mileage (25-30 mpg). Check tire pressure—Montana’s rough on rubber.
- Essentials: Cooler with snacks (jerky, fruit), water (1 gal/day/person), first-aid kit, offline maps (Google Maps download), bear spray ($40-$50).
- Clothes: Layers—temps swing from 40°F nights to 80°F days in summer. Hiking boots, rain jacket, hat.
- Tech: Phone charger, power bank, camera (those views!). Cell service is spotty—download AllTrails for hikes.
Step 6: Book Accommodations Early
Montana’s lodging fills up fast, especially near parks. Book 3-6 months out for summer.
- Camping: Glacier’s Fish Creek ($23/night) or Yellowstone’s Madison ($29/night). Reserve via recreation.gov.
- Hotels: Mid-range ($100-$200/night) like Crosswinds Inn or luxury ($250+/night) like The Wren.
- Cabins: Snowbear Chalets in Whitefish ($300+/night)—book direct for deals.
Step 7: Budget Your Trip
- Flights – Expect to pay $300–$500 round trip to fly into Bozeman or Kalispell, depending on your departure city and time of year.
- Car Rental – Renting a vehicle costs $50–$80 per day, plus gas. With 900–1,200 miles of driving, fuel expenses will likely be around $100–$150 (based on gas prices averaging $3.50 per gallon).
- Lodging – Accommodations vary widely. Budget $100–$200 per night, meaning a 7–10 night stay will range from $700–$2,000.
- Food – A mix of diners, restaurants, and groceries will cost approximately $30–$50 per person per day, adding up to $210–$500 for a week.
- National Park Entry – Visiting Glacier and Yellowstone will set you back $35 per park, for a total of $70.
Estimated Trip Cost
Final Thoughts
Montana isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
From the towering peaks of Glacier to the wild energy of Yellowstone, every mile offers something unforgettable.
Take your time, embrace the unexpected, and let the landscape set the pace.
Now, pack your bags, hit the open road, and let Montana show you why they call it Big Sky Country.
Hello, my name is Harper Barton. The only thing I love more than travelling is writing about it. Sounds strange doesn’t it? But yeah, I adore writing and sharing my experiences about what I have experienced during my travels. Since I am a person who loves being a part of the community, I often write about local festivals with the goal of popularizing outside just small communities they come from.
