The Treasure State is a place that never fails to live up to its name, offering gems in the forms of unbeatable mountain views, world-class fly fishing, powder days galore, top-notch beer, and friendly people. It’s a place of relaxation, where you can let your hair down and be the homebrewing, mountain biking, flower bus-driving free spirit you’ve always wanted to be.
So, for all you outdoor lovers and not afraid to get dirty-ers, this guide of 17 fun and adventurous Montana activities is for you!
1. Glacier National Park
Location: Glacier National Park, MT
Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
With over a million acres of hiking trails, lakes, campsites, waterfalls, and wildlife, Glacier National Park has no shortage of adventure for the outdoor-loving traveler!
There is so much to explore in this incredible wilderness, but here are a few favorites to get you started:
| Point of Interest | Description |
|---|---|
| Going-to-the-Sun Road | Bike it, hike it, or drive it! This road, starting at the West Glacier entrance and ending at St. Mary, gives visitors stunning panoramic views of the park. |
| The Weeping Wall | Visit the park in the early season to see torrents of water running off this one hundred-foot rockface. A great stop for photos or a quick cool-off from the heat! |
| The Highline Trail | Looking for an all-day hike in the park? Roughly eleven miles long, this trail provides a full day of adventure. Starting at the north side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and ending at The Loop trailhead, this six- to seven-hour hike takes visitors past garden walls, red rock, meadows of flowers, and wildlife! |
| Lake McDonald | This beautiful lake, located on the west side of the park, is a must-stop! Visitors can admire the snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake in winter or take out a kayak or paddleboard in summer! |
Two important notes when visiting Glacier National Park:
- You must make a reservation to bring a vehicle into the park, which can be done through the National Park Service website here.
- You must not forget to try the local huckleberry ice cream before you leave!
2. Yellowstone National Park
Location: Yellowstone National Park, MT
Website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
Covering 2.2 million acres, visiting the world’s first national park may seem overwhelming when trying to decide which sites to see. This beautifully preserved land is home to incredible wildlife, natural springs, and unique ecosystems unlike anywhere else on Earth. You can’t go wrong visiting any section of this park, but here are a few must-sees to put on your list:
| Point of Interest | Description |
|---|---|
| Old Faithful | Named for its regular activity, this geyser is great for a guaranteed eruption sighting. Check this site to see when the next eruption should occur! |
| Grand Prismatic Spring | Coming in as the third largest spring in the world, the Grand Prismatic is well worth the stop. Boasting mesmerizing rainbow colors and impressive size, this site is sure to exceed traveler expectations. |
| Lamar Valley | There’s a reason wildlife researchers continuously return in droves to the Lamar Valley; this location is a favorite roaming ground of wolves, bison, pronghorn and more. Tip: Go with a buddy and bring a camera but keep a safe distance (at least twenty-five yards) away from any animals. |
| Mammoth Hot Springs | Take one of the two terrace boardwalks to view this unique feature of the park. Mammoth Hot Springs is like no other site, looking like a manmade ice-covered staircase, this natural formation of limestone and travertine is sure to pique the interest of any curious traveler! |
| Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone | Visitors can take in the awe-inspiring canyon from Artist’s Point on the south end or take one of the many trails that run around the perimeter of the canyon to get a closer look! |
It is worth noting that the Yellowstone Grand Loop Road is a great way to wind around the park and conveniently pull off at almost all of the sites mentioned above!
3. Fly Fishing
There’s something romantic to the traveler and local alike about standing in a Montana river, casting a line, and waiting for that big catch!
Don’t know where to begin? These companies are great options for a guided fly-fishing adventure in Montana:
- Montana Fly Fishing Guides – https://www.montanaflyfishingguides.com/
- Lazy Bear Outfitters – https://lazybearoutfitters.com/
- Gallatin River Guides – https://www.montanaflyfishing.com/
New to Montana but you are a regular fly fisher? Check out the Yellowstone, Missouri, Madison, Blackfoot, and Clark Fork rivers for a true Montana fishing experience where the only thing better than the views is the amount of fish to catch!
4. Mountain Biking
Montana mountain biking is a culture of its own; bikers are welcoming, friendly, nature enthusiasts that can’t get enough of the sport! Luckily, there are plenty of mountain biking options around the state, but here are a few local favorites:
| Area | Trail/Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Missoula area | Blue Mountain | With 41 miles of mountain trails, this is one of the best options to spend a day mountain biking and discovering gorgeous overlooks of the Missoula Valley! |
| Pattee Canyon | Get lost in the rugged nature of Missoula mountain biking on any of the trails within this 3200-acre plot of land! | |
| Flathead Valley area | Going-to-the-Sun Road | Open to bicyclists at varying times of year due to unpredictable weather, Going-to-the-Sun Road is an amazing option for those mountain bikers hoping to experience the park with minimal traffic! |
| Montana/Idaho border | Hiawatha | This 15-mile ride takes bicyclists through historic tunnels, over trestles, and through a section of wilderness unparalleled in beauty. Challenge yourself and ride from the base up or take a relaxing ride from the top down and use the shuttle to return. |
5. Float the Rivers
A favorite of both locals and tourists, floating is an iconic Montana summer adventure! All you’ll need is an inner tube and a few good buddies to enjoy this activity.
Floating is basically hopping on an innertube in one of the many beautiful Montana rivers and letting the current take you on a ride, allowing you to experience the nature in a unique, fun way. Not every river is a suitable option for floating, so here are a few recommendations:
| River | Description |
|---|---|
| Blackfoot River | A lively ride with some medium-intensity rapids and larger boulders on the shoulders to navigate. This one’s for the thrill-seekers with some river experience under their belt! |
| Madison River | A slower river, the Madison is great for relaxing and taking in the Bozeman area scenery! |
| Clark Fork River | A good in-between option with calm spots and sections with small rapids. Great views of Missoula’s Hellgate Canyon and frequent wildlife sightings! |
Tip: Make a plan to leave vehicles at put-in and get-out points, so you can easily get back home from the river! If enjoying an adult beverage, check out one of the many Montana shuttle companies such as Clark Fork Yacht Club or Madison River tubing for a safe ride home!
6. Skiing and Snowboarding at Big Sky Resort
Location: 50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, United States
Website: https://bigskyresort.com/
A winter visit to Montana would be incomplete without a trip to the mountains for skiing or snowboarding! While there are many options to hit the slopes across the state, Big Sky Resort is a local and tourist favorite! This resort offers amazing services such as:
- 320 runs!
- Heated chair lifts
- A large variety of nearby lodging options
- World-class dining
- Night skiing
- Snowshoe tours
With so many incredible amenities, Big Sky Resort has still managed to maintain a cozy, charming feel with local food vendors, friendly lift operators, and a rustic lodge to give locals and tourists alike a real Montana experience!
Visit this site for the most up-to-date lift ticket prices!
7. Go Axe Throwing!
Nothing says Montana quite like putting on a flannel, grabbing a beer and a few buddies, and throwing some axes! If you’re looking to bring out your inner lumberjack, this may be the activity for you.
Not so familiar with the sport? Not to worry! Once your group claims a throwing bay, coaches will lead you through axe throwing games, proper holding and throwing methods, and safety tips. I’d highly recommend any of these local favorite locations:
- Lookout Throwing Co. – Locations in Missoula and Bozeman
- Montana Axe Throwing Co. – Located in Butte
- Hank’s Hatchets Axe Throwing – Located in Whitefish
Please note that you should wear close-toed shoes for this activity, and you need to be at least eighteen or have a parent’s signature to throw axes at any of these locations.
8. Soak in one of Montana’s Hot Springs!
There is nothing quite like a warm soak in the middle of nature, and Montana is not lacking a supply of opportunities to do just that! There are over 60 hot springs within the state, but here are five I highly recommend as a local:
| Hot Spring | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Fairmont | Located halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone, this is a great rest stop for travelers hitting the national parks! | Visit Website |
| Lolo | Perfect for folks who need easier access or those traveling with kiddos! | Visit Website |
| Elkhorn | A quiet, little hidden gem, this hot spring is located at the base of Maverick ski hill. If you’re looking for a very local experience of skiing and soaking, this one may be for you! | Visit Website |
| Jerry Johnson | Right on the Montana/Idaho border, this is a great option for the hiking enthusiast who doesn’t mind a little work for the reward of soaking in gorgeous, natural springs! | Visit Website |
| Yellowstone Hot Springs | One of Montana’s newest hot springs, this is a great way to relax after a day visiting the nearby Yellowstone National Park! | Visit Website |
9. Big Mountain (Whitefish Mountain Resort)
Location: 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States
Website: https://skiwhitefish.com/
With less traffic than many other mountains in Montana, Big Mountain, also known as Whitefish Mountain Resort, is a great option for a day of nature adventure! Here are a few activities I suggest checking out:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hiking | With over a dozen trails to choose from, this mountain can offer visitors a full day of hiking adventure! |
| Huckleberry picking | This sweet, purple state berry grows wild and in abundance on the side of Big Mountain! Bring a baggie and have a snack during your hike or take them home to bake a delicious pie! |
| Skiing | Looking for amazing slopes with a shorter wait for the lift? This is the place for you! Check the Whitefish Mountain Resort site for the most updated ticket prices. |
| Snowshoeing | With such heavy snowfall on Big Mountain, it is the perfect place to strap on those snowshoes and go out on a winter adventure! |
With a charming, local vibe, Big Mountain, has something for just about any outdoor lover!
Read my related post “19 Adventurous Winter Activities for Thrill Seekers” here.
10. Hiking
There is so much hiking to experience around Montana in places like Big Mountain, Glacier, Yellowstone, and many other beautiful locations! Here are a few specific hikes enjoyed by locals and visitors broken down by difficulty level:
| Hiking Difficulty | |
|---|---|
| Easy | |
| Trail of the Cedars | A great option for families and kiddos visiting Glacier Park. |
| Polson Hill Trail | An easy 50-minute hike that gives visitors an unmatched view of Flathead Lake. |
| Moderate | |
| Anaconda’s Historic Copper Trail | Learn about the rich mining history of Anaconda as you walk by old mining equipment and overlook the city. |
| Avalanche Lake Trail | It is an excellent option for a moderately challenging climb with a stopping point at one of Glacier Park’s beautiful lakes. |
| Difficult | |
| Grinnell Glacier Overlook | With a total elevation gain of 2830 ft., this Glacier Park trail is for those looking for a strenuous hike with an amazing view. |
| Storm Castle Peak | A challenging climb, this hike gives visitors a panoramic view of the Bozeman area and Gallatin mountain range. |
11. Skydiving!
What better way to experience the Big Sky than to dive right into it! This thrill-seeker activity is sure to give you a one-of-a-kind way to experience the treasure state.
Try one of the following companies for an amazing Montana skydive experience:
| Skydiving Company | Address | Website |
|---|---|---|
| DZONE Skydiving | 1680 3 Forks Airport Rd, Three Forks, MT 59752 | Visit DZONE Website |
| Skydive Whitefish | 1720 E Second St, Whitefish, MT 59937 | Visit Skydive Whitefish Website |
| Meadow Peak Skydiving | 10260 Lost Prairie Rd, Marion, MT 59925 | Visit Meadow Peak Skydiving Website |
Note that during peak season in the summer, diving slots can fill up fast! Reserve your space at least a month in advance for the best chance at getting your desired dive time!
12. Lewis & Clark Caverns
Take a tour through the caverns named after the famous explorers! With notes of adventure, history, and novelty, this is a great way to spend the day with the family!
A guide will lead visitors through the caves, pointing out amazing features, neat historical facts about the surrounding area, and critters that play an important role in the cave’s ecosystem. There are many tour options available including:
| Tour Name | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Classic Tour | 2hrs | Walk, scoot, and crab-walk through the caverns to view beautiful passageways, bat colonies, and open rooms of incredible stalactites and stalagmites! Some sections of this tour can be tricky to navigate in places that require crawling on hands and knees and going over slick rock. |
| The Paradise Tour | 1.5 hrs | Great for families, kiddos and visitors who may have challenges with mobility! The only tour that gives visitors access to the largest room in the caverns, The Paradise Room. |
| The Wild Cave Tour | 3hrs | For those seeking a more challenging adventure, this tour provides guidance through the least developed sections of the caverns! Note: this tour is not for the claustrophobic and there is a test crawl before the tour begins to ensure visitors can make it through the 3 hours of exploration! |
Please note, there is a ¾-mile hike to and from the caverns for the Classic Tour.
13. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Montana’s state animal, the Grizzly, and the elusive wolf are two of the most sought-after animal sightings in the country. Some travelers are lucky enough to catch a glimpse at one from afar in the wild. But the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center offers travelers a safe, educational experience to view these beautiful creatures, understand them better, and learn about efforts to protect them in the wild and preserve their habitats.
The center is open year-round from 9-6 daily and is a great option for family outings!
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (13+) | $16.50 |
| Seniors (62+) | $15.50 |
| Children (5-12) | $11.50 |
| Children 4 & under | Free! |
Note: Passes are good for two consecutive days!
14. Go Ziplining!
If you’re looking to get out in nature and get your blood pumping, try one of these options for some ziplining adventures!
| Zipline Name | Website | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Glacier Ziplines | glacier-ziplines.com | Located in Columbia Falls, MT, this 7-line adventure will take you through the trees and over Badrock Canyon and the beautiful Flathead River! |
| Montana Zipline Adventures | montanazip.com | Anaconda’s Pintler Wilderness is a hidden gem in the state of Montana. Take this zipline tour for unbeatable views of the Pintler mountains! |
| Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park | yellowstoneparkzipline.com | This self-guided zipline adventure is a great option for an add-on to a trip through Yellowstone Park. Set up similar to a standard ropes course, this is a great option for kiddos and families! |
15. Horseback Riding
One of the most iconic Montana activities, horseback riding, is great a way to connect with Montanan culture. It can be intimidating getting on one of these massive, majestic creatures, but luckily there are friendly experts here to help!
Here are a couple recommendations for a terrific horseback riding adventure:
| Ranch Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Lone Mountain Ranch | Located near Yellowstone National Park, Lone Mountain Ranch has been a favorite for experiencing history and the Montana lifestyle for over one hundred years. Visitors have options to go on guided rides through parts of the peaceful Lee Metcalf Wilderness and/or the Gallatin National Forest. |
| The Ranch at Rock Creek | A popular choice for beginners, these guides lead groups on horseback over flat trails and provide one on one support throughout your trip! |
16. ATV Exploration!
There are so many ways to explore the great state of Montana but hopping on an ATV is a fun way to see the sights while wind whips through your hair and nature surrounds you on the open road!
For the seasoned ATV user, I would recommend reserving a rental through Montana ATV Rentals: https://www.montanaatvrentals.com/.
For travelers new to the sport or looking to get a guided tour, I suggest taking an ATV tour with Triple Creek Ranch: https://www.triplecreekranch.com/experiences/atv-adventure/.
17. Rappelling and Rock Climbing
If you’re looking at those massive mountains in the distance and getting the itch to climb them, you are not alone! Travelers come from near and far to scale the magnificent Rockies and other mountain chains within the great treasure state.
As this sport involves a certain level of risk, I’d highly recommend booking a trip with the Montana Mountain Guides who are sure to show you a fun, safe time!
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
