Outdoor adventure and spectacular scenery abound on this scenic loop through southern Montana, along the Beartooth Highway and into Yellowstone National Park. Hike on a wilderness plateau, raft the Stillwater River or horseback ride in Paradise Valley.
ROUTE: BOZEMAN > LIVINGSTON > ABSAROKEE > RED LODGE > YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK SILVER GATE ENTRANCE > GARDINER > LIVINGSTON > BOZEMAN
Begin in Bozeman, the adventure capital of the northern Rockies. In winter, ice climb in Hyalite Canyon or hit the slopes at a local ski resort. During summer, learn to rock climb on a guided trip or hike through one of six nearby mountain ranges, including the spectacular Absarokas and Spanish Peaks.
Journey to Livingston and visit a local angler shop. Buy hand-tied flies, hire a local fly-fishing guide and get tips on where the trout are that day.
Trade your car for a horse and hit the trail with an outfitter in Paradise Valley that offers trips to places like Yellowstone National Park and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. In Absarokee, take a ride into Montana’s highest mountains.
Soak in the scenery on the Beartooth Highway (open late May to mid-October), which connects Red Lodge to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This highway, designated as an All-American Road, winds across the Beartooth Plateau, which rises 10,900 feet above sea level, and past 20 peaks that tower over 12,000 feet.
Prepare to be amazed on a route that follows the Grand Loop Road through Yellowstone National Park. Highlights include the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; the bubbling Mud Volcano area; and Mammoth Hot Springs, a hotbed of geothermal formations.
Take the Paradise Valley Scenic Drive (U.S. 89). Paralleling the Upper Yellowstone River between the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges, this route passes through the lower valley and delivers pure Montana mountain and river vistas.
