Bozeman Hot Springs + Livingston + Chico Hot Springs + Yellowstone Hot Springs
Yellowstone Country
Spend two days exploring the mountain town of Bozeman, boasting a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural richness. Stroll Bozeman’s historic downtown Main Street, brimming with locally-owned shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and craft breweries—downtown Bozeman is very walkable, even in winter. Indoor attractions in Bozeman include Museum of the Rockies and the American Computer and Robotics Museum. Hit the slopes at nearby Bridger Bowl or take a day trip south of town to Big Sky. Nordic enthusiasts, make your way to Crosscut Mountain Sports Center or ski the local Bozeman community trails. Après ski, Bozeman Hot Springs is the place to relax and unwind. These pools are a sought-after retreat for locals and travelers alike, offering a unique Montana experience. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of 12 different pools, complemented by dry and wet saunas. Overnight in the rustic, cozy cabins at Bozeman’s award-winning hot springs campground. You’ll also find a variety of lodging options downtown, from modern boutique motels to chain hotels.
Yellowstone Country
Grab breakfast in Bozeman and mosey on over to Livingston, just a 30-minute drive east. Downtown Livingston has several excellent bookstores, art galleries and museums to explore—including Yellowstone Gateway Museum—and you'll want to be sure to stop in at Babiones Wilson Boot Company for a pair of authentically western cowboy boots. Grab dinner, drinks and a Victorian style room with western flare at the historic Murray Hotel, rated a top 10 favorite hotel worldwide by Anthony Bourdain. Livingston also has a wide variety of chain hotels on Park Street.
Yellowstone Country
From Livingston, take the breathtaking Paradise Valley Scenic Loop down to Chico Hot Springs. Spend the day soaking, or, before your soak, get in some snow time on the cross-country skis or snowshoes. You can also book a dogsledding adventure through Chico with Mill Creek. Enjoy dinner on-site at Chico, and make sure to save room for the famous Flaming Orange dessert. You could also head to Sage Lodge for a delicious meal before heading back the Saloon at Chico Hot Springs for some live music. Overnight at Chico Hot Springs.
Yellowstone Country
Wake up at Chico and take advantage of their spectacular breakfast. Then head further south less than an hour to explore Gardiner—the Northern Entrance to Yellowstone National Park (the only park entrance open in winter to personal vehicles). Explore the northern tier of the park, including the Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace area. In the late afternoon, return to Gardiner for a relaxing soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs, and then grab dinner at the Emigrant Saloon or the Emigrant Outpost near Pray. You could also eat first and then go for an evening soak at the hot springs and gaze up at the star-studded night sky. Overnight at Yellowstone Hot Springs or head back to Gardiner, where lodging options abound.
For more information:
Always check road reports and weather conditions when traveling through Montana in the wintertime.
If you're flying in:
Yellowstone Country Airports
If you're renting a car:
Yellowstone Country Car Rentals
Plan ahead and be prepared, ensuring safer, more enjoyable travels and less impact.
Pack the right gear, take precautions, know your limits, and engage in activities that match your skill level.
Take care of our trails and waterways by riding responsibly specific to your motorized activity.
Help prevent aquatic invasive species by following Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.
Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.
Help prevent wildland fires. Attend to and extinguish campfires properly, and know current fire restrictions.
View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands and local communities. Pack it in, pack it out.
Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.
