Is This Montana Family Adventure Right For You?

As a family travel expert, I am passionate about creating all-inclusive national park vacations for busy families.  I have teamed up with companies that have earned top honors for creating the best national park vacations for over 25 years. Over that time, I’ve learned a few things about planning all-inclusive adventure vacations at our national parks, from Yellowstone to Yosemite and more. Below you will find the Montana family adventure I did with my family this summer. Yes, during Covid-19, but I can tell you it was just what the doctor ordered. When I heard a work-a-holic say he hadn’t thought about work once, I knew it was the perfect vacation.

Montana: Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park, and Paradise Valley

Rally the kids, don your favorite cowboy hat, and get ready for an action-packed, all-inclusive dream trip to Montana and Yellowstone National Park. From gurgling geysers to lofty mountaintops, discover the perfect backdrop of your next family photo on this intimate journey through Big Sky Country. Expert guides can’t wait to introduce you and your family to the remarkable treasures of the wild, wild west as you explore pine-studded forests, raft the Yellowstone River and ride horseback across pristine meadows with a couple of bona fide cowboys. Each day, enjoy the finest in western hospitality and regional fare complemented with signature touches of inspired, thoughtful service. You and your family won’t soon forget this adventure of a lifetime and maybe you will even create new memories.

I invite you to fall in love with the picturesque scenes.  Spend six unforgettable days discovering the gems of Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Country with your kids-turned-blooming-naturalists. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of time for soaking in a natural hot spring, too!

• Hike along stream-side trails and meadows carpeted in flowers in Yellowstone’s quiet backcountry
• Explore magical Upper Geyser Basin, home to the famed Old Faithful geyser and many other neat geothermal features
• Seek out wildflowers and wildlife on a hike up to breathtaking Beehive Basin in Big Sky Country
• Keep an eye out for elk and bison dotting the sagebrush-covered hills on a drive through Hayden Valley
• Ride horseback high into the Absaroka mountains alongside a real-deal fourth-generation cowboy
• Raft a playful stretch of the beautiful Yellowstone River under the towering Gallatin Mountain Range
• Relax and recharge with a soak in a soothing hot spring-fed pool at Chico Hot Springs Resort
• Zipline across the Gallatin River on an exhilarating trip that your family will never forget

Day 1 – Grotto Falls / Gallatin Canyon

Pick-up in Bozeman. Take a short hike through timber and meadows along Hyalite Creek to Grotto Falls. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch upon return from your adventure. Shuttle up Gallatin Canyon to our zip base and gear up for a zip line tour across the Gallatin River. Tonight’s dinner is at the 320 Steakhouse and Saloon.

About the 320 Guest Ranch

In the west, life has certainly gotten easier than it was in the early days, even at a Montana guest ranch. But some of the things that mattered most back then are still important today; like delicious, hearty meals, and the 320’s friendly, laid-back attitude.

Experience a 110-year-old homestead – reshaped into a Montana guest ranch. Relive the early western atmosphere and down-home hospitality – all in one big beautiful, historic property. The 320 Ranch offers exceptional cowboy comfort just south of Big Sky Ski Resort, where the pristine Gallatin River winds through sage and towering pines, and mountains rise against crystal blue skies.

Day 2 – Beehive Basin / Big Sky

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Day 3 – Yellowstone National Park / Grand Prismatic / Old Faithful / Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Shuttle to Yellowstone for a hike alongside Midway Geyser Basin to an unforgettable overlook of Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. A short drive away is Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest collection of geysers in the world. Take some time to explore this area with your knowledgeable guide before a delicious picnic lunch. Transfer to Canyon over the Continental Divide, along the shoreline of Lake Yellowstone and through bison-dotted Hayden Valley. Embark on a backcountry hike along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, ending at a viewpoint of the incredible 308-foot Lower Falls. This evening, enjoy dinner at Canyon Lodge.

About Canyon Lodge and Cabins

Featuring five lodge buildings built-in 2016, Canyon Lodge is situated in the center of the park a short distance away from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. The rustic accommodations allow for the opportunity to step back from technology and embrace lodging in the country’s oldest national park. Located on-site, you’ll find several restaurant options, a general store, and a visitor center for those looking to explore this sprawling accommodation.

Day 4 – Mammoth Hot Springs / Yellowstone River

Shuttle to the northern part of the park to the Mammoth Hot Springs area, where we’ll trek alongside orange, yellow, and white travertine terraces void of the boardwalk crowds. A short drive brings us to Gardiner where we enjoy lunch at the historic Roosevelt Arch. Load into rafts for a beautiful and splashy ride down the Yellowstone River. Drive through Paradise Valley to Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a nearby local spot.

About Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

The perfect location for your Montana getaway. This historic resort is located in the heart of Paradise Valley. Just north of Yellowstone National Park and nestled in the foothills of the breathtaking Absaroka Mountain Range. Chico offers an extraordinary variety of accommodations, exceptional dining, outdoor adventures, live entertainment, and ultimate relaxation. You get all this with a warm smile and welcoming spirit from their friendly staff.

This rustic-chic inn and day spa boasts mineral hot spring-fed pools, extensive gardens, & soothing spa services. In June of 1999, Chico Hot Springs was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Day 5 – Absaroka Mountains / Paradise Valley

Shuttle to the Flying Diamond Ranch where you will mount up for a leisurely morning horseback ride high into the Absaroka Mountains. At the midway point, our picnic lunch spot boasts spectacular mountain views. After our ride, a short afternoon hike to a backcountry waterfall will set the stage for a perfect evening. Once back at Chico, soak in a natural hot spring before feasting on a candlelit farewell dinner while the kids are entertained with a pizza party at the Poolside Grill.​

Day 6 – Chico Hot Springs / Bozeman

Take a morning hike to a nearby trout pond or enjoy a last morning soak in the hot spring-fed pool. Then, return to Bozeman airport and area hotels.

Six days in Montana might be exactly what your family needs during your next vacation. However, if you aren’t sure Montana is the perfect destination, you have options. Check out these other US vacation destinations.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip?

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