Great Day Trips to Experience the Beauty of SW Montana
Montana is one of a kind. We are fortunate to live in a state with so much open space. Essentially, Montana is perfect for social distancing.
If you need to get outside for a breath of fresh air, here are a few great day trips to explore some of what southwest Montana has to offer.
Gallatin River 1Gallatin River Canyon Loop
The Gallatin River Canyon provides some of the most pristine scenery Montana has to offer. If leaving from Bozeman:
- Head south of Hwy 191 through the Gallatin River Canyon.
- Drive through the canyon until you reach the Hwy 287 Junction. Take a right towards Quake Lake and Ennis, MT.
- Stay on Hwy 287 until you reach the Hwy 84 junction at Norris, MT. Take right at Norris.
- Take Hwy 84 to Four Corners, and continue straight to Bozeman.
The loop takes approximately 3-4 hours, but guarantees some incredible sights!
Crazy Mountains 2Crazy Mountain Loop
If you want to head east, the Crazy Mountain Loop is a great option.
If leaving from Bozeman:
- Head north on Hwy 86/Bridger Canyon
- Take right at Hwy 89 junction near towards Wilsall
- Drive south on Hwy 89 through Clyde Park until you reach the I-90 junction
- Head west on I-90 towards Bozeman
The drive takes approximately 2 hours.
facebook.com/virginiacitymt 3Virginia City Loop
If you've never been to Virginia City, it makes for a great drive with the family.
If leaving from Bozeman:
- Head west on I-90 towards Whitehall/Hwy 55
- Head south towards Twin Bridges, MT
- Take left at Hwy 287 junction towards Sheridan and Virginia City, MT
- Follow Hwy 287 to Ennis, MT
- Head north on Hwy 287 towards Norris, MT/Hwy 84
- Take right at Norris/Hwy 84
- Continue straight 36 miles until you reach Bozeman
The trip takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Jesse Ropelato 4The Elkhorn Mountain Loop
The Elkhorn Mountain Range is a beautiful mountain range just west of Bozeman.
If leaving from Bozeman:
- Head west on I-90 to Three Forks, MT
- Take exit 274 and head north on Hwy 287
- Follow Hwy 287 through Townsend, MT towards Helena, MT
- At I-15 junction, take a left and head south towards Jefferson City, MT
- Continue through Jefferson City, MT towards Boulder, MT. Take exit 164/Hwy 69 towards Boulder, MT and Cardwell, MT
- Once you reach Carwell, MT, head east on I-90 towards Bozeman
The trip takes approximately 3-4 hours.