This 5 day trip to Bozeman Montana was my first time visiting the state of Montana. I was thoroughly impressed with the vast array of landscapes and scenery along with the never ending options for activities. Whether you are interested in hunting, hiking, fishing, or even shopping & dining, there is an option for you!
We visited Bozeman Montana for a wedding, so part of our time did include wedding festivities. The wedding was in Ennis MT, about 50 miles southwest of Bozeman Montana. We did spend 1.5 days in Ennis for the wedding, but I have also included ideas for activities we would have done if we were not there for a wedding.
This guide is based on summertime in Bozeman Montana and some activities are only available in the summer months, like river floating. My husband and I are big adventure seekers, so our itinerary is more nature-centered. We did not hit some of the indoor “must see” Bozeman Montana attractions, as visiting museums is not necessarily what we enjoy.
If this is your first trip to Montana, I would recommend spending at least 4-5 days. You will need a minimum of 4 days to explore some highlights of the area. Ideally, if we had more time, we could have easily filled 6-7 days.
Table of Contents
Getting to Bozeman Montana
We flew from Cincinnati OH (CVG airport). There are no direct flights from Cincinnati to Bozeman Montana, so we had a connecting flight in Minneapolis (MSP). Our total travel time was approximately 7 hours.
We left in the evening and landed into Bozeman around 12PM MT. We had no issues getting an Uber from the airport to our Airbnb at this time of night. I was glad we flew into Bozeman at night, so we could get a good night’s rest and then wake up the next day ready to explore!
Airport
The main airport for Bozeman Montana is The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). The airport is located in Belgrade which is approximately 10 miles north of downtown Bozeman. It is around a 20 minute car ride from BZN to downtown.
Getting around in Bozeman Montana
If you plan on doing any exploring outside of the Bozeman city center, you will need a car.
Ubers & Lyfts are easily accessible within Bozeman Montana, but I would not rely on a rideshare service to take you or pick you up outside of Bozeman. We used a few Ubers to get from our hotel to the downtown area for dinners, but I would not plan on getting an Uber to take you to hiking trails or other outdoor attractions.
We were fortunate enough that my husband was able to secure a car for our trip through his work, so we did not use a rental car service. However, if you are flying in and need to rent a car, there are many major car rental companies like Hertz & Enterprise. You could also look into Turro car rentals.
Where to Stay in Bozeman Montana
We spent a total of 6 nights in Montana and we stayed at a total of 3 places, each for 2 nights.
Nights 1 & 2
We spent our first two nights at this Airbnb here. We primarily booked this option due to the reasonable price and the location. This apartment was only 1 mile away from the bulk of the restaurants, bars, and shopping. It was a very easy walk to the main strip.
The building had 2 units: one main floor apartment and one garden level apartment. We stayed in the garden apartment. If we were to return, I would prefer to book the main level apartment which can be found here.
Nights 3 & 4
Our next 2 nights were spent in Ennis for the wedding. My husband was a groomsmen in the wedding, and the bride & groom graciously booked an Airbnb for the wedding party and plus ones to stay in. I have not found the exact link to our Airbnb, but I have included some similar options below.
The majority of wedding guests stayed at the Sportsman’s Lodge in the town of Ennis.
Nights 5 & 6
After the wedding, we headed back to Bozeman and stayed in a hotel. We stayed at the Residence Inn Bozeman. We chose this hotel due to it’s proximity to the airport as we had a very early flight on our way out and wanted to have a shorter ride.
Other Bozeman Montana Hotel Options
- Budget: Hampton Inn Bozeman
- Intermediate: RSVP Hotel
- Luxury: Kimpton Armoy Hotel Bozeman
What to Bring to Bozeman Montana
BEAR SPRAY!!! This is the #1 item you will need when hiking in Montana. NOTE: bear spray cannot be brought in carry on or checked luggage. If you are flying, you will have to purchase it when you arrive. We picked up our bear spray at Walmart.
Hiking Boots: I use the Columbia Waterproof boots.
Waterproof phone holder: I did not bring one, but looking back, I wish I had brought a waterproof phone case like this one here.
Day 1: College M & Madison River Float
Breakfast at the Daily Coffee and Eatery
We went to the Daily Coffee and Eatery which was walking distance to our Airbnb!
College M Trail Hike
After eating breakfast, it’ll be time to start your first hike! The College M Trail is only about 10 minutes from the Bozeman city center. There are a few options on how you can complete this hike ->
Option #1: Begin on the right side of the trail (counter clockwise) to take the steep route. After reaching the top, turn back the way you came and return down going clockwise. This is considered the STEEP route. This out & back option is short but EXTREMELY steep. I personally do not think I could have gone downhill the steep route.
Option #2: Begin on the left side of the trail (clockwise). Once you reach the overlook at the top, turn back around and continue down counterclockwise. This out & back option is is longer but is a much more manageable incline. This would be the easiest route as the elevation change is more gradual.
Option #3 (what we did): Begin counter clockwise and create a loop. This will take you up the steep route to the overlook. After stopping to enjoy the view, you will descend down the more gradual route.
Hiking the steep portion of the trail is a CHALLENGE. I am in my 20’s and am relatively active, but going uphill the steep route was definitely more difficult than I anticipated. BUT, the views felt very well earned at the top!
Lunch at Mama’s Macs
Consider stopping at Mama’s Macs which is a family-owned breakfast & lunch diner. We chose this restaurant because we were looking for something convenient & in route to our next stop.
Mama’s Macs offers a large menu with sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Float down the Madison River
The afternoon is a perfect time to go for a relaxing river float down the Madison River! We did our float with Madison River Tubing. There are two ways to go about booking this river float.
MEET AT THE RIVER TUBE TRIP (Option #1): With this trip, you will meet at a parking lot which has direct access to the Madison River. The lot is approximately a 40 minute drive from Bozeman. The guides will meet you in the lot at your scheduled time & provide you with floats and lifejackets. At the end of the float, there is a shuttle which will take you back to your car.
TOWN TO THE RIVER SHUTTLE AND TUBE TRIP (Option #2): With this option, you will meet at a designated location in Bozeman and be shuttled to the parking lot with river access. This is an ideal option for anyone who does not have a car or would prefer not to drive, but it does cost a little bit more. After the float, you will be shuttled back to Bozeman.
Madison River Tubing has other add-ons available for purchase, including cooler floaties, waterproof Bluetooth speakers, and waterproof phone holders. I did not bring a waterproof phone holder, but I would recommend doing so.
The float takes between 1.5-2.5 hours depending on river levels. The scenery is absolutely beautiful along the entire trip!
The river is shallow. At the end of the float, you will need to get out to walk the tube out of the water. I only wore flip flops, but I would recommend more sturdy water shoes.
If you would prefer to bring your own floats, kayaks, or stand up paddle boards, there are many public access sites along the Madison River.
Dinner at Copper Whiskey Bar & Grille
This first night is a great time to check out some bars and shopping in downtown Bozeman! Once you are ready for dinner, try some upscale American food at Copper Whiskey Bar & Grille.
Their menu has a huge variety from burgers, ribs, steak, salads, and more. I got a mushroom stroganoff and it was delicious!
Day 2: Horseback Riding & Exploring Livingston Montana
Get ready for another exciting day of adventures! We spent the 2nd half of this day driving to Ennis for the wedding, so I have also included some suggestions that we would have done if we had time.
To begin this day, you are going to head out early to Livingston MT which is approximately 25 miles east of Bozeman Montana. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
Breakfast at Homemade Kitchen
Before your horseback riding trip, you will want to fuel up with a big breakfast! Stop at Homemade Kitchen in Livingston MT. This is an old school diner which serves traditional breakfast comfort foods.
Horse Back Riding with Bear Paw Outfitters
I cannot recommend Bear Paw Outfitters enough!! The horseback riding experience was absolutely incredible and the views looked like they were out of a movie.
This outfitter is family-run and they did provide safety & riding instructions. The owner is very safety-focused so I always felt like we were in good hands. They do small group rides as there were around 8 other people in our group. The horses were very gentle and well-behaved. I had very little riding experience and felt comfortable with the instructions provided.
Bear Paw offers 1 hour, 2 hour, or full day rides. You do need to call in advance to book your day and time. We opted to do the 2 hour ride. Keep in mind that the times are approximate. Our ride ended up taking closer to 3 hours! I felt like 2-3 hours was the perfect amount of time as 1 hour would be quick.
This was my favorite experience while we were in Montana! Horseback riding is such a quintessential Montana adventure, so I personally think it is a must do!
Explore Downtown Livingston
After horseback riding, we had to drive to Ennis MT for the wedding, so we did not have a chance to explore downtown Livingston, but I was so bummed that we didn’t have any time!
I would check out the local restaurants for lunch and do some shipping. Livingston is exactly what I would have pictured when I envisioned a Montana town. So much charm!
More Outdoor Adventure in Livingston
Take the evening to explore some more of the beautiful nature that Livingston has to offer!
If you are interested in fishing, the Yellowstone River runs through Livingston. There are multiple points of access for fishing.
If you would prefer to go on an evening hike, check out these trails near Livingston:
Pine Creek Falls: 2.5 mile out & back trail which features a beautiful waterfall.
Natural Bridge Falls: This easy 0.7 mile out & back trail walks along cascading water.
Stone Creek Trail: This easy 4.3 mile out & back offers stunning mountain views with minimal elevation gain.
After enjoying some more nature, make your way back to Bozeman Montana for the night.
Day 3: Montana Grizzly Encounter & Bozeman Hot Springs
Since we were at the wedding for day 3, we unfortunately did not get to do any of these activities, but we would have done them if time allowed.
Montana Grizzly Encounter
The Montana Grizzly Encounter is a sanctuary for rescued grizzly bears which allows people to learn about bears in an “up close” setting. This provides a comfortable life for the rescued bears and also provides a space for people to become more educated regarding grizzly bears.
Montana Grizzly Encounter is open year round with hours approximately from 10AM-5PM. The hours do change seasonally.
Bozeman Hot Springs
Relax and unwind in one of twelve naturally heated pools at Bozeman Hot Springs! The pools come from an underground well. The pools range from 57-106 degrees and there are both indoor and outdoor pools.
Also, check out the events page as they do have live music some nights! You can buy a day pass solely to enjoy the pools or to utilize both the pools & gym.
Day 4: Palisade Falls & Hyalite Reservoir
This day is at a slower pace which can really allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery. If you do prefer to move at a quicker pace, you would have time to fit in some more hikes or even a museum visit.
Palisade Falls Hike
Check out the beautiful waterfall at Palisade Falls. This is an easy 1.1 mile out & back trail.
The majority of the trail is wide and paved so it is suitable for kids. Only the final bit of the trail leading right up to the waterfall is rocky. It took us approximately 35 minutes to complete, but you could spend as much time at the falls as you would like.
Hyalite Reservoir
After completing the hike, hop in the car for a quick drive to Hyalite Reservoir. It is located 17 miles south of Bozeman off of Hyalite Canyon Rd. This reservoir is absolutely stunning and there is a “no wake” rule so the water is very calm and peaceful.
We stopped at the reservoir on a whim, but if we had been more prepared, we would have brought floats or kayaks to relax on the water. You can also fish, have a picnic, or camp here. They do have a few picnic tables, but it does get crowded so it would not be a bad idea to bring some chairs or a picnic blanket to sit and enjoy the view.
If you want to check out some hiking trails right near Hyalite Reservoir:
Westshore Trail #431: A moderate 5 mile out & back trail
Blackmore Lake Trail: A moderate 4.3 mile out & back trail
Hood Creek Trail: a moderate 4.2 mile out & back trail
Dinner at Sweet Chili Asian Bistro
Check out Sweet Chili Asian Bistro in downtown Bozeman Montana for dinner. They specialize in sushi, but also offer other traditional dishes like curry, pad thai, & fried rice.
Drinks at Montana Ale Works
After dinner, try some local craft beer at Montana Ale Works! They have a large outdoor area which is perfect for enjoying a beer on a nice evening.
Watch the Sunset on Peet’s Hill
About 30 minutes before sunset, head to Burkes Park to enjoy watching the sunset. You will need to walk up to the top of Peet’s Hill. Walking up the hill is short and only takes a few minutes. The park does get crowded at sunset!
Day 5: Lava Lake, Ousel Falls, & Drinking Horse Mountain
Your final day in Bozeman Montana will be filled with hiking and outdoor adventure to soak up all the beautiful nature that this state has to offer. This is a full day of just under 10 miles of hiking. We began our hikes around 8:30AM and were finished in the afternoon. This amount of hiking was definitely doable if you take breaks and rest along the way!
Lava Lake Hike
Start your morning early by heading to Lava Lake for a 5.5 mile hike. I recommend getting an early start as this is a popular trail and the parking lot is small. We arrived around 8:30AM and were able to easily find a parking spot, but when we were done with the trail, the lot was completely full.
This is an out & back trail. The first 2.75 miles are uphill the entire way to the lake. The incline is very gradual though so the uphill portion of the trail never felt too strenuous.
Once you reach the end of the trail, you will be greeted by gorgeous views of a hidden lake.
The water was absolutely pristine. After stopping to enjoy the stunning view, or even going for a swim, you will turn back around and hike 2.75 miles downhill.
This was absolutely my favorite hike on our trip. The lake was magical and the hike was very doable. Since the incline was gradual, I never felt out of breathe and was really able to enjoy the scenery on the hike.
Ousel Falls Park Trail
Now on to hike #2! Ousel Falls Park Trail is an easy 1.7 mile out & back trail. This trail is wide and paved, so we saw many kids and even parents pushing strollers.
The waterfall does get crowded with kids stopping to play in the water, but we still were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We packed a lunch which we stopped to eat while sitting by the falls.
Drinking Horse Mountain Trail
For the final hike of the day, complete the Drinking Horse Mountain Trail which is a 2.2 mile moderate loop. This trail is only partially shaded so it did get hot in the afternoon. Make sure you bring plenty of water.
The heat and the effort were absolutely worth the incredible views at the top of the loop! We completed the hike in about 45 minutes. We strategically saved this hike for last, because it was only about 10 minutes from Bozeman.
After these 3 hikes, we were very ready to relax and enjoy our last evening! This is the opportunity to check out any bars or restaurants in Bozeman that have looked enticing during your strolls downtown.
If You Have an Extra Day: Ennis Montana
If you are lucky enough to have a 6th day for your trip, take a day trip (or overnight) to Ennis! We explored Ennis for a day since this is the town the wedding was at.
Ennis is approximately 50 miles SW of Bozeman Montana and is about a 1 hour car ride.
Ennis has a charming downtown filled with shops and restaurants. Check out Willie’s Distillery to take a tour or just sample some whiskey & huckleberry liqueur.
You could also go on a fly fishing adventure. There are multiple fly fishing charters located in Ennis such as the companies below:
Play a few rounds of golf with beautiful mountain views at Madison Meadows Golf Course.
Whatever you choose to do on your trip to Bozeman Montana, it is impossible not to enjoy your time here!
What would you like to do in Bozeman Montana???
If you fond my Bozeman Montana Guide helpful, check out some of my other articles here