2024 Road Trip – Montana: Big Sky Country

February 2024 …. 

Another Year down … and we are planning another epic trip to KYLE. 

Last years’ trip was our “40th Anniversary” trip to California, to relive our 1st date, which was a concert date to see Jethro Tull.  The trip was UNBELIEVABLE.  It exceeded every expectation! … Now, we need to KYLE, on our 2024 trip.    

Our son, Eric, lives in Belgrade, Montana (just outside of Bozeman) … so we wanted to visit him and see what’s around him. 

The weather in Montana gets COLD early! It can snow from September through April, 

We want cool weather but not cold. Also, since it is a popular ski area, SECRET the flights and hotel prices go up when it’s snow season … so we decided to go in August. 

What is there to do in the area?  It’s the outdoor capital of the U.S. and possibly the world.  Clean air, hiking, mountains, fly fishing, and horseback riding to start.  Big Sky Resort is less than one (1) hour away and Yellowstone National Park (Olde Faithful) is only two (2) hours away.  Also, Glacier National Park is five (5) hours aways and the Montana / Canadian border is seven (7) hours away. 

  • How long to stay … Seven (7) days … SECRET, we wanted to relax and see a lot, but we didn’t want to be driving somewhere every day … we wanted to keep Belgrade as our home base. 
  • Where to stay … a Vrbo or Airbnb … SECRET, there are so many options … hotels, cabins, campgrounds.  Each offering a different experience.  Since we wanted to enjoy the outdoors, we did not want a hotel.  However, we wanted a little bit of luxury and convenience, so we looked for a Vrbo on a farm. 
  • Car Rental … since we are visiting our son, we have access to a car.  SECRET, if you need a car, book early and look for discounts. 
  • Don’t forget about the pet … SECRET, more on that later. 
  • Countdown Reminder … KYLE 

Now we can book flights and lodgings … 

  • Flights … Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is right in Belgrade, so that is perfect.  However, getting there is not simple.  You need to connect through another city.  That city depends on your airline of choice.  We like Southwest Airlines, because there is a major hub in Houston.  Therefore, we wanted to fly through Denver, Colorado.  SECRET, plan an EARLY flight when you leave for a trip and book a LATE flight when you return … this is like getting two (2) extra days on your trip.  SECRET, pre-book long-term parking at the airport and get a discount, it’s cheaper than using Uber/Lyft and it’s more convenient. 
  • Lodgings … we use both Vrbo and Airbnb.  We like both platforms.  For this trip, we found a great location on Vrbo.  The “River Ranch Guest House right next to the East Gallatin River” … looks perfect.  It’s a cabin located on a working farm that is steps away from the river (fly fishing).  They have alpacas, chickens, sheep and cows.  You can even get fresh eggs in the morning, along with a nicely appointed cabin with Wi-Fi.  It’s only February, but Fall is already filling up … SECRET, book your accommodation as soon as possible. 
  • Don’t Forget about the Pet … you may want to take your pet …. We have done that before, and it was great.  However, since we are flying, our chocolate lab, Hershey, is not going.  You may be lucky enough to have friends or family that can come to your house and take care of your pet.  There are even businesses that offer pet sitting that come to your house.  We opted for a vacation for Hershey!  She will be staying at  Pet Suites of America.  She will be in an air-conditioned private kennel, with a private run.  She will be able to socialize with other dogs and she will be getting individual time with a handler too.  They have two (2) enclosed ponds for swimming and an indoor play area.  There are even cameras in her kennel and around the facility, so that we can see her on an app on our phone, while we are away.  Not too SHABY!  SECRET, they book fast and far ahead, so book early.  Also, you get one (1) day FREE during your first reservation.  Also, they (and many) kennels are requiring specific vaccinations, prior to staying … make sure that your pet is up to date on all required vaccines. 
  • SECRET … use a countdown reminder … it can be a calendar or an app on your but …. but use one to KYLE. 

May 2024 …. 

Three (3) months away … and we are KYLE.  The three big things (flights, lodging, pet care) are booked and we are keeping track of the countdown on our iPhone app. Now, it’s time to look at specifically what we will be doing and see if we need to book anything early.  We have looked at the seven (7) days and identified things that we want to do.  We are not looking at specific days (unless we need to), we are just making sure that we do everything that we want to do (subject to change) … do the GREEN in Montana, do the RED in now ! 

  1. Friday 
  1. Arrive at 10a 
  1. Montana Grizzly Experience 
  1. Hike to waterfall 
  1. Fly fishing – get license – get in Montana 
  1. Use drone 
  1. Use telescope 
  1. Smoke cigars under the stars – get in Montana 
  1. Bozeman Spirits and Distillery 
  1. Work on Jeep Wrangler LJ 
  1. Visit auto repair shops 
  1. Saturday 
  1. Shooting range 
  1. Ghost town at caverns (Virginia City and Nevada City) 
  1. Pony Bar 
  1. Work on Jeep Wrangler LJ 
  1. Sunday 
  1. Big Sky Resort – get parking pass 
  1.  Lone Peak Tram – book reservation 
  1. Ousel Falls trail 
  1. Monday 
  1. Lewis and Clark Caverns … book reservation 
  1. Hoplite tour 
  1. Visit auto repair shops 
  1. Tuesday 
  1. Yellowstone Park – get reservation in Wyoming 
  1. Old Faithful geyser – get reservation in Wyoming 
  1. Grand Prismatic Springs – get reservation In Wyoming 
  1. Wednesday 
  1. Museum of the Rockies – get reservation in Montana 
  1. Steak restaurant – Spectator’s Sports Bar … get reservation  
  1. Visit shops 
  1. Thursday 
  1. Visit auto repair shops 
  1. Depart at 4pm 

July 2024 … 

One (1) month away … and we are KYLE.  SECRETS Glad we did the RED things in May!  There is no availability now! … wouldn’t it be terrible to get there and not be able to do what you want to do … 

  • Big Sky Resort … we found a NEW tram that takes you to the peak of Lone Mountain (elevation 11,167 feet).  The tram only runs Friday through Sunday … and it books fast!  The tram pass also gets you unlimited lift tickets all day, so it’s hiking time!  We also got a parking pass for RESERVED parking at the Exchange.  The exchange is the hub of everything at Big Sky Resort.  It was only $10 and guarantees a stress-free arrival. Tram ticket and parking are BOOKED! 
  •   Lewis and Clark Caverns … another popular destination.  We are glad that we have already booked, because there are no available reservations now.  Cavern tickets are BOOKED! 
  • We confirmed all of the GREEN items, and we can get them in Montana / Wyoming. 

Packing Suggestions and Must-Haves SECRETS… 

  • Bluetooth speaker and case … for the cabin and for stops on hikes 
  • Clothes for warm weather and cool weather … Belgrade is in a valley, but we will be hiking at higher elevation, especially Big Sky. 
  • Hiking shoes … they make a huge difference! 
  • Trekking poles … we found on previous trips that they are WONDERFUL 
  • Camelback backpacks … need to keep hydrated at elevation 
  • High elevation pills … preventative, we don’t want to ruin a day trip 
  • Bear Spray … get it in Montana … just in case! 
  • Sunscreen and Bug Spray… we don’t want to ruin the day! 
  • HARD COPIES of ALL pre-paid items (parking, airfare, reservations, etc.) 
  • THE NEXT UPDATE WILL BE AFTER THE TRIP …. KYLE! 

September 2024 … COMING SOON!