{"id":1143,"date":"2024-04-08T11:10:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T16:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/?page_id=1143"},"modified":"2024-07-28T17:59:21","modified_gmt":"2024-07-28T22:59:21","slug":"2024-road-trip-montana-big-sky-country","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/index.php\/2024-road-trip-montana-big-sky-country\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 Road Trip &#8211; Montana: Big Sky Country"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">February 2024 &#8230;.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another Year down &#8230; and we are planning another epic trip to KYLE.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last years\u2019 trip was our \u201c40<sup>th<\/sup> Anniversary\u201d trip to California, to relive our 1<sup>st<\/sup> date, which was a concert date to see Jethro Tull.&nbsp; The trip was UNBELIEVABLE.&nbsp; It exceeded every expectation! &#8230; Now, we need to KYLE, on our 2024 trip.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our son, Eric, lives in Belgrade, Montana (just outside of Bozeman) &#8230; so we wanted to visit him and see what&#8217;s aro<strong>und him.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The weather in Mon<\/strong>tana gets COLD early! It can snow from September through April,&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We want cool weather but not cold. Also, since it is a popular ski area, <strong>SECRET<\/strong> the flights and hotel prices go up when it&#8217;s snow season &#8230; so we decided to go in August.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is there to do in the area?&nbsp; It\u2019s the outdoor capital of the U.S. and possibly the world.&nbsp; Clean air, hiking, mountains, fly fishing, and horseback riding to start.&nbsp; Big Sky Resort is less than one (1) hour away and Yellowstone National Park (Olde Faithful) is only two (2) hours away.&nbsp; Also, Glacier National Park is five (5) hours aways and the Montana \/ Canadian border is seven (7) hours away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How long to stay &#8230; Seven (7) days &#8230; <strong>SECRET<\/strong>, we wanted to relax and see a lot, but we didn\u2019t want to be driving somewhere every day &#8230; we wanted to keep Belgrade as our home base.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Where to stay &#8230; a Vrbo or Airbnb &#8230; <strong>SECRET<\/strong>, there are so many options &#8230; hotels, cabins, campgrounds.\u00a0 Each offering a different experience.\u00a0 Since we wanted to enjoy the outdoors, we did not want a hotel.\u00a0 However, we wanted a little bit of luxury and convenience, so we looked for a Vrbo on a farm.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Car Rental &#8230; since we are visiting our son, we have access to a car.\u00a0 <strong>SECRET<\/strong>, if you need a car, book early and look for discounts.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t forget about the pet &#8230; <strong>SECRET<\/strong>, more on that later.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Countdown Reminder &#8230; <strong>KYLE<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now we can book flights and lodgings &#8230;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Flights &#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/bozemanairport.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport<\/a> is right in Belgrade, so that is perfect.\u00a0 However, getting there is not simple.\u00a0 You need to connect through another city.\u00a0 That city depends on your airline of choice.\u00a0 We like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.southwest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Southwest Airlines<\/a>, because there is a major hub in Houston.\u00a0 Therefore, we wanted to fly through Denver, Colorado.\u00a0 <strong>SECRET<\/strong>, plan an EARLY flight when you leave for a trip and book a LATE flight when you return &#8230; this is like getting two (2) extra days on your trip.\u00a0 <strong>SECRET<\/strong>, pre-book long-term parking at the airport and get a discount, it&#8217;s cheaper than using Uber\/Lyft and it\u2019s more convenient.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lodgings &#8230; we use both <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vrbo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vrbo<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Airbnb.<\/a>\u00a0 We like both platforms.\u00a0 For this trip, we found a great location on Vrbo.\u00a0 The \u201cRiver Ranch Guest House right next to the East Gallatin River\u201d &#8230; looks perfect.\u00a0 It\u2019s a cabin located on a working farm that is steps away from the river (fly fishing).\u00a0 They have alpacas, chickens, sheep and cows.\u00a0 You can even get fresh eggs in the morning, along with a nicely appointed cabin with Wi-Fi.\u00a0 It\u2019s only February, but Fall is already filling up &#8230; <strong>SECRET<\/strong>, book your accommodation as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t Forget about the Pet &#8230; you may want to take your pet &#8230;. We have done that before, and it was great.\u00a0 However, since we are flying, our chocolate lab, Hershey, is not going.\u00a0 You may be lucky enough to have friends or family that can come to your house and take care of your pet.\u00a0 There are even businesses that offer pet sitting that come to your house.\u00a0 We opted for a vacation for Hershey!\u00a0 She will be staying at\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petsuitesofamerica.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pet Suites of America.<\/a>\u00a0 She will be in an air-conditioned private kennel, with a private run.\u00a0 She will be able to socialize with other dogs and she will be getting individual time with a handler too.\u00a0 They have two (2) enclosed ponds for swimming and an indoor play area.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Not too SHABY!\u00a0 <strong>SECRET<\/strong>, they book fast and far ahead, so book early.\u00a0 Also, you get one (1) day FREE during your first reservation.\u00a0 Also, they (and many) kennels are requiring specific vaccinations, prior to staying \u2026 make sure that your pet is up to date on all required vaccines.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SECRET<\/strong><strong> <\/strong>&#8230; use a countdown reminder &#8230; it can be a calendar or an app on your but &#8230;. but use one to KYLE.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">May 2024 &#8230;.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three (3) months away &#8230; and we are KYLE.&nbsp; The three big things (flights, lodging, pet care) are booked and we are keeping track of the countdown on our iPhone app. Now, it&#8217;s time to look at specifically what we will be doing and see if we need to book anything early.&nbsp; We have looked at the seven (7) days and identified things that we want to do.&nbsp; 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) &#8230; do the <strong>GREEN <\/strong>in Montana, do the <strong>RED <\/strong>in now !&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Friday\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arrive at 10a\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Montana Grizzly Experience\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hike to waterfall\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fly fishing \u2013 get license \u2013 get in Montana<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use drone\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use telescope\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Smoke cigars under the stars \u2013 get in Montana<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bozeman Spirits and Distillery\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"9\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Work on Jeep Wrangler LJ\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"10\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit auto repair shops\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Saturday\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shooting range\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ghost town at caverns (Virginia City and Nevada City)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/montanaponybar.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pony Bar<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Work on Jeep Wrangler LJ\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sunday\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bigskyresort.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Big Sky Resort<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2013 get parking pass<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bigskyresort.com\/lone-peak-tram\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Lone Peak Tram<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2013 book reservation<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ousel Falls trail\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monday\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fwp.mt.gov\/stateparks\/lewis-and-clark-caverns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Lewis and Clark Caverns<\/strong><\/a><strong> &#8230; <\/strong><strong>book reservation<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hoplite tour\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit auto repair shops\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tuesday\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/yell\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Yellowstone Park<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2013 get reservation in Wyoming<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/yell\/planyourvisit\/exploreoldfaithful.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Old Faithful geyser<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2013 get reservation in Wyoming<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yellowstonepark.com\/things-to-do\/geysers-hot-springs\/grand-prismatic-midway-geyser-basin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Grand Prismatic Springs<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2013 get reservation In Wyoming<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wednesday\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/museumoftherockies.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Museum of the Rockies<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2013 get reservation in Montana<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Steak restaurant \u2013 <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/spectatorssportsbarbzn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Spectator\u2019s Sports Bar<\/strong><\/a><strong> &#8230; get reservation <\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit shops\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thursday\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit auto repair shops\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Depart at 4pm\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>July 2024 &#8230;\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One (1) month away &#8230; and we are KYLE.&nbsp; <strong>SECRETS <\/strong>Glad we did the <strong>RED <\/strong>things in May! &nbsp;There is no availability now! &#8230; wouldn\u2019t it be terrible to get there and not be able to do what you want to do &#8230;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Big Sky Resort &#8230; we found a NEW tram that takes you to the peak of Lone Mountain (elevation 11,167 feet). \u00a0The tram only runs Friday through Sunday &#8230; and it books fast! \u00a0The tram pass also gets you unlimited lift tickets all day, so it\u2019s hiking time! \u00a0We also got a parking pass for\u00a0RESERVED parking at the Exchange. \u00a0The exchange is the hub of everything at Big Sky Resort. \u00a0It was only $10 and guarantees a stress-free arrival. Tram ticket and parking are BOOKED!\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u00a0 Lewis and Clark Caverns &#8230; another popular destination. \u00a0We are glad that we have already booked, because there are no available reservations now. \u00a0Cavern tickets are BOOKED!\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We confirmed all of the GREEN items, and we can get them in Montana \/ Wyoming.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Packing Suggestions and Must-Haves <strong>SECRETS<\/strong>&#8230;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bluetooth speaker and case &#8230; for the cabin and for stops on hikes\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clothes for warm weather and cool weather &#8230; Belgrade is in a valley, but we will be hiking at higher elevation, especially Big Sky.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hiking shoes &#8230; they make a huge difference!\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trekking poles &#8230; we found on previous trips that they are WONDERFUL\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Camelback backpacks &#8230; need to keep hydrated at elevation\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High elevation pills &#8230; preventative, we don&#8217;t want to ruin a day trip\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bear Spray &#8230; get it in Montana &#8230; just in case!\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sunscreen and Bug Spray&#8230; we don&#8217;t want to ruin the day!\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>HARD COPIES of ALL pre-paid items (parking, airfare, reservations, etc.)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>THE NEXT UPDATE WILL BE AFTER THE TRIP &#8230;. KYLE!<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>September 2024 &#8230; COMING SOON!<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>February 2024 &#8230;.&nbsp; Another Year down &#8230; and we are planning another epic trip to KYLE.&nbsp; Last years\u2019 trip was[&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1143","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P8w582-ir","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1143","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1143"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1143\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1190,"href":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1143\/revisions\/1190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/keepyourlifeexciting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1143"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}