The Perfect Long Weekend in Paradise Valley, Montana

Start off your trip with some exploring: Head into Yellowstone National Park. With over 3,500 miles to explore, you’ll have a full day of sightseeing. Some must-see spots are:

• Lamar Valley: A great place to see bison, elk, and hopefully some bears, too.

• Grand Prismatic Spring: A gorgeous rainbow spring that you can see from above by walking up the short Fairy Falls Trail. Fun fact: This spring is the largest in the US and the third-largest in the world.

• Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Hike down the quick Brink of the Lower Falls Trail to see this work of art up close. The canyon flows over 20 miles and is 4,000 feet wide.

Relax in the Yellowstone Hot Springs on the way home from the park. These hot springs have both hot and cold pools, which I love.

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at the Fireside Room at Sage Lodge. Sit outside on the patio for stunning views of Emigrant Peak. The roasted half-chicken is a fan favorite of ours.

Start day two off with brunch at Pine Creek Lodge. They offer live music during brunch all summer.

After brunch, throw on your waders and cast your fishing rod along the Yellowstone River, one of the most stunning backdrops you could ever imagine. Book your fly-fishing lessons with Yellowstone Angler. If you aren’t interested in fly-fishing, you can also go rafting down the river—book this through Rubber Ducky River Rentals.

On night two, enjoy a concert at the Old Saloon in the neighboring town of Emigrant. This large outdoor venue is the perfect place to listen to music and watch the sun set from the Valley. Make sure to go early and grab dinner at Follow Yer Nose BBQ.

Head back toward Emigrant to grab breakfast at Wildflour Bakery—everything here is so delicious, but the cinnamon rolls are my go-to.

After you’ve fueled up, head to Flying Diamond Guide Service to go horseback riding. The owners of Flying Diamond are fourth-generation ranchers and the perfect people to show you around the Valley via horseback. They offer one- to three-hour rides, as well as full-day trips.

Head into downtown Livingston to shop around Main Street and see all the charm the town has to offer. There are lots of antique and thrift stores—my favorite is Curated Closet. Head to Neptune’s to grab a drink on their rooftop before dinner.

Enjoy dinner at Campione, an adorable and delicious Italian spot located right on Main Street. Campione made it onto the New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants of 2023 list. Everything is made from scratch and served family style. The gelato for dessert is a must.

Start your day off with an early morning hike to Pine Creek Falls. This 3.2-mile round-trip hike with 740 feet of elevation gain is dog-friendly and mostly shaded, making it the perfect hike for a hot summer day. Pick up sandwiches from Matt’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop and Deli to enjoy with a view of the waterfall. Don’t forget to pack your bear spray! If you’re feeling adventurous, the hike continues on to Pine Creek Lake. This hike is a bit more difficult, with 3,400 feet of elevation gain and 10 miles round trip.

After your hike, treat yourself to a massage at the Sage Lodge Spa. This spa is truly amazing—with stunning mountain views and an open-air hot tub, there’s nothing to complain about here. Spend your afternoon reading a good book in a big fluffy robe with a view of the mountains: tranquility at its finest.

Once your spa day ends, celebrate your last night with a peaceful dinner at Yellowstone Valley Grill along the Yellowstone River. This is one of our favorite dinner spots, as the restaurant is farm-to-table, grown by local farmers and gardeners in the Valley. Soak up the sunset by the fire pit with a bottle of wine to end your trip!