The Best of Bozeman & Yellowstone: 4 Days in the 406

Touch down at Yellowstone International Airport and breathe in that fresh Montana air—you’ve arrived!

Renting a car is a must for exploring Bozeman and beyond, and it’s smart to book early since rental cars in the area tend to go fast, especially in summer. Once you’ve picked up your wheels, head to your hotel and get settled before venturing into downtown Bozeman.

For dinner, treat yourself to a local favorite: MacKenzie River Pizza Company. The vibe is laid-back, and the pizza is top-notch—do yourself a favor and order the Humble Pie (trust me, it’s a personal favorite!).

If you’re up for a little post-dinner adventure, head to the “M” Trail for a sunset hike. There are two routes to the top: a steep, heart-pumping climb or a gentler, scenic switchback—perfect for families or anyone wanting to soak in the sweeping views of the Gallatin Valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife—black bears are occasionally spotted, but they usually keep to themselves (and are sometimes even chaperoned by Fish & Game if they get too curious!).

Wrap up your first day back at the hotel, ready to rest up for the adventure-packed days ahead.

Get an early start and prepare for a day you won’t forget—today is all about exploring the legendary Yellowstone National Park.

From Bozeman, head south through the jaw-dropping beauty of Paradise Valley toward the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana. The drive alone is worth the trip, with the Yellowstone River cutting through wide-open plains and snow-capped peaks towering in the distance.

Once inside the park, make Mammoth Hot Springs your first stop. While it’s often overlooked, it’s absolutely worth a visit—the unique limestone terraces are stunning, and it’s not uncommon to see large elk herds roaming right through the area.

From there, follow signs to Tower Junction, then continue south toward Canyon Village. This scenic route takes you through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the park, and Canyon is a great place to grab lunch or a snack before continuing on.

Along the way, feel free to pull off at any of the hiking trails or scenic overlooks—the free maps at the entrance are super helpful for finding stops that match your pace. After Canyon, make your way down to Old Faithful, one of Yellowstone’s most iconic spots. Estimated eruption times are posted, so plan to hang out and explore the area—it’s well worth it.

From here, you have two solid options for returning to Bozeman. One is exiting through West Yellowstone, but if you have time, I highly recommend completing the full park loop. On your way back, treat yourself to dinner at the Sage Lodge in Paradise Valley—a perfect, relaxing end to a big day of adventure. Then it’s back to Bozeman for a well-earned night’s rest.

Start your day off right with breakfast at one of Bozeman’s quirkiest and most beloved spots: The Cat Eye Café. If you’re up for something indulgent (and unforgettable), order “The Round Up”—banana bread French toast that’s absolutely to die for.

After breakfast, spend your morning exploring the Museum of the Rockies, one of the best museums in the region, featuring world-class dinosaur exhibits, regional history, and even a planetarium.

When hunger strikes, grab lunch at Pickle Barrel, a local staple known for its massive, flavor-packed subs. Once you’ve fueled up, it’s time to unwind—head out to Norris Hot Springs, affectionately known as “The Water of the Gods.” Soak in the natural mineral waters while enjoying peaceful views of the Montana countryside—a perfect way to relax and recharge.

Wrap up your day back in Bozeman with dinner at Sidewinders, a family-friendly spot with hearty food and a cozy atmosphere. Whatever you do, don’t skip the pretzel—it’s legendary.

After a full day of delicious eats, local culture, and natural relaxation, you’ll be more than ready for a good night’s sleep.

For your final full day in Bozeman, rise early, grab a quick bite, and gear up for a day of outdoor bliss.

Rent some kayaks and make your way up to Hyalite Canyon, one of Bozeman’s most picturesque gems. The drive alone is stunning, but the real reward is spending the day out on Hyalite Reservoir, surrounded by towering peaks, alpine air, and peaceful waters—truly the best of Montana’s wild beauty.

After a full day of paddling, hiking, or simply soaking in the scenery, head back into town and treat yourself to some well-earned food and brews at the Bozeman Taproom. With a laid-back vibe, tasty bites, and a wide selection of local beers, it’s the perfect spot to toast to an unforgettable trip.

As your whirlwind four days in Big Sky Country come to a close, take one last deep breath of that fresh Montana air, and rest up—your flight home awaits tomorrow.

But don’t worry, Bozeman has a way of pulling people back. Until next time!