Dreaming in Mountain Time
Montana’s rhythm doesn’t reset easily—and we’re not mad about it.
Montana doesn’t just impress—it humbles. Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and surrounds deliver sweeping views, quiet trails, and nature that sneaks up on your soul. It offers something for everyone—and far more than you expect. Thanks to remote work, Well Placed Travel was able to call it home for nearly two weeks, blending adventure with time to explore.
Whether it’s Glacier or Yellowstone, the best time to travel is mid-June to early September. Both parks offer family friendly programming- boat rentals, nature talks, and guided walks. Expect crowds and be flexible and patient with a back up plan. Weather happens- snow, river or thermal closures even summer. Download maps or go old-school with paper. And, fuel up to be prepared for lots of driving. Big Sky is also nearby, but it’s a better ski destination. Read more about each destination to get pumped for your next big American road trip.
Whitefish & Glacier National Park
Whitefish offers that perfect mix of laid-back and lively. Glacier National Park and Whitefish Lake are major draws, plus a downtown that balances dive bar charm and polished new spots. Well Placed Travel prefers it over Kalispell for its walkability, lake access, and mountain proximity.
Glacier National Park- Going to the Sun Road- courtesy of Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park
Going-to-the-Sun Road is the park’s crown jewel. It’s a feat of early 1900s engineering and the views through Logan Pass are breathtaking. If you can handle occasional white-knuckle driving condition and crowds, it’s worth the trip. The other road in the park, North Fork, running north-south leads to back country hiking and remote camping.
Stop at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge—worth it for the atmosphere alone. The massive fireplace hits just right even on a summer day, and boats launch from the dock out front, providing a whole new perspective of the park from the water.
Hiking- Trails range from rigorous to relaxed. One of our favorites was a hike to Fish Lake, a peaceful and untouched spot where we shared the space with one lone turtle warming up on a rock after days of rain and snow—on the summer solstice, no less.
You’ll see plenty of overnighters heading out with fishing poles and saddle bags, and the Red Tour Buses are an iconic, open-top way to explore without doing the driving yourself. (Note: we didn’t spot any of the red buses on Going-to-the-Sun Road—check the route before booking.)
Our trip coincided with a summer snowstorm that closed Going-to-the-Sun Road for days. When we finally entered the park, we only made it to Logan Pass by 7 p.m.—just in time to catch the visitor center before it closed.
At the Logan Pass, we learned about the whistle pig, also know as a large tooth groundhog, via an oversized taxidermy specimen.
We also heard about a grumpy grizzly in the area—and later met a couple in the Cascades who had a close encounter with that very bear.
On the lighter side, we came across a mountain goat grazing along a path. He was chill, a little scraggly from shedding his coat, and completely unfazed by the camera attention.
New timed entry system
Reservations at Glacier are in 2-hour blocks starting at 7 a.m.
Passes open months in advance and sell out quickly, but a limited number are released nightly at 7 p.m.
We tried every slot starting at 7 a.m. and only scored a 1 p.m. entry. After 3 p.m., entry restrictions lift, but expect heavy traffic. We waited 30 minutes at the gate for a quick visit to the lodge, only to see a flood of cars roll in at 3 p.m.
Flathead National Forest
Whitewater rafting on the Flathead River, which looked smooth in most sections, though there may be rougher spots. Check with local tour.
Skiumah Trail- A beautiful and less-trafficked hiking option with forest views
planning hints
Getting There- Fly into Missoula or Kalispel or take a scenic drive from Bozeman
Where to Stay
Hotels: Mostly 2–3-star options. The Firebrand Hotel stands out downtown, though we didn’t check it out.
Airbnb: We stayed at a newly renovated ski condo at Big Mountain. Other options we explored included lakefront yurts and downtown condos—plenty of variety depending on your style.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Last Chair Kitchen & Bar: Just outside downtown—creative and delicious.
Herb + Omni: Most upscale spot in town. Great dishes, high prices, and a rooftop deck serving smaller menu
Palace Bar: Dive bar gold. Packed by 5 p.m., pool tables, arcade games, and premium people watching.
Home Ranch Bottoms (Polebridge): Practically at the Canadian border on a dirt road. Live music, fire pits, quirky décor, and an anything-goes vibe. We were there on a rainy day, and the wood stove and fresh huckleberry pie were unbeatable.
Scraggly, photogenic mountain goat courtesy of Glacier National Park
bozeman & yellowstone national park
Yellowstone is one of the most stunning places in the country, and Bozeman is the ideal launchpad. You get national park access with small-city perks: stylish shops, local and national brands, a thriving food scene, and an artsy vibe.
Nearby Livingston is worth a stop, too—halfway between Bozeman and the park’s north entrance. It’s got a retro vibe feel with neon signs, wide streets, and original mercantile buildings.
View of Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces from Bunsen Peak; photo courtesy of Yellowstone National Park
between bozeman & yellowstone
Madison River- Float, kayak, or relax in giant rafts—most equipped with coolers for mid-river lunches and drinks. You’ll see groups whitewater rafting and fly fishing. It’s as mellow or adventurous as you want it to be.
Gallatin Forest- More incredible hiking north of the park; for a more ambitious trek, try Emigrant Peak. It starts gently along a creek, winds through wildflowers, and then gets real steep across sagebrush slopes. If you don’t summit, you’ll still get amazing views halfway up—perfect picnic spot with the Yellowstone River in sight.
Inside Yellowstone
No timed entry—just be sure to bring a physical pass. Digital versions are not accepted.
Yellowstone is massive, and you won’t see it all in one trip. Of the park’s eight districts, we explored three in the north.
Geysers, terraces, waterfalls, canyons—it’s all there. Refer to the map for names and loops.
Wildlife
Keep an eye out along the roads—elk, bison, and bears are frequent sightings.
In early July, we saw tons of babies—calves, foals, lambs. Tiny versions of park wildlife make for adorable road trip moments.
Spotting grouse, rodents, and birds added to the magic.
Want to go deeper? Book a guided safari tour to track migration routes.
Roosevelt Ranch- Yes, they offer horseback rides and stagecoach tours—but the location is what makes it. The Blacktail Deer Plateau is stunning, and the experience is more awe-inspiring than cheesy.
Photos courtesy of Yellowstone National Park
Hiking
Osprey Falls: A mostly flat hike for the first few miles through sagebrush. You'll see groundhogs, squirrels, and plenty of birds- then comes the dramatic descent into a gorge for a stunning waterfall. Take off your boots, dip your feet in the icy water, and enjoy your trail lunch.
Mount Bunsen: A solid uphill climb that’s surprisingly family-friendly—we saw lots of kids on the trail. The views over Mammoth Hot Springs are fantastic. And while you’ll find animal scat along the way, our only close encounter was with a gang of bold ground squirrels, laser-focused on someone’s potato chips. Don’t feed them!
Historic Stops
Mammoth District Ranger Station- Originally a military post built in the early 1900s, this area still holds many original structures—army barracks, municipal buildings, and stables—many of which are still in use. Some have been restored for tours, while others have modern functions. You’ll find a modern hotel and grill here, but it’s the history that gives this area its unique character.
Roosevelt Lodge Cabins- These rustic log cabins feel like a film set—think Wes Anderson. Options include Frontier and Roughrider cabins, which are tiny, cozy, and charmingly spartan. No Wi-Fi, no A/C, and shared bathrooms. It’s screen-free, quiet, and a true unplugged experience.
Planning Hints
Getting There- Fly into Bozeman; note there are many entrance points into the park from all sides, but this focuses only on the northwest entry at the Montana/Wyoming border
Where to Stay
Kimpton Armory Hotel: Rooftop pool, live music in the basement, and a rooftop bar.
AC Marriott: Trendy rooftop restaurant and modern rooms.
Sage Lodge: Located on the banks of the Yellowstone River 35 minutes north of Yellowstone National Park, Sage Lodge offers the ultimate Montana luxury resort getaway
Camper van or RV: Perfect if you want to wake up beside a river.
We drove through Gardiner, but it felt overly touristy. The hour-long drive from Bozeman is worth it for the comfort and charm.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Blackbird: Woodfired pizzas and handmade pastas
Plonk: Upscale wine bar with standout seasonal plates
est. 1846 & Noir Bar: Perfect for a burger and elote salad
Vienne: The MVP—visited three times in five days for Parisian croissants, kouign amann, sandwiches, and cappuccinos
Jam: Great breakfast spot—try the sausage egg sandwich and cinnamon rolls
For trail days, Bozeman has plenty of grocery options for easy grab-and-go lunches
