Between the rugged Rocky Mountains, rushing waterfalls and dramatic valleys, the list of what to see in Wyoming and Montana is longer than the rivers that flow here. Full of untamed beauty, unique experiences and budget-friendly fun, a Montana and Wyoming road trip is a must for anyone with a sense of adventure. Download a quality photo app before you go, you’ll want to document this one.

Why Montana and Wyoming Should Be Your Next Road Trip Destination

Montana and Wyoming share a border, and Billings (the largest city in Montana) is just 321 miles from Wyoming, so you can easily combine these two states into one trip. A quick glance at a Montana-Wyoming map will show you that Yellowstone sits at the upper west corner of Wyoming, making it an ideal spot to cross the border.

Climb (literal) new heights on hikes that take you to views you can’t find anywhere else. Chase sunsets and cozy up around a fireplace after days packed with adventure. Immerse yourselves in cowboy and Native American cultures, or sit silently amongst wildlife grazing in a field. No matter how you spend your time on this road trip, one thing’s for sure — you won’t come back the same.

Nature's Playground

With well over a dozen national parks between the two states, Montana and Wyoming offer a sampling of Mother Nature’s greatest works of art. If you’re looking for TikTok-worthy shots, clear some memory on your phone — you’re going to need it.

Explore 25 active glaciers at Glacier National Park. Convene with wildlife at Grand Teton National Park. Visit Yellowstone National Park, arguably one of best places to visit in Montana and Wyoming. Yellowstone National Park is spread across Montana and Wyoming so you can explore corners of it in either state. You can read our full Yellowstone road trip blog here for more tips on visiting the park. And you can easily navigate all sprawling parks with our annual Road Atlas & National Park Guide which is packed with hundreds of photos, essential visitor information, and insightful travel tips for all 63 national parks.

Local Culture and Vibes

Montana and Wyoming offer a fascinating blend of cultures, with a rich Native American history and strong cowboy traditions. A total of 12 recognized tribes live on seven reservations across Montana. Meanwhile, Wyoming is home to the Wind River Reservation, a central hub for witnessing Native American culture.

You also can’t go far without bumping up against cowboy culture here, which you’ll see in the numerous music festivals, complete with bull riding and hoedowns (square dancing). It’s not all leather chaps and cowboy hats, though. Montana and Wyoming also show off their sensitive sides, found in their bustling art scenes.

R+R vs. Epic Escapades

A Montana and Wyoming road trip offers the perfect mixture of exhilarating and relaxing activities. You can spend your days scaling mountains or lounging by a lake. Kayak or white water raft on one of the numerous rivers and creeks. Tell stories around a fire pit at the end of the day — or sit in silence admiring the stars. The choice is yours.

Where to Stay on a Montana/Wyoming Road Trip

When it comes to where you lay your head at night, the accommodation options in Montana and Wyoming are as varied as the landscapes. Whether you want to stay connected to nature or prefer modern amenities, you can find your ideal lodging on our list.

Treehouses and Elevated Stays

Have your own Swiss Family Robinson moment in a treehouse stay.

Sleeping in Montana? Book a stay at the Treehouse Retreat in Columbia Falls. The property has two tree-top structures: the Raven’s Nest and the Meadowlark. The Raven’s Nest is a 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom A-frame, perfect for a group. The Meadowlark is a cozier abode with a whimsical design, including two spiral staircases.

In Wyoming, your tree-top stay can be at the Keyhole State Park Treehouse. This two-bedroom structure has a queen bed in one room and bunk beds in the other. Its deck gives views of the surrounding park and has a propane grill for cooking up a post-hike feast.

Glamping Options

Want to feel connected to your surroundings without sacrificing modern comforts? Try glamping.

In Montana, you can glamp at Under Canvas in West Glacier. Book one of the property's spacious canvas tents, complete with upscale amenities like West Elm furnishings and en suite bathrooms. There is dining available on-site, as well as an outdoor firepit.

If you’d like to glamp in Wyoming, head over to the Yurt at Glass River Retreat. Tucked away on a pasture next to the Pop Agie River, this heated and insulated yurt will lull you to sleep with the sounds of rushing water. With an outhouse boasting a composting toilet and a solar-powered shower, this site will sustainably keep you clean and comfortable.

Unique Structures

Have a soft spot for repurposed structures? You can find plenty in both states, but our two favorites are below.

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in renovated grain bins, Montana has just the spot for you at Clark Farm Silos in Kalispell. Each silo offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, fully functional kitchenettes and retro decor. Complete with one loft bedroom with a king bed and a sleeper sofa, each silo is ready for a small group.

In Wyoming, you can sleep in a renovated fire tower lookout. Once used by the Forest Service, these towers have been renovated to accommodate overnight guests. We recommend the Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout. Reaching 55 feet in the air, the tower offers stunning views. It includes two single beds, a refrigerator, a stove, an oven, a heater and lamps. When nature calls, you’ll use a pit toilet on the ground.

Mobile Tiny Homes

Embrace minimalist living and book a mobile tiny home. They combine the modern comforts of a house with a budget-friendly price tag.

ROAM Beyond near Columbia Falls provides an adventurous twist on traditional lodging. Their bunk options provide one queen bed and two twin beds — perfect for a small group. Larger groups can book a pair of bunks. You’ll enjoy a private fire pit, as well as communal spaces for mingling with other travelers.

If you’d like the convenience of staying in town while being just 24 miles from Grand Teton National Park, book Teton Tiny Home Summa. Technically part of the Jackson, WY–ID Micropolitan Statistical Area, this tiny abode is a short walk from a museum, brewery, grocery store and restaurants, making it the perfect modern retreat after a long day of hiking.

Camping Under the Stars

See how “Big Sky” got its name and camp under the stars. Summer is the best time to visit Wyoming and Montana if you plan on camping, though you may still find warm weather in early fall, and enjoy the bonus of skipping the crowds. Be sure to pack those binoculars for better stargazing, and always check the weather and moon status. Clouds, rain or the brightness of a full moon can make it difficult to see the stars. Below are some top locations to stargaze and camp.

Hyalite Canyon

Located just outside Bozeman, this 34,000-acre recreation area in the Gallatin National Forest offers excellent stargazing opportunities, especially near the reservoir. It's secluded enough from town to provide views of Big Sky’s famously dark skies. Hyalite Canyon has three campgrounds, each of which has toilets, fire rings and picnic tables.

Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway is the most scenic drive between Montana and Wyoming. In fact, it’s designated an All-American Road because it contains features rarely seen anywhere else (such as alpine lakes and old-growth forests). It also provides stunning stargazing opportunities, thanks to its elevations reaching over 10,000 feet, which feel like top-of-the-world views.

The highway has multiple campsites. However, those at the highest elevation — called “high country” — will get you front seats to the Milky Way. Crazy Creek Campground, Island Lake Campground, Beartooth Lake Campground and Fox Creek Campground are all considered “high country” campsites.

Grand Teton National Park

This park offers minimal light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing. Some specific spots include:

• Moulton Barn: Located in Mormon Row (which is on the National Register of Historic Places), this iconic spot offers uninterrupted views of the Milky Way. It’s set against the backdrop of an old barn leftover from homesteaders.
• Death Canyon: Death Canyon is a bit of a hike, but well worth the effort. It offers views spanning from horizon to horizon, set up near the Death Canyon Barn, which is used by ski patrol in the winter.
• Alaska Basin: For more adventurous campers, this 15-mile trek offers great stargazing opportunities. It is a high alpine area (above the treeline), putting you that much closer to the constellations.

Grand Teton National Park has seven campsites, most of which have potable water, metal fire grates and picnic tables.

Yellowstone National Park

With a high elevation, plenty of open spaces and minimal light pollution, the park is well on its way to earning its Dark Sky Park designation. There are several places from which to stargaze in Yellowstone, including.

• Mount Washburn: As one of the highest points in the park, Mount Washburn sits at an elevation of 10,243 feet. Visitors can’t actually visit the peak, but you can drive to Dunraven Pass, which sits at 8,859 feet, for excellent sky views.
• Upper Geyser Basin: Situated near Old Faithful, this is the perfect place to stargaze while waiting for the famous geyser to erupt
• Mammoth Hot Springs: See how the night sky impacts the ever-changing colors of the travertine terraces of the Mammoth Hot Springs
• Swan Lake Flats: This wide open space includes a flat meadow, as well as stunning views of Swan Lake and the Gallatin Range — a breathtaking backdrop for stargazing
• Hayden Valley: The unique lake-bottom sediments in this valley inhibit tree growth, creating an open space for easy stargazing

Yellowstone National Park offers 12 campgrounds with more than 2,000 established campsites. Each site has toilets, but only some have showers.

Exhilarating Activities from Montana to Wyoming

Whether you’re looking to get out on the water, explore the lush mountain ranges or relax and observe nature, there are so many ways to make the most of the green and blue spaces between Montana and Wyoming.

Best Kayaking in Wyoming and Montana

Take in the beauty of the national parks from a new perspective and grab your paddles. But first, here are some tips for a safe and successful kayaking trip:

• Check water levels. Low water levels are best for beginners. However, some bodies of water are only navigable when their waters are high.
• Check weather conditions. Avoid high wind days (above 5 MPH) as these can result in strong waves and the risk of turning your kayak over.
• Pack safety gear. This includes a personal flotation device (life vest) and a river knife for times you need to quickly cut a rope in an emergency situation.
• Pack waterproof storage. If you can’t leave your belongings on land, you need to keep them dry in a waterproof storage bag.
• Dress for the water temperature. If water temperatures are below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, wear a wetsuit to prevent hypothermia in the event that you fall in.
• Wear tough layers. Wear clothes that are abrasion-resistant and comfortable for sitting in for a long time.
• Consider training. Long kayaking trips require upper body strength. Consider training in advance so that your arms and shoulders are up for the challenge.

Below, you’ll find some of our top spots for kayaking in Montana and Wyoming.

Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park

Located in the southeastern part of Glacier National Park, this two-mile-long lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It’s known to be less crowded than other areas of the park and has several beaches you can pull up on to rest and watch wildlife.

Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park

With geothermal features along its shoreline and an elevation of 7,732 feet above sea level, Yellowstone Lake is one of the most unique bodies of water to explore. Kayak rentals are available at the Bridge Bay Marina, where you can also pick up other kayaking essentials at the Marina shop.

Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park

Skim crystal-clear waters with stunning views of the Tetons on Jenny Lake. It’s a popular spot for both novice and seasoned kayakers. Mornings are the ideal time to witness how pristine the waters are here.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon straddles the Montana-Wyoming border. It is a 71-mile-long lake encircled by 1,000-foot canyon walls and offers a one-of-a-kind kayaking experience. Plus, it has boat-in-only campsites for a unique overnight experience.

Fremont Lake, near Pinedale, WY

As the second largest natural lake in Wyoming, Fremont Lake has plenty of surface area to kayak. The beautiful Wind River Mountains surround the lake, creating a striking backdrop to your day of paddling.

Best Wildlife Spotting from Wyoming to Montana

Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty of spots to view species in their natural habitats. Do keep in mind that sightings are never guaranteed. Below are tips for a successful wildlife viewing trip:

• Go at sunset or sunrise. Early morning and evening hours are generally best for wildlife sightings.
• Keep your distance. Remain at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards away from all other animals.
• Pack binoculars. Since you’ll be keeping your distance, binoculars can help you see animals up close without disturbing them.
• Remain quiet. Loud noises tend to frighten animals, even from their usual stomping grounds.
• Get ready to wait. Animals don’t keep a schedule, so you might need to wait a while to spot them. Bring a comfortable chair.
• Check with local visitor centers. This is where you’ll find information on the best places and times to spot wildlife.
• Follow park rules and guidelines. These can include not feeding the wildlife, staying on designated trails and putting waste in secured bins.

Here are our favorite spots for wildlife spotting in Montana and Wyoming.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is home to many animals, including wolves, bald eagles, elk and bears. However, it might be best known for its large herds of bison. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are two of the best spots for sightings. If you want to see adorable otters, head to Trout Lake, north of Soda Butte Creek. In mid-to-late June, you might even witness Otter spawning.

Glacier National Park

If you want to see mountain goats playing and moose roaming, head to Glacier National Park. The park is also home to the largest concentration of grizzly bears in the Lower 48 (pack bear spray, but follow park rules so you never have to use it). The Iceberg and Ptarmigan Lake trails attract tons of bears with their huckleberries. If you want to spot moose, head to Fishercap Lake.

CSKT Bison Range

Ready to see massive mammals? Head to CSKT Bison Range. This historical wildlife conservation area belongs to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Its 18,755 acres at the center of the Flathead Indian Reservation provide habitat for roughly 350 to 500 bison. You can also see mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and elk here.

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is home to bears, wolves and moose. However, it’s most known as a refuge for trumpeter swans — which were once dwindling and are now thriving. The area is home to over 230 bird species and boasts diverse ecosystems, including a large wetland, grasslands, forested areas and sagebrush.

Grand Teton National Park

View mammals, water-dwelling species and birds at Grand Teton. It’s particularly excellent for moose sightings, particularly between Moran Junction and Jackson Lake Junction. However, at Oxbow Bend, you can view fish, otters, bald eagles and ospreys enjoying the gentle waters. You might even spot Grizzly 399, aka “Queen of the Tetons,” the world’s most famous grizzly bear and an unofficial ambassador for grizzly conservation.

National Elk Refuge

Home to over 7,000 elk during the winter months, the National Elk Refuge is one of the best places to spot these large members of the deer family. The refuge has more than 24,700 acres of diverse areas, including wetlands, forests and grasslands. It also provides habitats for bison, wolves, trumpeter swans, bighorn sheep and bald eagles.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Equine lovers can head to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area to see wild Spanish horses. The area has an impressive diversity of ecosystems spread out across its 120,000-plus acres of land, including five distinct climate zones spanning alpine areas to a high desert region. In addition to the herds of wild Pryor Mountain horses, you can spot bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bears and bighorn rams.

Best Hiking on a Wyoming and Montana Road Trip

Montana and Wyoming are a hiker’s paradise. From forests and mountainous regions to open valleys and meadows, there is a variety of terrain to explore and some incredible trails to help you do it. Below are our tips for an enjoyable and safe hiking trip:

• Prepare for elevation changes. Sudden changes in elevation can make you feel sick and even be dangerous. So, know the elevation changes for your planned hike. Ascend to new elevations slowly to give your body time to acclimate. Stay hydrated, too.
• Learn the terrain. At certain times of the year, some trails might be muddy, slippery or even closed. Consult with the visitor’s center at your chosen park to make sure the trail you have planned is safe to travel.
• Pack for every type of weather. If you’re going to be out from sunup to sundown, you might experience extreme highs and lows in temperature. So pack layers and plenty of sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Pack bear spray. As you’ve probably gathered by now, the national parks in this area have bears, so pack your bear spray (hopefully, you’ll never need it).
• Consider guided tours. If you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, consider hiring a guide. Splitting the cost with a group can make it affordable and ensure you have expert insight along the way for safety and a more enjoyable hike.
• Leave everything as you found it. Consider packing trash bags in case bins are few and far between. Don’t ever throw food scraps on the ground since some can make animals sick. Never build a fire anywhere other than designated fire rings.

Now it’s time to lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails! Here are our top recommendations for hikes in Montana and Wyoming.

Drinking Horse Mountain Trail, Bozeman

This 2.5-mile figure-eight loop provides panoramic views of the Gallatin Valley, Bridger Canyon and the nearby mountains. It gets its name from the neighboring mountain that looks like a horse drinking from a creek (be sure to snap a pic). With just a 700-foot elevation gain, this is a great hike for beginners. Around the 0.3-mile mark, you cross a picturesque stream and bridge.

Palisade Falls Trail, Hyalite Recreation Area

If you’re in the mood for a short hike, pick Palisade Falls. It’s a 1.2-mile round trip and ends at the 80-foot-tall waterfall for which it’s named at the base of Palisade Mountain. The trail is paved the entire way, and the elevation gain is only 250 feet.

Hyalite Creek to Hyalite Peak, Gallatin National Forest

Ready for something more challenging? The 15.4-mile out-and-back hike between Hyalite Creek Trail to Hyalite Peak is moderately difficult. The challenge is well worth it, though, since you’ll pass 11 waterfalls and rock gardens and you’ll get a 360-degree view of several mountain ranges.

Titcomb Basin, Wind River Range

If you’re looking for a multi-day hike complete with camping under the stars, consider Titcomb Basin. Set aside three to four days for this challenging hike. The hike winds through Wyoming’s Wind River Range, which features glacier-fed lakes, striking granite peaks and beautiful mountains. There are several campsites to rest at along this 40-mile round-trip hike. Note that this hike has an elevation gain of 7,500 feet, which is part of the reason you need to take it slowly.

Bechler River Trail, Yellowstone National Park

See some of the most iconic Yellowstone sites on this mostly flat and easy trail. It begins near Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the park, and runs alongside the Fire Hole River, through an alpine forest and past waterfalls and springs. It ends at the Bechler Ranger Station, a popular spot for fishing. Be aware — a Yellowstone National Park fishing license is required.

Packing Essentials for the Best Trips to Montana and Wyoming

Whether you plan on spending most of your days hiking, kayaking, stargazing or all of the above, here are items you’ll be glad you packed for your Montana and Wyoming road trip.

• Multi-use clothing (think fleece tops, convertible zip-off pants, and modular jackets)
• Trail/hiking shoes
• Portable chargers or solar-powered chargers
• Smartwatches/fitness trackers (to track and share those athletic stats)
• Nutrient-dense, non-perishable snacks (like nuts, dried fruit and protein bars)
• Natural-based sunscreens and bug-repellent
• Trash bags
• Bear spray
• Maps (both the DeLorme Wyoming atlas and Montana atlas contain trailhead information)
• First-aid kit
• Multi-use tool
• Proper food storage
• Biodegradable soap
• Flexible tripod

Because of the high elevation and thick forests on some stretches of this road trip, cell service will cut in and out. We strongly recommend packing paper maps so you don’t get lost.

Plan Your Montana and Wyoming Road Trip with Rand McNally Publishing

Now that you’ve read about some of the nature-made treasures to be found there, it’s probably clear that Montana and Wyoming are equally beautiful. Given their neighboring positions, combining the two states into one road trip is the obvious decision. Getting a big picture of where you’re headed and how much terrain you’ve already explored is easier with our highway maps and road maps.

Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature or chasing thrills with friends, Montana and Wyoming are waiting for you with their big skies, majestic mountain tops and open roads. Let Rand McNally's maps and atlases help you plan your trip and gain a deep appreciation for the vastness of the American West.