Montana holidays
Mighty mountains, turquoise lakes and ranches where cowboys still work the land. Welcome to Big Sky Country.
Turquoise water and mighty mountains
Montana's lakes and peaks are some of the most dramatic landscapes in the USA.
Why choose Montana for your holiday?
Montana is one of the largest and least populated states in the USA, and it is known as Big Sky Country for good reason. It is a place for hiking, fishing, horseback riding and road trips through vast, open landscapes.
Two of America's most famous national parks are here: Glacier National Park in the north and the northern entrances to Yellowstone National Park in the south.
Powerful scenery
The landscapes that made the series Yellowstone a global hit.
Stay at the Dutton ranch from Yellowstone
Fans of the TV series Yellowstone can experience the real thing. The ranch used as the Duttons' home is in Montana, and guests can stay there. Read Picolo's story about where Yellowstone was shot and how you can stay with the Duttons.
Many other guest ranches in Montana offer horseback riding, cattle drives and evenings by the campfire.
Cowboys
Ranch life is part of Montana's identity, and many guest ranches let you try it for yourself.
Things to do in Montana
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park, hike to alpine lakes and look out for bears, elk and mountain goats. In the south, visit Yellowstone's geysers and hot springs, and stay in towns such as Bozeman or Livingston.
In winter, Big Sky Resort and Whitefish Mountain offer excellent skiing without the crowds of Colorado. See more ideas in our USA holidays guide.
Best time to visit Montana
Summer, from late June to early September, is the best time for national parks and hiking, as high mountain roads are usually open. September is quieter, with autumn colours. Winter, from December to March, is ski season.
Spring can be unpredictable, and some roads in the national parks remain closed until early summer. Check opening times and any reservation requirements before you go.
Montana: frequently asked questions
Where is the Yellowstone ranch?
The ranch used as the Dutton family's home in the series Yellowstone is in Montana, in the Bitterroot Valley. Guests can book stays there, but availability is limited and it should be booked well in advance.
Is Yellowstone National Park in Montana?
Most of Yellowstone National Park is in Wyoming, but parts of it extend into Montana and Idaho, and three of the park's five entrances are in Montana, including Gardiner and West Yellowstone.
How do you get to Montana?
There are no direct flights from the UK, but you can fly via major US hubs to airports such as Bozeman, Missoula and Kalispell. From there, a car is essential for exploring the state and its national parks.
When is Going-to-the-Sun Road open?
The road through Glacier National Park is usually fully open from late June or early July to around mid-October, depending on snow. Vehicle reservations may be required in peak season, so check the National Park Service website before you go.