Bozeman, Montana: 10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips from Bozeman, Montana (That Take You Beyond Gallatin County)

If you’re based in Bozeman, Montana and itching for a day trip or a mellow weekend escape, you’re in the perfect spot. You can point your car in almost any direction and hit mountains, hot springs, ghost towns, and epic national parks in just a couple of hours or less. The catch? You might already know a lot about Gallatin County itself. So this guide focuses on short road trips outside Gallatin County—exploring nearby gems in these surrounding counties:
  • Broadwater County, MT
  • Jefferson County, MT
  • Madison County, MT
  • Meagher County, MT
  • Park County, MT
  • Fremont County, ID
  • Park County, WY
  • Teton County, WY
Think of this as your friendly, “let’s just go for a drive” guide. Gas up, grab some snacks, and pick one of these 10 short road trips from Bozeman for your next adventure.

1. Soak and Stroll in White Sulphur Springs (Meagher County, MT)

Looking for an easy, laid-back escape? Head about 90 miles north to White Sulphur Springs in Meagher County. The drive alone is worth it—rolling ranch land, mountain views, and that big Montana sky. Once you’re there, you can:
  • Soak in the hot springs – Natural mineral pools, hot and steamy, perfect after a week at your desk.
  • Walk the small downtown – Pop into a bar or café, chat with locals, and slow your pace way down.
  • Explore nearby trails – Short hikes in the surrounding mountains give you big views without huge effort.
On my last visit, I ended up talking to a rancher at a café who’d lived there his entire life. We swapped stories about winter roads and summer storms—one of those random conversations you only get when you actually slow down and linger.

2. Explore Historic Virginia City & Nevada City (Madison County, MT)

About 85–95 miles southwest of Bozeman, the old gold rush towns of Virginia City and Nevada City feel like stepping back into the 1800s. Things to do on this classic Montana road trip:
  • Stroll the wooden sidewalks – Peer into old-timey storefronts and preserved buildings.
  • Catch a live show (seasonal) – In summer, there are often theater performances and reenactments.
  • Ride the short tourist train – It’s cheesy in the best way and kids absolutely love it.
  • Pan for “gold” – Super touristy, but fun if you lean into it.
If you love Western history or just enjoy quirky places, this is one of the most iconic road trips near Bozeman.

3. Hike & Fish Around Ennis and the Madison River (Madison County, MT)

If you’re into fly fishing, you probably already know Ennis. Even if you’re not, it’s still a fantastic, easy getaway about 70–80 miles from Bozeman. Here’s how to spend the day:
  • Fish the Madison River – One of Montana’s most famous trout streams. Even beginners can hire a guide and learn the basics.
  • Grab a burger in Ennis – This small town has a big fishing culture and a few classic bars and cafés.
  • Take a scenic drive – Drive up the Madison Valley toward Quake Lake for awesome views and pull-offs.
If you’ve ever wanted to understand why people fall in love with fly fishing, this is the place to find out.

4. Relax at Chico Hot Springs & Paradise Valley (Park County, MT)

Just over the county line into Park County, about an hour from Bozeman, lies Paradise Valley—and the name is no joke. Top things to do:
  • Soak at Chico Hot Springs – Outdoor pools with mountain views, plus a cozy, historic lodge atmosphere.
  • Drive Highway 89 – Roll down the windows and cruise the valley between the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges.
  • Look for wildlife – It’s not unusual to spot deer, elk, or even eagles along the river.
I like heading down in the late afternoon, soaking at Chico, then grabbing dinner before driving back under a sky loaded with stars.

5. Spend a Day in Livingston: Art, Food & River Views (Park County, MT)

Drive about 25–30 minutes east and cross into Park County to reach Livingston, a small town with a lot of character. What to do in Livingston:
  • Explore downtown art galleries – There’s a surprising amount of art packed into just a few blocks.
  • Enjoy local restaurants – From diners to more upscale spots, you’ve got plenty of choices.
  • Walk along the Yellowstone River – Easy riverside strolls with big sky views.
Livingston has that old railroad town feel, mixed with a creative, artsy vibe. It’s an easy, low-stress day trip from Bozeman.

6. Take a Classic Yellowstone Day Trip: North Entrance via Gardiner (Park County, MT & Park County, WY)

If you’re in Bozeman, you’re almost required to do at least one Yellowstone National Park road tripNorth Entrance at Gardiner
  • Gardiner, MT – A gateway town where you can grab coffee or lunch before or after exploring the park.
  • Mammoth Hot Springs (WY) – Terraced hot springs, boardwalks, and a good chance of seeing elk.
  • Lamar Valley (WY) – If you have time, this is one of the best places to spot bison, wolves, and bears.
    • Bring binoculars if you have them, and start early. Yellowstone can get busy, but it’s still one of the most unforgettable places you can reach from Bozeman in a single day.

    7. Go Big in Grand Teton National Park & Jackson (Teton County, WY)

    This one makes a better weekend than a strict day trip, but it’s still very doable from Bozeman. Head south into Teton County, Wyoming and discover why people are obsessed with this place. What to see and do:
    • Grand Teton National Park – Jaw-dropping mountain peaks, clear lakes, and endless hiking options.
    • Jenny Lake – Take the boat across, then hike to Inspiration Point for sweeping views.
    • Jackson, WY – Walk the town square, check out the antler arches, shop, and grab a good meal.
    If you’ve ever seen a postcard of jagged mountains rising straight up from a valley floor, there’s a good chance it was taken here.

    8. Ride the Scenic Drive to Helena via Boulder (Jefferson County, MT)

    Head north and west from Bozeman into Jefferson County for a classic Montana drive through small towns, open valleys, and mountain passes. Ideas for this route:
    • Stop in Boulder, MT – A quiet town with classic Montana charm and surrounding hot springs options.
    • Continue to Helena – Montana’s capital city offers museums, a beautiful capitol building, and great walking neighborhoods.
    • Enjoy the ride itself – You’ll pass through rugged country that feels a world away from town life.
    This is a great choice when you want a mix of scenery and a bit of “city” time without actually visiting a big city.

    9. Chase Ghost Towns and Backroads in Jefferson & Broadwater Counties

    If you’re curious about Montana ghost towns, old mining history, and lonely backroads, the areas around Jefferson County and Broadwater County are worth a slow, wandering drive. Possible stops and ideas:
    • Explore old mining areas – Many side roads lead to abandoned buildings, old equipment, and historic markers.
    • Stop at Canyon Ferry Lake (Broadwater County) – Great place for boating, fishing, or just sitting by the water.
    • Pack a picnic – There’s nothing like finding your own quiet spot with a view.
    Just be sure to stick to public roads and respect private property. Ghost towns are fun, but trespassing isn’t.

    10. Cross Into Idaho: Henrys Lake & Island Park (Fremont County, ID)

    Head southwest from Bozeman, cross into Fremont County, Idaho, and you’ll find wide-open spaces, lakes, and forested getaways that feel surprisingly different from Montana, even though you’re not that far away. What to check out:
    • Henrys Lake – Famous for trout fishing, but also peaceful for just sitting on the shore.
    • Island Park – A long, thin town with cabins, trails, and access to rivers and lakes.
    • Scenic drives – This is a great area to just wander by car and stop when something catches your eye.
    If you want to tell your friends, “We went to Idaho for the day,” this is an easy, beautiful way to do it.

    Tips for Planning Your Bozeman Road Trips

    To make these Bozeman day trips and weekend adventures go smoothly, keep a few basics in mind:
    • Check the weather – Montana and Wyoming weather can change fast, especially in spring and fall.
    • Watch for wildlife – Deer, elk, and bison don’t care about speed limits.
    • Fill up on gas early – Some stretches have long gaps between gas stations.
    • Bring layers – Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool in the mountains.
    A simple day pack with snacks, water, sunscreen, and a light jacket makes almost any of these trips more comfortable.

    Where Will You Go Next?

    Living in or visiting Bozeman means you’re surrounded by some of the most iconic road trip destinations in the West—from hot springs and ghost towns to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. So, which of these 10 out-of-county road trips from Bozeman sounds best to you?
    • Soaking in hot springs?
    • Exploring old gold rush towns?
    • Chasing wildlife in Yellowstone?
    • Fishing legendary rivers?
    I’d love to hear about your favorite drives and hidden spots near Bozeman. Drop a comment with your go-to road trip, or the one you’re planning next. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s dreaming about exploring Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming by car—sometimes all it takes is one shared link to kick-start the next adventure.
    Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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