dark logo watermark

Montana Vacations & Adventures

Montana adventure vacations 2

Montana adventure vacations bring you to the heart of the wildlife and natural wonders Big Sky Country is known for

Montana is full of real-life cowboys, trout-filled rivers, snow-capped mountains, hot springs, mud pots, and geysers. The state of Montana has 77 named mountain ranges stretching from north to south so there’s plenty of wild places to explore. Elk and antelope outnumber people two to one, but that’s only part of why people choose to visit Montana, where nature holds the winning hand. 

Montana adventure vacations

About Our Top-Rated Montana Adventures

For us, Montana is home. For visitors, it’s paradise. We live and breathe the land here in Big Sky Country, and on our guided Montana tours, you will too! Raft, ride, hike, and bike amid jaw-dropping scenery on your adventure vacation in Montana.

Montana Vacations

filters
View results

Top Montana Summer Vacations

North America

Yellowstone Adventure

4.65

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      On the Move

      Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

From the powerful waterfall of Yellowstone River’s Upper Falls to horseback riding into the Absaroka Mountains, you’ll be left awe at the natural wonders of this incredible National Park!

Trip Start: Bozeman, Montana Trip End: Bozeman, Montana

North America

Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Journey through Montana's vast wilderness and geothermal wonders on our 'Bison' Big Sky & Yellowstone Adventure Tour. You'll explore Gallatin National Forest, hike to Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, horseback ride into the Absaroka Mountains and spot magnificent wildlife in Hayden Valley. 

Trip Start: Bozeman, Montana Trip End: Bozeman, Montana

North America

Yellowstone in Winter

4

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Discover bubbling geysers, frozen landscapes, and fascinating wildlife without the crowds while staying in cozy accommodations in Yellowstone National Park.

Trip Start: Bozeman, Montana Trip End: Bozeman, Montana

North America

Glacier National Park Adventure

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Pristine turquoise lakes, forested valleys, grand green meadows and endless jaw-dropping scenery are yours to enjoy on our Glacier National Park vacation.

Trip Start: Whitefish, Montana Trip End: Whitefish, Montana

North America

Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton Adventure

  • Duration 8 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Explore the renowned landscapes of Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks on one grand adventure, filled with bucket list moments.

Trip Start: Jackson, Wyoming Trip End: Whitefish, Montana

North America

Yellowstone Family Vacation

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      On the Move

      Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.

    Read more about the Active Range

 FAMILY VACATION

From hiking to rafting, ziplining to horseback riding, you’ll discover the wonders of the world’s first national park on this family-friendly adventure. Enjoy the perfect balance of peace and adventure on action-packed family vacation!

Trip Start: Bozeman, Montana Trip End: Bozeman, Montana

North America

Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Family Vacation

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

 FAMILY VACATION

The wild west comes alive as your family explores pine-studded forests, rafts the Yellowstone River, and rides horseback across pristine meadows with real cowboys. See famous sites and hidden gems on this beloved family-friendly adventure.

Trip Start: Bozeman, Montana Trip End: Bozeman, Montana

Montana Vacations in Glacier National Park

North America

Glacier National Park Adventure

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Pristine turquoise lakes, forested valleys, grand green meadows and endless jaw-dropping scenery are yours to enjoy on our Glacier National Park vacation.

Trip Start: Whitefish, Montana Trip End: Whitefish, Montana

North America

Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton Adventure

  • Duration 8 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Explore the renowned landscapes of Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks on one grand adventure, filled with bucket list moments.

Trip Start: Jackson, Wyoming Trip End: Whitefish, Montana
Intro Block Image 1 v3

Secure Your Spot Now, Pay the Rest Later

As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.  

READ MORE

What guests are saying about their Montana Adventures

view all

Yellowstone in Winter - March 2022

Winter in Yellowstone and Big Sky 2022.

"Great trip, Steve and Eliza our guides were terrific not to mention lots of fun.… read more

"Great trip, Steve and Eliza our guides were terrific not to mention lots of fun. Well organized tour, accommodation and food was wonderful. Already booked for Canada in 2023! read less

4 Stars (1 reviews)

Elsie, United States

Yellowstone Adventure - September 2021

A magical trip to a magical place

"The tour guides Bryan and Carrie were fabulous. Their knowledge and enthusiasm captivated everyone in… read more

"The tour guides Bryan and Carrie were fabulous. Their knowledge and enthusiasm captivated everyone in the group and we all learned so much and saw so much. Yellowstone is a wonderful place and would be a great place to visit no matter what but the tour that was organized for us was so special and offered so many wonders to take in. The planning was exceptional and the execution was amazing. Great time with plenty of great memories. read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Mimi, United States

Yellowstone Adventure - August 2021

Yellowstone with Carrie & Bryan

"So grateful for our guide’s willingness to create a lifetime experience and memories in Yellowstone… read more

"So grateful for our guide’s willingness to create a lifetime experience and memories in Yellowstone Park- they shared their passion, knowledge and willingness to support all of us - no detail was ignored. read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Michele, United States

Yellowstone Adventure - August 2021

Fantastic Trip!

"I have never been to Yellowstone Park and it was amazing!
There were thermal features… read more

"I have never been to Yellowstone Park and it was amazing!
There were thermal features around every corner and the vistas were breathtaking. We saw bison (more than you could count), elk, mule deer and even a fight between a grizzly bear and a wolf over a bison carcass.
However, the best part of the trip were our guides, Katie, Heather and Jessi. They were friendly, competent, knowledgeable and worked well together as a team. They were the ones who made the trip so special. read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

John, United States

Yellowstone Adventure - July 2021

Best Trip Ever!

"The Caldera trip was amazing. The guides Heather and Katie were so friendly and knowledgeable,… read more

"The Caldera trip was amazing. The guides Heather and Katie were so friendly and knowledgeable, the scenery was incredible, and the activities like rafting and zip-lining were so fun. The food was delicious too! read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Liz, United States

Yellowstone Adventure - July 2021

Yellowstone is Amazing.

"Yellowstone is a beautiful park. The thermal features are so interesting, geysers, hot springs and… read more

"Yellowstone is a beautiful park. The thermal features are so interesting, geysers, hot springs and boiling mud pots! Everyone should take the time to visit. Hiking is amazing as you travel through forests, mountains, canyons, waterfalls and thermal areas. read less

4 Stars (16 reviews)

Liz, United States

Yellowstone Adventure - July 2021

Solo trip but became an Adventure with new Friends!

"I selected the Caldera trip because it was at a location I have not yet… read more

"I selected the Caldera trip because it was at a location I have not yet visited; because it included hiking which I enjoy doing weekly and because it included other adventures that I have never tried such as rope course and ziplining, white water rafting, and a trail ride. The level/ physical requirements for this trip was spot on for both the hikes and the other adventures. I really enjoyed the extra elements of education from the guides. The education from the guides on wildlife and plant and thermal features were second only to the views! read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Dina, United States

Yellowstone Adventure - July 2021

Yellowstone

"Heather and Katie went out of their way to make the trip as perfect as… read more

"Heather and Katie went out of their way to make the trip as perfect as it could be. They are amazing chefs and the food they prepared was five stars!!! read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Lani, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

Yellowstone Adventure - July 2021

Active Adventures Caldera Trip

"Your partnership with Austin Adventures was a great choice! read more

"Your partnership with Austin Adventures was a great choice! read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Valerie, United States

best places montana

The Best Places to Visit in Montana

Many of the best places to visit in Montana are scattered throughout its wild spaces and national parks. There are acres of wild open country, wildlife, and incredible scenery. But the open frontiers of the American West aren’t the only beautiful places to visit in Montana. Montana’s cities keep one foot planted firmly in the past by celebrating their rich cultural history. We’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in Montana that highlight the towns, landmarks, natural wonders, and hidden gems of the Big Sky State. We can't wait to hear which place tops your list!

best time to visit montana

When Is the Best Time to Visit Montana?

Summer in Montana is the best time of year to visit! Montana offers many exciting sights and activities all throughout the year, perfectly catering to many different interests. From white water rafting in the warmer months to skiing/snowboarding during the winter, there really isn’t a wrong time for a Montana vacation.

When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park? 

The summer is considered to be the best time to visit Glacier Park. Summer is generally best for the weather, access to areas of the park, lodging, and seeing wildlife. Although winter has some great opportunities too.

planning montana vacation

Planning for a Montana Vacation

Planning what to do and what to pack for adventure vacations can be tricky. You want to make sure you’re prepared and experience everything on your list, but the lists can get lengthy and time short. But fear not – from our every-detail-planned trips to included packing lists well before you leave, we will have you well on your way to planning an incredible Montana vacation.

Pack for the Weather

Montana (Yellowstone National Park & Glacier National Park included) experiences distinct seasons – snowy, white winters and warm, sunny summers. The weather in Montana can vary significantly, even in a day – this means that you have to always be equipped with a diverse set of clothing options. The best way to do this is to plan on layers: a base layer, insulating mid-layers, and an additional shell. Learn more about layering for adventure travel.

Pack for Activity

When you book an adventure vacation with us, you’ll know what type of activities your trip will include. Use your itinerary to inform your packing decisions – if you’re cycling, bring padded shorts, if you’re hiking, bring proper hiking boots and wool socks, and so on.


Pack Sensible Footwear

Regardless of the amount of activity planned for your Montana trip, never underestimate the importance of solid footwear. Running sneakers, hiking boots and proper socks (including extras!), and river shoes or sandals are a staple on almost any adventure vacation. It’s all about comfort here in Big Sky Country.


Pack Skin Protection

Nothing ruins a vacation experience like painful or irritated skin. We always provide sunscreen, bug spray (though rarely needed) and the proper aid should you get a blister. We do, however, recommend bringing lotion for the dry climate. The dry air can take a toll on skin that is not used to the environment.


Additional Items for Your Trip

If there’s room in your bag, it never hurts to have a few additional items to make your adventure that much more enjoyable. These items include a camera, a backpack, binoculars, sunglasses, a bathing suit, and a hat and gloves.

travel tips montana

Travel Tips for Your Montana Vacation

There’s a reason why our Montana adventure vacations are consistently some of our best sellers – not only is Montana a beautiful state ripe for adventure and exploration, but it’s also home to two of the most beloved national parks in the U.S. – Yellowstone and Glacier.

Regardless of what time of year you choose to explore the wonders of Montana and the national parks, keep these travel tips in mind to ensure you have the best vacation possible:

  • Be mindful of wildlife
  • Take time to soak in the views
  • Make your must-see/must-do list early
  • Be prepared for anything

Be Mindful of Wildlife

Montana (and especially the national parks) is a vibrant ecosystem home to many different species, ranging from bison to bears. Always keep your distance and never attempt to feed any animals.


Remember to Look Around

Known as Big Sky Country, the Montana skyline is just breathtaking. Be sure to take a few minutes out of your hiking, biking, and exploring to stand still and gaze up at the sky above. You won’t regret it, especially at night.


Choose Your Must-See & Dos

There’s so much to do in Montana and in both national parks. So much, in fact, that we have three separate itineraries that explore Yellowstone alone! Deciding which activities or sights are the highest priorities for you can help you choose your vacation.


Montana offers incredible adventure opportunities outside of our itineraries, and whether you’re exploring Yellowstone or Glacier National Park, our Adventure Travel Consultants would be happy to help you add on a day or two of activities.

FAQs About Montana Adventure Vacations

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Austin Adventures traveler, it’s highly recommended you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of travel delays, missed connections, medical expenses or injury, or lost baggage for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Protection page for more in-depth information and our recommended insurance provider.

What's included on your North America trips?

Accommodation

We've spent years finding places to stay that are quaint, perfectly-located, and comfortable when we take you to the most amazing parts of North America. We offer a wide variety of accommodations on our trips ranging from locally run inns and first-class hotels to resorts, dude ranches and historic national park cabins. Accommodations are selected for their location, unique charm and history, and offer a true feel for the region. We strongly believe in the value of a good night's sleep and our accommodation reflects this. We also like to have somewhere comfortable to relax after the day's activities.

Transport

We're really focused on ensuring that we spend as little time as possible sitting in vehicles, and that we optimise your vacation for adventuring in the great outdoors. Our average driving time is just over two hours a day, and we make plenty of stops for bathroom breaks and sightseeing along the way. We use modern, comfortable 15-passenger vans for all of our transfers and a second van is added to most departures to provide more flexibility and more room to spread out while seeing the sights! Make no mistake - our trips are not typical bus tour vacation packages! Picture more of a road trip with family complete with good music, tasty snacks, and plenty of guide-supplied fun facts along the way to keep you entertained!

Meals

Just about all your meals are included when you travel with Austin Adventures in North America. We provide a wide variety of cuisine - breakfasts are typically eaten at your hotel on your own time in the morning before meeting up with the group. Lunches feature everything from elaborate picnics to roadside cafes to sandwiches trailside. Dinners are usually eaten at our hotel's dining room or a local restaurant with plenty of options to choose from. We easily cater to vegetarians, picky kids, and people with particular dietary needs. All our guides have food safety certificates and are well-practiced in the art of food prep and serving while on-the-move. You'll find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!

All Guiding Services

Each trip features two or three incredible guides and our average guest to guide ratio is 6:1. Our guests are often drawn to North America by the beautiful scenic landscapes, promise of wilderness and clean air - and there's no doubt you'll find all that, though what you may not be expecting is to forge real, genuine friendships with your fellow tripmates, including our wonderful guides. They're hands-down the BEST guides you'll ever come across.

Activities

Any activity described in our itinerary, such as hiking, rafting, horseback riding, kayaking and biking, are included in your trip cost. Our itineraries are pretty jam-packed to maximize our time spent exploring in these amazing places, and your guides will make it clear if there are additional activities available (at your expense).

How many people are there on each of our North America trips?

We get a real variety of people on our trips and they all seem to have one thing in common – a love of the outdoors! Our trips can accommodate up to 22 guests, depending on each departure. Our adult-only departures require a minimum age of 16 years and generally feature a mix of singles, couples and friends, and our family departures require a minimum age of 6 years to join (7 years on our Alaska Family Adventure) and are a great way to meet other like-minded families who like to get outside.
Please note child rates apply to children 12 years and under.

Do you charge a forced single supplement if I'm a solo traveller?

We regularly accommodate single guests on our group trips and there’s no forced single supplement if you don’t mind sharing a room (you might even get a room to yourself sometimes). If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room.
PLEASE NOTE: If you book within 90 days and you’re a Forced single, you’ll be required to pay for your own room.

If I book a trip with my children, will I be sharing a room with them?

Active Adventures & Austin Adventures family vacations are naturally about spending time with family and as such, most families opt to share rooms on our trips. At time of booking, families consisting of four guests with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at the guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What if I need a special diet?

We’re accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • pescatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • no pork (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
  • picky kids (send us a list of what your child will eat and we'll make sure to have it!)
You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in your travel wallet. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online travel wallet.

 

How much luggage can I bring on the North America trips?

You'll need one piece of luggage, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage can be a soft sided duffel or a suitcase with wheels, and you'll need a good quality 18-24 liter daypack to carry with you throughout the days on the trails.

As far as extra luggage goes, if there's not too much (such as one small extra bag per person) then it shouldn't be a problem to fit it in our luggage trailer during the trip. If you've got more than that, then all major airports have luggage facilities available on a weekly basis, or if you are staying at a pre-trip hotel they may be able to store it for you until you return too.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get cash?

You'll be able to find a reliable ATM once you arrive to start your trip, within the township or at the airport you land in, as national park ATM locations are sparse at best. Aside from tips for your guides, you could bring $200 and go home with change though some people like to bring some cash to cover a round of drinks, a few souvenirs, and dinner on "night on your own", although you could just as easily use a credit card for these purchases too.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size) and we recommend $15-25 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

Is there a number to call in an emergency? How can my family, friends or colleagues contact me

Please contact our office using the details below. If the office is unattended (outside of business hours), dial the extension for the emergency line. If no one immediately responds, please leave a message so we can pick it up and return your call as soon as we can.
Free phone 1 800 661 9073
Email: service@austinadventures.com

show more

show less

Meet your Montana Adventure Guides

Montana Adventure Blogs and Tips

Why Travel With US

benefit group size

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.

benefit guides

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

benefit inclusive

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!

benefit safety

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.

benefit family

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

benefit wow

"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”