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Montana Vacations & Adventures

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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. 

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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.

Top Montana Summer Vacations

Yellowstone Adventure

North America

Yellowstone Adventure

4.9

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 1 
    • Activity Level 1

      Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Explore America’s first national park with insiders as you hike unpopulated backcountry trails and explore fascinating geothermal wonders. Behold roaring waterfalls, roaming wildlife, and remarkable scenery on this six-day adventure.

Trip Start: Bozeman Trip End: Bozeman
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Adventure

North America

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Adventure

4.9

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 1 
    • Activity Level 1

      Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Hike, bike and raft your way through Northwestern Wyoming as you explore the craggy peaks, winding rivers, and expansive meadows of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Relax each night in comfortable lodging and warm hospitality.

Trip Start: Jackson Trip End: Jackson
Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure

North America

Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure

4.9

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 1 
    • Activity Level 1

      Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Explore Gallatin National Forest, hike to Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, horseback ride into the Absaroka Mountains, and spot magnificent wildlife in Hayden Valley as you journey through Montana’s vast wilderness and behold geothermal wonders.

Trip Start: Bozeman Trip End: Bozeman
Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton Adventure

North America

Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton Adventure

4.8

  • Duration 8 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

From the ever-wowing Old Faithful to the deep backcountry along Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’ll glimpse Mother Nature at her finest. Hike, raft, relax, and more on this grand adventure, full of bucket-list moments and endless beauty.

Trip Start: Jackson Trip End: Whitefish
Glacier National Park Adventure

North America

Glacier National Park Adventure

4.9

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

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Spend your days discovering the pristine lakes, forested valleys, grand meadows, and endless jaw-dropping scenery of Glacier National Park. Spend your nights in quaint towns; waking up to the sounds of nature just outside your door.

Trip Start: Whitefish Trip End: Whitefish
Yellowstone Family Vacation

North America

Yellowstone Family Vacation

4.9

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 1 
    • Activity Level 1

      Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.

    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 an action-packed family vacation!

Trip Start: Bozeman Trip End: Bozeman
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Family Vacation

North America

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Family Vacation

4.9

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 1 
    • Activity Level 1

      Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.

    Read more about the Active Range

 FAMILY VACATION

From Old Faithful to Grand Teton – enjoy six days exploring the iconic American West. Featuring biking, hiking, rafting and more, this family-friendly adventure will reveal stunning landscapes and forge lasting memories.

Trip Start: Jackson Trip End: Jackson
Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Family Vacation

North America

Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Family Vacation

4.9

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 1 
    • Activity Level 1

      Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.

    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 Trip End: Bozeman

Montana Vacations in Glacier National Park

Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton Adventure

North America

Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton Adventure

4.8

  • Duration 8 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

From the ever-wowing Old Faithful to the deep backcountry along Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’ll glimpse Mother Nature at her finest. Hike, raft, relax, and more on this grand adventure, full of bucket-list moments and endless beauty.

Trip Start: Jackson Trip End: Whitefish
Glacier National Park Adventure

North America

Glacier National Park Adventure

4.9

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

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Spend your days discovering the pristine lakes, forested valleys, grand meadows, and endless jaw-dropping scenery of Glacier National Park. Spend your nights in quaint towns; waking up to the sounds of nature just outside your door.

Trip Start: Whitefish Trip End: Whitefish
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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply. Read more here.

 

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Extra Peace of Mind


We understand your plans can change, and that’s why Active Assurance is available so you can book with complete confidence.

Active Assurance can be purchased at the time of booking, enabling you to receive a full refund up to 61 days out from your trip departure date. For more details, view here.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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 optimize 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!

Guides

Our trips are all led by experienced guides who are very proud to work with us and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. 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.

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.

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

We generally take up to 18 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

Our adult-only departures require a minimum age of 16 years 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.

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

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

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 in your Account.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20-30 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 Paypal. All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

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 US$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.

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

We welcome many solo travelers on our trips – in fact, we get so many solo travelers and they always say it’s a great way to travel alone, but not actually by themselves. You’ll have an incredible adventure sharing your experiences with other like-minded travelers, and the best part is we don't charge extra for solo travelers, providing you don’t mind sharing a room. However, for bookings within 90 days of your chosen departure, a forced single supplement will apply if there is no other guest of the same gender already booked to share with.

If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room, if one is available.

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.

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Meet your Montana Adventure Guides

Montana Adventure Blogs and Tips

Why Travel With US

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

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

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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, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

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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. All you need to do is show up!

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Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

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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 for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

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"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.