Southwest Montana

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Lisa Wareham
Photo provided by Tom Robertson
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton
Photo provided by Chuck Haney
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton
See elegant Victorian-era mansions in mining-boom ghost towns and picturesque ranches dwarfed by rugged mountain peaks in this historic and beautiful region.

History is etched into the diverse landscapes of Southwest Montana, from ghost towns crumbling amid cross-country ski trails to the Native American pictographs that adorn limestone cliffs. Discover wild stories and fascinating heritage entwined with the mountains, canyons, rivers and forests of this magnificent region.

There’s so much to discover in the region, from its northerly tip near Glacier National Park to its southern reaches, which border Yellowstone National Park. Embark on a road trip through Southwest Montana and or base yourself in one of its major towns.

The state’s capital HelenaOpens in a new window sits in the northerly corner of the region and marked a stopover for Lewis and Clark when the two explorers traveled this way around 200 years ago. Take a historic train ride or visit Montana Historical Society Museum in Helena to uncover the history beneath the scenery. Be awed by Helena’s boomtown mansions and a breathtaking turn-of-the-century cathedral. Find out where all the wealth came from in the nearby mining town of ButteOpens in a new window. Taker a historic trolley tour or learn about the region’s mining successes and failures at the World Museum of Mining. Anaconda and Philipsburg are also historic mining towns with beautifully preserved architecture.

Get acquainted with the same mesmerizing vistas that charmed pioneering prospectors when you explore Southwest Montana’s pristine reserves. Discover river valleys surrounded by rolling pastoral land and framed by jagged mountain peaks. Hike and camp along forested trails at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest or check out the Lewis and Clark Caverns and the Painted Rocks State Park. Go rafting or fly fishing in the region’s beautiful rivers or take a boat tour through the Gates of the Mountains canyon to see rugged limestone cliffs.

Southwest Montana is easily reachable by plane to Helena Regional Airport or Missoula International Airport. Road trip trails include the Pintler Scenic Loop. Make the most of the wintertime in Southwest Montana with the region’s network of cross-country skiing trails or enjoy long sunny days in the lakes, rivers and forests in summer.

Where to stay in Southwest Montana

Big Sky Resort which includes interior views and a hotel

Big Sky Mountain Village

If you're spending some time in Big Sky Mountain Village, Big Sky Resort and Explorer Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

Big Sky Mountain Village
Smoked rosemary infusion!

Downtown Bozeman

Downtown Bozeman is noteworthy for its coffeehouses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Emerson Centre for the Arts and Culture and Andesite Mountain.

Downtown Bozeman
Ousel Falls Park Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Gallatin Gateway, MT that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels.

Spanish Peaks

While visiting Spanish Peaks, you might make a stop by sights like Cabin Ski Lift and Southern Comfort Express Ski Lift.

Spanish Peaks
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Powder Ridge

While there might not be top attractions in Powder Ridge, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Big Sky Resort and White Otter Ski Lift.

Powder Ridge
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Big Horn

While there might not be top attractions in Big Horn, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Big Sky Resort and Black Bear Ski Lift.

Big Horn
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Saddle Ridge

When in Saddle Ridge, you can plan a visit to Pony Express Ski Lift and Challenger Ski Lift, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Saddle Ridge
Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
3 out of 5
2107 Cornell Ave, Butte, MT
The price is P4,477 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
P4,477
P4,892 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Butte. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (787 reviews)
"Was disappointed with the cleanliness of the room. Marks on the bedside table from a glass, splatter marks from the sink on the mirror frame, window sill had dirt on it and the bathroom door knob had drywall putty all over on the inside of the bathroom. I thought Wyndham set a high standard, but ..."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
320 Guest Ranch
320 Guest Ranch
3 out of 5
205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is P10,959 per night from 10 May to 11 May
P10,959
P11,835 total
includes taxes & fees
May 10 - May 11
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly ranch in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location and old school feel loved it"

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2025

320 Guest Ranch
Baymont by Wyndham Helena
Baymont by Wyndham Helena
2.5 out of 5
750 N Fee St, Helena, MT
The price is P3,947 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
P3,947
P4,377 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Helena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,399 reviews)
"The rooms require some updating. The tub should be replaced. Not sure why what sounded like a portable generator was running at 630 AM. Room was clean."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Helena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
4 out of 5
PO BOX 160001, Big Sky, MT
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Big Sky. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and Big Sky Town ...
9/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
"Place was cute but a little outdated for what you pay. Location was nice but a little walk to lifts. Would have been nice to have a hot tub outside for each property."

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2024

Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
Aspects Big Sky
Aspects Big Sky
4 out of 5
200 Misty Mountain Court, Gallatin Gateway, MT
Stay at this 4-star villa in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Big Sky Town Center and Soldiers Chapel are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Aspects was the perfect getaway in the heart of Montana. It is secluded and beautiful. The home has all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. We found the furnishings, plush and luxurious, making us still right at home. We also loved the views of the landscape and wildlife in the area. This ..."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Aspects Big Sky
Sugar Loaf Lodge & Cabins
Sugar Loaf Lodge & Cabins
2 out of 5
10800 Mill Creek Road, Anaconda, MT
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Anaconda. Enjoy free parking, meeting facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attraction Mount Haggin State Wildlife ...
9/10 Wonderful! (120 reviews)
Excellent
"Great stay. Hope to be back!"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Sugar Loaf Lodge & Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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