Montana
Mountain peaks, glacier-carved valleys and open prairie draw travelers to Montana, with Glacier's high mountain roads and the outdoor towns of the Gallatin Valley as the two main draws.
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Montana is a state in the Northern Rockies of the western United States, with Canada along its northern border. Most travelers come for two areas. Glacier National Park, in the northwest, is known for jagged peaks, glacier-carved valleys and clear lakes, and Going-to-the-Sun Road, which crosses the park's high country. Glacier joins Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park to form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bozeman, in the Gallatin Valley in the southwest, is a university town with restaurants, outdoor gear shops and access to hiking, mountain biking and skiing. Big Sky, a ski resort area, is within driving distance, and Bozeman is a practical base for Yellowstone National Park. A trip here suits travelers who want mountain scenery with town comforts, or a road trip that links several parks. Summer is the main season for Glacier's high roads and trails. Plan at least four days for Glacier and the Gallatin Valley at a relaxed pace, and add more if you continue to Yellowstone.
Montana in five
- Check the Going-to-the-Sun Road rulesPeak-season access to the road can need a booked vehicle reservation. Check nps.gov/glac for your dates before you plan the day.Glacier National Park
- Download offline maps before you drive inPhone signal is patchy across Glacier and the Gallatin canyon. Save offline maps and the park map on your phone before you leave town.Phones and eSIM
- Rent a car at Bozeman airportBozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the main gateway. Glacier is a long drive from Bozeman, and public transport between towns is limited.Getting around
- Carry bear spray on Glacier trailsGrizzly and black bears live in the park. Keep bear spray in an outside pocket on trails so you can reach it fast.Glacier National Park
- Pack a warm layer for mountain nightsSummer days can be warm, but nights at elevation and on exposed ridges get cold. Pack a fleece or down jacket even in July.
Neighborhoods
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in northwest Montana is known for Going-to-the-Sun Road, glacier-carved valleys and grizzly country, and it suits hikers and scenic drivers.
Bozeman
Trailheads, rivers and ski slopes are a short drive from downtown Bozeman, which makes the outdoors the main draw.
Things to do in Montana
See all attractions in Montana
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for Visa Waiver travelers; visa needed for everyone else Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- 15 to 20% at restaurants and bars; taxis about 15 to 20%
- Time
- Mountain Time: UTC-7 in winter, UTC-6 in summer (daylight saving)
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, snowy
- FebruarySki season
- MarchLate snow
- AprilThaw, quiet
- MayMud, few roads
- JuneLong days
- JulyPeak season
- AugustWildfire smoke risk
- SeptemberGolden larches
- OctoberQuiet, first snow
- NovemberCold, gray
- DecemberSki season
Right now in Montana
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
6
- Feels like
- 4°
- Humidity
- 71%
- Wind
- 10 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 68%
Montana
03:39 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today6°0°68%Monday: Snow. High 6°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 68%.
- Tue11°1°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed9°2°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu13°2°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 13°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri14°1°8%Friday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Sat9°1°9%Saturday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 9%.
- Sun17°2°1%Sunday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 1%.
Updated 02:25 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- West Yellowstoneabout 1.5 hours by carThe gateway to Old Faithful and the geyser basins, best done with a night nearby.
- Lewis and Clark Cavernsabout 1 hour by carLimestone cave tours in a state park near Three Forks.
- Big Skyabout 45 min by carLift rides and trails above the Gallatin River canyon.
Before you go to Montana
Rules for Montana, checked
- Visa Waiver travelers need an approved ESTA before flying to the US. Check the CBP site at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.Source
- Going-to-the-Sun Road can need a booked vehicle reservation in peak season. Check the park's official page for your dates.Source
- When camping in bear country, store food, trash and scented items in a locked car or a provided food storage locker.
- Feeding wildlife is illegal in US national parks. Keep 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other wildlife.
Plan around Montana
Park roads, trails and the west and east entrances
Read the guideBozeman & Gallatin ValleyGateway city, museums and day trips to Yellowstone
Read the guideGetting around MontanaCar rental, airport transfers and road distances
Read the guideVisas and entryESTA, passports and entry rules for the US
Read the guideMoney and costsPaying in dollars, tipping and typical prices
Read the guideWhere to stayGateway towns and park lodges, by area
Read the guideMontana FAQ
How many days do you need in Glacier National Park?
Two full days cover Going-to-the-Sun Road and two or three hikes. Add a third day for a slower pace or a longer hike.
Is Bozeman a good base for Yellowstone?
Yes, for a Yellowstone trip of two or more days. West Yellowstone is about 1.5 hours by car from Bozeman, so the drive is part of each day.
Do I need a car in Montana?
Yes. Bozeman and the park entrances are far apart, and public transport between them is limited. Rent a car at Bozeman airport.
What is the best time to visit Glacier?
Late July to early September, when most of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the trails are open. Late September brings golden larches and fewer cars.
Is there cell service in Glacier National Park?
Only in patches. Download offline maps and tell someone your route before you go into the backcountry.
How far is Glacier from Bozeman?
About 5 hours by car, through Butte and Missoula. Plan a night in the Flathead Valley to avoid driving the whole day.
Should I carry bear spray in Glacier?
Yes. The park advises carrying it on trails. Keep it in an outside pocket and know how to use it before you hike.