Fun Things to Do In Montana That Won't Break the Bank

Post Date: Oct 20, 2020

When you're traveling with family, you want to have plenty of fun without spending too much. As autumn weather invites crisp morning air and clear, sunny days in Montana, it pays to enjoy time outside. But you never know what to expect from fall in Big Sky Country, so it's good to have a cozy-by-the-fire backup plan, too. Here are a few fun things to do for fall around Montana.

Not Just for Bozeman Locals: The Main Street to the Mountains Trail

Post Date: Oct 13, 2020

The Main Street to the Mountains Trail does exactly what it promises —connecting Bozeman’s classic Main Street to the Bridger Mountains. RVers can rejoice, since there’s no battling to squeeze your rig into tight parking lots, but you can still enjoy trail time. That means you can hop on your bike, skip the hassle of trailhead parking, and enjoy the famous college M Trail and beyond without ever having to turn a key or rev an engine. Here’s everything you need to know about the Main Street to the Mountains trail system.

Fall is Here and so is Buck Fever: Tips for Hunting Near Bozeman, MT

Post Date: Oct 06, 2020

Visiting the Bozeman area on a hunting trip places you in an ideal location to find big game, enjoy stunning landscapes, and take advantage of everything the town has to offer. When you’re planning a trek to hunt in Montana, the Bozeman area has a whole lot to offer as far as wildland and easy access to amenities, including dining, drinks, and a historic downtown. And when it comes time to head out over the rugged countryside, stalking big game, the region comes through too. Here’s what you have to look forward to with a hunting trip near Bozeman.

Day trips from Bigfork

Post Date: Sep 29, 2020

With a home-away-from-home based in Bigfork, Montana, the whole Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park are just the start of your vacation backyard. There's a whole lot of freedom in being able to unpack your bags, settle in, and still explore the region far and wide. Here are a few of the day trips you can easily take advantage of when you plan a stay in Bigfork.

Best Hikes in Paradise Valley

Post Date: Sep 22, 2020

Paradise Valley, Montana offers some of the most scenic country in the state, with the pristine Yellowstone River running through it and dramatic mountain ranges rising on either side. Driving through the area is breathtaking on its own, but hiking through its peaks and valleys on foot brings a new perspective. We’ve compiled some of our favorite hikes to explore in Paradise Valley.

Keep in mind that depending on the season, some trails may be difficult to reach due to snow, so do your research and check the weather before heading out on any adventure. And remember that Montana is bear country, so always have bear spray handy.

Hunting near Livingston

Post Date: Sep 15, 2020

Nothing gets your blood up like hearing bulls bugling while they're in rut, coming right at you as you cow call. If you're hungering for speed goats and hoping to put a bird on the table this fall, you're in the right place with a hunting trip in Livingston, Montana.

The Livingston area is the prime spot for elk, pronghorn, grouse, pheasant, and deer, so hunters of all sorts can find the experience of a lifetime. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your trip.

Scenic Drives Around Livingston

Post Date: Sep 08, 2020

Livingston, Montana, and the surrounding areas are known for beauty. Between mountains and wild rivers with spectacular waterfalls, animal activity, wildflowers, and world-famous geology, there's a little something for every nature lover. The best part? You can experience an immense amount of this natural allure from the comfort of your car. Enjoy a few of these scenic drives around Livingston.

Hiking Sacajawea Peak

Post Date: Sep 01, 2020

As the highest point in the Bridgers, Sacajawea – or Sac – Peak is worth the steep, leg-burning grind to get the views its heights promise. This is a summit with no scrambling required, but standing at its rocky summit is sure to make you feel like a mountain goat. Speaking of which, on the lookout for these nimble critters – not to mention wildflowers, fascinating geology, and other wildlife living above the treeline.

A Day on Flathead Lake

Post Date: Aug 25, 2020

There are so many ways to spend your time out on Flathead Lake. You can explore the shoreline and Wild Horse Island. You might want to fish up a storm for giant lake trout from the depths or a smaller catch from the shoreline. Maybe you just want to splash around and enjoy summer fun on the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi; you can find what you're looking for out on this water body. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy a day on Flathead Lake.

Just Beyond Yellowstone: The Benefits of Making Your Stay Outside the Park

Post Date: Aug 18, 2020

There are plenty of bonuses to taking a trip to Yellowstone and reserving accommodation just outside park boundaries. You don't need to sleep within the park's borders to experience the best that Yellowstone has to offer. Here are just a few of the reasons to love staying in neighboring gateway communities around the park.

Ultimate Montana National Park Road Trip

Post Date: Aug 11, 2020

Montana was made for road-tripping, with wide-open spaces and plenty of public lands to play in. The two national parks—complemented by a host of National Monuments, state parks, and other public lands in between—are the perfect bookends for this kind of drive. Here's what you have to see and do along the way.

Summer Hikes and Five Trailheads Near Livingston

Post Date: Aug 04, 2020

There are miles upon miles of public lands around Livingston, stretching from the north of town all the way south past Yellowstone. The options for hiking are nearly limitless, so don't let decision fatigue keep you off the trails. When you're looking for a convenient hike near Livingston, Montana, here are five of our favorites.

5 Ways to Stay Active While Social Distancing When Visiting Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley

Post Date: Jul 28, 2020

We all need a little space right now. Mental space helps us cope with the strains of COVID and physical space to safely social distance. You can find some of that room you seek around Bozeman while still getting out in nature for some mental restoration. Here are a few of our favorite social distancing friendly activities in Big Sky Country.

5 Ways to Stay Active While Social Distancing In and Around Bigfork

Post Date: Jul 21, 2020

Bigfork, Montana, offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun while social distancing. The best part of Big Sky Country is that there's plenty of space to go around. Give some of these activities a try, and enjoy mountain living on the shores of Flathead Lake.

5 Ways to Stay Active While Social Distancing in Livingston, MT

Post Date: Jul 14, 2020

All that wide open big sky that Montana is known for makes a spectacular place to put some space between you and others. It's a dream for social distancing! When you're staying in Livingston, you can access some of the most scenic spaces Montana has to offer. Here are some of the best social-distancing friendly activities you can find in Yellowstone Country.

Summer Details for Yellowstone with COVID Recovery

Post Date: Jul 07, 2020

As a national park with land in three states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), Yellowstone is subject to more variability in regulations from its surrounding communities than some other national parks. As the areas around the park reopen at different rates, visitors can expect some changes. But that’s no reason to put off trip planning! Even if you plan now to travel later, there’s plenty of solaces to find in dreaming of Yellowstone.

As the park begins its phased reopening plan, here’s what to expect.

Celebrating Independence the Montana Way

Post Date: Jun 30, 2020

It’s true that many Independence Day events have indeed been canceled this year due to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean we need to let the holiday go by without any fanfare. We may have to get creative for 2020, but the good news is that Montana is full of fun in the great outdoors. Take advantage of the long weekend to get in some outdoor time with a patriotic bent. Here’s how to celebrate July 4 in Big Sky Country, even when big community celebrations are on hold.

Adventures Around Bigfork

Post Date: Jun 23, 2020

When you're staying in Bigfork, Montana, the entire Flathead Valley is at your doorstep. From Whitefish at the north of the valley, down to Polson at the south end of the lake, from Glacier at the east to Kalispell at the west, you have plenty to explore. Here are the best things to do during your stay in Bigfork.

Summer Details for Glacier with COVID Recovery

Post Date: Jun 16, 2020

As Montana continues its phased reopening from COVID-19 lockdown, there are still many unknowns for travelers hoping to plan trips this summer. The best advice out there is to do your research and be prepared for the unexpected. This isn’t the year to get attached to a plan, as it seems like the situation, services, and business could change at any moment. But there’s no doubt that one of the best things you can do for your health is to relax and breathe deep to take in the fresh air in wide-open spaces. Here are some resources and information for planning your Glacier trip in 2020.

Staying In Livingston: A Town With its Own Unique Montanan Personality

Post Date: Jun 09, 2020

Livingston, Montana, has that Wild West feel with a bit of class and sophistication thrown in for good measure. Saloons stand beside art galleries, and a good cappuccino is as highly valued as some strong whiskey, neat. You’re as likely to see hiking boots as you are cowboy boots, with a few pairs of designer shoes in there too (though you can probably leave the stilettos at home).

Livingston has its own personality, its own style, and its own way of life. A stay in this mountain town is perfection, with easy access to miles of river, hiking trails, and scenic views. Its position at the north end of the Paradise Valley says it all, and the easy access to Yellowstone and Bozeman make it a prime spot for all of your adventures. Here’s what you have to look forward to with a stay in Livingston.

Staying in Gardiner, the Roosevelt Arch and the Gateway to Enjoying Yellowstone

Post Date: Jun 02, 2020

Setting up in Gardiner for a weekend makes an ideal base camp to explore Yellowstone National Park and beyond. You have all the benefits of being in town, with convenient access to a grocery store, a delicious assortment of restaurants, and plenty of activities, all on top of easy access to the park. When you're staying in a town where you might see bison, elk, or pronghorn wander down the street, you're just about as close to the action as you can get. Here's what you need to know about staying in Gardiner.

The Benefits of Visiting Yellowstone in the Spring

Post Date: May 26, 2020

Yellowstone in spring is one of those not-so-secret secrets. Scenic beauty as the natural world wakes up from winter, fewer crowds, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities make for a trip that's well worth visiting in the shoulder season. This year, with the COVID recovery underway, and an extended winter season, we will see these conditions continue into summer.

We want you to be safe, and even take advantage of our Basecamp for Recovery Sale. We're sure you will have a quality adventure, whether you stay with us, or inside the park. As long as you pack for any weather and come prepared to be flexible with your plans, you can't beat a trip to Yellowstone in the coming weeks. Here are a few of the benefits of visiting at this time of year.

Things to do When You’re Staying in Bozeman

Post Date: May 19, 2020

Bozeman makes a prime stop as you travel around Montana. With easy access to wild areas, coupled with plenty of things to do in town, you won’t run out of activities and attractions here. This is what you need to know about planning a stay in Bozeman.

Fly Fishing on the Flathead River

Post Date: May 12, 2020

When it comes to fly fishing, it doesn’t get much better than the wild miles of the Flathead River. As it winds its way through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, surrounding Glacier National Park, the fishing is a dream that goes perfectly with the view.

Let Highline Adventures Be your Basecamp for Recovery

Post Date: May 05, 2020

The entire world is suffering from one of the worst health and financial crisis in a generation. As leaders in the hospitality industry centered around Montana's National Parks, we are feeling it too. Our teams are anxious to get back to work doing what we love, serving guests. However, we do not want to rush the process and risk the health and safety of our staff or guests.

There is good news on the horizon with Phase #1 of Montana Governor Steve Bullock's plan to reopen the state, which began on April 24th. Things are slowly starting to open back up, including State Parks on May 1st, which gives us hope more guests will be visiting soon. We are excited to facilitate new adventures this summer and help people reconnect with Montana!

Fly Fishing on the Yellowstone River

Post Date: Apr 28, 2020

The Yellowstone River is 692 miles of wild water, staking its claim in the fishing world as the longest undammed river in the lower 48. There are plenty of opportunities for fly fishing, from easy roadside stops to more involved hiking, wading, and floating trips. You may have heard that here in Montana, a river runs through it. Well, the stories are true. Here’s everything you need to know about fly fishing on the Yellowstone River.

Time to Enjoy a #VirtualMontana Adventure

Post Date: Apr 21, 2020

Even when you can’t leave home, it does your body and soul good to dream big. So why not travel—virtually, that is? From the comfort of your couch and the solace of your Instagram feed, find out how you can explore #VirtualMontana.

Whitewater Rafting Near Yellowstone

Post Date: Apr 14, 2020

For adventure lovers, a whitewater rafting trip makes the perfect addition to a Yellowstone vacation. Feel the rush of wild whitewater under the raft, and enjoy the camaraderie and thrill that comes with a group paddle. Here’s how to best enjoy your Yellowstone whitewater rafting trip. As you begin planning your next adventure for the summer, rafting trips like these are thrill-seeking, memory-making, time-of-your-life excursions into the wild parts of Big Sky Country.

The Word of the Day... Uncertain

Post Date: Apr 07, 2020

If we’ve learned anything from COVID-19, it is how connected we all are globally. It may have taken the spread of a deadly virus to demonstrate it, but it is clear we are all in this together. Highline Adventures, LLC operates seven hotels and one campground in some of Montana’s most beautiful places. We are proud to offer something for every traveler. Unfortunately, the current crisis has shown that worldwide pandemics can touch even the most beautiful places. Circumstances and government restrictions seem to change daily. We have made some changes too.

Adapting to the Changes and Planning Future Adventures

Post Date: Mar 31, 2020

We’re all living in unprecedented times with the current spread of COVID-19. Here at Highline Adventures, we work hard to keep our staff, our community, and our families safe, as well as yours. We understand and encourage the current government recommendations about limiting nonessential travel. We will continue to take guidance from the CDC about business operations to benefit everyone’s health and flatten the curve.

Hiking Excursion From Gardiner

Post Date: Mar 24, 2020

Gardiner, Montana, is a paradise at the base of the Paradise Valley, and it’s best known as the northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Of course, Yellowstone has more than 900 miles of hiking trails to explore inside the park. Still, there are plenty of spots to plant your feet outside park boundaries as well—especially if you travel with a four-legged companion not allowed on Yellowstone trails. With the Custer-Gallatin National Forest and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness at Gardiner’s doorstep, you will never be bored exploring here. So lace up your hiking boots and check out some of these nearby spots.

Highland Adventures is Honored in Montana for their Sustainability Practices

Post Date: Mar 17, 2020

Engaging our communities with an environmentally responsible business has gone from a talked about value, to real practice in the last few years. The State of Montana, fueled by MSU Extension's Montana Pollution Prevention Program, has been rewarding businesses focused on preserving and prioritizing the health of not only our environment but also our economic resources for 19 years with the EcoStar Awards Program. This year, Highland Adventures is being recognized for its sustainability and green certification programs. Their core areas of focus are Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Renewables, Water Conservation, Waste Diversion, and Habitat Protection.

The Best Time of Year to Experience Bigfork, MT

Post Date: Mar 10, 2020

With Montana’s four distinct seasons, there’s a little something special about each one in Bigfork. Whether you love the warm air and sunlight hitting the mountains in summer, alpenglow from a late winter sunrise on the way to the ski hill, the wildest of spring runoff, or the foliage and crisp air of fall, you’ll find something special here. So what’s the best time of year to experience Bigfork? Only you can decide that one. We’d recommend trying them all. But until that day comes, here’s what you have to look forward to in each season.

Montana Brewery Tour

Post Date: Mar 03, 2020

Montana ranks second nationwide for the number of breweries per capita, so the next great craft brew is always close at hand. In the Gallatin Valley and beyond, you’ll find a flood of hoppy goodness ready to sip, whether as a winter warmer or a summer refresher. Grab your growlers, and check out some of these Southwest Montana breweries.

Things to Do Around Flathead Lake This Summer

Post Date: Feb 25, 2020

When people come to Northwest Montana for Glacier National Park, they often wind up staying—or coming back—for the Flathead Valley. And the centerpiece of this wide-reaching basin is the aptly named Flathead Lake. As the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake has a strong presence in the valley, holding fun and outdoor recreation within its shores. When you heed the siren call of this scenic area, you’ll find that there’s plenty to do in the region. Here are just a few of the fun things to enjoy around Flathead Lake this summer.

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Post Date: Feb 18, 2020

The mountain peaks of Montana, wildflowers waving in the wind, clear rivers and streams packed with trout, all are more than enough to inspire a conservatism spirit in visitors. Sustainable tourism, at its core, is simple. According to the Travel Foundation, an organization that has made it their mission to take on the social and environmental challenges of global tourism, sustainable tourism is about maximizing the benefits of tourism and travel while minimizing the downsides.

Wildlife Winter Parade: Places in Yellowstone to Spot Wildlife in the Winter

Post Date: Feb 11, 2020

Winter in Yellowstone is the prime time for wildlife viewing. Sure, many species migrate out of the park in winter, and some hibernate—we’re looking at you, grizzly—but for the other animals, winter brings a peaceful lull to typically busy areas of the park, making them potentially more visible. On the same token, colder temperatures draw them down from remote mountaintops to within range of your spotting scope. Here are some of the best places in Yellowstone to spot winter wildlife.

Montana Hot Springs Near Yellowstone

Post Date: Feb 04, 2020

Yellowstone is known for steamy geologic features and exciting geyser eruptions, but there are very few places in the park where you can go for a steamy dip (for your safety, and the park’s). Fortunately, all that geothermal activity means that the surrounding area boasts plenty of hot springs authorized for soaking and relaxing. Here are a few of our favorites.

Snowmobiling in and around the Gallatin Valley

Post Date: Jan 28, 2020

The rush of racing through a snowy landscape, the roar of the engine, the bite of the cold wind whipping past you—mitigated by heating seats and handlebars, plus plenty of layers—all combine to create the excitement of snowmobiling. When you arrive in the Gallatin Valley, the hardest part is choosing where to steer first. Here are just a few of the options when it comes to snowmobiling in this corner of Montana.

Three Great Yellowstone Hikes Near Gardiner, Montana

Post Date: Jan 21, 2020

Staying in Gardiner, Montana, means you have the easiest access to Yellowstone National Park while still enjoying plenty of services, dining, and lodging options. And that puts your trailhead commute time to almost nothing when you're ready to get in some miles. Here are three of the best hikes you can easily enjoy inside the park from a home base in Gardiner.

The 5 Best Runs at Big Sky Resort

Post Date: Jan 14, 2020

As its name implies, Big Sky is, well, big. We're talking 5,800 skiable acres, 4,350 vertical feet, and a top elevation of 11,166 feet. But that's not where the fun stops. With a typical density of two acres per skier, Big Sky is also famously uncrowded, all that widespread terrain distributing the mountain's visitors, so they have plenty of elbow room. And you have 300 named runs on the map, meaning that choosing where to start can seem like an impossible task. Don't worry, we've got your back. We've broken down the mountain by ability level and given our vote for best run in each category. Here's where to point your skis or board when you first get off the lift.

Great Places to Eat in Livingston, Montana

Post Date: Jan 07, 2020

You have plenty of choices when it comes to eating in Livingston, Montana. Sometimes that can be a good thing or a bad thing—and in this case, it's the best. Work up an appetite out exploring Yellowstone or churning up miles on the trail, and then head back to town to get munching. Whether you're fueling up for an adventure or winding down after, here's where to eat in Livingston.

Where to Go Snowshoeing in and around Bozeman

Post Date: Dec 31, 2019

Putting snowshoes on your feet and heading out into the mountains makes for the best of Bozeman winter fun. This mountain town is in the perfect position to get you deep into the wilderness or stay right near town when you strap some snowshoes on. Here are some of the best spots to explore when you want to enjoy that snowy crunch and a good bit of fresh air.

Five best runs at Bridger Bowl

Post Date: Dec 24, 2019

Okay, picking the best runs at a mountain as renowned as Bridger Bowl may seem like an impossible task, especially since not all skiers are created equal. Plus, 2,000 skiable acres is a lot of ground to cover. So we’ve broken it down into the top runs for every level and style. Take a look, and get your gear ready for a winter of skiing and boarding fun.

What You Need to Know about Cross-Country Skiing in Yellowstone

Post Date: Dec 17, 2019

The swish of your skis through the snow, the time to take a deep breath of fresh mountain air, the slowly changing scenery, and the serenity of slow season in one of the world's most impressive natural areas — a cross-country ski trip in Yellowstone fuses all these factors. Here's everything you need to know about cross-country skiing this winter in Yellowstone National Park.

Things to Do in Yellowstone during the Winter

Post Date: Dec 10, 2019

Winter is the season of unexpected splendor in Yellowstone National Park. Since the park's busiest month is July, with nearly one million visitors enjoying its geologic and natural glory in just those 31 days, winter is a peaceful respite from the hustle of summer, trading bustling crowds for soft falling snow. You can still find plenty to do all season long, even though many of the businesses in and around the park are closed for the winter.

Holiday Traditions: The Bozeman Christmas Stroll

Post Date: Dec 03, 2019

Bozeman celebrates the season of festive each December with the annual Christmas Stroll. Every year on the first Saturday in December, residents, and visitors gather together to enjoy the events. From family-friendly activities to local wining and dining, there's a lot to explore as you stroll through downtown Bozeman.

Highline Adventures Honored with Two Awards by Travelodge

Post Date: Nov 25, 2019

Highline Adventures, LLC today announced that Eric Sheckleton has been honored with two top awards from Travelodge by Wyndham^®, including the Developer of the Year and Scott King awards, based on his profound impact on the business and commitment to elevating the brand and embracing adventure and hospitality.

A Tribute to My Origins of Adventure

Post Date: Aug 19, 2019

“You may ask yourself, Well, how did I get here?” – Talking Heads

If you are like me, you don’t stop to ask yourself this very often. It wasn’t until losing my mother on July 2019, that I really stopped to assess my life and think back on how I chose this path. Or, how it chose me.

I spent much of my life working seasonal jobs in the ski and travel industry. I have always loved the mountains, so never ventured far from the Rockies. In 1994, I met my future wife, Veronica, in Glacier National Park, where I was a Jammer (antique red tour bus driver) and she was an intern at the Lake McDonald Lodge. We spent years traveling and enjoying jobs like whitewater rafting guide, snowboard instructor, and of course every position available in the lodging industry. For us, it was about the location and being where we wanted to be.

A Deeper Look at the Sustainability

Post Date: May 21, 2019

Endeavors at Highline Adventures

If someone were to tell us they don’t believe in love at first sight, our answer would be simple—they have never been to Montana. She’s a complex beauty, our state. One of the endless rolling valleys, brimming rivers and ridges that seem to touch the heavens everywhere you look. After all, a state doesn’t get a name like Big Sky Country for no reason. We love this state and the magnificently powerful earth that brought her forth. So much so, we’ve dedicated our life and livelihood to her. With that dedication comes a responsibility to sustainability that is not lost on us. Rather, it’s intertwined in all we do!