Southwest Montana, MT

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, Black Bear Ski Lift and Big Sky Resort are top sights worth seeing.

Big Sky Mountain Village
Smoked rosemary infusion!

Downtown Bozeman

5/5(98 area reviews)

Downtown Bozeman is noteworthy for its coffeehouses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Andesite Mountain and Rialto.

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 Ousel Falls Park.

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 Black Bear Ski Lift.

Powder Ridge
Big Sky which includes a luxury hotel or resort, mountains and snow

Big Sky Meadow Village

While visiting Big Sky Meadow Village, you might make a stop by sights like Big Sky Golf Course and Historic Crail Ranch.

Big Sky Meadow Village
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Lazy Acres

5/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lazy Acres and surrounding area, you can visit Tweedy Lake and Two Top Mountain.

Lazy Acres
Copper King Convention Center, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Copper King Convention Center, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3.5 out of 5
4655 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT
The price is ¥17,554 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥17,554
¥19,258 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Butte. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The positive 5 star reviews were accurate. We had no issues the the room or facilities and everything was very clean. The breakfast is in a class by itself. Huge selection and all very tasty"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Copper King Convention Center, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Whitewater Inn

Whitewater Inn

2 out of 5
47214 Gallatin Road, A quarter mile south of MT 64, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is ¥17,057 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
¥17,057
¥21,016 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very nice stay"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Whitewater Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites

Comfort Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
1515 W Park St, Livingston, MT
The price is ¥8,783 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
¥8,783
¥9,787 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Livingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
5.6/10 (816 reviews)
"Easy check in and easy check out. Breakfast was excellent. Only negative was the bath tub was a little dirty. Still a great value."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites
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.
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! (129 reviews)
"If you like a quiet cabin with limitless beautiful woods to roam, this is your place."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Sugar Loaf Lodge & Cabins
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! (10 reviews)
"Aspects is wonderful. The decor is cozy and stylish. The house is immaculately clean. The views are amazing. There’s so much attention to detail and the property manager is friendly and responsive. We stayed for a week, and would love to go back!"

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

Aspects Big Sky
Luxury 5 Bedroom Big Sky Retreat

Luxury 5 Bedroom Big Sky Retreat

Big Sky
Book a stay at this ski cabin in Big Sky. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and ski-in/ski-out access. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and Big Sky Town ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"This place was great to stay in for almost a week. House is huge, there are plenty of rooms, kitchen is very very nice, patio, hot tub, there’s everything you need for an amazing stay. Would recommend this place to everyone I know."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2025

Luxury 5 Bedroom Big Sky Retreat
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southwest Montana