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Yellowstone Country is a vast playground of protected lands, where nature thrives and adventure calls. From towering peaks to rolling rivers, Yellowstone Country’s four state parks offer so many ways to play in the pristine, uncrowded landscapes beyond Yellowstone National Park.
The Missouri River starts here! Explore the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers, where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805. Missouri Headwaters offers rich cultural and natural history, river play, fishing, biking, 4 miles of trails and interpretive programs. The park also sponsors the Summer Speaker Series on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. Presentations are free and open to the public (just bring a chair and some bug spray).
When to Go: West of Bozeman and north of Three Forks, Missouri Headwaters is a great, educational spot to stop and stay awhile or camp along the way. Open year-round.
Details: This park is ADA Accessible and provides 17 campsites, tipi rental, foot trails to points of interest and interpretive displays of the area's cultural and natural history.
Size + Elevation: 532 acres, 4,045 feet
Visit Website for more information, including fees, hours and amenities.
Hike to the top of this historic buffalo jump, where, for 2,000 years, Native American tribes stampeded herds of bison off a massive limestone cliff, using this vital majestic animal for food, clothing, shelter and provisions. Archaeologists have found tipi rings here and buffalo bones remain buried at the base of the cliff. Enjoy impressive views of the Madison River below.
When to Go: If you’re traveling on I-90 west of Bozeman or visiting Missouri Headwaters State Park, make it a point to stop at this historic site just south of Three Forks. Open year-round.
Details: This park is ADA Accessible and includes interpretive displays and a picnic shelter.
Size + Elevation: 638 acres, 4,554 feet
Visit Website for more information, including fees, hours and amenities.
Visit this 98-acre state park to see black-tailed prairie dogs darting between their burrows. Interpretive displays provide insights into these fascinating creatures, once referred to as “barking squirrels” by Lewis and Clark. Please do not to feed the prairie dogs!
When to Go: Literally right off the Greycliff exit on I-90 just east of Big Timber, this makes for a fun, quick stop along the way. Open year-round.
Details: This small park includes interpretive displays and picnic tables — a great place to stop for a packed lunch.
Size + Elevation: 98 acres, 3,600 feet
Visit Website for more information, including fees, hours and amenities.
Paddleboard in the summer and snowshoe in the winter at this popular recreation spot. Walleye and rainbow trout are in abundance, so plan on fishing, too. Set up camp at one of five campgrounds with incredible views.
When to Go: Just north of Red Lodge, Cooney State Park offers a great side trip to spend the day on the water, or a longer camping getaway, complete with dark skies perfect for stargazing. Open year-round.
Details: This park is ADA Accessible and includes 82 campsites, 19 of which have electrical hookups. You’ll also find hiking trails, a playground, boat trailer parking and more.
Size + Elevation: 309 acres, 4,252 feet
Visit Website for more information, including fees, hours and amenities.
Explore over 3.1 million acres of diverse and remote wilderness, including six mountain ranges, rivers and streams, and unique geological formations. You’ll find endless opportunities for hiking, camping and wildlife watching.
Highlights: Explore Hyalite Canyon, hike to Ousel Falls or Lava Lake, snowshoe the Sypes Canyon Trail, or drive the Beartooth Highway. Other highlights include Fairy Lake, Mount Blackmore, Storm Castle Peak, Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout, Champagne Falls, and more.
Get off the beaten path in the Absaroka and Beartooth mountains, with 1,500 square miles — including 700 miles of trails — to explore. Trek through high granite plateaus, alpine lakes, deep canyons and dense forests. Home to Montana’s highest peak, Granite Peak, this wilderness offers incredible backpacking and backcountry camping opportunities.
Highlights: For rugged adventurers, climb to the summit of Granite Peak at 12,807 feet, embark on a wilderness pack-trip adventure, hike to high alpine lakes, and more.
