Planning a Spring Vacation to Montana's Yellowstone Country

Spring is a lovely time to visit Montana's Yellowstone Country. Winter generally hangs on in the higher altitudes and late season storms can make the spring skiing exceptional. It's quiet in Yellowstone, and riddled with baby wildlife. It's a gorgeous time of year for scenic drives, or wildflower-laden hikes, and those who prefer an adrenaline rush will love the whitewater rafting. Plus, you'll find an abundance of live entertainment and numerous James Beard nominated restaurants, bakeries, and chefs, eager to showcase their latest seasonal food offerings.

Spring Skiing

Big Sky Resort now stays open until April 27, and we often get some of the best snow of the season in early spring. Their closing weekend is a blast with costumes, live music, great food, and SWAG giveaways!  (Plus, spring skiing, followed by a cold beer in the sun at the end of the day, is one of our favorite luxuries.)

Scenic Drives and Wildlife Watching

The West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park opens to vehicles on May 2, but the North and Northeast Entrances are open year-round. Spring and fall are my favorite times to visit Yellowstone – there are fewer people, and the wildlife is the most active. Wildlife babies are born in the spring, beginning with bear cubs emerging from the den in late March, followed by bison calves and wolf pups in April and May, big horn sheep in May and June, and finally, the elk calves in June. (Keep in mind that some areas of Yellowstone are closed during the spring due to increased bear activity in some of their primary feeding grounds, so keep an eye out for notifications.)

The Beartooth Highway opens May 23 (weather permitting). While it may be a while before the wildflowers pop at those higher elevations, they come earlier at lower elevations, making for some beautiful early-season hiking.

Whitewater Rafting

Spring is the ideal time for whitewater rafting. The runoff from the mountains makes for some fast-moving waters, and experienced rafters and kayakers can be found navigating the Gallatin and Yellowstone rivers! We suggest hiring a guide to provide gear, safety instructions, and a skilled navigator. Guide services are available to raft both the Yellowstone and the Gallatin Rivers.

Events

For the runners out there, Pub 317’s Run to the Pub in Bozeman on March 15 draws thousands to run either a half marathon or 5K. The race is beautiful, but another draw is that all participants are entered to win a trip to the Dublin Marathon!

In Big Timber, the Crazy Mountain Fiber Fest occurs May 30 and 31. Paying homage to its roots in raising sheep and wool production, the community turns out for demonstrations, classes, art vendors, food, and music centered on the fiber arts. On May 10, the Spring Rendezvous Brewfest will be at the Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds, featuring Montana-made craft beer and live music. Tap into Montana, another local brewfest takes place in Livingston June 22.

Live Music and Entertainment

The ELM, in Bozeman, is adding to its live entertainment lineup with five stand-up comedy shows by national headliners from March 22 to May 2. You can also find live music and theater at Rialto and The Ellen Theatre in Bozeman. In Livingston and Paradise Valley, you'll find year round entertainment at the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, Pine Creek Lodge, Old Saloon and Chico Hot Springs.

Spring weather can change quickly in our region, always pack layers along with sun protection, and remember to recreate responsibly!