The Quieter Season in Montana's Yellowstone Country

We’re in the throes of spring weather — green grass and spring bulbs blooming, with a few days of rain and snow mixed in for good measure! But here in Montana’s Yellowstone Country, we don’t let a little weather get in the way of getting out. We simply layer on the layers, pack the sunscreen, a beanie and a pair of gloves, and get out there!

In fact, spring is a bit of a coveted time, the calm and uncrowded time before peak travel season. Near Three Forks, Copper City Trails is one of the first areas to dry out enough for biking. These 17+ miles of trails are open to non-motorized bikes, hikers and trail runners, with varying levels of difficulty for all abilities. Be sure to watch for the Bleu Horses, an outdoor art installation of 39 horse sculptures by artist Jim Dolan on a hillside along Hwy 287, about 3 miles north of I-90.

Outside of Bozeman, the road to Hyalite Canyon closes to vehicles from April 1 to May 15 to preserve the road, but you can still bike or hike, and it’s a lovely time to explore fishing, hiking, biking or horseback riding in the area. While in Bozeman, this is also a great time to experience the incredible dining — spring menus emerge, patios open and the vibe is chill.



Nearby at Hebgen Lake, as soon as the ice melts (typically in April), it’s prime season for rainbow trout who are completing their spawning cycles, and active and hungry! The fishing is best from small boats, pontoons or float tubes where you can access the bays and inlet streams. Earthquake Lake Visitor Center, just up the road, opens in May and is well worth a stop to learn how the 7.3 Richter-scale earthquake triggered a landslide that moved 80 million tons of rock, blocking the Madison River in less than a minute and creating Earthquake Lake.

Natural Bridge Falls on the Boulder River (south of Big Timber on US Hwy 298) is a must-see in the spring, where the Boulder River drops more than 100 feet into a rugged limestone canyon, and the powerful falls are stunning. Once spanned by a natural stone arch that collapsed in 1988, the site still showcases dramatic cliffs, powerful cascades and exposed rock formations carved by centuries of rushing water. It’s also a beautiful drive, with a lovely picnic area and fishing access nearby. Be sure to stop at Boulder River Roadkill, where you can get a cold drink, a great burger or salad, and enjoy a welcoming lineup of community events and live music.



In Gardiner, Big Sky Ebike Tours and Rentals offers a variety of guided bike rides both inside and outside of Yellowstone National Park, including a Bike and Soak Tour that passes the Iconic Devil’s Slide, includes lunch in picturesque Yankee Jim Canyon, and ends with a relaxing soak in Yellowstone Hot Springs.

And of course, spring in Yellowstone is lovely with baby wildlife, including bison calves, elk, deer, wolves and if you are lucky, bear cubs!

We hope you’ll join us!