It’s a good feeling when you visit a destination for the first time and you’re already planning a return trip before you get home! Bozeman is the type of place where you want to tell everyone how amazing it is so they can experience the beauty and charm, while also keeping it a secret so it doesn’t get overrun with tourists. I was lucky enough to experience it from a local’s perspective and it made a world of difference. This itinerary is perfect for a weekend trip that’s not overwhelming, but allows you to check off the major items!

Hotels

Contact me to book any of these hotels to receive exclusive Embark amenities like complimentary upgrades, hotel credits, etc.

Sage Lodge | Pray, MT
RSVP Motel | Downtown Bozeman
The Lark | Downtown Bozeman

Friday

Early morning hike to Lava Lake, which is 30 miles south of downtown Bozeman. We packed a picnic lunch and relaxed for a bit once we made it to the lake.
- Duration: 3.5 hours
  Difficulty: Moderate
  Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Rest in the afternoon, hot tub time, and a nap before dinner.
Walk around downtown Bozeman in the evening before drinks at Plonk and dinner at Blackbird.

Saturday

All-day Yellowstone tour including Midway Geysers, Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, Upper & Lower Falls, and stopping for photos at the Yellowstone entrance and for animal sightings. Old Faithful was the perfect halfway stop to recharge for lunch before tackling the second half of the day.
By no means am I a National Park expert, the planning and logistics can get stressful even for a travel advisor. Considering how busy natural attractions are post-pandemic, I highly recommend splurging on a private or semi-private tour so you can really experience Yellowstone to the fullest without having to worry about directions, lack of service, parking, etc. Contact me for recommended tour operators in Yellowstone.

Sunday

After two full days of hiking and nature, we needed a day to regroup at Sage Lodge Spa. This was the perfect way to end the weekend and get back on the plane feeling refreshed!
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations with easy access to Yellowstone and Bozeman, Sage Lodge is a great choice — they offer five-star amenities including on-site fly fishing, bikes, spa, and gym access. I highly recommend this hotel for group travel, they have four ranch houses that sleep 16 with a full kitchen, dining room, and patio.
A final stop in downtown Bozeman for lunch and shopping before heading to the airport.

Additional Restaurants & Activities

Recommendations provided by Xan Angelovich!

Montana Fly Guides for fly fishing - Guided day float and includes lunch
Hike the “M” or Drinking Horse - Difficulty ranges from easy to advanced
Museum of the Rockies - Planetarium is awesome and they have a dinosaur collection
Fairy Lake
Hyalite Canyon
Shopping on Main Street

Restaurants