Montana Rockies
The Rocky Mountains in Montana can be found in the western part of the state, and they stretch from the border of Canada to the north on down to the borders of Idaho and Wyoming. There are several different mountain ranges in Montana that are part of the Montana Rockies, yet have their own names. As such, visitors might find themselves getting confused over what constitutes the Rockies in Montana, and what doesn’t. Basically, all of the major mountains and mountain ranges in the state are part of the Montana Rockies, so that should make things easier. You can bet that it’s the Montana Rocky Mountains that bring most Montana visitors in, as they are outdoor recreational wonderlands regardless of the season. Summer is the peak season for travel in the Montana Rockies, and winter is also an ideal time to visit if you are looking to enjoy some world-class downhill skiing.
The Montana Rocky Mountains help to form the Continental Divide, which is the highlands region that basically divides the United States in a hydrological manner. Essentially, the watersheds on the western side of the Continental Divide drain into the Pacific Ocean, while those on the eastern side drain into the Atlantic Ocean. In Montana, the lakes that are found on the western side of the Continental Divide are natural lakes, while those that are found on the eastern side are reservoirs that are formed by dams. Both of these kinds of lakes are great for fishing, so you’ll want to bring your fishing rod if you enjoy angling. You can also fish in the many rivers and streams that are found in the state. Fishing isn’t the only thing that you can do when spending time in the Rocky Mountains in Montana. These mountains so lend themselves to outdoor pursuits, that rare is the Montana visitor that doesn’t look to take advantage of them.
Hiking and wildlife viewing are among the most popular activities that you can enjoy during the warmer months in the Montana Rocky Mountains. On the northwestern side of the state, Glacier National Park is one of the best places to hike and view wildlife. Even if you don’t see any animals at Glacier National Park, which is rare, the stunning mountain views are enough to make your trip unforgettable. There are over 700 miles of hiking trails to be found in Glacier National Park, and guided hiking trips can be booked if you’re interested. If you are interested in doing some camping as well, some of the guided hiking trips cover more than one day and involve camping. They can often also involve other fun outdoor pursuits, such as horseback riding and white water rafting. Boat tours and bus tours are just some of the other things that can be enjoyed when Glacier National Park is where you go to spend some time in the Montana Rocky Mountains.
Yellowstone National Park is another excellent place to enjoy the Rockies in Montana, especially if you enjoy wildlife viewing. Elk, bison, grizzly bears, and wolves are just some of the animals that roam the park grounds at Yellowstone. Much like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park is a hiker’s dream. The Rocky Mountains in Montana are a hiker’s dream from top to bottom, so if you can’t make it to one of these glorious national parks, you won’t have problems finding trails. You’ll find hiking trails and plenty more in the Big Sky resort area, which isn’t too far from Yellowstone. Big Sky is one of the top Rocky Mountain ski resorts, regardless of which Rocky Mountain state you’re talking about, and if you like to ski or snowboard, it’s a fine place to be. It’s not the only ski resort or ski area that you’ll find in the Rocky Mountains in Montana, however. Up near Whitefish and Kalispell, the Whitefish Mountain Resort does well to deliver an authentic skiing experience, and just outside of Bozeman, the Bridgers Bowl Ski Area is a local favorite.
A rich mining history and a number of neat small towns are just some of the other things that the Rocky Mountains in Montana offer, and packing up your crew and taking a scenic drive to visit area towns is always a fun thing to do. Most of the cities and villages that are located in the Rocky Mountains in Montana boast plenty of historical and cultural attractions, so exploring your immediate region is encouraged. Art flourishes in the Montana Rockies, so when you’re not out skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, or enjoying any other number of fun outdoor pursuits, you can always check out the local art. Maybe you’ll even take something home with you to remind you of how good life is in the Montana Rocky Mountains.
