11 days in Montana Itinerary

Big Sky is a census-designated place (CDP) in Gallatin and Madison counties in southwestern Montana. On the 16th (Wed), take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Lone Peak and then hike along Ousel Falls Trail. Keep things going the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at Beehive Basin Trail, trot along with a tour on horseback, and then explore the different monuments and memorials at The Soldiers Chapel.

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read Big Sky travel route planner.

New York City to Big Sky is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from New York City to Big Sky is minus 2 hours. Traveling from New York City in August, you will find days in Big Sky are slightly colder (75°F), and nights are much colder (37°F). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can go by car to Gardiner.

Gardiner serves as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park's northern entrance, marked by an iconic stone arch.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Fri): hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour and then take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback. Keep things going the next day: look for all kinds of wild species at Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and then cast your line with a fishing tour.

To see reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Gardiner tour planning tool.

Drive from Big Sky to Gardiner in 2.5 hours. In August, plan for daily highs up to 75°F, and evening lows to 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Missoula.

Missoula is a city in the U.S. state of Montana and is the county seat of Missoula County. On the 20th (Sun), examine the collection at Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and then get in on the family fun at A Carousel for Missoula.

For photos, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, use the Missoula trip itinerary planning website.

Traveling by car from Gardiner to Missoula takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus; or do a combination of car and flight. In August, Missoula is somewhat warmer than Gardiner - with highs of 86°F and lows of 51°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Glacier National Park.

The glaciers from which Glacier National Park takes its name mostly dissipated eons ago, but they left behind a scoured landscape of high and steep mountain peaks, sparkling lakes, lush alpine meadows, and thick forests.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Trail of the Cedars and Swiftcurrent Falls. And it doesn't end there: take in the dramatic scenery at Running Eagle Falls, stroll through Iceberg Lake Trail, explore the activities along McDonald Creek, and explore and take pictures at Going-to-the-Sun Road.

To see photos, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Glacier National Park road trip tool.

You can drive from Missoula to Glacier National Park in 4 hours. Another option is to do a combination of bus and car. In August, daytime highs in Glacier National Park are 83°F, while nighttime lows are 48°F. On the 26th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.