Enjoying time in scenic Yellowstone is always thrilling for travelers from near and far. If you’re fortunate enough to have 7 days to spare for a getaway here, the following itinerary is a terrific place to start to make the most of every single moment!
Day 1: Enjoy Amazing Views with Yellowstone Aerial Adventures
The perfect way to start off a 7-day stay in Yellowstone is to team up with Yellowstone Aerial Adventures and enjoy some incredible views out over the terrain! This West Yellowstone destination is ideal for adventure seekers who are excited to try out as many zip lines as possible during a visit. Yellowstone Aerial Adventures also has a ropes course on-site for an added challenge but the self-guided day of ziplining is typically where the best vistas are waiting. Purchase a full-day pass and you’ll enjoy options to roam, zip, climb, and explore however you’d like to. There are also Adventure Passes available to purchase for four-hour access if that’s preferable.
Yellowstone Aerial Adventures
105 S Faithful Street, West Yellowstone, Montana
406-646-5171
Day 2: Cast a Line with Big Sky Anglers
While the view from above is always a delight, there’s something extra refreshing about taking a day to cast a line in good company. When you prefer to enjoy a guided outing in the Yellowstone area, the team at Big Sky Anglers has you covered. They specialize in fly fishing instructional clinics as well as customized adventures that teach you the basics or help you hone your skills. Some of the waterways you can explore on these angling outings include Hebgen Lake, the Missouri River, the Yellowstone River, or the Gallatin and Madison Rivers to name a few. Whether you opt for a full day of fishing or a half-day of fun, it might just end up being the highlight of your getaway!
Big Sky Anglers
39 Madison Avenue, West Yellowstone, Montana
406-646-7801
Day 3: Book a Yellowstone Scenic Tour
The third day of your Yellowstone stay takes you right into the heart of Yellowstone National Park alongside a guide on a private excursion booked through Yellowstone Scenic Tour. These trips are fully customized to fit your needs and preferences and can accommodate up to 14 people for $1,400 for the entire day of touring. The tour includes a pickup at your location of choice as well as park entrance fees, binoculars for sightseeing, scopes, sodas, water, and light snacks as well. When you book a private tour of the park through this company, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re lined up with an authorized permittee of the National Park Service.
Yellowstone Scenic Tours
Headquartered in Big Sky, Montana
406-404-6429
Day 4: Go Back on Your Own to Explore the Yellowstone Boardwalks
While your Yellowstone Scenic Tour from the previous day gave you a great overview of the park, day four of your journey is a chance to go back and explore the boardwalks at your own preferred pace. The natural beauty waiting to be found across Yellowstone National Park makes it worth your while to focus on an in-depth day of discovery alongside family and friends. Make sure to make time to check out the thermal areas from the boardwalks including the Grand Prismatic Overlook, and the Observation Point at Old Faithful too. The trailhead around Harlequin Lake is equally gorgeous and appealing to trek while you’re here.
Yellowstone National Park
West Yellowstone, Montana Entrance
307-344-7381
Day 5: Rent a Bike and Explore on Two Wheels
For travelers heading to Yellowstone who can’t wait to explore on two wheels, focusing your attention on West Yellowstone bike trails is the perfect place to start on day five of your adventure. West Yellowstone hosts a maze of incredible routes thanks to its place between the Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park. Whether you’re up for a leisurely ride or can’t wait to cruise in rugged mountain bike style, the terrain is picture-perfect. For an unforgettable cycling adventure, don’t overlook the Continental Divide Trail, which is 14 miles out and back and rated easy to intermediate. Head over to Freeheel and Wheels to rent or buy the gear you need no matter what trails you take on and here, you can also pick up trail maps upon request.
Freeheel and Wheel
3 Yellowstone Avenue, West Yellowstone, Montana
406-646-7744
Day 6: Rent an ATV and Experience the Backcountry
If your journey takes you to Yellowstone during the warm weather months of the year and you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping fun to add to the itinerary, renting an ATV and hitting the backcountry routes is ideal. While ATVS aren’t allowed in Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone trails that are used for snowmobiling in the winter become prime routes for ATV adventures in the spring, summer, and fall. Trails typically have 50-inch requirements and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service meaning you can count on them to be well-marked. Some of the most popular local ATV trails include Lionhead and Two Top Mountain. When you need to rent your ATV for the day, make your way to the West Yellowstone Visitor Center to browse their inventory.
The West Yellowstone Visitor Center
30 Yellowstone Avenue, West Yellowstone, Montana
406-646-7701
Day 7: Visit the Museum of Yellowstone
Local history comes to life on the last day of your stay with your visit to the Museum of Yellowstone. This unique and inspiring stop is located in the Union Pacific Depot which dates back to 1909. As you make your way through the many intriguing exhibits and displays, you’ll see the story of Yellowstone unfold before your eyes through authentic artifacts. Do keep in mind that the museum is only open from May through October each year.
The Museum of Yellowstone
104 Yellowstone Avenue, West Yellowstone, Montana
406-646-1100
Book Your Yellowstone Adventure in Style Today
Elevate your West Yellowstone getaway in comfort, convenience, and style when you book your accommodations through Sweet Home Montana. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next adventure!