8 Fun Summer Day Trips from Belgrade, Montana

Written by Erin Hoppe Updated on 06/17/2026

Located in Southwest Montana, Belgrade puts visitors within easy reach of some of the state's most spectacular scenery. Within an hour or two, you can be standing at the rim of a volcanic canyon, paddling a mountain reservoir, or sipping a cold drink in a town that looks much like it did in 1870.

Pack a cooler, fill up the tank, and pick a direction. These summer day trips from Belgrade are worth every mile.

8 Day Trips Within 2 Hours of Belgrade

Hyalite Recreation Area

50 minutes from Belgrade

A favorite among locals that offers some of the best things to do in Belgrade in summer, Hyalite Reservoir is about 25 miles south of Belgrade, Montana, and offers a little bit of everything. Spend the morning kayaking or swimming in the reservoir, then spread out a picnic on the shore before lacing up for a hike.

The hike to Palisade Falls is about one mile and paved the entire way, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. You can also just walk around the reservoir on Westshore and Crescent Lake Loop Trail, see picturesque views of the reservoir below on History Rock Trail, or tackle the longer and more difficult Hyalite Lake Trail. On the drive back to Belgrade, swing through downtown Bozeman to explore the charming historic Main Street.

Yellowstone National Park

West Entrance: 2 hours from Belgrade

North Entrance: 1.5 hours from Belgrade

No list of Montana day trips is complete without Yellowstone. From Belgrade, two entrances put the park within easy reach. Head to the North Entrance at Gardiner to walk the colorful terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs and cruise through Lamar Valley for some of the best wildlife viewing in North America — bison, wolves, and grizzlies are all regular sightings.

For the full park loop, continue through to the West Entrance and stop at Norris Geyser Basin, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Short on time? Choose one entrance and do an out-and-back — either option delivers an unforgettable day.

Livingston

35 minutes from Belgrade

Just 35 miles east of Belgrade, Livingston is a small art community lined with galleries, boutiques, and locally owned restaurants that reward slow wandering. Hike to Pine Creek Falls for a rewarding climb to a beautiful waterfall, and continue past for a longer hike to Pine Creek Lake.

For a more relaxing day in town, stroll the riverbank at Sacajawea Park along the Yellowstone River. Grab a beer at Katabatic Brewing Co. and grab dinner at Campione, upscale Italian-inspired food, or Gil’s Goods, American fare.

Big Sky

1 hour from Belgrade

The drive down US-191 through Gallatin Canyon is spectacular on its own — plan extra time to pull over at the canyon's numerous pullouts to wade in the river, watch for wildlife, or simply take in the scenery.

Big Sky Resort transforms in summer into a mountain playground. Ride the tram to the top of Lone Peak, enjoy a relaxing round of golf, hike around the resort’s trails, or hit the resort's lift-served mountain biking park for miles of flow trails.

After a day outside, the village shops and restaurants offer a comfortable place to wind down before the drive back to Belgrade. Grab a beer at Beehive Basin, enjoy fine dining at Horn and Cantle at Lone Mountain Ranch, or a more casual meal at the Riverhouse BBQ.

Three Forks

25 minutes from Belgrade

Three Forks sits about 30 miles west of Belgrade and offers a quieter, history-rich afternoon. Walk through the quaint and charming town center, then head out to one of the three nearby state parks, which offer some of the best hiking trails near Belgrade.

Visit Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, where Native Americans drove bison over limestone cliffs for thousands of years. Missouri Headwaters State Park marks the convergence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers — the very spot Lewis and Clark documented in 1805. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park rounds out the day with guided cave tours through one of Montana's most impressive limestone formations.

Eat at Pompey’s Grill at The Sacajawea Hotel for a more upscale experience, or Bridger Brewing for a more relaxed vibe.

Virginia City and Nevada City

1.5 hours from Belgrade

Few day trips from Belgrade, Montana, deliver as much history as the drive to Virginia City and Nevada City. These two towns sit along Alder Gulch, about one mile apart, and together represent the site of the richest placer gold strike in the Rocky Mountain West — with an estimated total value of 100 million dollars extracted during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Discovered in 1863, Virginia City briefly served as Montana's Territorial Capital and housed an estimated 5,000 residents by mid-1864. Today, roughly 150 year-round residents keep the town alive, and visitors can walk original wooden boardwalks, step into operational saloons, and catch live performances by the comedic acts Virginia City Players or Brewery Follies. The Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad — a narrow-gauge steam train — connects the two towns and is a highlight for all ages.

Nevada City, located 1.5 miles down the road, was largely deserted by 1876. In the mid-20th century, historian Charles Bovey relocated dozens of historic frontier buildings to the site, along with one of the largest private collections of antique music machines in the country. Virginia City is open year-round; Nevada City operates from Memorial Day weekend through September.

Pony

50 minutes from Belgrade

The tiny community of Pony, tucked into the Tobacco Root Mountains, rewards those who make the detour. Several hiking trails lead into the high country from town, with Hollowtop Lake among the most popular — a steady climb that delivers alpine scenery and a quiet lake at the top.

Cap the day with a stop at the legendary Pony Bar, a no-frills Montana institution with cold drinks and good company. On your way back, stop and soak in Norris Hot Springs, where you can watch the stars come out and even order drinks and dinner.

Ennis

1 hour from Belgrade

Ennis, about an hour and a half southwest of Belgrade, Montana, draws fly fishers from across the country for access to the legendary Madison River. Visit Ennis Lake for a relaxing afternoon on the water, or wade into one of the Madison River’s prime stretches for blue-ribbon trout fishing. Beartrap Canyon, for example, is a rugged wilderness area known for its fantastic fly fishing and stunning hiking trail. Afterward, stroll Ennis' charming Main Street for a meal, like the Gravel Bar, a laid-back restaurant that serves American food.

Planning Your Summer Adventures

Belgrade's central location keeps visitors close to all these destinations without the price tag of resort-town lodging. Most day trips from Belgrade, Montana, require between 30 minutes and two hours of driving — short enough to make a full day out and still return by evening.

The range of experiences is hard to beat. In a single summer trip, visitors can hike to a waterfall, ride a historic steam train through a gold rush town, and spot bison in Yellowstone — without unpacking a bag more than once.

After a day on the road, Belgrade's restaurants and breweries make a great landing spot. The Local and Madison River Brewing are fan favorites, and the full list of restaurants and breweries has something for every appetite. Book a stay at one of Belgrade's hotels and start planning!