Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Scenic Highline Trail Views of Glacier Valley by the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana
Scenic Highline Trail Views of Glacier Valley by the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana

The Best of Montana

#56 best destination in the world

Map view

Beartooth Highway

Beartooth Highway, The scenic road in Montana.
  • Beartooth Highway is a scenic byway located along U.S. Route 212, connecting the towns of Red Lodge, Montana, and Cooke City, Montana
  • The 68-mile stretch is famous for its winding roads, hairpin turns, and panoramic vistas of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains
  • It reaches an elevation of over 10,000 feet at Beartooth Pass, offering views of the surrounding wilderness
  • Originally constructed to facilitate mining operations, it now serves primarily as a route to Yellowstone National Park

Big Sky Resort

Skiers and snowboarders going over the edge at Big Sky ski resort, Montana
  • Big Sky Resort is a prominent ski resort located in Big Sky, renowned for its extensive skiable terrain, which range from groomed trails to challenging descents
  • It is one of the largest ski resorts in North America
  • In addition to winter sports, Big Sky offers summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and zipline tours
  • The resort is set against the backdrop of the Greater Yellowstone Region, providing a picturesque environment for outdoor activities

Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman

EDITORIAL, 12 July 2017, Bozeman Montana, Museum of the Rockies, Tyrannosaurus Rex Fossil Exhibit
  • The Museum of the Rockies is a cultural and natural history museum located in Bozeman
  • The museum is particularly renowned for its extensive paleontological collections, housing the largest collection of North American dinosaur fossils in the United States
  • The museum also includes a planetarium that offers programs related to astronomy

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Crow Agency

Little Bighorn soldier grave stones
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a historical site located near Crow Agency
  • It commemorates the Battle of the Little Bighorn, which took place on June 25 and 26, 1876
  • The battle was fought between the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer, and a coalition of Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors
  • The conflict arose as a result of U.S. policies that threatened the traditional way of life of these Native American tribes

Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park

Mountains and McDonald lake in Glacier National Park, Montana in summer

Best time to visit: July-Aug

  • Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park, formed as a result of glacial carving during the Ice Ages, which shaped the landscape of the park
  • The lake is known for its striking Arctic blue and green waters, and is a popular destination for kayaking and fishing

Hidden Lake Overlook, Glacier National Park

Hidden Lake Overlook

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: July-Aug

  • Hidden Lake Overlook is a scenic viewpoint located in Glacier National Park
  • The trail provides panoramic views of Hidden Lake, which is surrounded by majestic mountains, including Bearhat Mountain and the rugged ridgeline of Reynolds Mountain
  • Hikers can enjoy diverse landscapes, including alpine meadows and open grasslands

Logan Pass, Glacier National Park

From Logan Pass, looking to Heavy Runner and Citadel Mountains of Glacier National Park, MT.

Best time to visit: July-Aug

  • Logan Pass is a prominent feature in Glacier National Park, and stands at an elevation of 6,646 feet (2,026 meters), making it the highest point accessible by car in the park
  • Situated along the Continental Divide, Logan Pass is a crucial point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which connects the park's eastern and western entrances
  • The area is popular for hiking, with several trails offering viewpoints and opportunities to see wildlife

Iceberg Lake, Glacier National Park

Long exposure shot of iceberg lake, Glacier national park, montana

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: July-Aug

  • Iceberg Lake is a stunning glacial lake located in Glacier National Park
  • It is situated in a bowl-like valley surrounded by mountains, notably Mount Wilbur and Iceberg Peak
  • The lake is known for its cold waters, which often contain icebergs, due to its location in a shaded area that receives little sunlight

St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail, Glacier National Park

USA, Montana, Glacier National Park. Picturesque Virginia Falls reached via St Mary Falls trail.

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: July-Aug

  • The St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail is a scenic hiking route located in Glacier National Park
  • The trail crosses the St. Mary's River and runs parallel to Virginia Creek, where hikers can enjoy views of two waterfalls: St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls, the latter of which is known for its multi-tiered drops

Trail of the Cedars, Glacier National Park

Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: July-Aug

  • The Trail of the Cedars is a hiking trail located in Glacier National Park, that winds through a lush forest filled with towering red cedar and black cottonwood trees, some of which are estimated to be over 500 years old
  • The area is known for its views of Avalanche Creek, and continues towards Avalanche Lake, which can be reached after an additional hike

Avalanche Lake, Glacier National Park

Scenic mountain views, Avalanche Lake, Glacier National Park Montana USA

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: July-Aug

  • Avalanche Lake is a natural feature located in Glacier National Park, where a trail leads to an alpine lake surrounded by towering mountains, including views of Bearhat Mountain
  • Beginning at the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead, the area is known for its waterfalls and opportunities to view abundant wildlife, such as bears

Garnet Ghost Town

Garnet Ghost Town
  • Garnet is a historic ghost town located in Granite County, at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet
  • It was once a thriving mining community during the 1890s, with a population peaking at around 1,000 residents as they sought gold in the surrounding mountains
  • The town largely declined by the early 1910s when the gold resources were depleted
  • Named after the semi-precious garnet stones found in the area, Garnet was a well-established town with many families living there, which was somewhat unusual for mining camps of that era
  • Today, Garnet is recognized as one of Montana's best-preserved ghost towns, featuring numerous historical buildings and structures that date back over a century

Flathead Lake

Aerial view of islands and distant mountains in Flathead Lake, Montana on calm summer morning.
  • Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States
  • It covers over 200 square miles, is renowned for its clarity, and is considered one of the cleanest lakes in the world
  • Flathead Lake is also notable for its recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and exploring the Flathead Lake Marine Trail, which features various stopping points around the lake

Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier

Scenic Highline Trail Views of Glacier Valley by the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana
  • Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic mountain road located in Glacier National Park, that spans approximately 50 miles (about 80 kilometers)
  • The road connects the West Entrance of the park to the St. Mary Entrance, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, which reaches an elevation of 6,646 feet (2,025 meters)
  • The drive offers views of glaciers, valleys, and waterfalls
  • Completed in 1933, it is considered an engineering marvel due to its construction through challenging terrain, including sheer cliffs and heavy snowfall
  • There are numerous stopping points along the road where visitors can enjoy the scenery, take photographs, and access hiking trails

Flathead National Forest

Great Northern Mountain reflects into Stanton Lake in autumn in the Flathead National Forest, Montana, USA
  • Flathead National Forest is a vast national forest located in the Rocky Mountains, situated just south of the Canadian border and adjacent to Glacier National Park
  • The forest primarily lies within Flathead County and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including mountainous terrain, lakes, and wildlife habitats, making it a popular destination for hiking and camping