All Guides

Everything we've published so far — lodging breakdowns, restaurant picks, ski logistics, day trip routes, and the stuff the tourism board leaves out.

yellowstone

Yellowstone Entrance Fees: Single Vehicle, Annual Passes, and How to Skip the Line

What Yellowstone costs in 2026, when the $70 annual pass beats the $35 vehicle fee, and the easiest ways to waste less time at the gate.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

yellowstone

Yellowstone Road Closures: Spring Plowing and Fall Shutdown Dates Explained

Yellowstone roads close in stages from early November through late May. Here is the 2026 opening calendar, the year-round route, and what Bozeman visitors can actually drive.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Travelers with luggage walking through the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport terminal in early morning light

logistics

Bozeman airport security wait times and how early to arrive

Realistic TSA wait times at BZN by season and time of day, plus exactly how early you need to show up for your flight.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Golden aspen trees lining a trail in Hyalite Canyon near Bozeman with the Gallatin Range in the background

seasons

Bozeman in October: Weather, What to Pack, and What to Do

October in Bozeman means fall colors, empty trails, cheap hotels, and weather that can swing 40 degrees in a single day. Here's what to expect and how to plan.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Downtown Bozeman Main Street on a wet spring afternoon with puddles on the sidewalk and the Bridger Range still snow-capped in the background

seasons

Visiting Bozeman in Mud Season (April & May): What's Actually Open

Bozeman's mud season shuts down most trails from mid-April through late May. Here's what's actually open, what to pack, and why the deals might be worth it.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Parent pushing a stroller on a wide gravel trail through open grassland with the Bridger Mountains in the background near Bozeman

attractions

Family-Friendly Hikes Near Bozeman (Stroller-Accessible & Toddler Approved)

Eight stroller-friendly and toddler-tested trails near Bozeman, Montana -- paved paths, flat loops, waterfall walks, and what to know before you go.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Angled street parking along Main Street in downtown Bozeman with storefronts and the Bridger Range visible at the end of the block

logistics

Where to park in downtown Bozeman (free lots, the garage, and what not to do)

Downtown Bozeman has no parking meters, but the 2-hour limit and $30 tickets catch tourists every day -- here's how the system actually works.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Cars parked in a snow-covered Mountain Village parking lot at Big Sky Resort with Lone Mountain rising in the background

logistics

Big Sky Resort parking guide: where to park, what it costs, and how to avoid the lot shuffle

A lot-by-lot breakdown of free and paid parking at Big Sky Resort, including shuttle logistics, the new Explorer Gondola access, and the arrival times that actually matter.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Bear spray canister in a hip holster on a hiker heading into the trails outside Bozeman, Montana

logistics

Bear spray in Bozeman: where to buy, rent, and how to fly with it

How to get bear spray in Bozeman without overpaying or losing it at TSA -- buying, renting, and what the airport won't tell you.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Grocery bags and ski gear loaded in the back of an SUV at a Bozeman parking lot with snowy mountains in the background

logistics

Where to buy groceries between Bozeman airport and Big Sky

Every grocery store between BZN and Big Sky Resort, mapped by location and ranked by value -- stock up in Bozeman or pay resort prices at the mountain.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Two-lane Highway 191 winding through snow-covered Gallatin Canyon with the Gallatin River alongside and canyon walls rising on both sides

logistics

Driving Highway 191 to Big Sky in winter: a survival guide

Everything you need to know before driving the Gallatin Canyon to Big Sky in winter -- road conditions, vehicle prep, dangerous sections, and what locals actually do.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

A quiet Bozeman street at night with a lone car's headlights approaching, downtown storefronts glowing in the background

logistics

Uber and Lyft in Bozeman: Can You Actually Get a Ride?

The honest truth about rideshare availability in Bozeman, Montana -- when it works, when it doesn't, and what to do instead.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Warm brewery taproom interior in Bozeman on a rainy afternoon with condensation on the windows

attractions

What to Do in Bozeman When It Rains: 15 Indoor Activities

A local's guide to the best indoor activities in Bozeman, Montana for rainy days -- museums, hot springs, breweries, climbing, and more.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Group of friends clinking pint glasses at a Bozeman brewery patio with mountain views

food & drink

Bozeman Bachelor Party Guide: Best Activities, Steakhouses & Bars

How to plan a bachelor party in Bozeman, Montana. Group activities, steakhouse picks, bar crawl strategy, lodging for 8-12 guys, and the seasonal stuff nobody tells you.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Hiker and dog on a shady trail along a creek in the Gallatin Valley near Bozeman

attractions

Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Bozeman: 12 Trails Your Pup Will Love

A trail-by-trail guide to hiking with your dog near Bozeman, Montana -- leash rules, water access, distance, and which trails are actually worth it for dogs.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Downtown Bozeman Main Street on a weekend evening with mountain views in the background

itineraries

Perfect weekend in Bozeman: a 48-hour itinerary

A Friday-to-Sunday plan for Bozeman covering where to eat, hike, drink, and soak -- built around what actually works in 48 hours.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Main Street Bozeman on a summer evening with pedestrians and the Bridger Range in the distance

attractions

Bozeman in 3 Days: The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide

A day-by-day plan for your first three days in Bozeman, Montana -- downtown culture, Hyalite Canyon hiking, and a day trip to Livingston or Big Sky.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Main Street Bozeman on a summer evening with the Bridger Range visible in the background

attractions

One Day in Bozeman: The Only Itinerary You Need

A locals-tested hour-by-hour plan for making the most of one day in Bozeman, Montana -- whether you're on a layover, a road trip, or stealing a day between Yellowstone drives.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Highway 191 winding through the Gallatin Canyon between Bozeman and Big Sky

logistics

Getting from Bozeman Airport to Big Sky: Every Option Explained

A practical comparison of every way to get from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to Big Sky Resort, including shuttles, rental cars, rideshares, and private transfers.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Flight of craft beers on a wooden paddle at a Bozeman brewery taproom

food & drink

The Best Breweries in Bozeman, Ranked

An honest ranking of Bozeman's brewery scene from a local who has spent too many afternoons on taproom patios, covering beer quality, vibes, food, and which ones to skip.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Aerial view of Bozeman neighborhoods with the Bridger Range in the background

lodging

Where to Stay in Bozeman: A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide

A local's breakdown of Bozeman's best neighborhoods for visitors, from downtown walkability to quieter spots near the Bridger Range, with specific hotel and rental picks.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Steam rising from a natural hot spring pool surrounded by snow-covered mountains

attractions

Hot Springs Near Bozeman: Which Ones Are Worth the Drive

An honest guide to the hot springs within driving distance of Bozeman, Montana, ranking them by water quality, setting, crowds, and whether the drive is actually worth it.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Interior of a warmly lit Bozeman restaurant with exposed brick and a full bar

food & drink

The 13 Best Restaurants in Bozeman, According to a Local

An opinionated, regularly updated guide to the best restaurants in Bozeman, Montana, covering everything from fine dining to the taco window you need to know about.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Dinosaur skeleton exhibit at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman

attractions

Museum of the Rockies: What to Know Before You Go

A practical guide to visiting Bozeman's premier museum. What's worth your time, what's skippable, and how to avoid the summer crowds.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Slopeside condos at Big Sky Resort with ski runs behind them

lodging

Ski-In Ski-Out Lodging at Big Sky: What's Actually Worth It

A breakdown of every ski-in ski-out option at Big Sky Resort, from slopeside condos to luxury suites. What's worth the premium and what's just a marketing claim.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Panoramic view of Big Sky Resort ski runs with Lone Mountain peak in the background

winter & ski

Big Sky Resort: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Visit

A first-timer's guide to Big Sky Resort covering terrain, lift tickets, lodging, rentals, lessons, and the mistakes that ruin most people's first ski trip to Montana.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

A pour-over coffee being prepared at a Bozeman coffee shop

food & drink

Every Coffee Shop in Bozeman, Ranked

A definitive ranking of Bozeman's coffee shops based on the only things that matter: the coffee itself, the atmosphere, and whether you can actually get work done.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Four-panel seasonal view of the Gallatin Valley showing snow, wildflowers, fall colors, and summer sun

seasons

When to Visit Bozeman: A Month-by-Month Guide

A local's honest assessment of every month in Bozeman, Montana, covering weather, crowds, prices, and what is actually happening in each season so you can pick the right time to visit.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Split view of a Bozeman Airbnb cabin and a downtown hotel room

lodging

Airbnb vs. Hotel in Bozeman: A Brutally Honest Comparison

We break down the real costs, trade-offs, and surprises of booking an Airbnb versus a hotel in Bozeman. The answer depends on your trip more than you think.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

yellowstone

Bozeman to Yellowstone: The Complete Day Trip Planning Guide

How to plan a day trip from Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park, covering routes, timing, entrance strategies, and the stops most visitors miss along the way.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Ski boots and beer glasses at a Big Sky après-ski bar

food & drink

The Best Après-Ski Bars Near Big Sky

Where to drink after skiing at Big Sky and Bridger Bowl. From slopeside patio beers to the dive bars worth the detour on the drive back to Bozeman.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Car driving on a snowy Montana highway with mountain views

logistics

Do You Actually Need a Rental Car in Bozeman?

A practical breakdown of when you need a car in Bozeman and when you can get away without one. The answer changes dramatically based on your itinerary.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Split view of Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort ski terrain

winter & ski

Bridger Bowl vs. Big Sky: A Local's Honest Take

The two ski areas near Bozeman couldn't be more different. Here's how to decide which one is right for your trip, based on skill level, budget, and what you're actually after.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Phone showing no signal bars with Montana mountains in background

logistics

Cell Service in the Bozeman-Big Sky Corridor: What to Expect

A dead-honest guide to cell service coverage between Bozeman, Gallatin Canyon, and Big Sky. Which carriers work where, and where you'll lose signal entirely.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Cross-country skier on a groomed trail with the Bridger Mountains in the background

winter & ski

Where to Cross-Country Ski Near Bozeman

The best Nordic skiing spots around Bozeman, from groomed trail systems to backcountry routes. Where locals go when they want a quieter day on snow.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Hiker on a quiet trail in the Gallatin Range near Bozeman

attractions

5 Bozeman Hiking Trails That Aren't Overrun with Tourists

The trails around Bozeman that locals actually hike -- not the ones that show up first on AllTrails. Fewer crowds, better views, same stunning scenery.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

Side by side of Bozeman Main Street in summer sunshine and winter snow

seasons

Bozeman in Summer vs. Winter: Two Completely Different Towns

Bozeman transforms between seasons more dramatically than almost any town in the West. Here's what each season is actually like, and why you might prefer one over the other.

By Bozeman Proper Staff

yellowstone

3 Yellowstone Day Trip Itineraries From Bozeman

Three tested day trip routes from Bozeman into Yellowstone, organized by what you actually want to see. No wasted time, no tourist-trap stops, no unrealistic schedules.

By Bozeman Proper Staff