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The Roosevelt Arch in Yellowstone National Park

Road Tripping to Yellowstone
via Paradise Valley

Paradise Found

Golden valleys. Rugged peaks. Wildlife at every turn. A long weekend in Southwest Montana is the perfect way to celebrate fall. Start with small-town charm in Bozeman, wind through Paradise Valley, and end in Gardiner – your gateway to Yellowstone’s wildlife-rich Upper Loop. This three-day road trip blends cozy stops, wide-open scenery, and unforgettable encounters in the world’s first national park.

    • An aerial view of Bozeman, MT

    Day One: Start in Bozeman

    • Coffee Stop → Fuel up at Wild Joe’s before hitting the road.
    • Local Flavor → Grab a pint at Outlaw Brewing, a local favorite with a laid-back vibe.
    • Stay HereThe Lark Hotel – distinctly Montana, walkable, and right in the heart of downtown Bozeman.
    • Optional Stroll → Walk the Gallagator Trail if you arrive early in the day.
    • Don’t Miss → Catch sunset from the “M” Trail above Bozeman, a short hike with sweeping valley views.
    • A group of deer grazing near the Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins

    Day Two: Paradise Valley to Gardiner

    • Scenic Drive Through the Valley → Head south through Livingston, where historic main street architecture pops against the mountain backdrop, then follow the Yellowstone River into Paradise Valley, glowing gold with fall colors.
    • Must TryChico Hot Springs: soak in geothermal pools, grab a bite at the historic lodge, and take in mountain views before continuing south.
    • Stay HereJim Bridger Explorer Cabins: These cabins are your cozy, fall-ready basecamp with easy access to Yellowstone.
    • Local Flavor → Relax with craft cocktails and hearty fare at The Yellowstone Mine, the bar + restaurant right on property.
    • Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park

    Day Three: Yellowstone’s Upper Loop

    • Mammoth Hot Springs → Colorful terraces framed by golden cottonwoods.
    • Lamar Valley → A prime spot for wolves, bison, and elk, all especially active in fall.
    • Tower Fall → Spectacular waterfall framed by autumn foliage.
    • Blacktail Plateau Drive → Quieter drive for scenic views and ample wildlife sightings.
    • A snowcoach in Yellowstone National Park during winter

    Pick Your Season: Winter In Yellowstone

    Fall isn’t the only secret season. When winter arrives, Yellowstone transforms into a snowy wonderland of steaming geysers, frosted valleys, and wildlife in their element. From Gardiner, you can drive into Mammoth Hot Springs year-round, but to venture deeper into the park’s interior, hop aboard a snowcoach tour. It’s the ultimate way to experience Yellowstone’s quietest, most magical season.

From Bozeman’s coffee shops to the golden cottonwoods of Paradise Valley and the wildlife of Yellowstone’s Upper Loop, this road trip is packed with fall magic at every stop. Autumn is the time to linger a little longer – to watch steam rise in the crisp morning air, to follow bison herds across open valleys, and to savor the quiet of the season. With the Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins as your basecamp, the best of Yellowstone is just outside your door.
Exterior view of the Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone in West Yellowstone, MT

Stay

Enjoy comfortable, modern, amenity-rich lodging when you stay outside Yellowstone National Park.

A yellow tour bus with a bison next of it and mountains in the background.

Tours & Rentals

Experience an up-close view of the park, while learning about the fascinating history and wildlife.

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