You might not think one tank of gas will get you very far in a state the size of Montana. But the average vehicle will take you between 300 and 325 miles on a single tank, and that leaves plenty of options for exploring. This particular road trip is 280 miles and will take you from the Bozeman area to the beautiful town of West Yellowstone. And unless you decide to head explore Yellowstone Park itself, you can do it all on one tank of gas.
This route will have you spending a little more than five hours in your car, so even with all the stops, you can do it in a single day. If you’d like to linger for awhile at each stop, you can spread it out over two. Enjoy!
- Wake up early in beautiful Bozeman and enjoy breakfast at the Stockyard Cafe.
Stockyard Cafe.
Brandy B / Yelp This no-frills, “barely above camping” establishment serves some of the most delicious breakfast in the city from Thursday to Sunday. It’s a local legend, and breakfast there is the perfect way to start a road trip.
- Head to 84 West and drive to Norris Hot Springs.
Norris Hot Springs Norris Hot Springs opens at 10 AM from June-August. Arrive right at opening time and take a quick soak in the warm hot spring. You’ll be nice and relaxed for the rest of your journey.
- Admire the art in Ennis.
Spend A Day Touring, LLC / Flickr Ennis is a beautiful little town, and it’s easy to go on a self-guided art tour while you’re there. Montana artist Jim Dolan has three metal sculptures on display around town. You’ll also see colorful trout sculptures, a carved bench with two fishing bears in front of the Ennis Pharmacy, and a painting of local scenery on the corner of Third and Main Street.
- Stop for lunch at Yesterday’s Soda Fountain & Ennis Pharmacy.
Milo R. / Yelp Yum! Don’t leave Ennis without grabbing lunch from an old-fashioned soda fountain. This charming spot is a great blast from the past.
- Chase ghosts at Virginia City.
Carl Grant / Flickr Virginia City is one of Montana’s finest ghost towns. You can take a do-it-yourself tour (maps are available), or hop a quick train ride that will take you to and from Nevada City, the neighboring ghost town.
- Stop for a photo op at the Clark Canyon Reservoir.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr Clark Canyon Reservoir is the site of Camp Fortunate, a very significant spot on the Lewis and Clark Trail. It was here that Lewis and Clark met the Lemhi Shoshone tribe and Sacagawea was reunited with her people.
- Treat yourself to some tasty pie at Yesterday’s Calf-A in Dell.
mksfca / Flickr Yesterday’s Calf-A is an old schoolhouse turned restaurant, and it’s amazing. You won’t want to miss their homemade pie.
- Arrive at West Yellowstone and watch the sunset.
Josef Hanning / Flickr You’ll have a choice of scenic spots to enjoy it.
9.Celebrate your arrival with a late dinner at the Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon.
Julia A. / Yelp
R. H. / Yelp Not only does this place serve the best pizza in town (and the best named pizzas at that), but they have live music every weekend.
Who would you take on a road trip like this?
Stockyard Cafe.
Brandy B / Yelp
This no-frills, “barely above camping” establishment serves some of the most delicious breakfast in the city from Thursday to Sunday. It’s a local legend, and breakfast there is the perfect way to start a road trip.
Norris Hot Springs
Norris Hot Springs opens at 10 AM from June-August. Arrive right at opening time and take a quick soak in the warm hot spring. You’ll be nice and relaxed for the rest of your journey.
Spend A Day Touring, LLC / Flickr
Ennis is a beautiful little town, and it’s easy to go on a self-guided art tour while you’re there. Montana artist Jim Dolan has three metal sculptures on display around town. You’ll also see colorful trout sculptures, a carved bench with two fishing bears in front of the Ennis Pharmacy, and a painting of local scenery on the corner of Third and Main Street.
Milo R. / Yelp
Yum! Don’t leave Ennis without grabbing lunch from an old-fashioned soda fountain. This charming spot is a great blast from the past.
Carl Grant / Flickr
Virginia City is one of Montana’s finest ghost towns. You can take a do-it-yourself tour (maps are available), or hop a quick train ride that will take you to and from Nevada City, the neighboring ghost town.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
Clark Canyon Reservoir is the site of Camp Fortunate, a very significant spot on the Lewis and Clark Trail. It was here that Lewis and Clark met the Lemhi Shoshone tribe and Sacagawea was reunited with her people.
mksfca / Flickr
Yesterday’s Calf-A is an old schoolhouse turned restaurant, and it’s amazing. You won’t want to miss their homemade pie.
Josef Hanning / Flickr
You’ll have a choice of scenic spots to enjoy it.
Julia A. / Yelp
R. H. / Yelp
Not only does this place serve the best pizza in town (and the best named pizzas at that), but they have live music every weekend.
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