Gallatin Canyon
Gallatin Canyon
5
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5.0
136 reviews
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Jaskel08
California355 contributions
Jun 2022
Beautiful drive through a narrow canyon from West Yellowstone to Bozeman. It made me wish we could of gone white water rafting, hiking, zip lining, or fishing. Unfortunately, we had to catch a flight and couldn’t spend much time here. Big regret. I would love to come back and spend more time here. BTW, the wild flowers in late June were incredible. Entire mountain sides were covered in wild flowers!
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jesse o
Jackson, WY6,480 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
The road, highway 191, winds through this wonderful canyon with new vistas around each bend. Intriguing lodges offer pristine atmosphere. Roadside memorials testify to the danger of inattentive or impaired driving at night. The canyon is easily recognized in the 1992 film “A River Rubs Through It.”
Driving the canyon is a joy.
Driving the canyon is a joy.
Written May 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA4,367 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Highway 191 south out of Bozeman will take you through a narrow canyon, with the road hugging the beautiful Gallatin River all the way to Big Sky - about 50 miles. Dramatic cliffs hem in the road in certain pinch points making more of an impression. Plenty of turnouts along the way. Great drive.
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry J
Bozeman, MT198 contributions
The Gallatin canyon provides a nice scenic drive along the route from Bozeman to Big Sky, Montana and beyond. The canyon winds along the Gallatin River through coniferous forrests for the entire 41 mile trip to Big Sky. Up in Big Sky you can have a look at the ski resort or, if you like to hike, try the spectacular three and a half mile hike into Beehive Basin.
Also, be sure to stop for a burger and beer at the Corral Bar and Steakhouse which is located five miles south of Big Sky on highway 191.
Also, be sure to stop for a burger and beer at the Corral Bar and Steakhouse which is located five miles south of Big Sky on highway 191.
Written September 5, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fsh4Fn
Mesa, AZ131 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
When we're in Bozeman and the weather is good, I spend part of almost every day in the canyon.
I enjoy fly fishing and absolutely love the Gallatin River. Right now (end of May, first of June) the river is muddy and higher than I have ever seen it - but I still catch fish. The rafters and kayakers love it too.
Later in the year, I just keep on fishing as the water becomes crystal clear and lowers. I love the transition through the summer and fall. As the water lowers, it is almost like fishing a different river each day as different rocks are revealed, different eddies and riffles appear, and I just keep catching fish.
Occasionally I get a stupid rafter or kayaker who will run over my fly line or pull into the eddy that I'm fishing, but most are observant and watch what they're doing.
Besides the water sports, there are numerous trails in the canyon and trails leading out of the canyon. Use is predominantly foot traffic, but some horseback.
There are also areas that are quite popular with the climbing crowd (mile marker 61-62), on both sides of the river.
While fishing or driving in the canyon, I've seen my share of wildlife too. Notably - beaver, mink, otter, elk and deer. Just outside the canyon going back to Bozeman, there are often bison (I think they are part of Ted Turner's herd).
My wife sometimes tags along just because of the scenery - and gets some beautiful pictures.
Something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
I enjoy fly fishing and absolutely love the Gallatin River. Right now (end of May, first of June) the river is muddy and higher than I have ever seen it - but I still catch fish. The rafters and kayakers love it too.
Later in the year, I just keep on fishing as the water becomes crystal clear and lowers. I love the transition through the summer and fall. As the water lowers, it is almost like fishing a different river each day as different rocks are revealed, different eddies and riffles appear, and I just keep catching fish.
Occasionally I get a stupid rafter or kayaker who will run over my fly line or pull into the eddy that I'm fishing, but most are observant and watch what they're doing.
Besides the water sports, there are numerous trails in the canyon and trails leading out of the canyon. Use is predominantly foot traffic, but some horseback.
There are also areas that are quite popular with the climbing crowd (mile marker 61-62), on both sides of the river.
While fishing or driving in the canyon, I've seen my share of wildlife too. Notably - beaver, mink, otter, elk and deer. Just outside the canyon going back to Bozeman, there are often bison (I think they are part of Ted Turner's herd).
My wife sometimes tags along just because of the scenery - and gets some beautiful pictures.
Something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Written June 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
delily
Ohio778 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
We spent a morning driving from Bozeman to Big Sky and back again through the beautiful Gallatin Canyon. The drive actually goes all the way to West Yellowstone but we didn't have time to do it all. The traffic on this road moves at a ridiculously fast pace. White crosses all along the highway show where people have died and a sign at the start of the drive listed the number of Montana fatalities at over 200 for the first 5 months of the year. Just past that sign we saw an accident. Impatient drivers will try to pass in no passing zones. Fortunately, there are lots of turn-outs on both sides of the road where sightseers and slower traffic can pull over to let the fast moving cars behind them get by. We stopped in the turnouts several times to watch white water rafters coming down the river which runs alongside the road. We saw lots of trailheads for hiking and places to camp. People were also fishing. Take snacks and water and fill up with gas before you go because services are few. Shortly before reaching Big Sky we stopped at a national forest campground where we found restrooms.
Written June 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert R
Greensboro, NC37 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
Drove canyon several times to get to West Yellowstone from Bozeman to go Xc skiing. Besides beautiful views of canyon and surrounding mountains, saw bighorn sheep near Big Sky on both trips, Also saw herd of elk. While canyon road well maintained it gets a lot of snow so you need to take it easy. Would not recommend going the allowable 70 mph unless you want to end up in the Gallatin River. Would suggest a slight detour towards big sky resort just to get a view of Lone Mountain covered in snow. If you are going all the way to west Yellowstone allow 2 hours if road has any snow or ice. Can easily get to big sky in an hour.
Written March 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Minnetrista G
Finlayson, MN26 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
We got off a plane and into a car and drove this route to Yellowstone. The road follows a beautiful glistening river replete with fly fisherman, evergreens, and raptors. Great introduction to Yellowstone country, and a much more beautiful drive than to/from the park's north entrance.
Written September 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert E
1 contribution
Moved here 2 years ago and this road is part of what brought me here. Lots of great rock climbing, fly fishing, hiking and scenery. Parts of "a river run through it" was filmed on this strech of the river. also if u turn down Spanish creek road there's a ton of Ted Turner's Buffalo that you can drive right through. Heads to big sky and west yellowstone. If your taking a tour of Yellowstone and staying in Bozeman. Take this way down early in the morning and you will likely see big horn sheep, elk, moose, and much more. Leave Yellowstone out of the north entrance through Paradise Valley.
Written April 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara C
Salt Lake City, UT23 contributions
Aug 2017
We extended a trip into southern Montana a day because I had heard this canyon was a gorgeous drive. It wasn't ugly or anything, but with our eyes so used to Glacier, Grand Tetons, Arches, Bryce and Zion National Parks, it just seemed only so-so.
Written September 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi We are going the opposite way - how long is this trip? What is the actual route?
Also - if anyone wants to weigh in and offer any suggestions ....
our plan is to drive from Jackon Hole to Grand Teton for a night then make our way to Old Faithful for a night, Canyon Lodge for a night then on to Bozeman for the final 2 nights to fly home. Does this sound do able? Was thinking of maybe changing the Canyon Lodge reservation to both nights for some stablility but would mean no Old Faithful Lodge. Any comments appreciated Thanks so much
Written June 22, 2019
the drive from Bozeman to north Yellowstone entrance is only a hour and a half from Bozeman and a spectacular beautiful drive do it. no drop off. it go along side of mountains not up and down. then old faithful maybe a hour and a half south of entrance with a ton to see in Yellowstone on your way down to old faithful .Do it Drive from Jackson hole to Tetons is just minutes and road also take you along side of mountains to Yellowstone maybe 3 hours another wonderful drive with no drop offs. just beware of wildlife. Of course you can ride thru the tetons if you desire but your ride from tetons to old faithful has you going along side of mountains. spectacular beautiful scenery .
Written June 23, 2019
We are planing to drive with our small kids from Turner Valley to Bozeman MT, USA! Can anyone tell us if this roads are okay during winter? We haven't done this road trip before, just concerned for kids! Thank you!
Written December 20, 2017
I have fears of high moutain driving with steep drop offs. Is that what this road is or is it all lower along the river? The entire route on 191 from yellowstone to Bozeman?
Written February 19, 2015
Highway 191 follows the river bottom the entire trip from Bozeman to the town of West Yellowstone. Lovely scenic drive that we have done many times. Absolutely no fears of high mountain driving. There are more ups and downs driving from Fort Worth to San Antonio. Enjoy your trip.....Yellowstone is our favourite Park.
Written February 20, 2015
how far is this away from mountain view horse ranch at the trailhead to the continental divide?
Written January 2, 2015
We are taking a Road Scholar intergeneration trip in Yellowstone from June 21-26. We are considering flying to Bozeman a day early, arriving about noon on June 20 (from the East Coast). We will rent a car and need to be at the Yellowstone River Motel in Gardner by 4:00 PM on June 21 to initiate our Yellowstone tour. Considering Gallatin Canyon tour for a half day on June 20 afternoon and overnight) and a half day (through about noon) on the 21st. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Written December 29, 2014
I have been to the Gallatin Canyon/Valley many times, but never in winter, so I cannot say much. Also, my recommendation is simply to drive it and explore.
You can't go wrong.
You might want to visit the Big Sky resort. There is an amazing hike and waterfall, just off the Big Sky road.
Really, once you are in the canyon, there is plenty to see. Just pull over every once in a while. And check your map, some of the great stuff to see is on the side roads, just off 191 a little bit. We saw mountain goats at just such a place.
And there are guide shops and fishing shops along the way. Stop in and ask them. Local knowledge is best.
Written December 30, 2014
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