Embark on a self-guided driving tour through Big Sky. Discover natural wonders, scenic routes, and historical tales. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs.
Embark on a self-guided driving tour through Big Sky. Discover natural wonders, scenic routes, and historical tales. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs.
-
Madison River - The Madison River stretches over 150 miles, originating in Yellowstone National Park and flowing to the Missouri River near Three Forks. Its origins trace back to the Ice Age!
Note: The tour spans over 75 miles, includes more than 41 audio stories, and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
Enjoy new, lifetime access with no…
- Madison River - The Madison River stretches over 150 miles, originating in Yellowstone National Park and flowing to the Missouri River near Three Forks. Its origins trace back to the Ice Age!
Note: The tour spans over 75 miles, includes more than 41 audio stories, and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
Enjoy new, lifetime access with no expiration. Use it anytime, on any trip, as often as desired.
- West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center - Welcome to the Big Sky Drive! This scenic route showcases the best of Montana, featuring towering peaks, pristine rivers, rugged canyons, and expansive plains, all while exploring the captivating history of the area.
- U.S. Route 191 - Traveling along U.S. Highway 191, continuing north leads to the U.S.-Canada border, while heading south reaches the red deserts of Arizona. It’s truly a long and impressive road!
- Crowfoot Ridge - This 10,000-foot peak in the Gallatin Range is named after Chief Crowfoot, a renowned Blackfoot tribe leader. Legend tells of a grizzly bear entering Chief Crowfoot’s camp in search of prey. With the warriors away, Crowfoot bravely faced the bear with a spear, ultimately triumphing in a fierce battle.
- Gallatin Range - The drive closely follows the state line between Montana and Wyoming. The mountains to the right are part of the Gallatin Range, extending into Wyoming.
- Gallatin River - Ahead, the impressive Gallatin River will soon be visible alongside the road. The route closely follows the river nearly to the final destination.
- Gallatin National Forest - Observe the mountain cluster ahead. King Butte stands in the center, with Big Horn Peak to the right, each rising to nearly 10,000 feet!
- Cinnamon Mountain - The peak on the left is Cinnamon Mountain, which holds significant historical importance in Montana’s wildfire history.
- Big Sky Resort - In a few miles, the turn-off for the renowned Big Sky Ski Resort will appear, a key landmark for these mountains. The resort’s origins trace back to Montana native Chet Huntley.
- Huntley Lodge - Soon, the turn-off for the famous Big Sky Ski Resort will be visible, a significant contributor to the area’s recognition. The resort’s establishment began with Montana native Chet Huntley.
- Mount Chipperfield - The leftmost mountain ahead is Mount Chipperfield, with Wilson Peak, standing at 10,600 feet, directly to its right. Can you guess Wilson Peak’s namesake? Here’s a hint: He ratified the 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote.
- Big Sky Meadow Village - Shortly, the road leading to Big Sky Meadow Village and the Big Sky Ski Resort will be passed. Be sure to look left for a view of Lone Mountain.
- Golf Course at Spanish Peaks Mountain Club - The mountains on the left belong to the Spanish Peaks, a sub-range of the Madisons.
- Lava Lake Trailhead - This moderately challenging 5-mile hike ascends nearly 2,000 feet and can take over three hours to complete, rewarding hikers with the stunning sight of Lava Lake. Despite its name, this pristine snow-fed lake is quite chilly. Forested slopes surround the lake, offering excellent views into the heart of the Spanish Peaks.
- Sagebrush Drive - The Big Sky region has experienced numerous conflicts, but a quieter battle is ongoing. As the drive continues, sections of the valley covered in grayish-green scrub are visible. Some of this vegetation is sagebrush, a vital shrub in the area.
- Gallatin Canyon - U.S. Route 191 traverses the bottom of the Canyon, following the natural course of the Gallatin River. This has been a crucial passageway for millennia. Animals often follow the river and the relatively flat surrounding land to avoid the rugged terrain higher in the mountains. Indigenous tribes like the Shoshone and Bannock traveled down the Gallatin River Canyon, gathering fish and aquatic plants from its waters.
- Storm Castle - The tall, rocky outcropping to the right is the 7,000-foot mountain known as Storm Castle.
- Mule Deer Trail - While driving, keep an eye out for another classic Montana resident: the mule deer.
- Gallatin Gateway - In the 1800s, various ranchers, cattlemen, and homesteaders traveling along the Gallatin River stopped in Gallatin Gateway on their way to and from Bozeman.
- Bozeman - The town is named after John Bozeman, who arrived in the late 1800s. His significance lies in masterminding the Bozeman Trail!

- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and…
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Embark on an exciting self-guided driving tour through Big Sky. Begin your journey at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center, the gateway to stunning natural attractions. Travel along the Madison River, where you can capture the tranquil beauty and stories of the Hebgen Lake Earthquake. Continue on U.S. Highway 191, a picturesque route bordered by…
Embark on an exciting self-guided driving tour through Big Sky. Begin your journey at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center, the gateway to stunning natural attractions. Travel along the Madison River, where you can capture the tranquil beauty and stories of the Hebgen Lake Earthquake. Continue on U.S. Highway 191, a picturesque route bordered by awe-inspiring mountain ranges, revealing the secrets of their grand formation. Experience the magnificence of the Gallatin Range and River, a blend of nature’s artistry and peace, ideal for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
After booking, check your email or text messages to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the specified starting point.
Enjoy new, lifetime access with no expiration. Use it anytime, on any trip, as often as you like.
Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.