2024's 9 Most Scenic Montana Towns
Montana is home to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the United States, where towering mountain ranges, expansive valleys, and crystal-clear lakes come together to create a natural paradise. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the tranquil shores of Flathead Lake, Montana's scenic towns offer visitors an array of outdoor adventures and breathtaking vistas. Whether you are hiking through the vast wilderness, skiing down snow-covered slopes, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the open skies, these towns provide a perfect escape into nature. From Whitefish's proximity to Glacier National Park to Choteau’s gateway to the Bob Marshall Wilderness, every destination in 2024 promises a visual feast of Montana's diverse and majestic landscapes.
Whitefish
The town of Whitefish is in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, with views of stunning vistas, rugged peaks, and expansive forests. Its proximity to Glacier National Park makes it a gateway to awe-inspiring natural beauty. The park is roughly 25 miles from town, and covers roughly 1 million acres of Rocky Mountain wilderness. Take in the iconic glaciers, hike through 700 miles of hiking trails and gorgeous alpine meadows, or traverse the many valleys. Popular hikes include Hidden Lake, a 5.4-mile hike through the wilderness. Lucky travelers may spot local wildlife like Grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, wolverines, and lynxes.
Another natural landmark worth visiting is Whitefish Lake, with its crystal-clear waters. Spend time relaxing on the Whitefish City Beach, which is only a mile from downtown, or rent a kayak or paddleboard to venture out onto the water.
The Whitefish Mountain Resort is yet another scenic destination for visitors to explore. The area covers roughly 3,000 acres of land, including mountains and countryside. In the winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding the hillside runs. In the warmer months, ride the chairlift for impressive birds-eye views of the surrounding scenery. The Aerial Adventure Park is also a great place to check out, especially for families, and visitors can enjoy alpine slides, zip lines, and scenic hikes. Bikers can take advantage of the mountain terrain by going downhill and cross-country mountain biking in the warmer months.
Big Sky
The beauty of Big Sky is in the name itself. This expansive landscape includes a little bit of everything, from towering mountain ranges to sweeping valleys and a landscape and sky that seems to stretch endlessly. The town is nestled between the Spanish Peaks and the Madison Range, with views that can take your breath away at any moment. Trails wind through alpine meadows and dense forests, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Popular hikes include Lava Lake, Storm Castle Peak, Ousel Falls, and Beehive Basin. Local trails can be found in the Custer Gallatin National Forest or explore Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is the country’s first-ever National Park and contains a plethora of wildlife, waterfalls, geysers, hot pots, and geological marvels. The Gallatin River also flows through the area, providing a peaceful contrast to the grandeur of the surrounding peaks. Raft among the white waters in spring and summer months.
In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland. Take in the majestic snow-capped mountains and untouched snowy meadows. Enjoy over 50 miles of cross-country ski trails, or try alpine skiing and snowboarding at Big Sky Resort. Other options include snowshoeing, dog sledding, and even sleigh rides, which are all peaceful ways to enjoy the tranquility of Montana winters.
Livingston
Livingston sits at the doorstep of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, offering unmatched access to Montana’s rugged beauty. The Yellowstone River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states, winds through the town, creating scenic views and opportunities for peaceful riverside strolls. For the more adventurous, rafting opportunities are plentiful, and the river is a great place to whitewater raft or kayak through the gorgeous scenery.
The town’s natural backdrop features rolling hills and the imposing Absaroka and Gallatin Mountain Ranges. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunrises that paint the mountains in hues of pink and gold. Livingston’s close proximity to Yellowstone National Park makes it a prime destination for experiencing Montana’s wild and unspoiled landscapes. Drive through the scenic 55-mile course that passes through Paradise Valley and runs along the river. The town has year-round access to the park and tends to be less busy than nearby Bozeman.
The region also has fourteen fishing access sites where travelers can enjoy the tranquility of fly fishing. In winter, the Bridger Bowl ski resort is an excellent option for those looking to take on the fresh white powder of excellent ski runs and snowboard runs.
West Yellowstone
Like Big Sky and Livingston, West Yellowstone is a nature lover’s dream located just outside the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The town is surrounded by the park’s wilderness, including vast forests, geothermal wonders, and snow-capped peaks.
The town sits in close proximity to iconic landmarks like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Old Faithful was one of the unique geothermal phenomena that inspired the park’s creation. Watching the geyser erupt amidst the backdrop of Yellowstone’s cliffs and forests is a favorite for any visitor to the park. Similarly, the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” is a 1200-foot canyon that winds for roughly 24 miles through the park. The head of the canyon contains two massive waterfalls, with water thundering over 300 feet into the depth below. In the warmer months, adventurers can take in the tranquil beauty of crystal-clear alpine lakes, or lose themselves in the vibrant hues of wildflower-strewn meadows. The Gallatin National Forest, which blankets the area, offers endless hiking and biking trails that weave through ancient forests and along rushing rivers.
Come winter, the town transforms into a snow-covered paradise. The landscape becomes a serene, white wonderland, where the soft crunch of snow underfoot is often the only sound in the still, frosty air. Cross-country skiing trails wind through glistening pine forests, while snowmobilers can carve paths through powdery meadows beneath the towering peaks of the Madison Range.
Ennis
Situated along the Madison River in the heart of southwestern Montana, Ennis offers an unparalleled blend of mountain vistas and peaceful river scenes. Surrounded by the Madison Range, the Gravelly Range, and the Tobacco Root Mountains, Ennis provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks and expansive valleys.
The nearby Ennis Lake, formed by the Madison Dam, is a beautiful spot for kayaking, swimming, or simply soaking in the tranquility of Montana’s open spaces. Visitors can also enjoy fishing on Madison River or Jack Creek.
The town is also close to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, where hiking trails wind through untouched forests and alpine meadows. The region occupies some 259,000 acres of the Madison Range, including The Bear Trap Canyon, Spanish Peaks, Taylor Hilgard, and Monument Mountain. Explore some of the 300 miles of trail at one of 28 trailheads throughout the area, and watch for local wildlife like mountain goats and sheep, bears, elk, cougars, or wolves.
Known for its clear, starlit skies and vibrant sunsets, Ennis is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts looking to experience Montana’s rugged beauty in a serene setting.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is a mountain town surrounded by the towering Beartooth Mountains, Montana’s highest mountain range, with scenic landscapes that draw nature lovers year-round. As the gateway to the Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the US, Red Lodge offers access to breathtaking alpine views, glacial lakes, and expansive valleys.
The nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest is a haven for wildlife, where hikers may spot moose, mountain goats, or golden eagles. Hike one of the many trails throughout the forest, or try a self-guided llama experience. For one of the most authentic ways to experience Montana, horseback ride through the mountains on a self-guided or tour-led adventure with establishments like Elk River Outfitters. Outdoor lovers can also take in the natural beauty of the area by climbing the impressive Beartooth rock faces or appreciate the beauty of the Yellowstone River as they fish. Above all, visitors can take in the majesty of Big Sky country from one of the many local campsites at Beartrap Ranch, Perry's Campground, which sits along Rock Creek, or within Yellowstone Park.
Polson
Set on the southern shore of Flathead Lake, Polson provides stunning views of the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The broad expansion of Mission Valley stretches out around the town and is one of the most fruitful farmland areas in the region. In spring, the cherry orchards are transformed with soft pink blooms and blossoms.
Cutting through the valley is the Flathead River. Visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting among the rushing rapids. Nearby, the National Bison Range at Moiese is home to herds of deer, bison, elk, antelope, and sheep. Similarly, the Ninepipes and Pablo Wildlife Refuges are excellent options for bird watchers.
The surrounding Mission Mountains rise dramatically from behind the Flathead Lake, seamlessly blending the crystal waters with the majestic snow-capped peaks. The lake’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking, boating, or relaxing on the shore. Further abroad, about 70 miles from town, lies the iconic Glacier National Park, or “Crown of the Continent.” This beautiful park contains glaciers, alpine meadows, and bright blue glacial lakes, as well as over 700 miles of hiking and biking trails. Polson’s proximity to the mountains and water makes it a truly scenic retreat.
Hamilton
Hamilton is nestled in the Bitterroot Valley, with the towering Bitterroot Mountains on one side and the Sapphire Mountains on the other. This setting provides a dramatic contrast between jagged peaks and rolling, forested hills. The Bitterroot River runs through the valley, offering serene fishing spots and quiet places to enjoy nature. Trails in the nearby Bitterroot National Forest provide access to wildflower-filled meadows, dense pine forests, and impressive mountain vistas.
In winter, the Lolo Pass opens up to the state’s iconic Big Sky. Glide through snowy forests on ski trails that wind their way above the town. The views are stunning, day and night, and continue on the Chief Joseph Pass Trails, which have both ski and snowshoe trail options.
Choteau
Choteau is a gateway to some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in Montana. Perched on the edge of the Rocky Mountain Front, the town presents a rare juxtaposition of expansive prairies and the towering peaks of the Rockies. The rolling grasslands that stretch out from the town provide an open, uninterrupted vista.
The Teton River, a ribbon of crystal-clear water that winds gently through the region, adds to Choteau’s tranquil atmosphere. It is ideal for those seeking quiet moments in nature, whether fly fishing, canoeing, or simply enjoying a riverside hike.
Chouteau's proximity to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex—one of the largest wilderness areas in the contiguous United States—makes it an unparalleled base for those looking to explore the most remote and untouched wilderness in the country. The area boasts over 1 million acres of pristine forests, craggy peaks, and scenic mountain trails. Whether you are hiking through the dense stands of lodgepole pine, horseback riding along ridgelines with sweeping views, or setting off on a multi-day backcountry trek, the rugged terrain promises both solitude and adventure.
Whether you are an adventurer looking to hike rugged mountain trails, a nature enthusiast seeking quiet moments by a serene river, or a traveler in search of breathtaking panoramic views, Montana’s scenic towns offer it all. From the alpine splendor of Whitefish and Big Sky to the tranquil beauty of Ennis and Polson’s shimmering lakefront, each destination highlights the state’s incredible diversity. These towns are more than just gateways to the wilderness—they are experiences in themselves, steeped in unparalleled natural beauty. As you explore the valleys, forests, and rivers of Montana, you will find that each turn of the road brings a new, breathtaking scene, making these towns a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the raw, untamed splendor of the great outdoors.
