A girls trip to Montana isn't just rugged mountains, wild, untamed beauty, and a more relaxed pace of life (although it is DEFINITELY all of that!). It’s an adventure waiting to happen, and one you’ll never forget.
If you're planning a trip with your gals and specifically looking for a stunningly beautiful destination that encourages you to actually unplug, it doesn’t get much better than Big Sky Country.
From one of the most breathtaking national parks anywhere in the world and charming mountain towns to truly unique outdoor experiences and huckleberry-infused everything, here are five memorable activities that prove Montana has something for every kind of traveler.
One quick note: Montana is the perfect destination to practice the art of slow travel. You’ll notice throughout this blog, there’s a complete lack of hustle and bustle. Instead, there are plenty of leisurely experiences that let you immerse in nature and learn first-hand why they call Montana “the last best place.”
1. Visit Glacier National Park
No girls trip to Montana—or any trip, for that matter!—is complete without a visit to Glacier National Park. Hit some of the major highlights, including driving at least part of jaw-dropping Going-to-the-Sun Road and hiking to Avalanche Lake and Hidden Lake.
In between, leave yourself some downtime to do more exploring, take a (chilly!) dip, or simply relax and do nothing at all. Before leaving the park, grab something to eat near Lake McDonald, preferably during sunset.
2. Explore Swan Lake
There’s no shortage of spectacular waterways in northwest Montana, but Swan Lake is really special. The 10-mile-long lake is close to Flathead Lake, surrounded by the Flathead National Forest and adjacent to the renowned Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. In other words, it’s serene and practically unspoiled. Some of the best ways to enjoy it include swimming, renting kayaks or paddleboards to cruise the glassy waters, and stargazing.
3. Hike With Llamas
Remember earlier, I mentioned unique outdoor adventures during your girls trip to Montana? Well, it doesn’t get much more unique than hiking with llamas! Actually, hold that thought—how about hiking with llamas and having wine and cheese creekside during the trek?
These gentle, sociable creatures make ideal hiking companions for Montana's rugged landscapes. Not only will you enjoy their company, but they also carry your gear, freeing you up to soak in the stunning scenery.
4. Check Out Whitefish
Venture into charming Whitefish for a day, as a great way to break up all the hiking. The mountain town looks like it belongs on a postcard, with adorable cafes, boutiques, and art galleries lining downtown. Just a few blocks away, sparkling Whitefish Lake beckons with a beach and excellent paddling. Be sure to have at least one meal and a drink or two in town. It’s difficult to narrow down the options, but one of my personal favorites is Abruzzo, a modern Italian spot.
5. Experience Jewel Basin
Much lesser-known than Glacier but spectacular in its own right, Jewel Basin is a pristine wilderness area with over 35 miles of hiking trails and nearly 30 lakes. Here, you can escape the crowds and immerse yourself in Montana’s tranquility and rugged natural beauty. Pick one of the dozen trails, then cool off with a refreshing swim in one of the crystal-clear lakes. Afterward, cap off your adventure with dinner at a local wine bar (because what’s a girls trip to Montana without some vino?!).
Ready to Explore Montana Like a Girl?
Whether your getaway is already booked or you’re still daydreaming about it, I hope this blog has helped inspire your girls trip to Montana. Wherever you are in the planning process, I’d love to answer any questions and help you make this dream trip a reality.
Please visit my website at Sunny and Turquoise Travel, where you’ll find information on upcoming women’s retreats (including Montana, of course!), past retreat itineraries, and many other trip planning resources.
With Love & Happy Trails, Lea