Recreate Responsibly in Southwest Montana
Recreate Responsibly in Southwest Montana
We're committed to keeping Montana's outdoor spaces, communities, residents and visitors safe. As you enjoy all the area has to offer, please join us in following these guidelines for responsible recreation.
Recreate Responsibly Learn More
Know Before You Go
Before arriving, check the status of the place you'd like to visit. It's good to have a backup plan if your destination is closed or crowded. Consider adjusting the time of day you plan to explore. By arriving early, you may experience shorter lines and reduced crowds for a more enjoyable experience!
Practice Physical Distancing
Indoors or outdoors, be prepared to encounter others with different social distancing comfort levels. If you can, give other people as much space as possible. On trails, move over to let stock (horses and mules) pass, yield to other hikers and be respectful of other users. If you know you'll be in an area with other people, have a mask at the ready. Keep your group small and if you are sick (have a cough, cold, fever, etc.) or have been in contact with individuals who have been sick, stay home and plan to visit when you're well.
Plan Ahead
Check our local regulations for the latest safety measures. Facilities might be closed, so consider packing a lunch and bring essentials like extra water, food/snacks, bug spray and a first aid kit. In Montana, both weather and terrain can change quickly. We recommend packing clothing layers to add or remove as weather changes.
Build an Inclusive Outdoors
Do your part to help make our outdoor spaces safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
Play It Safe
Have fun, but know your limits. Take it slow and choose lower-risk activities to reduce the strain on search and rescue operations and health care resources. Remember that Montana is home to bears, mountain goats, mountain lions, elk, deer and more. If you plan to spend time outside, be prepared to have an encounter with our abundant wildlife. Give wildlife their space, do not approach them and do not feed them. If you plan to hike, be sure to go with a friend, make noise on the trail (talking or clapping), carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Explore Locally
Our area is full of local parks, trails and public spaces. Enjoy them while being mindful of your impact on the surrounding communities. Check in with local Chambers or Visitor Information Centers to pick up travel guides and maps, as well as get suggestions for things to do, places to go and insider tips.
Leave No Trace
Pack your garbage out with you and clean up properly. When recreating on public lands, be sure to take care of them by staying on trails. If you plan to camp while you're here, be sure to do so in an existing campsite or pick a site where vegetation is absent. It's important to respect public lands and waters, as well as Native and local communities.
MONTANA TRAVEL UPDATES
Glacier National Park's Ticketed Entry
Reservations are required in Glacier National Park for vehicles within four areas of the park during the summer of 2023. Each location has specific details and needs a separate reservation. Find more information here. https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm
Yellowstone National Park Road Conditions
Road conditions and construction can change regularly in Yellowstone National Park. For current road conditions and road construction, click here. https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm
Rental Car Shortage
Locations across the United States are experiencing a rental car shortage. Be sure to make your rental car reservation at the same time you make any flight arrangements. We recommend calling the car rental agency's local number to ensure the most up-to-date availability rather than relying on a website.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and find the overlooked beauty in the little things.
County Health Information for Southwest Montana
Montana Travel Related Resources
** Many events in Southwest Montana have been postponed - please visit their individual websites for the most up-to-date information!
