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.
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West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center - Welcome to the Big Sky Drive! This picturesque drive encapsulates the essence of Montana in one stunning route. Experience towering peaks, untouched rivers, rugged canyons, and expansive plains, all while learning about the intriguing history of this landscape.
Note: This 80-mile tour highlights the key…
- West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center - Welcome to the Big Sky Drive! This picturesque drive encapsulates the essence of Montana in one stunning route. Experience towering peaks, untouched rivers, rugged canyons, and expansive plains, all while learning about the intriguing history of this landscape.
Note: This 80-mile tour highlights the key features of Big Sky Drive in 2-3 hours.
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Madison River - The Madison flows over 150 miles from Yellowstone National Park to the Missouri River near Three Forks. Its origins trace back to the Ice Age!
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U.S. Route 191 - We’re traveling along U.S. Highway 191. Continuing to its end would bring us near the U.S.-Canada border, while heading the opposite direction leads to Arizona’s red deserts! It’s truly a lengthy road!
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Crowfoot Ridge - This 10,000-foot mountain in the Gallatin Range is named after Chief Crowfoot, a renowned Blackfoot tribe leader. Legend tells of a hungry grizzly bear entering Chief Crowfoot’s camp. With the warriors away, Crowfoot bravely faced the bear with a spear, ultimately triumphing in a fierce battle.
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Gallatin Range - We’re driving almost precisely on the state line between Montana and Wyoming. The mountains to our right are part of the Gallatin Range, extending into Wyoming.
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Gallatin River - Ahead, we’ll soon encounter the majestic Gallatin River alongside the road. Our journey will closely follow the river nearly to our final destination!
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Gallatin National Forest - Observe the mountain cluster directly ahead. King Butte stands in the center, with Big Horn Peak to the right, each nearly 10,000 feet tall!
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Cinnamon Mountain - The peak on our left is Cinnamon Mountain. Despite its sweet name, it holds significant importance in Montana’s wildfire history.
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Big Sky Resort - In a few miles, we’ll pass the turn-off for the renowned Big Sky Ski Resort, which helped popularize these mountains. But how did this resort originate? It began with Montana native Chet Huntley.
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Huntley Lodge - In a few miles, we’ll pass the turn-off for the famous Big Sky Ski Resort, which helped put these mountains on the map. But how did this resort get here in the first place? It started with Montana native Chet Huntley.
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Mount Chipperfield - The leftmost mountain ahead is Mount Chipperfield. To its right is Wilson Peak, towering at 10,600 feet. Can you guess who Wilson Peak is named after? Here’s a hint: He ratified the 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote.
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Big Sky Meadow Village - Soon, we’ll pass the road leading to Big Sky Meadow Village and the Big Sky Ski Resort. Be sure to look left to catch a glimpse of Lone Mountain.
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Spanish Peaks Mountain Club - The mountains on our left belong to a sub-range of the Madisons known as the Spanish Peaks.
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Lava Lake Trailhead - This moderately challenging, 5-mile hike ascends nearly 2,000 feet and can take over three hours to complete, but it rewards 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 spectacular views into the heart of the Spanish Peaks.
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Sagebrush Drive - The Big Sky region has experienced numerous conflicts. However, a quieter battle is ongoing around us. As we drive, you may notice sections of the valley covered in grayish-green scrub. Some of this vegetation is sagebrush, a vital shrub in the area.
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Gallatin Canyon - U.S. Route 191 runs through the canyon’s base, following the natural path of the Gallatin River. This has been a crucial passageway for millennia. Animals often follow the river and the relatively flat land surrounding it to avoid the rugged terrain higher in the mountains. Indigenous tribes like the Shoshone and the Bannock traveled down the Gallatin River Canyon, fishing and gathering aquatic plants from its waters.
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Storm Castle - Notice the tall, rocky outcropping to our right? That’s the 7,000-foot mountain known as Storm Castle.
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Mule Deer Trail - As we drive, keep an eye out for another classic Montana resident: the mule deer.
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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.
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Bozeman - The town is named after John Bozeman, who arrived here in the late 1800s. Why is he significant? He masterminded the Bozeman Trail!
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
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Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
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- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Embark on an adventurous self-guided driving tour through Big Sky. Start at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center, a gateway to natural wonders. Journey along the Madison River, capturing the serene beauty and tales of the Hegben Lake Earthquake. Follow the path on U.S. Highway 191, a scenic route framed by breathtaking mountain ranges, unveiling the…
Embark on an adventurous self-guided driving tour through Big Sky. Start at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center, a gateway to natural wonders. Journey along the Madison River, capturing the serene beauty and tales of the Hegben Lake Earthquake. Follow the path on U.S. Highway 191, a scenic route framed by breathtaking mountain ranges, unveiling the secrets of their majestic formation. Witness the splendor of the Gallatin Range and River, a harmony of nature’s artistry and tranquility, perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
- Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
- CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed.
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.