Spring Activities to Take Advantage of Around Bozeman

Spring in Bozeman is vibrant. The hillsides green up, while a dusting of snow remains on the nearby peaks. Soon, wildflowers will dot the landscape, and the warm weather will draw people out to the rivers and trails. The offseason is a great time to explore; the summer crowds have yet to arrive, and the pace is quieter. Curious about what to do? We've got some suggestions.

Enjoy Events at Montana State University (MSU)

MSU Spring Rodeo

Rodeo season kicks off each spring with the Bobcat rodeo team competing against nine other schools from Montana and Wyoming. It's a fast-paced Western sport at its finest.

Spring Made Fair

Over 195 local artists and craftspeople gather at the Bozeman Spring Made Fair.

With a curated collection of skilled artisans and non-profits, there is something for everyone, from affordable, functional art to heirloom fine art pieces.

Explore Montana State Parks

There are several state parks around Bozeman. Missouri Headwaters State Park is a great place to fish, picnic, bike along the trails, and explore where Sacajawea was captured and where she returned with Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. Madison Buffalo Jump is a good place for hiking, and the views from the top are amazing. Native Americans used this giant limestone cliff to stampede herds of bison off to be used for food, clothing, shelter, and other provisions. Lewis and Clark Caverns is one of North America's most highly decorated limestone caverns.

Spring Fly Fishing

There's a pocket of time between when the rivers thaw out and when the runoff begins, which can be an excellent time of year for fly fishing. Bozeman is close to the Gallatin, Madison, Jefferson, Yellowstone Rivers, Hyalite Reservoir, and Hebgen Lake, about an hour down the road. (Be sure to bring layers; the weather can change quickly in the spring!)

Soak in a Hot Springs

Soaking in the spring is one of our favorite times of year. The air is crisp, the days are longer, and the warm water feels incredible. Bozeman Hot Springs is the closest, just a few miles down the road to Four Corners. Norris Hot Springs is about a forty-five-minute drive along the Madison River, and Chico Hot Springs and Yellowstone Hot Springs are both in Paradise Valley. They are each unique, but all of them are fun.

Spring Biking

Often, the trails around town remain muddy in the spring, but fortunately, there are two areas where spring biking is encouraged. Yellowstone National Park is closed to vehicles until mid-April, but when the snow melts, they allow biking in the Park. It's an amazing feeling to be biking through such a vast landscape without the noise of traffic. Copper City Trails, outside of Three Forks, is generally ready to ride in the spring. The area gets less snow in general, and it melts earlier.

Take a Scenic Drive

Spring is a gorgeous time to take a scenic drive. The loop through Gallatin Canyon to the Madison Valley is stunning. Gallatin Canyon was the location for A River Runs Through It—the road winding along the Gallatin River. You'll turn off and follow the Madison Range to the charming town of Ennis and then back along the Madison River and miles of rolling green hills. You can also head toward Livingston (an excellent shopping and dining place) and loop through Paradise Valley or continue to Yellowstone National Park.

Spring Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone National Park

You'll generally find lots of wildlife activity in Yellowstone this time of year. Baby bison, called red dogs, stick closely to their mamas, as do baby elk and deer. Bears awake from hibernation, with the males leaving their dens first, followed by the females with their cubs. In the early morning and late evening, animals are most active, and you'll have the best chance of spotting them. 

If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:

• The Best Things About Bozeman in the Spring
• Things to Know When Visiting Bozeman in the Spring
• Spring Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone