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.
- Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and by Alcatraz Island
- Admire Sausalito, the Marin Headlands, Angel Island, and more
- Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating (plus food and drinks to purchase)
- Open ticket gives you the flexibility to choose any departure time
What To Expect
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center
Welcome to the Big Sky Drive! This scenic drive packs the very best of Montana into a single breathtaking route. We’ll see lofty peaks and pristine rivers, rocky canyons and wide plains, all while hearing about the fascinating history of this landscape.
Note: This 80-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Big Sky Drive in 2-3 hours.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Madison River
The Madison travels over 150 miles from Yellowstone National Park all the way to the Missouri River near Three Forks. Its story begins long, long ago, during the Ice Age!
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
U.S. Route 191
We’re cruising along U.S. Highway 191. If we were to keep driving to its end, we’d land right near the U.S.-Canada border. If we turned around and drove the other way, it would take us all the way to the red deserts of Arizona! In other words, it’s a mighty long road!
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Crowfoot Ridge
This 10,000-foot mountain in the Gallatin Range gets its name from Chief Crowfoot, a celebrated leader of the Blackfoot tribe. Legend has it that a hungry grizzly bear once wandered into Chief Crowfoot’s camp, searching for prey. The warriors were away, and only Crowfoot stood between the bear and his people. But he picked up a spear and faced down the beast without fear. A fierce battle ensued… and Crowfoot won!
• Admission Ticket Free
Gallatin Range
We’re driving almost exactly on the state line between Montana and Wyoming. The mountains to our right belong to the Gallatin Range, much of which stretches down into Wyoming.
• Admission Ticket Free
Gallatin River
Up ahead, we’ll soon see the mighty Gallatin River alongside the road. We’ll get to know the Gallatin very well today: Our route will follow the river almost all the way to our final destination!
• Admission Ticket Free
Gallatin National Forest
See that cluster of mountains directly in front of us? In the middle stands King Butte, and to the right is Big Horn Peak. Each of these mountains rises to almost 10,000 feet!
• Admission Ticket Free
Cinnamon Mountain
The peak rising on our left is Cinnamon Mountain. This sweet-sounding peak actually holds an important place in the history of Montana wildfires.
• Admission Ticket Free
Big Sky Resort
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
Mount Chipperfield
The leftmost mountain in front of us is Mount Chipperfield. Directly to the right of it stands Wilson Peak, towering at 10,600 feet. Can you guess the namesake of Wilson Peak? I’ll give you a hint: He ratified the 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote.
• Admission Ticket Free
Big Sky Meadow Village
In a moment, we’ll pass the road which leads to Big Sky Meadow Village and the Big Sky Ski Resort. When we do, make sure you look to the left to catch a glimpse of Lone Mountain.
• Admission Ticket Free
Spanish Peaks Mountain Club
The mountains on our left belong to a sub-range of the Madisons known as the Spanish Peaks.
• Admission Ticket Free
Lava Lake Trailhead
This moderately challenging, 5-mile hike climbs almost 2,000 feet in elevation and can take over three hours to complete, but it rewards hikers with a seriously magnificent sight: Lave Lake! Contrary to the name, this pristine snow-fed lake is very, very chilly. Forested slopes climb around the lake on all sides, and you’ll be able to catch great views right into the center of the Spanish Peaks.
• Admission Ticket Free
Sagebrush Drive
The Big Sky region has seen no shortage of conflicts. But a much quieter battle rages around us right now. As we’ve been driving, you’ve probably seen sections of the valley covered in grayish-green scrub. Some of this vegetation is sagebrush, an important shrub in the area.
• Admission Ticket Free
Gallatin Canyon
U.S. Route 191 runs through the bottom of the Canyon, following the natural path of the Gallatin River. This has been an essential passageway for millennia. Animals often follow the river and the relatively flat land that surrounds it, hoping to avoid the craggy terrain higher in the mountains. Indigenous tribes like the Shoshone and the Bannock flocked down the Gallatin River Canyon, pulling fish and aquatic plants from its waters.
• Admission Ticket Free
Storm Castle
See that tall, rocky outcropping to our right? That’s the 7,000-foot mountain known by the dramatic name Storm Castle.
• Admission Ticket Free
Mule Deer Trail
As we drive, make sure to keep an eye out for another classic Montana character: the mule deer.
• Admission Ticket Free
Gallatin Gateway
During the 1800s, all sorts of ranchers, cattlemen, and homesteaders who spread down the length of the Gallatin River stopped in Gallatin Gateway as they made their way to and from Bozeman.
• Admission Ticket Free
Bozeman
The town gets its name from John Bozeman, who came here in the late 1800s. What makes him so important? Well, he masterminded the Bozeman Trail!
• Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
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.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Max group – 4
