In the heart of Southern Montana, your Path to Paradise awaits. Come unwind, escape and experience the soul of Montana. The friendly mountain communities of Livingston, through Paradise Valley, to Gardiner offer a wealth of paths for every taste in every season

Pick Your Path

path to Paradise in Montana

Click on the interactive map to Pick Your Path to Paradise in Montana

detailed itineraries below

buffalo next to entrance of Yellowstone

From Livingston through Paradise Valley to Gardiner, when you visit today you’re investing in the future of our small communities. Can’t make the trip? Consider donating to either the Yellowstone Community Fund or the South West Montana Relief Fund to help our communities recover from the economic and physical impacts brought on by the historic flooding of June 2022.

Arts & Culture

Start your trip browsing Livingston’s rich array of arts and culture venues: a dozen art galleries, two art museums, five bookstores, and dozens of vintage, thrift, boutique, and western shops in historic Downtown. Follow the #LivingstonMuralTrail and enjoy Downtown Livingston’s public art. Catch a live music or theater performance, literary event, arts festival, or movie after enjoying dinner at one of Livingston’s many ethnic, rustic, casual, or fine dining restaurants or two breweries. Enjoy a restful night at historic, budget or deluxe lodging.

Before heading south to Gardiner, source a picnic basket and supplies at one of Livingston’s specialty grocery or gourmet stores for an afternoon of adventures. As you drive down Paradise Valley, take time to pull over at fishing access and historic markers along the way to take photos, picnic, and marvel at the beauty of the Absaroka Mountains and the Yellowstone River flowing through it that has inspired generations of artists of all disciplines, many who have chosen to call this Valley home. Choose a seasonal class or activity at Chico Hot Springs or Sage Lodge, and enjoy a soak or swim at Chico Hot Springs or Yellowstone Hot Springs... THERE'S MORE, KEEP READING

three musicians playing on a truck bed
festival goers next to lake
Photo Credit Henry Harrison

River & Water Adventures

How do you want to enjoy the legendary Yellowstone River? Rafting, fishing, paddle board, kayak, or scenic river boat? Between Gardiner and Livingston you can book a trip or rent the gear for any one of these adventures - plus enjoy hot springs and lakes!

In Livingston check out river rentals and trips and river conditions at Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Co or any of the great other fly shops on your way to the river. Make sure to grab a charcuterie tray, sandwiches, or fare of your choice and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and rain gear for those unexpected storms and hot sun. Remember to recreate responsibly, wear a life vest on the water, and make safe choices. After a full day on the river, enjoy one of Livingston’s ever-changing event options, or linger over a great meal and take an evening walk to catch the sunset and famed vintage neon signs in Downtown Livingston before relaxing at the local lodging of your choice.

Whether your group is seeking the thrill of rapids or looking for a peaceful float, checkout one of Gardiner’s rafting companies where there is something for every skill level. On your trip you’re sure to see stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife like elk, bald eagles, pronghorns, otters and more! ... THERE'S MORE, KEEP READING

woman standing next to inflatable boats
two people sitting next to water
Photo Credit Henry Harrison

History

Traveling through Paradise Valley, from Livingston to Gardiner experience the historic gateway, and only year-round access, to the world’s first national park – Yellowstone. In addition to drawing visitors from around the world since the park’s founding in 1872, these communities have been historic ranching, hunting, mining, and entertainment hubs. Gardiner, the park’s original entrance, is home to the historic Roosevelt Arch, and boasts a colorful history sprinkled with trappers, mountain men, and well-known characters like Jim Bridger and Henry Washburn. Livingston was founded in 1882 as the division headquarters of the Northern Pacific Railway, with the railroad running to Gardiner through the 1940’s. Livingston was once home to Calamity Jane, with rowdy cowboys, miners, railroad workers, visiting royalty, movie stars and artists adding to its legendary history.

Immerse yourself in history by starting in Gardiner for photos at the Roosevelt Arch. Then book a guided tour, hike, or bike into Yellowstone National Park, the historic stagecoach route from Gardiner into Mammoth is expected to be open to full vehicle traffic by mid-October. Learn more about Yellowstone Park’s history as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary and visit Gardiner’s historic Park Street dating back to the late 1800’s with vibrant shopping, dining, a range of lodging and hospitality businesses, and the Gardiner Visitor Information Center’s photo history hall. Then head over to the Yellowstone Heritage Research Center where millions of park archives – ranging from written documents to Native American artifacts – are secured together and rotating exhibits can be seen, before visiting check to see if you can reserve space on a tour (offered seasonally). ... THERE'S MORE, KEEP READING

arch at Yellowstone
family looking at museum exhibit
Photo Credit Henry Harrison

Family Fun

Bring the family to explore a paradise of adventure and interactive activities. In Gardiner activities are endless make plans for ziplining and white water rafting or if you prefer, horseback riding, or an ebike tour or rental, and fuel up at the many casual dining or food truck options and stock up on goodies to keep the kids happy at Gardiner’s grocery and supply stores. Stop at the Gardiner Visitor Informaiton Center to pick up your free kids activity pack and recommendations on where to get a local favorite - Wilcoxson’s ice cream. Then take the family for photos at Gardiner’s Five Fun Photo Ops to capture the experience. Rest up at one of the many accommodation options in Gardiner.

After breakfast in Gardiner, drive north on Hwy 89 and watch for diverse wildlife; elk, bison, deer, eagles and more on your way to Paradise Valley (play a game counting how many species you spot!) Stop for a soak & swim at Yellowstone Hot Springs or Chico Hot Springs then choose an interactive activity at one of the resorts; from frisbee golf to mountain biking at Chico to ax throwing, rock climbing, or a llama hike from Sage Lodge. Enjoy a burger or BBQ in Pray, and lodging in Paradise Valley or Livingston. ... THERE'S MORE, KEEP READING

person taking photo of family while hiking
family on bikes in front of mural
Photo Credit Henry Harrison

take the paradise pledge

We hope you have a chance to experience the same sense of wonder, amazement and gratitude that we do from this very special place. Paradise Valley and Yellowstone National Park’s northern gateway possess abundant natural beauty and countless opportunities to experience an area with abundant wildlife and wild landscapes. This is the ancestral home to the Crow and Shoshone tribes and is now home to a diverse community that value and steward this special place.

Our western hospitality welcomes all who visit here and we ask you to take this pledge to affirm your commitment to invest in this place, as we do everyday, with respect and care.

We hope you love, respect, and enjoy what Paradise has to offer!

Photo Credit Henry Harrison
man biking next to water