Gold West Country Travel Guide

Explore the beauty and culture of Gold West Country with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and insider tips for your ultimate adventure in Montana's Rocky Mountains.


Introduction to Gold West Country

Gold West Country is a hidden gem located in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, United States. A vast region comprised of 10 distinct counties that offer an array of natural treasures, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Travelers who seek scenic landscapes, adventure activities, and fascinating history will love it here.

List of Places to Visit in Gold West Country

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site: A working ranch that preserves the memory of a long-gone way of life. Learn about ranching history and activities.
  • Copper King Mansion: A 34-room mansion built by a wealthy man who also funded Montana’s copper boom in the late 1800s.
  • Montana Historical Society & Museum: A State history museum that tells the story of Montana through its exhibits and collections.

Natural Attractions of Gold West Country: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yellowstone National Park: A world-renowned park for its hot springs, geysers, and wildlife.
  • Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park: A natural limestone cave system that offers guided tours along with hiking trails and camping.
  • Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: Mountain scenery, fishing, and hunting opportunities for all nature enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gold West Country

  • Montana Divide Trail: A 230-mile long trail that offers stunning views of the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountains.
  • Tobacco Root Mountains: An adventurous terrain for hikers and bikers with many trails for all skill levels and abilities.
  • Continental Divide Trail: A 3,100-mile-long trail that passes through Montana’s Rocky Mountains and other states; a perfect destination for avid hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Gold West Country: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Springs Soaking: Visit a natural hot spring in Montana and take advantage of its therapeutic benefits.
  • Fly-fishing in Blue Ribbon Streams: Try fly-fishing in Montana’s rivers, which offer an ideal environment for trout fishing.
  • Ghost Town Tours: Head over to Bannack State Park, an old mining town. Visitors can discover the history of bygone mining towns of Montana.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gold West Country

Day 1 Visit Yellowstone and the nearby town of West Yellowstone
Day 2 Explore Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site and Montana Tech University Museum of Geology
Day 3 Head out on the Montana Divide Trail for a day hike
Day 4 Go fly-fishing or take a hot springs soak
Day 5 Discover the beauty of the Big Hole River and its surroundings
Day 6 Check out Bannack State Park and other historical sites
Day 7 Enjoy a horseback riding activity in Beaverhead National Forest

Food and Drink Scene of Gold West Country

Must-Try Dishes

  • Huckleberry-Flavored Treats: Try locally sourced huckleberry pizza, ice cream, or muffins.
  • Bison Burgers: Savor the taste of bison burgers, a western-style dish that is often on menus.
  • Beef Jerky: Get a bag of beef jerky which is typically made from locally raised cattle.

Local Beverages

  • Montana Craft Beer: Sample local craft beer, a staple in Montana bars and brewpubs.
  • Montana Wines: Try the Montana Vintner Program’s award-winning wines.
  • Cowboy Coffee: Taste Montana’s cowboy coffee, a strong and rich cup of coffee brewed over a campfire.

Where to Stay in Gold West Country: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Elkhorn Hot Springs: A rustic lodge and hot springs resort located in the Elkhorn Mountains.
  • Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: A family-friendly resort nestled in Anaconda, Montana, offering indoor and outdoor hot springs, golfing, and more.
  • Sacajawea Hotel: A historic hotel located in Three Forks that has been standing for over 100 years, featuring Montana-themed rooms.

What to Buy in Gold West Country: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Huckleberry Products: Take home a jar of huckleberry jam, syrup, or barbecue sauce.
  • Handwoven Rugs and Blankets: Buy a souvenir from the local artisans
  • Montana-Yogo Blue Sapphires: Shop for a piece of Montana’s state gemstone.

Local Culture and Customs of Gold West Country

Montana has a rich cultural history, and its cowboy and ranching culture is still prevalent today. Respect and admiration for nature and wildlife are an essential part of the state’s culture.

Best Time to Visit Gold West Country

Summer is the best time to visit Gold West Country. The weather is sunny and warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and visiting hot springs. Winters in Montana are incredibly harsh with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gold West Country

Do:

  • Dress in layers to avoid harsh changes in temperature.
  • Treat every encounter with wildlife cautiously.
  • Take bear spray with you when hiking in bear country.

Don’t:

  • Disturb the natural environment by littering or feeding wildlife.
  • Ignore weather warnings and advisories.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gold West Country

Montana has its safety concerns, such as extreme weather conditions, wildfires, and remote areas with limited cell service. Ensure you carry enough gear and emergency supplies with you when venturing out into the backcountry.

Health in Gold West Country

Visitors to Montana and Gold West Country will have to consider the usual altitude adjustment. Additionally, travelers should be aware of the risk of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, during outdoor adventures. Make sure to use insect repellent and check your gear and skin for ticks often.

Getting to Gold West Country: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gold West Country

The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and Missoula International Airport (MSO) are Montana’s main airports and serve as important airlines hubs for the state. From these locations, it is easy to rent a car or proceed to bus services.

Bus Stations Near Gold West Country

Greyhound Bus Lines services the cities and towns throughout Montana, with stops at stations located in most of the significant hubs.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: Amtrak’s Empire Builder provides services between Chicago and Seattle, with stops in Montana.
  • Car Rentals: Rent a car and drive through Montana’s scenic mountain roads to explore its beauty.

How to Get Around in Gold West Country

Public transportation is not a strong point in Montana. The most convenient mode of transportation is by car, and car rentals are readily available at Bozeman and Missoula airports. If you plan to hike or bike through the trails, be sure to have a reliable map as cellular network service can be spotty in some areas.

Where to Go Next from Gold West Country: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Glacier National Park: Considered the crown jewel of Montana, well famous for its stunning hikes and scenery.
  • The Beartooth Highway: One of the most scenic drives in Montana, taking you through stunning landscapes and ending near Yellowstone National Park.
  • The C.M Russell Museum: A museum in Great Falls displaying the artwork of famed Western artist C.M. Russell.

Conclusion

Gold West Country presents a rare opportunity to explore the Rocky Mountains’ vast expanses and discover the state’s fascinating history and culture. With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation opportunities, it’s no surprise that Montana attracts visitors from all around the world. Use our travel guide to plan your next trip to Montana’s Gold West Country, and make it an unforgettable adventure.

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest


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