The name montaña comes from the Spanish word for Mountain, and there are 24 mountain ranges in the fourth largest (in area) state in the US. Eastern Montana is also home to large expanses of the Great Plains. 

The best way to experience the rich diversity within the state is to travel by road and stop off for hiking trails and the welcoming people of small town America. Starting in Apgar at the Glacier National Park heading east on the Going-to-the-Sun-Road, there are four services on this road. The drive is only 47 miles (77km) long, perfect to do in one day starting early in the morning. You will get to take in many breath taking views, Lake Macdonald with Mount Brown, Mount Vaught, Cannon Mountain in the distance will be the first thing to greet you from the surrounding landscape. There are plenty of turnouts for you to stop and enjoy the tranquillity, arriving at Macdonald Falls, here you can take a short hike up to the Sacred Dancing Cascade to see a series of cascading waterfalls in the rapids.

Driving on there are many stops where you can stop and do a hike to experience different topography and visit historical sites. Most notable are the Trail of the Cedar, Red Rock Point, Avalanche Exhibit, Jackson Glacier Turnout, Saint Mary’s Fall, Sun Point and Wild Goose Island Viewpoint. Finally, you arrive to St. Mary’s where you can stay for a night. You can hire kayak’s, canoes and paddle boards to explore St Mary’s Lake and enjoy some water sports.

Next stop Yellowstone National Park via US Highway 89, a total distance of 384 miles (618 km). Depart from St Mary and 20 miles down the road consider a side trip from Kiowa to East Glacier Park by travelling the jaw dropping Looking Glass Hill Road. Arriving at Browning, you can immerse yourself in Native American history at the Museum of the Plains Indian. Continuing south for 58 miles arriving at Bynum, where you can then take a side trip on Blackleaf Road, allowing you to explore Blackleaf Wildlife Management Area and Blackleaf Canyon.

Cross the river Tenton, A few miles from the river is the town of Choteau. Dinosaur lovers should check The Old Trail Museum that houses a full Maisaura skeleton, the first dinosaur egg to be excavated in the Western Hemisphere and Native American artefacts. On the road again, you will pass by the town of Great Falls, where you can experience the Giant Springs State Park.

There are many options to take whilst heading south on US highway 89, choose from; the White Sulphur Springs, Sluice Boxes State Park, Lewis and Clark National Forest, Livingston Depot Centre, Museum of the Rockies, Mallard’s Rest Fishing Access and Devils Slide. 

 Arriving in Gardiner and continue on to enter the North Gate and enjoy Yellowstone National Park.