A Mountain Town Escape

If you’ve had the opportunity to spend a day in Bozeman, Montana, consider yourself lucky. With three world-renowned rivers, countless hiking, biking, and running trails, exquisite restaurants, and numerous local, hand-crafted brews, there’s more you’ll want to see and do than you have time for. Backcountry spent their time in Bozeman with Miles Gayton, a ski patroller up at Big Sky who lives in Bozeman, and Maria Lovely, a Big Sky native, Backcountry Ambassador, and member of the Nordica Freeride Ski Team who now lives in Bozeman. They got the local’s take on the best spots to check out if you’re in town.

First Steps

Catch the sunrise with a cup of joe from Treeline Coffee Roasters. Sit, sip, and take in the warm aroma of freshly roasted beans mixed with the sweet scent of baked goods from the neighboring Wild Crumb Bakery. Treeline, started by a woman who loves adventure as much as good coffee, specializes in roasting sustainably sourced beans made to fuel your adventures.

 

On the Move

Next up, we suggest you get moving! Getting in shape for skiing, training for an event, or love your workouts? Epic Fitness Center Bozeman is the place to sweat. Grab a day pass and get access to their indoor cycling studio, a variety of group exercise classes, an open gym, and some yoga. Co-located with Clearwater Physical Therapy, which is an orthopedic and sports medicine clinic, the businesses focus on functional fitness, conditioning, recovery, and rehabilitation for athletes of all ability levels.

 

Get Above It

Bozeman is home to a huge climbing community. There are endless outdoor climbs nearby, one of the most accessible being Bozeman Pass. With such an incredible view, this area boasts lots of climbers when the weather permits. Sport routes range in variety between 5.6-5.13b.

 

For indoor climbing and bouldering, head to Spire Climbing Center. They offer gear rental and climbing lessons for all levels. Book a session or DIY at this awesome facility.

Refuel

Located on Main Street is JAM!, a popular breakfast and lunch spot offering a modern-day twist to traditional dishes, paired with an extensive drink menu that includes breakfast cocktails and handcrafted espressos. And for those in search of a true Montana meal, head over to The Western Café. There, you’ll be served a homemade, cooked-from-scratch dish sourced locally. Cowboy style!

 

Hikin’ All Around

Nestled at the mouth of Bridger Canyon is the M Trail: a three mile round-trip hike and a quick climb to the landmark “M,” created by Montana State University students in 1915. Prepare yourself! Hiking in Bozeman often entails scenic mountain views, friendly faces, and furry four-pawed friends.

 

Drink Up

As evening approaches, enjoy a few of Bozeman’s local brews. Absorb the city’s energy on the rooftop of Bozeman Taproom & Fill, and grab a bite while you watch the sun set over the jaw-dropping Bridger Mountains and Bozeman Beach while seated at Map Brewing Co. After you’ve rested a second and, uh, rehydrated, be sure to check out the lesser-known Bozeman nightlife. With so much to do in a mountain town, it’s not hard to believe that this is the type of thing that often gets overlooked. But there are tons of fun things to do at night in Bozeman. A concert or movie at the Rialto is a must, and we definitely suggest a late night ice cream cone from Sweet Peaks. Once you’ve checked these landmarks off your list, stroll the well-lit city streets and take it in.

And remember: to get the most out of Bozeman, it’s crucial to start early, and stay late. As far as we’re concerned, sleep can wait.

 

About the Author

Big mountain skier Maria Lovely lives an adventuresome life. Growing up in Montana consisted of more time spent outdoors than in, which explains why Maria’s developed a love for the outdoor world, the community within, and the trusted gear that helps her conquer challenges that arise in the mountains.