Howdy, partner! Have you been daydreaming of embarking on an adventure with your four-legged pal to the wild wild west this summer… with visions of log cabins tucked away in forests of ponderosa pines, in the land of rodeos where cowboys spin their spurs on bucking broncos and bulls? Perhaps you’re wandering through fields of wildflowers and picking wild huckleberries on an afternoon hike to a waterfall… or fly fishing on a winding river brimming with rainbow trout, breathing in the wide open spaces where Sacagawea once led Lewis and Clark on their grand expedition…
You, partner, have a case of Rocky Mountain Reverie, and it's time to turn that into a Rocky Mountain High! Bozeman, Montana is calling your name.
Nestled in a serene, sprawling valley of farm lands with the Gallatin and Madison Rivers to the west, the Yellowstone River to the east, the Bridger Range to the north, and Spanish Peaks to the south, Bozeman is completely surrounded by epic nature just waiting to be explored by you and your canine companion!
View from Storm Castle Peak - Image courtesy of Hike 365
Where to Stay with Your Pup
Bozeman has a range of dog-friendly accommodations for every type of traveler. You and your pup can camp-out at one of the beautiful nearby forest campgrounds, or head into town to stay in comfort and style at one of Bozeman’s contemporary hotels or Superhost Airbnbs in the heart of the quaint and lively downtown. And, if you are looking for a traditional home-on-the-range western lodge experience, the Gallatin River Lodge is located on a spacious ranch, just a short distance from the local fly-fishing watering hole—and the lodge’s namesake—The Gallatin River.
Gallatin River Lodge - Image courtesy of Montana Angler
Kimpton Armory Hotel
The LARK
RSVP Motel
Where to Eat & Drink with Your Pup
Whether you’re in the mood for down home classics like chicken fried steak and hashbrowns, or a gourmet venison, bison and wild game dining experience, Bozeman has a plethora of dog-friendly flavor-packed joints with outdoor seating to satiate your hunger and quench your thirst after a long day of exploring.
Image courtesy of Revelry
Mama Mac’s
Ted’s Montana Grill
Revelry
Feed Café
Roost Fried Chicken
MAP Brewing Company
SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop
Things to Do with Your Pup
When you and Fido head to Montana in the summertime, there is one thing you absolutely must do… take an epic hike.
Bozeman is a short drive from an abundance of breathtaking hikes, our favorite is the awe-inspiring Storm Castle Peak Hike, which overlooks the Gallatin Canyon. Some hikes also have rivers and lakes for you and Fido to take a dip in to cool off on a hot summer day.
During the summer in Montana, it is ultra-dry and hot during the day, so bring lots of water for yourself and your pup to stay hydrated. It is also good to be aware you will be hiking in bear country and are likely to see wildlife on the trail… so keep your pup close and bring some bear spray, too. Just in case!
If your legs need a break from all the hiking, take a leisurely on-leash roam with your pup around downtown Bozeman to peruse Main Street’s historic western architecture, shops and cafes. Also, try to catch the Bozeman Farmers’ Market before it ends for the season on September 7th.
When your pup needs some off-leash fun while downtown, head over to the dog park at Peets Hill/Burke Park or the canine beach at Bozeman Pond where they can take a swim!
Image courtesy of Only in Bozeman
Take an Epic Hike!
Canine Beach at Bozeman Pond
Peets Hill/Burke Park Dog Park
Window Shopping Downtown
Bozeman Farmers’ Market
Things to Do without Your Pup
There are also a ton of exciting experiences to be had in Bozeman, sans-pup. Thanks to the pup-lovers at Sit’NStay Pet Sitting, your dog will be well cared-for while you are out-and-about.
From thrill-seeking whitewater rafting, ziplining and scaling the side of a cliff, to visiting the Museum of the Rockies (MOR) to learn about Montana’s rich history, Bozeman has an array of appeals for every human member of the pack. For dino-geeks, MOR is a must do, as you will get to see one of the most extensive dinosaur exhibits in the world, filled with dinos discovered in Montana’s very own soil.
Encountering wildlife is common around Bozeman. You may even be lucky enough to pass a moose, a mountain goat or herd of elk while hiking or driving around. But to see the best wildlife and natural wonders, you need to take a day—or three—to road trip through Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone is a 3,500 square mile UNESCO World Heritage site home to a myriad of northwestern wildlife. Bison, geysers, and bears—oh my! The park sits on an ancient volcanic hotspot, giving way to spectacular geysers, including the most famous and reliable water-spouting geyser in the world, Old Faithful. Keep your eyes peeled—you might also have a chance to see the national symbol of America, the bald eagle, in its natural habitat!
If you are interested in water activities while in Montana, we highly recommend hiring a fly fishing guide from Montana Angler, so you can learn to catch rainbows and browns on the fly from the very best! But hands down, our favorite summertime water activity to do in Bozeman is river tubing. You’ll just need to gather a group of humans, pack a picnic in a cooler, and head over to Madison River Tubing to rent your inner tubes to take your refreshing 2 hour float down the Madison River. You won’t regret it!
Image courtesy of Visit MT
Montana Angler Fly Fishing Guides
Montana Whitewater Rafting and Zipline
Madison River Tubing
Montana Alpine Guides Rock Climbing
Museum of the Rockies
Bozeman Grizzly Encounter
Services for Your Pup
Sometimes Fido needs a little pampering… and you need some time to experience the town and mother nature on your own. We have all the bases covered for your pup’s particular needs and emergencies while staying in Bozeman.
Image courtesy of Only in Bozeman
Sit'NStay - Dog Sitters
DEE-O-GEE - Pet Supplies and Grooming
WellHaven Bozeman Pet Hospital
PETS of Bozeman - 24/7 Urgent Care
Bison in Yellowstone National Park - Courtesy of Travel & Leisure
At Roverlund, we know from firsthand experience the best adventures happen in the wild with your furry pals. That’s why Bozeman, Montana is our absolute favorite western city to escape to with pups in tow. Bozeman and its surrounding areas overflow with mother nature’s beauty, thrilling—as well as relaxing—activities, and plenty of yummy spots for the food and drink connoisseurs to feast upon.
So load up your Out-of-Office Carry-All and zip your pooch in their matching Out-of-Office Pet Carrier, and trek out to the wild west of the Rocky Mountains for a summer trip you and the pack will never forget!
P.S. Remember to tag @roverlund in your photos from Montana’s beautiful big sky country!
