Paradise Valley, Montana, leaves a lasting impression. The Absaroka Mountains tower over one side, the Gallatin Range over the other, and the Yellowstone River cuts through its center. It’s home to natural beauty and deep history.
People visit Paradise Valley, Montana, to take scenic drives, camp, fish, cross-country ski, and swim in hot springs. Read on to learn all about Paradise Valley, Montana, and discover the best things to do there.
Table of contents
- What Makes Paradise Valley so Special?
- Where is Paradise Valley, Montana?
- Best Things to Do in Paradise Valley, Montana
- FAQ
What Makes Paradise Valley so Special?
Paradise Valley is a wide, rolling grassland split by the Yellowstone River. It’s flanked by the towering Absaroka Range on the east and the Gallatin Range on the West. Visitors come to experience local ranches, dude ranches, hot springs, fishing, and scenic views.
Paradise Valley, MT, is also home to a range of native Montana wildlife. It’s a winter range for various elk herds, specifically the Northern Herd and the Paradise Valley Herd.
Early Expedition Route
US Highway 89 and old Highway 540 (the East River Road) are the main roads passing through Paradise Valley, Montana. Each road passes on opposite sides of the Yellowstone River. They follow one of the early Yellowstone expedition routes. This was the only official route into Yellowstone National Park when the park was established in 1872.
The East River Road is a slower, less crowded route through the valley. Highway 89 is faster, but with heavier traffic. Highway 89 passes through Gardiner and into Yellowstone National Park. It takes about the same time to travel the valley on either route.
Where is Paradise Valley, Montana?
Paradise Valley, Montana, is located in Park County, south-central Montana, between Livingston and Gardiner. The valley stretches north-south, from Livingston to Yankee Jim Canyon. Its southern end is 15 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s north entrance.
You can reach Paradise Valley, Montana, on I-90 from Billings or Bozeman. Take the “Livingston” exit off I-90 and drive south on Highway 89 past the Albertson’s supermarket and Murdoch’s Ranch & Supply. Shortly after, you’ll enter Paradise Valley.
Paradise Valley, Montana, on the Map
North east of Paradise Valley is the Bozeman Pass. This pass separates Livingston and Paradise Valley from Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley to the west. The Gallatin Valley has some of the best skiing in Montana.
Best Things to Do in Paradise Valley, Montana
People visit Paradise Valley, Montana, for its hot springs, camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, and the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop. I discuss each of these in detail below.
1. Hot Springs in Paradise Valley, Montana
A complex underground network of geothermal activity lies beneath Paradise Valley, creating many hot springs. Guests come to the various Paradise Valley hot springs to stay the night, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, and relax in the warm, natural geothermal waters.
Hot springs in Paradise Valley, Montana, include:
- Chico Hot Springs
- La Duke Hot Springs
- Hunter’s Hot Springs
Each hot spring is historic, dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, during Montana’s mining era. Visiting the hot springs of Paradise Valley, Montana, today is a treatment for body and soul and a step into Montana’s past.
2. Lodges, Cabins, and Glamping in Paradise Valley, Montana
Wake up to the rolling Yellowstone River and views of the Absaroka range out your front door. Here are some accommodation options in Paradise Valley, MT, for those who want to come, spend some nights, and explore the Valley on their own.
East of the Yellowstone River:
- Chicory House Bed & Breakfast: A quaint bed and breakfast along the banks of the Yellowstone
- Sage Lodge: luxury Montana resort
- Yellowstone Dreamin Camp: Quintessential glamping tents on wooden decks
- Elk Cabin: A cabin set above the Yellowstone River with wonderful views
West of the Yellowstone River:
- Paradise Gateway B&B: A homey lodge and cabin complex with
- Yellowstone Cabin: A comfortable cabin with views of the Yellowstone River and Emigrant Peak
- Emigrant Cabins: Quaint cabins for individuals or families. Each cabin features a private porch and views of Emigrant Peak
- Yellowstone Valley Lodge: a collection of contemporary cabins along the Yellowstone River on a ranch-style property
- Pitch Yellowstone: Heated dome tents with private kitchens and bathrooms
3. Camping in Paradise Valley, Montana
Pitch a tent or park your RV in a Paradise Valley campground and enjoy views of the stars on a clear night over the Gallatin and Absaroka ranges.
Campgrounds in Paradise Valley, Montana, include:
- Pine Creek Campground
- Mallard’s Rest Campground
- Loch Leven Campground
- Snowbank Campground
- Dailey Lake Campground
- Canyon Campground
- Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA
Most campgrounds in Paradise Valley are paid.
Paradise Valley is home to grizzly and black bear populations. Always carry bear bells and bear spray when hiking or doing anything outdoors here. When camping, use bear-proof lockers for food storage. Or, store food and trash in your vehicle or suspend it in a tree 300ft (100m) from camp.
Watch: How to Keep Bears Away While Camping (8 Tips and Tricks)
4. Cross-Country Skiing Paradise Valley, Montana
Paradise Valley offers great Nordic skiing tracks. Many ranches and dude ranches in the area maintain groomed trails, including skate-ski and classic tracks.
Cross-country skiing tracks in Paradise Valley, Montana:
- B-Bar ranch: In Carbella, turn right off Highway 89 onto Tom Miner Creek Road. Cross the Yellowstone River and continue south.
- Mill Creek: Drive south from Livingston on Highway 89 for 15 miles. At the Mill Creek Road intersection, turn left. Go to the end of the road and park. From January 1, the gate closes to motor vehicles and opens for winter recreation.
5. Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
The Paradise Valley Scenic Loop is a paved, 62-mile drive through Paradise Valley. It consists of two roads: US Highway 89 and US Highway 540 (East River Road). Together, they form a loop through the Valley. You can travel the loop in either direction.
The Highway 89 segment is faster, newer, and busier during the summer months. Thousands of people travel through Paradise Valley daily, coming to and from Yellowstone National Park. As a result, there’s heavy traffic on Highway 89.
Traffic on the East River Road is light, offering a slower drive. However, each road takes about the same time.
Paradise Valley Scenic Loop Map
Quick Facts About the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
- Length: 62 miles
- Road type: Paved
- Nearby towns: Livingston, Gardiner
- 4WD: Not needed
- Traffic: Mild to Heavy
- Trailers: Allowed
- Season: Year-round
Start: five Miles South of Livingston
From Livingston, drive south on Highway 89. The scenic loop begins five miles south of town, at the junction of Highway 89 and the East River Road.
Follow the East River Road to the left, over the Yellowstone River past Carter’s Bridge Fishing Access Site. Here, the slow drive through the Valley begins. The Absaroka Range stands to the east, while the Gallatin Range stands to the west, offering beautiful views.
Midway: Mill Creek Road Junction
After 15 minutes, you’ll reach a midway point at the Mill Creek Road junction. Travelers who are short on time can turn right, join Highway 89, and return to Livingston.
Otherwise, continue south on the East River Road. Thirty-two miles later, the East River Road ends at the Highway 89 junction.
End: back to Livingston
At the Highway 89 junction, you can merge onto Highway 89 and continue south to Gardiner and the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
To stay on the scenic loop, turn right onto Highway 89 and drive north to Livingston. While traffic on this stretch of the journey is thicker, it offers excellent views of the Absaroka Range.
Sites Along the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
- Mallard’s Rest Fishing Access Site. Mallard’s Rest offers breathtaking views. Exit Highway 89 at milepost 42 (driving south to north), take the gravel road about 300 ft, and stop at the switchback. Gaze out over the lazy horseshoe bend in the Yellowstone river before the towering peaks of the Absaroka Range. This view is spectacular – especially in the 5pm summer light.
- Mount Cowen. The tallest peak in Paradise Valley, Montana. It sits halfway up the valley, at 11,212 ft (3,417 m) tall, on the east side in the Absaroka range.
- Other peaks
- Black Mountain – 10,941 ft (3,335 m)
- Mineral Mountain – 10,381 ft, (3,164m)
- Monitor Mountain – 10,420 ft (3,176m)
- Mt Chisholm – 10,333 ft (3,149m)
- River access. There are multiple access points along the Yellowstone River where you can stop and rest.
- Pray. A beautiful little town about halfway up the valley
- Chico Hot Springs. A historic lodge with hot springs
- Dailey Lake. A clear-water lake with rocky beaches and stunning surroundings
- Yellowstone National Park. The park entrance lies 15 miles from the end of Paradise Valley.
Paradise Valley, Montana – FAQ
Below are answers to common questions about Paradise Valley, Montana.
Is there a Paradise Valley in Montana?
Yes, Paradise Valley is a popular tourist destination for outdoor recreation in south central Montana. It stretches from Livingston to Miner. The north entrance to Yellowstone National Park lies just beyond Miner. The Absaroka Range and the Gallatin Range form the valley.
What county is Paradise Valley, Montana in?
Paradise Valley is in Park County, Montana. It stretches from Livingston in the north to the small town of Miner in the south.
Who owns Paradise Valley, Montana?
No entity owns Paradise Valley. Many ranches, guesthouses, glampings, and dude ranches are located here. The valley also features public lands and access to the Yellowstone River, which runs through its center.
How large is Paradise Valley, Montana?
Paradise Valley, Montana, is 33 miles long and seven miles wide. Based on these dimensions, the entire area of Paradise Valley is 231 square miles (598 sq km).
What Cities are in Paradise Valley, Montana?
The following cities and towns are located in Paradise Valley:
- Livingston (major town, 5 miles from the north entrance)
- Pray
- Chico
- Emigrant
- Gardiner (major town, 15 miles south)
The valley is home to many other smaller settlements, some consisting of only a building with no services.
