One summer, I worked on log houses and estates in Paradise Valley, Montana. At the time, I knew nothing of the valley’s reputation. But I never forgot the feeling it left me with.
There’s something about the Absaroka mountains towering over one side, the Gallatin range on the other, and the rolling amber meadows divided by the Yellowstone river below. Paradise Valley, Montana is a pleasant area.
The entrance is a stone’s throw from the historic town of Livingston, Montana, another reason to visit this area.
So, what can you do in Paradise Valley, Montana? You can bicycle, visit the hot springs, go, cross-country skiing, drive the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop, and much more. In this guide, I outline the best things to do in Paradise Valley, Montana.
In this article:
- What Makes Paradise Valley so Special?
- Where is Paradise Valley, Montana?
- Best Things to Do in Paradise Valley, Montana
- FAQ
What’s Makes Paradise Valley so Special?
Paradise Valley is a thin rolling valley of golden hills split by the Yellowstone river and flanked by the towering Absaroka Range on the east and the Gallatin Range on the West.
Today, there are multiple ranches, dude ranches, the Yellowstone River, refreshing hot springs, and scenic views throughout the valley that draw people in year-round.
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 on opposite sides of the Yellowstone River. They follow one of the early Yellowstone expedition routes and the only official route into Yellowstone National Park when it was first established in 1872.
The East River Road is a slower, though less busy, route through the valley. Highway 89 is a faster route, with heavier traffic, that stretches to Gardiner and into Yellowstone National Park. Due to traffic on Highway 89, both routes often take the same time.
Where is Paradise Valley, Montana?
Paradise Valley, Montana is located between Livingston and Gardiner in Park County, south-central Montana. It lies on a north-south axis, stretching from Livingston in the north to the Yankee Jim Canyon in the south – 15 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
East of Paradise Valley is the Bozeman pass, separating it from Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley to the west, where there’s some of the best skiing in Montana.
You can reach Paradise Valley, Montana, on I-90 from Billings (driving east) or Bozeman (driving west). Simply take the “Livingston” interstate exit and drive south on Highway 89, past the Albertson’s supermarket and Murdoch’s Ranch & Supply.
See Paradise Valley, Montana, on the Map
How do visitors spend their time here? What is there to do in Paradise Valley, Montana? Visitors enjoy hot springs, dude ranches, scenic drives, and much more. Let’s have a look.
Best Things to Do in Paradise Valley, Montana
Here are the best things to do in Paradise Valley, Montana.
Skip to:
- Hot Springs in Paradise Valley, Montana
- Camping in Paradise Valley, Montana
- Cross-country Skiing Paradise Valley, Montana
- Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
1. Hot Springs in Paradise Valley, Montana
The geysers, mud pots, and fumaroles (holes that let steam and gasses escape) of Yellowstone National Park are only the surface layer of a complex underground geothermal network. Nearby Paradise Valley enjoys the wonders of this network.
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 steeped in Montana history, dating back to the early 1900s and the mining days of Montana. Visiting the hot springs of Paradise Valley, Montana today is a treatment for body and soul and a step into Montana’s past.
Besides hot springs and their hotels, there’s a range of other lodges, cabins, and teepees (glamping) in Paradise Valley.
2. Lodges, Cabins, and Glamping in Paradise Valley, Montana
Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping, the rolling Yellowstone River, and the Absaroka range out your front door.
Here are some lodges and other types of accommodation in Paradise Valley, MT, that offer a rustic, well-equipped, restful getaway close to nature.
East side 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 side 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
If you’re looking to tent camp or park your RV for some nights, then you’ll also have plenty of options. Here are some of the local spots for camping in Paradise Valley, Montana.
3. Camping in Paradise Valley, Montana
What better way to see the big sky than to pitch a tent or park your RV in a Paradise Valley campground and gaze up at the twinkling stars cast over the Gallatin and Absaroka ranges?
Visitors can find a range of campgrounds in Paradise Valley, Montana. These include:
- Pine Creek Campground
- Mallard’s Rest Campground
- Loch Leven Campground
- Snowbank Campground
- Dailey Lake Campground
- Canyon Campground
- Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA
Most of the campgrounds in Paradise Valley are paid.
Note: Bear country!
Paradise Valley, MT is home to grizzly and black bear populations. While visitors come to camp, bathe, and explore in the valley year-round, the bear threat here is real and preparation is essential to ensure a safe trip. This is especially true if you’re in a campground in the mountains (as opposed to the valley).
Never camp in Paradise Valley without taking proper safety measures:
- Bear spray. Carry it with you at all times. Keep it easily accessible (not zipped inside a backpack – rather, in a pocket). Practice in an open field, away from people or homes before going camping (always spray downwind). It’s too late to figure it out when you need it!
- Bear bells. Use them whenever out walking, hiking, biking. Read more about how they work here.
- Bearproof lockers. Store your food and trash inside, if available
- Store food and trash in a vehicle or an air-tight container or bag at least 300 ft (100 m) from camp at night (suspended from a tree or hanging from a cliff)
In general, we don’t recommend tent camping in Paradise Valley, Montana, for this reason. If you do, these resources can guide you on keeping bears away from your campsite:
- How to Keep Bears Away While Camping (8 Tips and Tricks)
- How to Keep Bears Away from Your Campsite: Bear Safety Tips
Stay safe, and enjoy!
Camping is common in Paradise Valley in the summer, but in winter, the camping crowds shrink. However, a range of winter activities opens up, such as cross-country skiing.
4. Cross-Country Skiing Paradise Valley, Montana
The open space of Paradise Valley offers some splendid opportunities for nordic skiing. Many of the ranches and dude ranches in the region offer groomed nordic trails. Many include skate-ski and classic tracks that are maintained daily.
Trails for cross-country skiing in Paradise Valley, Montana:
- B-Bar ranch: At the southern end of Paradise Valley. At Carbella, turn right off Highway 89 onto Tom Miner Creek Road, cross the Yellowstone River and follow this road south into the hills (with a few turns along the way)
- Mill Creek: Drive south from Livingston on Highway 89 for 15 miles. Once you reach the Mill Creek Road intersection, turn left and go to the end of the road. Park there. From January 1, the gate closes to motor vehicles and opens for winter recreation.
*Note: Bear safety is relevant when doing any outdoor activity in paradise valley, including cross-country skiing – Especially in the mountainous surroundings of Mill Creek road, where there’s more bear traffic than average.
If you’re not up for outdoor activities, how about a scenic drive? To absorb the beauty of Paradise Valley, Montana, from north to south?
5. Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
The Paradise Valley Scenic Loop drive is a paved, 62-mile loop that circles the entire beautiful Paradise Valley, MT – a splendid way to experience this region.
Two Roads
The scenic loop consists of two roads as it loops around the valley – US Highway 89 and US Highway 540 (East River Road).
The Highway 89 segment is a faster, newer road, that’s busy during the summer months. Thousands of people travel daily, coming to and from the entrance of Yellowstone National Park near Gardiner in the south. Naturally, there’s thick traffic, including many RV’s and cars pulling trailers (caravans), on this road.
On the contrary, traffic on the East River Road is light, allowing for a calm journey through Paradise Valley. In the end, it’s not much slower than following the dense traffic of Highway 89.
Start 5 Miles South of Livingston
As we mentioned above, you can easily reach Paradise Valley by driving to Livingston on I-90 from the east or west. Exit into Livingston and turn south on Highway 89. Paradise Valley, and the start of the scenic loop, begin 5 miles south of town.
The scenic drive starts at the junction of Highway 89 and the East River Road. Follows the East River Road to the left, over the Yellowstone River past Carter’s Bridge Fishing Access Site. Here, the slow, rolling drive through the amber fields and grasslands of Paradise Valley, Montana, begins.
The steep Absaroka Range towers over the valley floor from the east while the distant Gallatin Range to the west offers beautiful views.
Mill Creek Road Junction
After about 15 minutes, you’ll reach a midway point at the Mill Creek Road junction. Travelers who are short on time can turn right and reconnect with Highway 89 several miles ahead.
However, the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop continues south, past the junction, on the East River Road. Thirty-two miles later, the East River Road ends at the Highway 89 junction.
Back to Livingston
Here, travelers can turn south on Highway 89 and continue on to Gardiner and the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
To follow the scenic loop, turn right here and drive north on Highway 89 back to Livingston, on the west side of the Yellowstone River. While traffic on this stretch of the journey is thicker, it offers breathtaking views of the Absaroka range.
Paradise Valley Scenic Loop Map
Sites Along the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
Here are some sites to see along the way:
- 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, stretch your legs, and have a look around:
- 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. Not along the way, but it’s only 15 miles from the southern end of the valley. If you have the time, a great opportunity to visit.
Quick Facts About the Paradise Valley, Montana, Scenic Drive
- Length: 62 miles
- Road type: Paved
- Nearby towns: Livingston, Gardiner
- 4WD: Not needed, when roads are dry
- Traffic: Mild to Heavy
- Trailers: Allowed
- Season: Year-round
On their way in or out of the valley, many people grab lunch in Livingston, one of the best places to live in Montana. One of the most common activities in Livingston is strolling the historic streets while taking in the surrounding views.
Regardless of your interests, there are multiple ways to experience Paradise Valley.
Experience Paradise Valley with a local, expert guide
Experience the true spirit of Paradise Valley with a guided tour. Click on one of the below tours to read more and secure your spot in advance.
For questions, please contact the tour host at the link or reach out to us directly here.
If you’re interested in other beautiful destinations in Montana, have a look at our article on the best places to visit in Montana.
Paradise Valley, Montana – FAQ
Below are answers to common questions people ask about Paradise Valley, Montana.
Is There a Paradise Valley in Montana?
Yes, Paradise Valley is a beautiful valley in south central Montana, nearby the town of Livingston. The valley is formed by the Absaroka Range to the east and the Gallatin range to the west. It can be easily reached by car via Interstate 90 from the east or west Fifteen miles south of Paradise Valley is the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Visitors are often here to experience Paradise Valley, are passing through on their way to Yellowstone National Park, or both.
What County is Paradise Valley, Montana in?
Paradise Valley is in Park County, Montana. It’s located five miles south of Livingston, Montana, and 15 miles north of Gardiner.
Who Owns Paradise Valley, Montana?
Paradise Valley is not owned by one single entity. However, there are many ranches, guesthouses, glamping locations, and dude ranches throughout the valley that are owned by private entities.
There are also public lands and public access to the Yellowstone River, which runs through the center of the valley.
How Large is Paradise Valley, Montana?
Paradise Valley, Montana, is about 33 miles long from north to south and is about 7 miles at its widest point. Based on these measurements, one could calculate the entire area of Paradise Valley to be roughly 231 square miles.
However, this includes only the valley floor, which is unevenly shaped, so this serves as only a rough estimate.
Who Lives in Paradise Valley, Montana?
What famous people own land in Paradise Valley, Montana? While each person on this list doesn’t own land in Paradise Valley, many are known to live or have lived there:
- Casey Anderson – Grizzly bear specialist
- Richard Brautigan – Poet
- John Banovich – Conservationist/artist
- Jeff Bridges – Actor
- Eduardo Garcia – Chef, public speaker, outdoorsman
- Al Agnew – Artist
- Russell Chatham – Landscape artist, author
- John Mayer – Musician
- Al Feldstein – Founder of Mad Magazine
- Peter Fonda – Actor/director
- Missi Pyle – Actress
- Patrick Markey – Producer
- Margot Kidder – Actress
- Wendell Niles – Actor, radio announcer
- Thomas McGuane – Author
- Christopher Paolini – Author
- Ken Niles – Actor, radio announcer
What Cities are in Paradise Valley, Montana?
There are several small cities (towns) in Paradise Valley, Montana. These include:
- Livingston (major town, 5 miles from the north entrance)
- Pray
- Chico
- Emigrant
- Gardiner (major town, 15 miles south)
There are smaller settlements along the way, some consisting of only a building or two with no services.
