Montana's Captivating Wilderness Gateway Is A Scenic City With Mountain Views And Small-Town Charm

Move aside, Florida, New York, and California. All the beaches and skyscrapers are great. But the Treasure State, with its majestic mountain views and bevy of outdoor recreation opportunities, is officially taking over the limelight. It turns out that tourists are flocking to Montana more than ever. In 2024 alone, the state set an all-time tourism record, welcoming almost 14 million visitors — more than 1 million up from the previous year, the Daily Montanan reported. 

Of course, destinations widely beloved for their ski resorts and proximity to Yellowstone National Park, such as Bozeman and Billings, Montana's largest city, often rank among the state's tourist hotspots — or shall we say, coldspots? However, adventure can also be found in between these two bustling cities in the small community of Big Timber. Spanning just shy of 1 square mile, the Sweet Grass County seat is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Crazy Mountains, colloquially known as "the Crazies." The 30-mile-long rugged expanse rises to more than 11,000 feet at its highest point, making it Montana's third-highest mountain range. Put simply, the views are mind-blowing in this nook of the state.

Big Timber was established in the late 1800s at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Boulder Rivers. The woodsy city serves as a gateway to the nearly 1-million-acre Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness — one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. But aside from its spectacular nature, Big Timber exudes small-town charm, inviting visitors to come on in and stay awhile. 

If you plan on flying into town, Big Timber is only about an hour away from Montana's mountain gem of an airport, Bozeman Yellowstone International. Since the sweeping Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness sits right at the city's back door, it definitely deserves a top spot on any travel itinerary. The wild space stretches across the Montana-Wyoming border and is known for its jagged peaks and stunning rock formations. The lands are also blanketed by lush forests and far too many lakes to count. 

From scenic drives and horseback rides to snowmobile excursions and wildlife-viewing opportunities, Absaroka-Beartooth offers a plethora of outdoor thrills for every type of adventurer. For those eager to set foot in the wilderness area, the Pine Creek Trail and Mystic Lakes Trail rank among some of the region's top-rated hiking destinations on AllTrails. They can be quite strenuous, though, so hike them at your own risk.

Go whitewater rafting along the Yellowstone River or enjoy a peaceful retreat at the Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area. Situated about 25 miles south of Big Timber, the day-use recreation site is open from sunup to sundown and is free to roam, at the time of writing. "This is a beautiful area to picnic or hike," one past visitor shared on Tripadvisor, cautioning hikers to wear suitable clothing and shoes if they plan on exploring the unforgiving terrain. "There are several walking paths around the bridge area, and very good views of the natural bridge gorge."

Once you're all tuckered out from braving the Montana wilds, head inside the Crazy Mountain Museum to learn more about the storied past of Big Timber and Sweet Grass County at large. Among the interesting items on display are a traditional tipi and a replica of a Norwegian stabbur, essentially a wooden shed used to store food and other essentials on farms. The museum also includes a one-room schoolhouse and a homestead cabin. Take time to stroll the grounds of the on-site garden, which teems with flora that William Clark — the frontiersman who famously journeyed across the Pacific Northwest with Meriwether Lewis back in the early 1800s — journaled about while trudging through the region during his expedition.

Want to stay longer? Tuck into a delightful blend of history, hospitality, and fine dining at The Grand Hotel & Restaurant. The boutique historic retreat has been offering comfortable abodes to locals and passersby since 1890. "A classic old hotel, that will take you back to the days of the old West," a former guest shared on Tripadvisor. "This place has it all: character, location, great pub/restaurant, and a variety of rooms to suit, if you're travelling in a group," another penned, adding: "I prefer to have a room with a private bathroom, but I have stayed in the rooms where you have to use the communal showers, and they are surprisingly clean." If you want more options, there is also a Super 8 by Wyndham in town, which boasts solid reviews online.