Montana's Charming City In The Rocky Mountain Foothills Has Trails And Yellowstone Proximity

Montana is known for its wide-open spaces, expansive mountain vistas, and scenic towns. Though many people visit Montana just for Yellowstone National Park, the state has plenty more to offer. Tucked into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Belgrade, Montana, is one destination that pairs small-town charm with quick access to mountain-filled fun. Belgrade might be modest in size, with a population just over 11,000, but it offers pure Big Sky splendor — stunning views, cool mountain air, and miles of trails. It's an ideal jumping-off point for exploring Montana's wild side without the crowds.

Getting to Belgrade is easy as can be. The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is right next to town. This mountain gem of an airport offers tons of nonstop flights, making it incredibly easy to plan your trip to Belgrade. Aside from the normal rental car, rideshare, and hotel shuttle options, Bozeman Yellowstone airport also offers shuttle services to various places in southwest Montana (including Yellowstone National Park), making it easy to arrange transportation for whatever adventures you have in mind. If you're driving instead of flying, Belgrade is located just off Interstate 90 and is an easy drive from other Montana hubs like Bozeman and Missoula.

While Yellowstone National Park is a big draw in this part of the state, there are plenty of other options for exploring the great outdoors near Belgrade. One area in particular worth checking out is the Custer Gallatin National Forest, which sits just east of Belgrade. This uncrowded, pristine Montana forest is full of wild trails and gorgeous vistas. Hikers and mountain bikers looking for moderately difficult trails should try the Truman Gulch Trail (5.3 miles) or the Corbly Gulch Trail (6.5 miles). Both of these trails wind through wooded gulches and provide excellent views of the surrounding mountains.

For those looking for more of a challenge, Sypes Canyon Trail is an 8.9-mile hike with more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain that overlooks the Gallatin Valley. Another challenging hike near Belgrade is Baldy Peak Summit. The route is 10 miles long with about 4,500 feet of elevation gain, but the views are definitely worth the effort. The trail leads to a ridge above treeline where you can see stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

If you'd rather take a relaxing stroll closer to Belgrade, check out the Amsterdam Road River Access Trail. This easy 2-mile trail meanders alongside the Gallatin River and affords views of the water and nearby mountains. Hiking enthusiasts can also head over to Yellowstone National Park, which is a little less than two hours from Belgrade. There are a lot of great hikes in the park, like the Union Falls Trail, a 17.4-mile hike to a waterfall in the park's rarely-visited "Cascade Corner."

Belgrade has several great options for grabbing a bite to eat after a day of exploring the mountain trails nearby. For a quick lunch or cup of joe, try Cafe Havana. This cozy cafe, which has 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, serves tasty breakfast and lunch items along with coffeehouse drinks. For more substantial eats, try one of the local restaurants like MacKenzie River Pizza Co. One reviewer on Tripadvisor gushed that it had "one of the most delicious pizzas I've ever had in my life." If you're looking to try some local craft beer, stop by Madison River Brewing Company, the second-oldest brewery in the Gallatin Valley. And for the perfect combo of delicious food and hand-crafted beer, Bar 3 BBQ and Brewing is the best of both worlds, and the top-ranked Belgrade restaurant on Tripadvisor.

As far as lodgings go, Belgrade has a few chain hotels as well as plenty of vacation rental options, such as Cabin Sweet Cabin. To get a taste of authentic Montana life, visitors can book a stay at Gallatin River Lodge. This charming mountain abode sits just 15 minutes outside of Belgrade, making it remote enough to give visitors a peaceful place to kick up their feet during their mountain retreat while still being conveniently located near Belgrade's amenities. Wherever you decide to stay, Belgrade's small-town charm, proximity to Yellowstone National Park, and unbeatable access to outdoor adventure make it the perfect base camp for exploring all southwest Montana has to offer.