Idaho(sun valley) vs. Montana(Bozeman area)
Jul 10th, 2003, 07:23 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Idaho(sun valley) vs. Montana(Bozeman area)
We are considering an Auguat or early Sept. vacation to one of these areas. Interested in scenic beauty, hiking,fishing,etc. , but not too far from creature comforts(good food,etc.). Suggestions between these areas? Is the Sun Valley area more arid and less green,vegetation,trees,etc. than southwestern Montana, or are the areas similar in appearance? THanks !
Jul 11th, 2003, 03:02 PM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can't really miss with either of those spots - both the Sun Valley and Bozeman areas are beautiful. I've only been to Sun Valley a few times but my impression is that Sun Valley is a bit less green and maybe more geared towards a winter ski clientele. Don't get me wrong, there is a ton of great summer activities it but it did originate as a ski resort way back when. Someone else I'm sure has better input on Sun Valley than I. However, I know a ton about Bozeman/MT because I grew up there (now live in San Francisco). The beauty of the Bozeman area is that you can so easily access such a great variety of activities AND the Gallatin Canyon area is gorgeous! Last year we planned a trip with our friends who had not been to MT before and had the following itinerary: Day 1 - Bozeman - drove up to Hyalite reservoir (15 min from town) and day-hiked and returned for a great dinner in Bozeman; Day 2 - drove to Big Sky where we established "base camp" at Rainbow ranch lodge (great place but very pricey - there are cheaper places to stay) and spent day fly-fishing the Gallatin river; Day 3- headed to Yellowstone Park (45 min. drive from Big Sky)for the day & also stopped by the Grizzly bear discovery center in West Yellowstone - returned to Rainbow Ranch for an awesome dinner literally on the banks of the Gallatin($$$); Day 4 - more hiking right out the door of the lodge plus drove up to Big Sky ski resort to mess around; Day 5 - more fishing and white-water rafting in the afternoon - there are a bunch of outfitters that offer 2-4 hr trips. Depending on your interests, there is also golf, horseback riding, mountain biking, or just relaxing in a beautiful mountain location. Plenty of great restaurants in the area in all price ranges. Our CA friends loved it! Take a look at the rainbow ranch website (rainbowranch.com), not necessarily to stay there but they have a good description of the area and some photos to give you an idea of the area. Also try bigskychamber.com for lodging, links, etc. Basically, the Big Sky area is a great spot to vacation because it is right in a beautiful spot without being too touristy plus you are close to Yellowstone, Bozeman, and lots of activities.
Jul 13th, 2003, 07:38 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the informative reply. It sounds like you suggest the Big Sky area as a basecamp rather than Bozeman. True? I have found an appealing place to stay near Bozeman (8 miles or so)located in Bear Canyon near the Natl Forest. Are you familiar with that area? What can you tell me about it? Thanks!
Jul 29th, 2003, 05:18 PM
#4
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello - sorry for the delay in posting. Yes, I'm familar with Bear Canyon, it is on the southeast side of Bozeman towards Livingston so the opposite direction of Big Sky. Bear Canyon is a popular place for locals to go 4-wheeling and there are lot of private cabins/houses and a campground. For food,etc., you pretty much need to drive to Bozeman (only 20-25 minutes). It's definitely a pretty spot and there are hiking trails into the national forest. Plus, you are closer to Livington/gateway to Paradise Valley which is pretty. The Yellowstone river runs out of the Park and through Paradise Valley so there is great fishing - just depends if you want "big" river fishing on the yellowtone vs. the smaller trout streams such as the Gallitan. I guess I'd say Big Sky is a better base camp if you want to stay right in the midst of the mountains and yet have good restaurants & outdoor activities right at your fingertips. On the flip side, staying in Bear Canyon(or right in Bozeman)provides the benefit of being in or near a fun little town with convenient access to various areas such as Big Sky, Livingston/Paradise Valley, etc. FYI - It's about 40 miles from downtown Bozeman to the Big Sky area and about 45min to an hour in time (road is very windy but gorgeous as you drive through the canyon.
Jul 30th, 2003, 06:17 AM
#5
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Big Sky is incredible - we vacation there in summer and winter - been to most Mountain states and resort areas - Big Sky is our favorite for atmosphere - not stuffy - and astounding natural beauty - Bozeman is like being in the city - Big Sky is heaven in the mountains.
