By Stacey Wittig
Montana was made for road trips, and if your favorite traveling companion happens to have a wagging tail, even better. Wide-open highways, mountain views, prairie sunsets and plenty of places to stretch your legs make Big Sky Country a natural fit for traveling with your pooch.
The key is knowing where your pup is welcome—and where those paws need to stay off the trail.
Look Beyond the National Parks
Of course, Glacier National Park is probably already on your Montana bucket list.
But here’s something you need to know when traveling with your pup: this famous national park isn’t necessarily the best place for four-legged exploring.
At Glacier, leashed dogs can join you in developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas and parking lots, but they aren’t allowed on most hiking trails or in the backcountry. But don’t leave Glacier off your itinerary. Just plan ahead for your pup, then look beyond the national park for the Montana adventures you can enjoy together.
The Bighorn River
The Bighorn River is renowned for flyfishing, but even if you’re not a fisherperson, the river is a fantastic place to recreate and birdwatch. We saw plenty of Sandhill cranes, osprey, and more.
Bighorn River View Lodge and Cabins make a convenient base for exploring this beautiful stretch of Montana. If you’re traveling with your pup, check with the property directly about its current pet policy before booking. Find out more at flyfishingthebighorn.com.
Courtesy Montana Department of Commerce
Dinosaurs, Hoodoos and Your Sweet Pup
Sift for dinosaur bones with paleontologists at Carter County Museum in Ekalaka, then head out to Medicine Rocks State Park for a magical sunset with your sweet pup.
You can’t help but feel the spirit of this place as you wander among the strangely shaped hoodoos rising from the expansive prairie.
The remarkable Carter County Museum is part of Montana’s Dinosaur Trail, making this an especially fun stop if you like mixing a little history and science into your road trip. Learn more at cartercountymuseum.org.
Bowser on the Billings Brew Trail
You and your pooch can trot from your downtown hotel to breweries, distilleries and a cider house along the Billings Brew Trail. Simply print a map or download it to your phone and start exploring.
Not all welcome furry patrons, so call ahead to check for pet-friendly patios. Get the scoop at visitbillings.com/billings-brew-trail.
Dog-Friendly Red Lodge
A special expedition to Lewis and Bark’s Outpost in Red Lodge is worth the trip. Knowledgeable owners offer advice, high-quality pet foods and delightful West Paw products, among others.
Then get outside and let your pup enjoy Red Lodge, too. Double Ditch Dog Park offers dedicated dog-friendly open space, while nearby trails give you plenty of choices for a walk or hike.
Willow Creek Trail welcomes dogs year-round, but always check seasonal restrictions before heading out—nearby Palisades Trail, for example, closes to dogs during part of the year to protect wintering moose habitat.
Find more parks and trails at redlodge.com.
Plan Big for Big Sky Country
One thing you quickly learn in Montana is that distances are BIG. A place that looks close on the map may still be several hours down the road. That’s part of Montana’s charm, but it also means you need to plan a little differently when your dog is along for the ride.
Dog-travel tip: Montana distances are BIG. Carry more dog water than you think you’ll need, download maps before losing cell service, and always check the individual park or lodging property’s current pet rules before arriving.
Give yourself plenty of time for walks, water breaks and spontaneous stops along the way. After all, isn’t that what a great road trip with your best friend is all about?
Stacey Wittig is a travel writer based in Flagstaff. Get more travel tips and inspiration at UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.
Photo by Stacey Wittig
