Embracing The Beauty Of Montana: How To Prepare For A Weekend In The Western State

Often referred to as Big Sky Country and The Treasure State, Montana is one of the most striking and beautiful locations in the US. It is the fourth largest state in the country, but the eighth least populated, with enormous expanses of uninterrupted natural terrain and remote wildernesses. 

From towering mountain ranges to rolling plains and rocky gorges, Montana’s geography is as varied as it is stunning. If you’re a fan of the outdoors and spending time in nature, this northern state could be your ideal destination. You could spend six months in Montana and still not see everything, but, if you’re heading there for a weekend to sample what the state has to offer, we’ve got the perfect guide to help you out. Keep reading to check it out. 

Be Safe In The Great Outdoors

For fans of the outdoors, Montana is arguably the best location in the US. It has everything from nail-biting mountain treks to leisurely countryside strolls. Whatever activity you decide to take part in, staying safe should be your absolute priority. The outdoors can be dangerous, with unpredictable weather conditions and treacherous terrain. What’s more, Montana is home to several dangerous animals including bears, mountain lions, and snakes. 

Getting injured or falling ill while you’re abroad can be fraught with complications, and you could end up faced with substantial medical bills. To avoid this, make sure you get travel insurance ahead of trip. This will offer you cover for any medical expenses you could be charged with should you need to seek treatment. 

Plan Your Route

If you’re planning to go hiking in the Rocky Mountains or across Montana’s prairies, planning your route carefully ahead of time is essential. The state is vast and largely unexplored, getting lost is a real risk and you could find yourself stranded in remote wilderness. 

Your best bet is to stick to well-travelled routes and hiking trails. These have been carefully curated by experts to provide the safest path through often perilous countryside and will often be populated with other explorers who can help you should you get into trouble. 

Think about the experience and skill level of you and your party. If you are inexperienced hikers, you might want to avoid those arduous mountain treks, as you might find yourself out of your depth. 

Choose The Best Time To Go

This will depend entirely on what you want to do and where you want to go. For example, if you’re heading to Montana for the fantastic skiing locations, you’d be better off not booking up to go in mid-July. Similarly, if you want to go on a wildlife sightseeing trip, the winter might be best avoided as many animals will be in hibernation. 

For outdoor activities like hiking and hillwalking, aim for late summer or early autumn. This will ensure you get the most out of the late summer nights and will help you avoid the high heats of the early and mid-summer months. 

Pack Everything You Need

Even if you’re only going for a weekend, packing everything you need for your Montana trip is incredibly important. If you’re venturing out into the great outdoors, your clothing is essential and will work to keep you safe and comfortable. You’ll need sturdy walking boots and thick, comfortable socks to avoid getting blisters. Remember to bring waterproofs too, rain can arrive without warning in the mountains, leaving you to make a soggy journey home. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an adventure-filled holiday where you can soak in the majesty of nature, Montana could be the perfect destination for you. Follow this guide and make the most out of your weekend in The Treasure State.