Gallatin and Park Counties are a recreational paradise. Surrounded by mountains and millions of acres of national forest, the communities in these counties enjoy a multitude of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Fly-fishing abounds on the renowned Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers as well as in the many mountain lakes and streams. With such close proximity to mountain ranges, national forests, and wilderness areas, residents in both counties are avid hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers, and hundreds of trails await your exploration. Summertime also brings whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, and the Madison River is populated with individuals soaking up the sun in float tubes. In the fall, the crisp autumn air is home to thousands of hunters who retreat into the wild, searching for that elusive trophy deer or elk. During the winter, try out ice climbing in the Hyalite Recreation area south of Bozeman, cross country skiing, or downhill skiing. Bridger Bowl is a popular community ski area located just 16 miles north of Bozeman, while Big Sky Ski and Summer Resort and Moonlight Basin Ranch provide world-class skiing in Big Sky. For some old-fashioned winter fun, check out the community ice-skating rinks scattered throughout both counties. And of course, for year round outdoor recreation, Gardiner and West Yellowstone provide access to Yellowstone National Park, a mecca for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling.

In addition to outdoor recreation, spectator sports are also part of the culture in Gallatin and Park Counties. Residents of Southwest Montana are fiercely proud of MSU’s Fighting Bobcats teams, and you don’t want to miss the intense rivalry between the Bobcats and Montana’s other university team, the Grizzlies (from Missoula’s University of Montana). American Legion baseball games are a popular summer pastime, and the Bozeman Icedogs Hockey League often plays in front of sold-out crowds.

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