Summer in Bozeman is heaven on earth

Summer in Bozeman is not like any other. At 60 degrees, you will want to take a nice stroll in the park. At 70 degrees, you’ll want to take a long ride on the Gallagator Trail, and at 80, it’ll be the perfect temperature to go floating on the Madison. But at 90 degrees, it will feel too hot to step foot outside without the sun melting away your skin. Luckily though, Bozeman summers can be pretty varied.

If you want to be in the water, stand-up paddleboarding provides a relaxing way to see the beautiful Montana landscapes. The best rivers for beginners are Hyalite Reservoir and the Yellowstone. You can rent gear at outdoor retailers like Bob Ward’s. Tubing is a popular activity as well. The Madison River Tubing company helps plan floating trips to the Madison River and they’ll provide all the gear necessary to have a good time.

If you’re a mountain biker, try a road bike and if you’re a road biker, try a mountain bike. It’ll surprise you just how different the two rides are, and maybe then you can finally settle the debate on which riding style is cooler. You can find a good variety of bikes to rent at Owenhouse Cycling.

If you like being on your feet, maybe hiking the Bridger Ridge Trail is your summer challenge. The almost 20-mile hikes starts from Fairy Lake and ends at the College M Trail. Get ready to see some mountain goats and by the time you finish, you’ll have something to brag about. The Bridger Ridge Trail is not for everyone. Try the Sypes Canyon trail for something a little easier, it is open year-long, but beware, the busy season for the popular trail is summer and fall.

Seeing the national parks in Montana is also a great idea. Get in your car and drive five hours and you will reach Glacier National Park. Fan of volcanic hot spots? Give a visit to Yellowstone. The canyons and geysers are sure to fill your summer with good vibes.

And last but not least, the easiest option is to find a nice spot under the shade and to set up a hammock in a park. It’s always nice to be lazy and read a good book or nap outside for a little bit. You don’t have to constantly be active to have a good time. Enjoy summer while it lasts because winter will always come back around in no time and you will be wishing for the sunshine again.