Montana Travel Mistakes What NOT to Do in Big Sky Country!
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00:00Montana, known as Big Sky Country, is pure adventure.
00:04But trust me, this wild and beautiful state can trip up even the savviest travelers
00:09if you don't know what you're doing.
00:12Picture this, you arrive full of excitement for epic hikes and mountain views,
00:16but the park gates are still closed by snow,
00:19or your phone's GPS goes dark in the middle of nowhere.
00:22Let's make sure you have an unforgettable trip for all the right reasons.
00:26Here are the top mistakes to avoid in Montana,
00:29and what to do instead.
00:31First up, timing your visit can make or break your trip.
00:34Montana's seasons are wild.
00:37If you plan your adventure for April or October,
00:39expecting open roads and fully accessible parks, you're in for a shock.
00:44Snow still blankets the higher elevations in spring,
00:47and many scenic routes, like going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park,
00:52may stay closed until late June.
00:54And in fall, early snowstorms can sweep through,
00:58shutting down attractions before you're ready.
01:01For the best experience, plan your visit from July through early September.
01:06This is when the parks are fully open,
01:08hiking trails are accessible,
01:10and the weather is at its friendliest.
01:12Now, if you look at a map
01:14and think you can swing by Yellowstone, Glacier, and Bozeman all in one day,
01:18pause right there.
01:19Montana is the fourth biggest state in the U.S.,
01:23and its sweeping valleys and rugged mountains
01:25mean drive times can be way longer than you expect.
01:29Distances here are vast,
01:31and gas stations can be few and far between.
01:34Always map out your routes in advance.
01:37Download offline navigation apps,
01:38since cell service can be spotty,
01:40and give yourself extra time for those,
01:42wow, is that a moose?
01:44Photo stops.
01:45Speaking of the wild,
01:47one rookie mistake could actually put your safety at risk.
01:50Hitting the trails without bear spray.
01:53Grizzly and black bears live in Montana's forests,
01:56and while attacks are rare,
01:57they do happen.
01:59Not carrying bear spray,
02:00or not knowing how to use it,
02:02is a big gamble.
02:04Before you head out,
02:05pick up bear spray for each hiker,
02:07clip it to your pack for easy access,
02:09and learn the basics of its use.
02:11This way, you'll stay safe
02:13and respect Montana's wildlife.
02:15Another big mistake
02:16is underestimating Montana's weather.
02:19Even on a sunny July afternoon,
02:21temperatures in the mountains
02:22can dip below 40 digits.
02:25Packing only shorts and T-shirts
02:27won't cut it here.
02:28Always bring moisture-wicking layers,
02:31a waterproof rain jacket,
02:32sturdy hiking boots,
02:34and warm clothing for nighttime
02:35or those unpredictable mountain storms.
02:38While you might come for Yellowstone and Glacier,
02:40don't overlook Montana's hidden gems.
02:43Many travelers miss out on places
02:44like Big Sky's ski slopes and summer trails,
02:48Flathead Lake's crystal-clear waters,
02:50the lively river scene in Missoula,
02:52or the alien landscapes
02:53of Makoshika State Park in the east.
02:56Leaving time for these less-crowded spots
02:58gives you a richer taste of Montana
03:00beyond the postcards.
03:02Foodies, listen up.
03:04Eating only at chain fast food joints
03:06is a missed opportunity.
03:08Montana has its own flavor.
03:11Dig into local favorites like Bison Burgers,
03:13Fresh Trout, Huckleberry Pie,
03:16or a cold pint from one of the state's
03:18many craft breweries.
03:20You'll get a real sense of the state's culture,
03:22one bite, or sip at a time.
03:25If camping is on your list,
03:26never just wing it.
03:28Montana's campgrounds book up fast,
03:31especially in peak season,
03:32and showing up without a reservation
03:34almost guarantees a night sleeping in your car.
03:37Secure your spot ahead of time
03:39so you wake up to birdsong
03:41instead of the hum of a highway.
03:43Don't underestimate Montana's remoteness.
03:46Relying on cell service for everything,
03:48including navigation or emergency contact,
03:51can backfire quickly.
03:52Before you head into the wilderness,
03:55download offline maps,
03:56tell someone your plans,
03:57and keep a paper map handy
03:59as your old-school backup.
04:00Elevation is another sneaky challenge.
04:03Some towns and trailheads
04:05are a mile or more above sea level.
04:07Even if you're an experienced hiker,
04:09pace yourself and drink extra water.
04:12Altitude sickness is real.
04:13Finally, be fire smart.
04:16Never start a campfire
04:17without checking for fire bans or restrictions.
04:21Montana's dry, windy summers
04:23can turn a tiny spark into a major wildfire.
04:26Always keep an eye on the fire.
04:28Make sure it's completely out before you leave
04:30and follow local guidelines.
04:32Travel smart, avoid these missteps,
04:35and Montana's untamed beauty
04:37will reward you every time.
04:39If you're dreaming of big sky country,
04:41get ready, get set, and explore boldly
04:44because the adventure of a lifetime is waiting.
04:46Thank you, Dr. Benjamin
04:51and your friends.
04:52Happy600 family.
04:52I'm happy to get ready.
05:01Bye-bye.
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