Attractions

Attraction in Montana

Yellowstone Hot Springs

Yellowstone Hot Springs, located just north of Yellowstone National Park in Montana near Gardiner, offers a serene and scenic retreat where visitors can soak in natural mineral-rich waters while surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Nestled in Paradise Valley, this outdoor facility features multiple pools with varying temperatures, including a warm soaking pool, a cooler swimming pool, and a hot plunge. The springs are fed by geothermal sources and are known for their therapeutic properties, providing a rejuvenating experience in a tranquil, natural setting. Whether visiting after exploring Yellowstone or as a peaceful destination on its own, Yellowstone Hot Springs is an ideal place to unwind and connect with nature.

Yellowstone River

Flowing through the heart of Montana, the Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing river in the continental U.S. It's a paradise for outdoor lovers—offering world-class fishing, scenic rafting, and peaceful riverside walks. The river winds through stunning landscapes, making it a must-see natural attraction for anyone visiting the area.

Sacajawea Park

Located in the heart of Livingston, Sacajawea Park is a beautiful riverside space offering walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and scenic views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding mountains—perfect for a relaxing family outing or an evening stroll.

Downtown Livingston Art Galleries & Shops

Livingston boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries showcasing Western and contemporary art. The town’s charming downtown area is also home to unique boutiques, antique stores, and locally-owned restaurants. Whether you're looking for handcrafted jewelry or Montana-inspired paintings, downtown Livingston offers a delightful shopping experience.

Museum of the Rockies (Bozeman)

A short drive to nearby Bozeman, this world-renowned museum is famous for its extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. The museum also showcases Montana’s Native American history, pioneer artifacts, and planetarium exhibits, making it an excellent stop for history and science lovers.

Montana Grizzly Encounter

Located just outside Livingston, this grizzly bear sanctuary provides a safe home for rescued bears while educating visitors about bear conservation. Guests can observe grizzlies up close in a natural habitat and learn about their behaviors, diet, and importance in the ecosystem. It's a great stop for wildlife lovers and families.

Pine Creek Falls & Pine Creek Lake Trail

For hiking enthusiasts, Pine Creek Falls is a relatively short and scenic hike through the Absaroka Mountains, leading to a stunning waterfall. For those looking for a more challenging adventure, the trail extends to Pine Creek Lake, a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks. The area is perfect for a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip.

Livingston Depot Center

This historic train depot, built in 1902 by the Northern Pacific Railway, now serves as a museum showcasing Livingston’s railroad history and its role in the development of the American West. The depot hosts rotating exhibits, art shows, and cultural events throughout the year, making it a must-visit for history buffs.

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

Nestled in the Paradise Valley, Chico Hot Springs is a relaxing retreat featuring natural mineral hot spring pools, a luxury spa, and rustic accommodations. The resort also offers fine dining and outdoor activities like horseback riding and hiking. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the mountains.

Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)

Just a short drive from Livingston, Yellowstone National Park is a world-famous destination known for its geothermal wonders, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can explore iconic spots like Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Falls, and Lamar Valley, often referred to as "America’s Serengeti" due to its abundance of bison, wolves, and elk. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or simply sightseeing, Yellowstone offers an unforgettable adventure.

Attraction in Fountain Hills, Arizona

Adero Canyon Trailhead

The Adero Canyon Trailhead, located at 14800 N. Eagle Ridge Drive in Fountain Hills, Arizona, serves as a gateway to the McDowell Mountain Preserve's extensive trail system. Open daily from dawn to dusk, the trailhead offers amenities such as restrooms and parking facilities . Hikers can explore a variety of trails suited to different skill levels. The Promenade Trail, a moderate 0.95-mile path, provides scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape . For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Ridgeline Trail spans 1.3 miles with a moderately difficult rating, offering panoramic vistas of Fountain Hills and the McDowell Mountains . Additionally, the Western Loop Trail presents a rigorous 2.3-mile loop with a 623-foot elevation gain, rewarding hikers with expansive views of Four Peaks and the Tonto National Forest . The trailhead's strategic location and diverse trail options make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Sonoran Desert's unique beauty.

Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail

The Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail is a scenic 1.5-mile loop trail located in Fountain Hills, Arizona. With an elevation gain of approximately 150 feet, the trail offers a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels. Starting near Fountain Park, the trail ascends gently, providing panoramic views of the iconic fountain, the town, and the surrounding McDowell Mountains. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the diverse desert flora, including various cacti and native plants. Benches are strategically placed along the trail, offering spots to rest and take in the picturesque landscape. The trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is free to the public. It's a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking a short yet rewarding outdoor experience in the Sonoran Desert.

Fountain Hills Botanical Garden

The Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden is a serene 8-acre preserve nestled in the heart of Fountain Hills, Arizona, offering visitors an immersive experience of the Sonoran Desert's unique flora and geology. Established in 1975 by Jane Haynes as a wildlife preserve and botanical garden, it features a self-guided 0.8-mile loop trail that meanders through native desert plants like saguaro cacti, velvet mesquite, and ocotillo, with informative signage along the way . The trail also provides views of fascinating geological features, including granite boulders, quartz veins, and a historic dam built in 1941, as well as remnants of the old P-Bar Ranch campsite . Open daily from sunrise to sunset with no admission fee, the garden is maintained by the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills and serves as both a recreational retreat and an educational resource for desert conservation

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

McDowell Mountain Regional Park, located just four miles north of Fountain Hills, Arizona, spans over 21,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert landscape. This expansive park offers more than 50 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, catering to outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels . The park features a competitive mountain biking track with three distinct loops: the 8.2-mile Long Loop for intermediate riders, and the 3.0-mile Sport Loop and 2.9-mile Technical Loop for those seeking more challenging terrain . Visitors can also enjoy developed campsites, many equipped with ramadas, allowing for overnight stays under the stars . Wildlife sightings are common, with javelina, coyotes, deer, and various bird species inhabiting the area. The park's elevation rises to 3,000 feet along its western boundary, offering panoramic views of surrounding landmarks such as Four Peaks and Weavers Needle . Whether you're seeking a leisurely hike, an adrenaline-pumping bike ride, or a peaceful camping experience, McDowell Mountain Regional Park provides a diverse array of outdoor activities amidst Arizona's stunning desert scenery.

The Fountain

The Fountain in Fountain Hills, Arizona, is a striking landmark that stands as a testament to human ingenuity amidst the desert landscape. Constructed in 1970 by Robert McCulloch, this fountain was designed to be the tallest in the world at the time, reaching a maximum height of 560 feet (170 meters) when all three of its pumps are operating. Under typical conditions, it operates at a height of approximately 330 feet (100 meters) . Situated in the 29-acre Fountain Park, the fountain shoots a plume of water from a concrete water lily sculpture in the center of a man-made lake. The fountain runs for 15 minutes at the top of each hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, except during high winds . On special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, the water is dyed green, adding to its festive appeal. The fountain not only serves as a visual spectacle but also as a focal point for community events and gatherings, embodying the spirit and pride of Fountain Hills.