Big Sky Drive Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

based on 3 reviews

Duration:2 hours to 3 hours (approx.)
Location: West Yellowstone, Montana

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Embark on an adventurous self-guided driving tour through Big Sky. Start at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center, a gateway to natural wonders. Journey along the Madison River, capturing the serene beauty and tales of the Hegben Lake Earthquake. Follow the path on U.S. Highway 191, a scenic route framed by breathtaking mountain ranges, unveiling the secrets of their majestic formation. Witness the splendor of the Gallatin Range and River, a harmony of nature's artistry and tranquility, perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
Welcome to the Big Sky Drive! This scenic drive packs the very best of Montana into a single breathtaking route. We’ll see lofty peaks and pristine rivers, rocky canyons and wide plains, all while hearing about the fascinating history of this landscape. Note: This 80-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Big Sky Drive in 2-3 hours.
2.
The Madison travels over 150 miles from Yellowstone National Park all the way to the Missouri River near Three Forks. Its story begins long, long ago, during the Ice Age!
3.
We’re cruising along U.S. Highway 191. If we were to keep driving to its end, we’d land right near the U.S.-Canada border. If we turned around and drove the other way, it would take us all the way to the red deserts of Arizona! In other words, it’s a mighty long road!
4.
This 10,000-foot mountain in the Gallatin Range gets its name from Chief Crowfoot, a celebrated leader of the Blackfoot tribe. Legend has it that a hungry grizzly bear once wandered into Chief Crowfoot’s camp, searching for prey. The warriors were away, and only Crowfoot stood between the bear and his people. But he picked up a spear and faced down the beast without fear. A fierce battle ensued… and Crowfoot won!
5.
We’re driving almost exactly on the state line between Montana and Wyoming. The mountains to our right belong to the Gallatin Range, much of which stretches down into Wyoming.
6.
Up ahead, we’ll soon see the mighty Gallatin River alongside the road. We’ll get to know the Gallatin very well today: Our route will follow the river almost all the way to our final destination!
7.
See that cluster of mountains directly in front of us? In the middle stands King Butte, and to the right is Big Horn Peak. Each of these mountains rises to almost 10,000 feet!
8.
The peak rising on our left is Cinnamon Mountain. This sweet-sounding peak actually holds an important place in the history of Montana wildfires.
9.
In a few miles, we’ll pass the turn-off for the famous Big Sky Ski Resort, which helped put these mountains on the map. But how did this resort get here in the first place? It started with Montana native Chet Huntley.
10.
In a few miles, we’ll pass the turn-off for the famous Big Sky Ski Resort, which helped put these mountains on the map. But how did this resort get here in the first place? It started with Montana native Chet Huntley.
11.
The leftmost mountain in front of us is Mount Chipperfield. Directly to the right of it stands Wilson Peak, towering at 10,600 feet. Can you guess the namesake of Wilson Peak? I’ll give you a hint: He ratified the 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote.
12.
In a moment, we’ll pass the road which leads to Big Sky Meadow Village and the Big Sky Ski Resort. When we do, make sure you look to the left to catch a glimpse of Lone Mountain.
13.
The mountains on our left belong to a sub-range of the Madisons known as the Spanish Peaks.
14.
This moderately challenging, 5-mile hike climbs almost 2,000 feet in elevation and can take over three hours to complete, but it rewards hikers with a seriously magnificent sight: Lave Lake! Contrary to the name, this pristine snow-fed lake is very, very chilly. Forested slopes climb around the lake on all sides, and you’ll be able to catch great views right into the center of the Spanish Peaks.
15.
The Big Sky region has seen no shortage of conflicts. But a much quieter battle rages around us right now. As we’ve been driving, you’ve probably seen sections of the valley covered in grayish-green scrub. Some of this vegetation is sagebrush, an important shrub in the area.
16.
U.S. Route 191 runs through the bottom of the Canyon, following the natural path of the Gallatin River. This has been an essential passageway for millennia. Animals often follow the river and the relatively flat land that surrounds it, hoping to avoid the craggy terrain higher in the mountains. Indigenous tribes like the Shoshone and the Bannock flocked down the Gallatin River Canyon, pulling fish and aquatic plants from its waters.
17.
See that tall, rocky outcropping to our right? That’s the 7,000-foot mountain known by the dramatic name Storm Castle.
18.
As we drive, make sure to keep an eye out for another classic Montana character: the mule deer.
19.
During the 1800s, all sorts of ranchers, cattlemen, and homesteaders who spread down the length of the Gallatin River stopped in Gallatin Gateway as they made their way to and from Bozeman.
20.
The town gets its name from John Bozeman, who came here in the late 1800s. What makes him so important? Well, he masterminded the Bozeman Trail!

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
• How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
• Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
• Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
• Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
• Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
• Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
• Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Susan_H
Things I liked: telling the history of the area covered, how the mountain ranges and peaks got their names. Learning about the families and people who settled the area. Things I didn't care for much: when you encourage stops along the tour, be sure to warn the travelers that in Big Sky, parking the browse the shops in "Town Center" is limited and it could take awhile to find a spot and that drivers there are extremely impatient. Things I didn't like at all: the environmentalist view that was a one-sided presentation...the narrator mentioned frequently how many billions of years it took to form the area geologically...and climate change is now destroying the world like yesterday this happened...what makes them think this isn't another "era" that is occurring...the long time volcano eruptions was mentioned....AND FINALLY, the sob story about the ranchers in Wyoming who view wolves as evil...My family also raises cattle, in another state and I don't care what predator it is a wolf, a bear, a mountain, a coyote...to see a pregnant cow, baby calf and any animal that is in my care suffer at the mouths of predators is disgusting...Present BOTH sides of this narrative. Glad this cost less than $20 otherwise I'd consider it a true waste of my time and funds!! I guess it was geared to the tourist audience and since I rarely travel just to travel and see something I've never seen well....I am not a true tourist!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-13 08:38:39

Posted By : Melissa M
Having already explored the other Yellowstone tours, we decided to do the Big Sky Drive Tour. It didn't disappoint! We learned a lot about the Gallatin range and the drive itself was breathtaking with the stunning views. It was just beautiful.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-09 14:24:25

Posted By : Charles_Babylon
Was skeptical about this app at first, but then my wife forced me to purchase this tour. I'm glad I listened. I had this tour throughout the ride. It was absolutely worth it. Made the long drive even more fun and interesting. The story and the narration was great, the 'must see' sites were cool. Really had a fun time. Would recommend to all who are driving through this scenic highway.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-12 14:17:40

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Big Sky Drive Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

WHAT'S INCLUDED

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ADDITIONAL INFO

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How it works

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Tickets

Big Sky Drive Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

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ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY