Big Sky Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour: Scenic U.S. 191 from West Yellowstone to Bozeman
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours (drive-only); half to full day with stops
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required for the driving portions; moderate fitness recommended if you plan to add hikes such as the Lava Lake route.
Overview
Turn a scenic highway into a guided discovery: the Big Sky Drive audio tour narrates 75+ miles of Montana’s Gallatin and Madison country from West Yellowstone to Bozeman. Download once, drive at your pace, and learn the geology, wildlife and local history as the road unfolds.
Big Sky Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour: Scenic U.S. 191 from West Yellowstone to Bozeman
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The engine hums, your windows frame a ribbon of river and sky, and an authoritative voice begins to tell stories of glaciers, grizzly encounters and the settlers who cut roads through these ranges. This is not a passive commute but a guided narrative that rides shotgun—an audio tour built for the kind of travelers who want context with their views. Starting at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center and following U.S. Highway 191, the Big Sky Drive unfolds over roughly 75 miles of Montana’s Gallatin and Madison country.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Download the tour before you arrive
The Action Tour Guide file must be downloaded while you have Wi‑Fi or cell service—once downloaded it works offline.
Fuel and phone power
Fill your tank in West Yellowstone or Big Sky and bring a car charger or power bank—sections of U.S. 191 have limited services.
Watch for wildlife
Drive slowly through river corridors—mule deer, elk and occasionally bears cross the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
Respect speed limits and private property
The audio cues assume typical driving speeds—obey posted limits and don’t block driveways or gates when stopping for photos.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- Elk (especially during fall)
History
The Gallatin corridor was used for centuries by Indigenous peoples and later became a route for settlers, ranchers and the Bozeman Trail in the 19th century.
Conservation
Sagebrush and riparian habitats along the Gallatin are sensitive—practice leave-no-trace, observe wildlife from a distance, and avoid off-road driving to protect vegetation.
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Adventure Hotspots in West Yellowstone, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Smartphone with Action Tour Guide app
Required to run the audio tour and offline maps—download the tour before you arrive.
Car charger / power bank
Keeps your device charged for audio playback, GPS and emergency calls.
Binoculars
Useful for spotting river bends, mule deer, elk and distant peaks without disturbing wildlife.
Water and high-energy snacks
Services are sparse along parts of the route—stay hydrated and fueled between towns.