Fishing

The Gallatin is one of the country's blue-ribbon trout streams. Highway 191 follows the river from the northern end of Gallatin Canyon all the way to Yellowstone Park. Public access is easy with frequent pull-offs throughout the canyon. The stretch of river behind Castle Rock Inn provides a more private setting and some great fish. If you like variety in your fishing, the Madison and Yellowstone are also great rivers accessible with an easy drive.

Hiking

Southwest Montana has some spectacular hikes, many of which are found in Gallatin Canyon. The hikes to Lava Lake and along Hell Roaring Creek are among the most popular. The trails to Rat Lake and Ousel Falls provide shorter, more level trails for the younger, older, and out-of-shape crowds. Driving back to Bozeman and out to Hyalite Canyon, you can access the area's most popular hike, the trail to Hyalite Lake. The five mile trail takes you up 2,000 feet to the small lake, with eleven waterfalls along the way.

Rafting

The Gallatin is a popular river for rafting and kayaking, from the harrowing "Mad Mile" and House Rock to the peaceful stretches highlighted in the film A River Runs Through It. There are several companies in the Canyon that offer a variety of trips depending on your preference.

Horseback riding

A trail ride is a great experience on any western vacation. Outfitters offer everything from hour-long strolls through meadows and foothills to multi-day treks through the spectacular scenery of the back country. www.jakeshorses.com

Yellowstone National Park

West Yellowstone, the west entrance to the park and a destination in itself, is 75 miles south on Highway 191. Many of our guests make long day trips to enjoy the scenery and wildlife that abound in Yellowstone. For a serious day trip you can continue out the Cooke City entrance to the park and travel the Beartooth Highway, recognized by Charles Kuralt as America's most scenic drive.

Virginia City

No trip to southwest Montana could be complete without a trip to Virginia City. It's not too far from Castle Rock Inn as the crow flies, but driving actually requires going back to Bozeman and heading 68 miles out Highway 84. www.virginiacitymt.com

Lewis and Clark Caverns

These caverns require a drive back to Bozeman, then to Three Forks, and eighteen miles farther, but thousands of visitors make the trip each year. Tours are offered throughout the day for the two mile hike through the caverns, some of the most spectacular in the Northwest. This excursion is particularly popular when the summer temperatures rise - the caverns average about 50 degrees in the summer months. Lewis and Clark

Museum of the Rockies

Located near MSU, the Museum of the Rockies is one of Bozeman's most popular attractions. Each summer the museum offers a number of classes for children of all ages. Check with the museum for a current list.www.museumoftherockies.org

Bozeman Hot Springs

Located on 191 nine miles this side of Bozeman, this is a short drive from Castle Rock. A tourist attraction for over a hundred years, the therapeutic waters of these natural hot springs continue to attract both locals and visitors. The current facility offers nine different pools, a day spa, and fitness center.