Major city · United States
Big TimberBig Timber, Montana
One night on an I-90 run, or two if you fish the Boulder River: the town itself is a half-day, the water is the reason to stop.
Big Timber is a Sweet Grass County seat of about 1,600 people on I-90 between Livingston and Billings, ringed on three sides by the Absaroka-Beartooth and Crazy Mountains. The town is small and walkable; the draw is fly fishing on the Boulder and Yellowstone rivers, the Crazy Mountain Museum and the drive-through scenery. Most travellers use it as a single overnight between Yellowstone and Billings, or as a two-night fishing base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (cold, snow, some services closed); June high water on the Boulder
- Airports
- BZN · BIL
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Big Timber911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Sweet Grass County Sheriff (non-emergency)406-932-5143
- Montana Road Report (MDT)511
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Big Timber, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyLow crime, high country.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 406-932-5143 Sweet Grass County Sheriff (non-emergency) · 511 Montana Road Report (MDT)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBZN Bozeman Yellowstone International (About 1 h 15 min by car via I-90 west; the usual gateway for this stretch of Montana.).
- Getting aroundThe town core is walkable in 10–15 minutes and parking is easy.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealBurger or steak dinner$18–40
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$12–18
- BeerDraught beer at a bar$6–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–30
- Budget bedCampsite or RV hook-up, a night, per roomUS$35
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$110 · Mid US$180 · High US$320
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BZN Bozeman Yellowstone International (About 1 h 15 min by car via I-90 west; the usual gateway for this stretch of Montana.) · BIL Billings Logan International (About 2 h east on I-90; useful if you are heading toward the Badlands.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Mar
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Care
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: Jul–Sep. Mixed: Jun. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Big Timber: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
Feb
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
6 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
8 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
9 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
6 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town core is walkable in 10–15 minutes and parking is easy. A car is required for the museum, the hatchery, Greycliff and any river access. I-90 runs through town; US-191 heads north toward Harlowton.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
I-90 west, about 45 min by car
Bigger food and gallery town; pair it with a Yellowstone day.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
I-90 west, about 1 h 15 min by car
Airport, museums and the widest choice of beds in the region.
Door to door: 2.5–3 h
US-89 south via Livingston, about 2 h 30 min by car
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in Gardiner or inside the park.
Door to door: About 2.5 h
I-90 east then US-212 south, about 2 h 15 min by car
Beartooth Pass is seasonal; check the pass is open before committing.
Door to door: 3–3.5 h
I-90 west to Livingston, US-89 south, about 3 h 15 min by car
A different park entrance; only worth it if you are staying that side.
Door to door: 2.5–3 h
I-90 west to Livingston, US-89 south, about 2 h 30 min by car
Ski and resort country; a full day each way.
Cooke City
overnightDoor to door: 3.5–4 h
Via Livingston and US-89 south, then the park's Northeast Entrance road
Seasonal road; check conditions and closures first.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
I-90 west, about 1 h 30 min by car
Mostly a Bozeman airport base; little reason to go on its own.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown McLeod Street
The old main street: hotel, bar, coffee, walkable to most of town.
I-90 exits and frontage road
Motels and the museum side; easiest with a trailer or an early start.
Greycliff and the Boulder River valley
Campgrounds and cabins 15–30 min out; quieter, need a car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–230 excl. bed
- High
- $250+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$180 | US$360 |
| Car hire, one day, compact1 × US$70 | US$70 |
| Fly-fishing licence, non-resident, one day2 × US$25 | US$50 |
| Half-day guided float or wade trip2 × US$250 | US$500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$117 |
| Trip total≈ US$644 per person per day, bed included | US$1,287 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; taxes extra. Flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Diner breakfast | $12–18 |
| Burger or steak dinner | $18–40 |
| Draught beer at a bar | $6–9 |
| Golf, 9 / 18 holes | $21 / $35 |
| Gallon of petrol | $3.50–4.50 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bear country: carry bear spray on the Boulder and in the Absaroka-Beartooth, and store food properly at camp.
- Do not drink untreated stream water — giardia is present even in clear water.
- June snowmelt makes the Boulder high, muddy and hard to fish; check flows before booking an outfitter.
- Fuel and food gaps: fill up in Big Timber or Livingston before heading into the mountains.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Sweet Grass County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- 406-932-5143
- Montana Road Report (MDT)
- 511
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Big TimberBig Timber, Montana
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Sweet Grass County Sheriff (non-emergency)406-932-5143
- Montana Road Report511
Embassy
No consulates in Big Timber; nearest are in Denver or Seattle. For lost passports, contact your embassy in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Big Timber → Livingston by car: about 45 min on I-90
- Big Timber → Bozeman by car: about 1 h 15 min on I-90
- Big Timber → Gardiner (Yellowstone north): about 2 h 30 min via Livingston
Say or show
- Where is the river access? — Where is the river access?
- Do you sell fishing licences? — Do you sell fishing licences?
- Is the pass open? — Is the pass open?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the nearest petrol station? — Where is the nearest petrol station?
Cell coverage is patchy in the mountains and along the Boulder River; download offline maps before you drive out.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Big Timber. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (cold, snow, some services closed); June high water on the Boulder · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BZN and BIL: last sensible drive times, winter road risk, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with anchors: McLeod Street core, the I-90 frontage and museum, the hatchery and river access.
- Place pages with verified hours (Crazy Mountain Museum, Greycliff Prairie Dog Town, Yellowstone River Trout Hatchery) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fishing-season fixtures: June high water, licensing, outfitter booking and bear-spray rules.
Sources
Ask about Big Timber
Loading…