3 Days in Paradise Valley: A Yellowstone Itinerary from Chico Hot Springs
Whether you're planning a Yellowstone getaway, searching for places to stay near Yellowstone National Park, or simply looking for things to do in Paradise Valley, this three-day itinerary combines iconic attractions with local favorites.
Day 1: Yellowstone Adventures & Montana Dining
Afternoon: Check In at Chico Hot Springs
Settle into your accommodations at Chico Hot Springs Resort and take in the views of Paradise Valley. Surrounded by mountains, open landscapes, and easy access to Yellowstone National Park, it's the perfect starting point for a Montana adventure.
Afternoon: Explore Yellowstone National Park
Spend the afternoon exploring Yellowstone National Park. Head to Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the park's most unique attractions, where steaming terraces and dramatic limestone formations create an unforgettable landscape. Walk the boardwalks, visit the visitor center, and take advantage of the area's many hiking opportunities.
For travelers building a Yellowstone trip planner, Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most accessible and rewarding stops near Paradise Valley.
Evening: Dinner in the Historic Dining Room
After a day in Yellowstone, enjoy dinner in Chico's Historic Dining Room.
For decades, Chico Hot Springs Resort has been a Montana dining destination where tradition meets creativity. Seasonal, scratch-made menus showcase fresh local ingredients, including produce grown in Chico's own gardens and geothermally heated greenhouses. Every dish reflects the flavors of Montana while highlighting the region's agricultural heritage.
It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring one of America's most iconic national parks.
Day 2: Hiking Paradise Valley
Morning: Grab Breakfast & Hit the Trail
Start your day with coffee and a quick breakfast from the Chico Gift Shop before heading out to explore some of the best hiking near Yellowstone.
For those looking to stretch their legs and experience the beauty of Paradise Valley, head to the trails at Ranch 635. Located on Chico's property, these scenic trails offer a rewarding outdoor experience with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valley. It's a great way to explore Montana's landscapes while staying close to the resort.
Afternoon: Hike Pine Creek Falls
Spend the afternoon at Pine Creek Falls, one of the most popular hiking trails in Paradise Valley. This moderate out-and-back trail winds through forested landscapes before reaching a picturesque waterfall tucked into the Absaroka Mountains.
For visitors searching for things to do near Yellowstone beyond the park itself, Pine Creek Falls offers a classic Montana hiking experience without venturing far from Chico.
Evening: Follow Yer Nose BBQ & A Soak in the Hot Springs
After a full day on the trails, enjoy dinner at Follow Yer Nose BBQ, a local favorite known for smoked meats, relaxed outdoor seating, and beautiful views of Paradise Valley.
Then return to Chico Hot Springs for an evening soak. As one of the most well-known hot springs near Yellowstone, Chico's naturally heated mineral pools provide the perfect way to relax tired muscles while taking in the surrounding mountain scenery.
Day 3: Small-Town Montana & Local Favorites
Morning: Hot Springs Soak & Historic Dining Room Breakfast
Ease into your final day with a morning soak in the hot springs before enjoying breakfast in the Historic Dining Room. The menu features hearty breakfast favorites inspired by local ingredients and Montana traditions.
Afternoon: Explore Livingston, Montana
Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Livingston, one of Montana's most vibrant small towns. Historic buildings house independent boutiques, bookstores, art galleries, museums, and restaurants, creating a walkable downtown that reflects the character of the region.
Stop for lunch at The Murray Bar, a Livingston institution that has welcomed locals and visitors for more than a century. Known for its lively atmosphere, live music, burgers, salads, and wood-fired pizza, it's a great place to experience the town's authentic Montana spirit.
Livingston remains one of the most popular attractions near Paradise Valley and an excellent addition to any Yellowstone vacation itinerary.
Evening: Dinner at the Chico Saloon or Poolside Grille
Finish your trip with a relaxed dinner at the Chico Saloon or Poolside Grille.
The Chico Saloon offers a classic Montana atmosphere complete with local beers, handcrafted cocktails, burgers, shareable plates, and live music on select evenings. During warmer months, the Poolside Grille provides a casual outdoor setting perfect for enjoying dinner near the hot springs.
It's a fitting way to conclude three days filled with Yellowstone adventures, Paradise Valley hiking, and memorable Montana experiences.
Plan Your Yellowstone Getaway at Chico Hot Springs
From hiking trails and hot springs to Yellowstone National Park and historic Montana towns, Paradise Valley offers countless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With comfortable accommodations, multiple dining venues, natural hot springs, and convenient access to Yellowstone, Chico Hot Springs Resort provides an ideal base for exploring one of the most remarkable regions in the American West.
Plan Your Paradise Valley Getaway
From hiking trails and local dining to Yellowstone adventures and hot springs soaks, Chico is the perfect basecamp for your Montana vacation.
Yellowstone & Paradise Valley FAQs
How far is Chico Hot Springs from Yellowstone National Park?
Chico Hot Springs is located approximately 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park's North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana. The scenic drive through Paradise Valley makes it a convenient and relaxing base for exploring the park while enjoying additional dining, recreation, and hot springs experiences outside Yellowstone.
Is Paradise Valley a good place to stay when visiting Yellowstone?
Paradise Valley offers easy access to Yellowstone National Park while providing a quieter and more spacious alternative to staying inside the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, hot springs, local dining, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic mountain views, all within close proximity to Yellowstone's northern entrance.
What are the best things to do near Yellowstone National Park?
Beyond Yellowstone itself, visitors can hike Pine Creek Falls, explore Mammoth Hot Springs, visit downtown Livingston, soak in natural hot springs, enjoy fly fishing on the Yellowstone River, and discover the scenic beauty of Paradise Valley.
Are there hot springs near Yellowstone National Park?
Chico Hot Springs is one of Montana's most well-known hot springs resorts and is located just north of Yellowstone National Park. The naturally heated mineral pools offer a relaxing way to unwind after a day of hiking, sightseeing, or wildlife viewing.
How many days should I spend in Yellowstone and Paradise Valley?
A three-day itinerary allows visitors to experience many of Yellowstone's highlights while also exploring Paradise Valley's hiking trails, hot springs, local restaurants, and nearby communities such as Livingston. Travelers with additional time can easily extend their stay to enjoy more outdoor recreation and regional attractions.
Is Livingston worth visiting during a Yellowstone vacation?
Absolutely. Livingston is known for its historic downtown, local restaurants, art galleries, museums, and western character. Located just a short drive from Chico Hot Springs, it makes an excellent day trip for visitors exploring Paradise Valley and Yellowstone.
What are the best hiking trails in Paradise Valley?
Popular hiking trails include Pine Creek Falls and Emigrant Peak. Pine Creek Falls offers a moderate hike to a scenic waterfall, while Emigrant Peak provides a more challenging adventure with rewarding views of Paradise Valley and the surrounding mountains.
What makes Chico Hot Springs a good Yellowstone basecamp?
Chico Hot Springs combines comfortable lodging, natural hot springs, multiple dining venues, and easy access to Yellowstone National Park. Its location in Paradise Valley allows visitors to enjoy both the park's iconic attractions and the local experiences that make the region unique.