The Best Activities to Do in Paradise Valley, Montana This Summer
Summer is one of the best times to experience Paradise Valley. Days are long, rivers run clear from the mountain snowmelt, and the landscapes surrounding Yellowstone National Park come alive with wildflowers, wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure.
Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another Montana escape, Paradise Valley offers far more than scenic views. It's a place where you can spend the morning horseback riding beneath the Absaroka Mountains, float the Yellowstone River in the afternoon, and finish the day soaking in natural hot springs under a sky full of stars.
If you're searching for things to do in Chico or planning an unforgettable summer itinerary, these are the experiences worth adding to your trip.
Saddle Up for a Guided Horseback Adventure
Few activities capture the spirit of Montana quite like exploring Paradise Valley on horseback.
Guided trail rides take visitors through sagebrush valleys, alpine meadows, and forested mountain trails that would be difficult to reach by vehicle. Along the way, riders are treated to panoramic views of Emigrant Peak, the Yellowstone River, and the surrounding Absaroka Mountains while learning about the area's ranching history from experienced local wranglers.
Rockin HK Outfitters offer rides suitable for every experience level, from gentle one-hour rides for beginners to half-day and full-day backcountry adventures for more confident riders.
For guests staying at Chico Hot Springs, horseback riding excursions can be arranged directly through the resort, making it easy to experience one of Paradise Valley's signature adventures.
Cast a Line on the Legendary Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is considered one of the finest blue-ribbon trout fisheries in North America, attracting anglers from across the world each summer.
Even if you've never held a fly rod before, guided trips make the experience accessible while introducing visitors to one of Montana's most iconic outdoor traditions.
Guided Float Fishing Trips
Drift boat excursions allow anglers to cover miles of productive water while experienced guides share local knowledge, casting techniques, and river ecology. Equipment is typically provided, making these trips suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Walk-and-Wade Adventures
For those who prefer staying on land, walk-and-wade trips explore smaller tributaries and quieter sections of the Yellowstone River, offering a slower pace and plenty of opportunities to learn the fundamentals of fly fishing.
Float the Yellowstone River
Not every river adventure requires a fishing rod.
Scenic float trips offer one of the most relaxing ways to experience Paradise Valley during the summer months. Drifting downstream beneath towering mountains, visitors often spot bald eagles, osprey, deer, elk, and other wildlife while enjoying uninterrupted views across the valley.
Families particularly enjoy these gentle float experiences, while photographers appreciate the unique perspective the river provides.
For those seeking more excitement, guided whitewater rafting trips are also available further north on sections of the Yellowstone River, offering bigger rapids and an adrenaline-filled day on the water.
Discover Yellowstone on a Guided Tour
Although Yellowstone National Park is only around 30 miles from Chico Hot Springs, exploring with an experienced guide offers a completely different perspective.
Wildlife Safaris
Professional wildlife guides know where animals are most active throughout the day and help visitors safely observe bison, wolves, black bears, grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and moose in their natural habitats.
Photography Tours
Photography-focused excursions combine scenic viewpoints with expert guidance, helping visitors capture Yellowstone's extraordinary wildlife and landscapes during the best lighting conditions.
Geothermal Discovery Tours
Visitors interested in Yellowstone's famous geothermal features can join guided tours exploring Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Norris Geyser Basin while learning about the science behind these remarkable natural wonders.
Take to the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon
For a completely different perspective of Paradise Valley, few experiences compare to a sunrise hot air balloon flight.
As the balloon rises above the Yellowstone River, sweeping views open across Paradise Valley, the Gallatin Range, and the Absaroka Mountains. The peaceful pace of flight allows passengers to appreciate the scale of Montana's landscapes in a way that's impossible from the ground.
Many operators conclude flights with a celebratory champagne toast, making this one of the valley's most memorable special occasion experiences for couples and families alike.
Explore Yellowstone's Backcountry by ATV or UTV
For visitors looking to add a little more adventure to their itinerary, guided ATV and UTV tours offer an exciting way to experience the landscapes surrounding Yellowstone National Park. Departing from nearby West Yellowstone, these excursions take riders through forests, mountain trails, and rugged backcountry that few visitors experience from the main roads.
It's an ideal activity for adventurous couples, families, and groups looking to experience a different side of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem before returning to Paradise Valley to relax at the Day Spa at Chico Hot Springs.
This version is geographically accurate, feels more destination-led, and naturally positions it as another worthwhile day trip for Chico guests rather than implying it's in Paradise Valley itself.
Soar Through the Trees on a Zipline Adventure
If you're looking to add a little adrenaline to your summer getaway, ziplining is a fun day trip from Paradise Valley. Several adventure courses in the Greater Yellowstone region combine high-speed ziplines with suspension bridges and aerial obstacles, giving visitors a unique perspective of Montana's forests and mountain landscapes.
Designed for families, couples, and groups, these guided experiences are suitable for a wide range of ages and experience levels. As you glide above pine canopies and take in panoramic views, you'll experience a different side of Yellowstone Country that's every bit as memorable as its famous trails and geothermal features.
Discover Livingston's Local Arts, Food & Culture
Summer adventures don't always have to take place outdoors.
Just twenty minutes north of Chico Hot Springs, Livingston offers a vibrant mix of art galleries, independent boutiques, historic architecture, and locally owned restaurants that make it well worth visiting during your stay.
Spend an afternoon browsing galleries showcasing regional artists before enjoying lunch at one of Livingston's popular restaurants or exploring the town's historic downtown district.
Throughout the summer, Livingston also hosts farmers markets, live music, community festivals, and seasonal events that offer visitors another way to experience Montana's welcoming local culture.
Balance Adventure with Relaxation at Chico Hot Springs
After a day spent exploring Paradise Valley, returning to Chico offers a completely different pace.
Guests can soak in the historic natural hot springs, book a restorative treatment at the Day Spa, or enjoy dinner in the Historic Dining Room before ending the evening with live music at the Chico Saloon.
Those looking for quieter moments can wander through Chico's beautifully maintained gardens, browse the Gift Shop, enjoy a coffee from the Coffee Bar, or simply relax beneath Montana's expansive night skies.
Rather than rushing from one activity to the next, Chico provides the opportunity to slow down and fully appreciate everything the valley has to offer.
Build Your Own Paradise Valley Adventure
One of the greatest advantages of staying in Paradise Valley is the flexibility to create an itinerary that matches your interests.
A three-day summer escape might include:
Day One
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight
- Afternoon horseback ride
- Evening soak in the hot springs
Day Two
- Guided Yellowstone wildlife safari
- Dinner in the Historic Dining Room
- Live music in the Saloon
Day Three
- Guided fly fishing or scenic river float
- Livingston Farmers Market and local galleries
- Spa treatment before departure
No two trips need to look the same, allowing every visitor to experience Paradise Valley in their own way.
Experience the Best of Summer in Paradise Valley
Summer in Paradise Valley is defined by experiences rather than attractions. It's watching wildlife at sunrise in Yellowstone, casting a fly into the Yellowstone River, riding horseback beneath towering peaks, and ending the day beneath Montana's wide-open skies.
Chico Hot Springs places visitors at the heart of these adventures while providing a welcoming place to relax between them. From guided outdoor experiences and unforgettable scenery to natural hot springs and exceptional dining, it offers everything needed for a memorable Montana summer.