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Things to Do at Chico Hot Springs in Paradise Valley

For travelers searching for things to do in Chico or throughout Paradise Valley, the experience often centers around balance. Days might begin on horseback, continue on the river, and end soaking beneath Montana’s evening sky.

At Chico Hot Springs Resort, that rhythm shapes the stay itself. Located in Pray, Montana, the resort combines natural hot springs, outdoor recreation, dining, spa experiences, and seasonal events within one setting, allowing guests to experience Paradise Valley from multiple perspectives.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a Yellowstone trip, or a longer Montana stay, Chico offers a range of experiences that move naturally between adventure and relaxation.

Soaking in Chico’s Natural Hot Springs

For many visitors, the hot springs are where the experience begins.

Fed by natural geothermal mineral water, the open-air pools at Chico Hot Springs have drawn travelers to Paradise Valley for more than a century. Surrounded by mountain views and changing skies, the pools remain central to the atmosphere of the resort year-round.

Guests can move between:

  • The larger social pool
  • The quieter peaceful pool
  • Poolside seating areas designed for relaxing between soaks

The experience changes with the seasons. Summer evenings bring long sunsets and open-air dining nearby, while winter creates a contrast between cold mountain air and warm mineral water.

For travelers searching for things to do Chico Hot Springs offers, soaking remains one of the most memorable and restorative experiences on property.

Explore Paradise Valley on Horseback

Few experiences feel more connected to Montana than horseback riding through Paradise Valley.

Chico Hot Springs offers guided horseback riding excursions that allow guests to experience the surrounding landscape at a slower pace, moving through open terrain with views of the Absaroka Mountains and nearby Yellowstone country.

Horseback riding in Paradise Valley Montana appeals to both experienced riders and first-time visitors, with rides designed around comfort, scenery, and the natural pace of the land itself.

Along the way, guests often encounter:

  • Rolling grasslands
  • Mountain viewpoints
  • Wildlife native to the valley
  • Wide stretches of uninterrupted landscape

It’s an experience that reflects the character of Montana directly, expansive, quiet, and immersive.

Fly Fishing in Paradise Valley Montana

Paradise Valley is internationally recognized for fly fishing, and Chico serves as a strong base for exploring nearby rivers and streams.

The Yellowstone River, located just minutes from the resort, offers some of the most respected fly fishing waters in the region. Anglers visit throughout the season for opportunities to fish for:

  • Rainbow trout
  • Brown trout
  • Cutthroat trout

Guided fly fishing excursions can help both beginners and experienced anglers navigate the river while learning more about the local ecosystem and fishing conditions.

For many visitors, fly fishing in Paradise Valley Montana becomes less about pace and more about the environment itself, quiet mornings on the river, mountain backdrops, and long stretches of open water.

Relax at Chico’s Day Spa

Not every experience at Chico centers around activity.

The Chico Hot Springs Day Spa offers a quieter pace built around wellness, restoration, and recovery after time spent outdoors.

Guests can choose from treatments including:

  • Massages
  • Facials
  • Body therapies
  • Wellness-focused spa experiences

The spa naturally complements the hot springs experience, allowing guests to transition from outdoor exploration into deeper relaxation throughout the day.

For travelers combining Yellowstone adventure with wellness and downtime, the spa adds another layer to the overall Montana resort experience.

Dining Experiences Throughout the Resort

Dining plays a major role in shaping the atmosphere at Chico Hot Springs, especially after a day spent outdoors.

The Historic Dining Room

The Historic Dining Room offers a more refined evening experience rooted in Montana tradition and seasonal ingredients.

Menus regularly feature:

  • Locally sourced meats
  • Fresh seafood
  • Seasonal produce
  • Ingredients grown in Chico's on-site gardens and greenhouses
  • Elevated regional dishes inspired by Montana's changing seasons

The atmosphere feels warm and intentional, reflecting the historic character of the resort itself while creating a memorable dining experience that has been part of Chico's tradition for generations.

Chico Saloon

For something more casual and social, the Chico Saloon offers a lively Montana atmosphere with:

  • Burgers and comfort food
  • Local beer selections
  • Live music
  • A relaxed late-night environment

The Saloon often becomes a gathering place after outdoor activities, bringing together resort guests, locals, and travelers passing through Paradise Valley.

Poolside Grille

For casual family-friendly meals between soaking sessions, the Poolside Grille provides quick, approachable dining steps from the hot springs.

It’s designed around the natural rhythm of the resort, easy meals, flexible dining, and relaxed afternoons outdoors.

Live Music and Seasonal Events at Chico Hot Springs

Throughout the year, Chico Hot Springs hosts seasonal events, entertainment, and live music that add energy to the resort without disrupting its slower pace.

Depending on the season, guests may encounter:

  • Live music in the Saloon
  • Holiday events
  • Seasonal dining experiences
  • Outdoor gatherings and celebrations
  • Weddings and special events hosted throughout the resort grounds

These events help create a sense of community throughout the property, particularly during weekends and summer evenings.

For many returning guests, these moments become part of what defines the Chico experience beyond the hot springs themselves.

Exploring Yellowstone National Park

One of the advantages of staying at Chico Hot Springs is its proximity to Yellowstone National Park.

Located roughly 30 miles from the park’s North Entrance, the resort provides a comfortable base for day trips into Yellowstone while allowing guests to return to Paradise Valley at the end of the day.

Visitors often spend their days exploring:

  • Geysers and geothermal features
  • Wildlife viewing areas
  • Scenic drives
  • Hiking trails
  • Rivers and waterfalls

After hours spent exploring the park, returning to the hot springs creates a natural contrast that defines many Chico stays.

Explore More of Chico Beyond the Hot Springs

While the soaking pools remain central to the experience, many guests discover that some of the most memorable parts of a stay at Chico happen between the bigger activities. Across the property and throughout Paradise Valley, there are plenty of ways to slow down, explore, and spend more time outdoors.

Hiking in Paradise Valley

Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and open land, Paradise Valley offers easy access to some of Montana’s most scenic hiking areas. Guests can spend a few quiet hours exploring nearby trails that range from gentle walks to more challenging routes through Yellowstone country.

Along the way, hikers often encounter:

  • Expansive valley views
  • Forested trails
  • Wildlife and birdwatching opportunities
  • River overlooks and open meadows

For visitors searching for things to do in Chico beyond the pools, hiking offers a deeper connection to the landscape that defines this part of Montana.

Disc Golfing

Chico also offers more casual outdoor activities that fit naturally into the slower rhythm of the resort. Disc golfing on property provides an easy way for families, couples, and groups to spend time outside between soaking sessions, meals, or spa appointments.

Like many experiences at Chico, it’s less about competition and more about simply being outdoors and enjoying the setting.

The Gardens at Chico Hot Springs

During the warmer months, the gardens throughout the property become part of the atmosphere itself. Walking paths, flowers, and seasonal landscaping soften the historic grounds and create quieter spaces to pause throughout the day.

Guests can also take part in complimentary garden tours offered on Thursdays and Sundays from 10:00–11:00 a.m. during the summer months, providing an opportunity to learn more about the gardens and the role they play across the resort.

These smaller moments, morning walks, time spent outside after dinner, or simply sitting among the gardens, help shape the relaxed pace that defines a stay at Chico Hot Springs.

The Gift Shop & Coffee Bar

For slower mornings, the gift shop and coffee bar provide another gathering point within the resort. Guests can pick up coffee before heading out for the day, browse Montana-made goods and gifts, or settle in briefly between activities.

It’s another example of how Chico balances outdoor adventure with quieter, more restorative experiences throughout the property.

Seasonal Experiences Throughout the Year

The experience at Chico changes naturally with the seasons. Summer brings longer evenings, outdoor recreation, and Yellowstone day trips, while winter transforms Paradise Valley into a quieter landscape shaped by snow-covered mountains and steaming hot springs.

Depending on the time of year, guests may also enjoy:

  • Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing nearby
  • Wildlife watching throughout the valley
  • Scenic drives through Yellowstone country
  • Seasonal events and live music at the resort

This variety is part of what continues to make Chico Hot Springs feel less like a traditional hotel stay and more like a complete Montana experience — one where each visit can unfold differently depending on the season, pace, and purpose of the trip.

Slowing Down in Paradise Valley

Not every activity at Chico needs to be scheduled.

Some of the most memorable moments happen between plans:

Paradise Valley naturally encourages a slower pace, and Chico Hot Springs is designed to support that rhythm throughout the stay.

This balance between activity and stillness is what continues to define the experience for many visitors returning year after year.

Why Chico Hot Springs Offers More Than a Typical Montana Getaway

For travelers searching for what to do in Chico or throughout Paradise Valley, Chico Hot Springs offers more than a single activity or attraction.

The experience combines:

Guests can shape the stay around how active or restorative they want their time in Montana to feel.

Some days revolve around the river or trails. Others center entirely around soaking, dining, and slowing down.

That flexibility is what continues to make Chico one of the most distinctive places to stay in Paradise Valley.

Plan Your Stay at Chico Hot Springs

From horseback riding and fly fishing to soaking pools and evening dining, Chico Hot Springs brings together many of the experiences that define Montana in one setting.

Whether you’re planning a Yellowstone trip, a weekend retreat, or a longer stay in Paradise Valley, the resort offers a way to experience the landscape at your own pace.

Explore Chico Experiences