Beyond The Rails

The route covers a distance of 470 miles in two days. We travel by daylight only so you won't miss a thing. Our overnight stop in Missoula, Montana gives you lots of opportunity to dine and explore.

THURSDAY • Bozeman, Montana Arrive at your leisure and check in at the Best Western GranTree Hotel. This evening, join the welcome reception hosted by your Montana Rockies Rail Tours representative.

FRIDAY • Bozeman to Missoula, Montana After a continental breakfast at the hotel, a short motorcoach transfer takes you to Livingston, Montana where you'll visit the historic Livingston Depot Center. This beautiful vintage railroad building was constructed by the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1902 and now houses a museum. Exhibits and photos tell the story of the NPR's construction and the railroad's association with Yellowstone National Park.

Next it's "All aboard!" for your first day of rail adventure. Settle into your seat while our friendly crew offers beverages and snacks. Today's scenic highlights begin as the train ascends Bozeman Pass and enters Bozeman Tunnel. Next the route takes you through the rolling green meadows of the Gallatin Valley and past the headwaters of the Missouri River at Trident. The remote Missouri River Canyon makes a great photo opportunity, then the train begins to climb toward the Continental Divide. You'll cross the spectacular Greenhorn and Austin trestles, then enter the Mullan Tunnel to cross the Continental Divide.

Just after leaving Garrison Tunnel the train passes the site of the Northern Pacific Railroad's Last Spike, driven in 1883 to complete America's second transcontinental rail route. You'll also see where gold was first discovered in Montana. Now you're following the Clark Fork River, passing through two more tunnels on your westward journey.

Throughout today's journey your onboard guides and narrators will keep you posted about upcoming scenic highlights in addition to providing background on the history, wildlife and points of interest along the route. You'll enjoy attentive at-your-seat service in addition to your freshly prepared lunch featuring regional cuisine. You're welcome to explore the train (within your level of service) and we encourage you to use the vestibules, where we leave the windows open so you can take pictures or get a breath of sweet mountain air.

Arriving in Missoula you'll take your carry-on bag and board a waiting motorcoach for the five-minute transfer to your hotel. You're welcome to join our guided walk to the nearby attraction, A Carousel for Missoula. This is a full-sized operating carousel featuring hand-carved horses created by local artisans, just a short stroll from the hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own, at the hotel or at one of Missoula's many restaurants, all located within easy walking or taxi distance from the hotel. (CB, L)

3 days/2 nights - Eastbound
Spokane, WA to Bozeman, MT

DAY 1 Saturday
Arrive on your own in Spokane, check into your Spokane hotel, welcome orientation, overnight

DAY 2 Sunday
Continental breakfast, motorcoach to Sandpoint, Montana Daylight to Missoula, overnight

DAY 3 Monday
Continental breakfast, Montana Daylight to Livingston, transfer to hotel or Bozeman airport to end the tour. Hotel tonight not included